Retrofit your home
Modern building regulations mean that newer homes should be built with plenty of insulation and an efficient heating system. However, if your home is slightly older, it could be in need of an energy makeover. The home energy retrofit approach looks at your property as a whole and offers a step-by-step practical plan for reducing your home’s overall impact on the environment.
Learn more about the importance of an efficient home energy setup in this video.
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a specialist retrofit company, through the Government-endorsed TrustMark scheme. An assessor will visit your home and take notes about your existing insulation, boiler and other energy measures you have in place, and a coordinator will put a plan together and explain how you can make step-by-step improvements at a pace that suits you.
The plan will take a ‘fabric-first’ approach, which means it will prioritise making sure your property has good wall, loft and floor insulation as well as sufficient doors, windows and ventilation. Your plan will then look at your heating system, controls, lighting and potential for energy generation (such as solar panels) as secondary priorities.
Improving your home’s energy efficiency can reduce your gas and electricity bills because less energy is required to heat your home. Plus, by using less energy, you’ll be releasing fewer carbon emissions and making a smaller impact on the environment.
Funding might be available if you meet eligibility criteria based on your income and personal circumstances.
If you don’t qualify, you might still be able to claim up to £6,000 towards the installation of a heat pump through the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Contact us on 0800 804 8601 for one-to-one advice.
At the Environment Centre, we believe that every home should be warm, energy-efficient, and affordable to run – and we’re working to help you make that happen through delivery of our retrofit and home upgrade advice service, My Home Made Better.
My Home Made Better is a charity-led initiative, offering completely free, expert advice to residents across Hampshire, Southampton, and Portsmouth. Whether you’re looking to improve your insulation, upgrade your heating system, or explore renewable energy options, our friendly team is here to guide you through the process.
Learn more about the My Home Made Better advice service here.
