Retrofit 101
Energy prices are rising and burning fossil fuels to warm our homes contributes to global warming, so reducing the energy needed to warm homes is a win-win. ‘Retrofit’ has a general meaning but also a specific meaning - modifying buildings to reduce energy needs. Global warming may mean that long spells of hot weather may mean summer overheating becomes a bigger issue in Britain but for now, most energy is spent keeping homes warm in winter. The following is designed to help decide which retrofit measures might reduce your heating bills. Consider the following aspects of your home. Type of property Is it a house or a flat? How many floors? Detached, terrace or semi? How old? Is it listed or in a Conservation Area? Is there a built-in garage, porch, conservatory? Glazing and orientation? As a rule, more recently built homes will be better insulated than older ones. For example, 1970 Building Regulations required a U-value (thermal transmittance) below 1.6 for external walls. By 20...