How to retrofit

There are lots of energy efficient technologies available to help you retrofit your home. What’s important to know though is the correct way to use these measures, as well as the correct order to install them to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible.

Contractor setting up an air source heat pump

A fabric first approach

For your home to be retrofitted to a high standard that prevents future problems, such as mould and excess energy costs, we recommend following a flow of priorities when it comes to upgrading your home’s energy efficiency.ย 

We call this the โ€˜fabric firstโ€™ approach, which means improving your homeโ€™s structural elements โ€“ walls, floors, roof, windows, and doors โ€“ before adding any energy efficient measures so that it’s properly insulated and can retain heat effectively. ย 

An installer in a high vis orange jacket and white hard hat on a scaffold. They are adding external wall insulation to a house.

Step 1: Insulation

The first thing to do before installing a low carbon heating system or generating your own renewable energy is to ensure your property has proper insulation. To be able to make the home warmer and be able to hold a warmer temperature for longer, it needs to be properly insulated.ย 

More about insulation
Extractor Fan

Step 2: Ventilation

By adding a warm layer of insulation to your home, moisture will build in the property. It is now essential you look to install effective ventilation to allow your home to breath.

More about ventilation
An air source heat pump surrounded by foliage

Step 3: Electrification

Once your home is properly insulated and has appropriate ventilation, the next step is to electrify the heating system with the likes of an air source heat pump. This is known as decarbonising the heating.

More about electrifying your heating
A man wearing a high vis vest on the roof of a house installing solar panels.

Step 4: Generation

Now your home is warm, ventilated and running an efficient heating system, the last step is looking at generating your own renewable energy with the likes of solar panels.ย 

More about generating your own energy

An energy efficient home

Energy efficient measures

By retrofitting your home, youโ€™ll make it warmer and more affordable to heat. Youโ€™ll also be helping the planet.

Why make your home more energy efficient?

Graphic depicting a warm and cosy home

Create a warm, cosy home

Making your home more energy-efficient can make your home warmer and drier.

Lower energy bills

A better insulated home can help lower energy bills, as your home will be heated more effectively.

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Tackle the climate emergency

13% of Scotlandโ€™s greenhouse gas emissions come from the home. If your home is better insulated, itโ€™ll leak less carbon, which will help tackle the climate emergency.

Register your interest in our retrofit service

Register your interest in EcoCosi from Changeworks to find out more about how to retrofit your home and to be sent information about the service.