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.
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 โfabric firstโ approach, which means improving your homeโs 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
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
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.
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.
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
An energy efficient home
Energy efficient measures
By retrofitting your home, youโll make it warmer and more affordable to heat. Youโll also be helping the planet.
Why make your home more energy efficient?
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.
Tackle the climate emergency
13% of Scotlandโs greenhouse gas emissions come from the home. If your home is better insulated, itโll leak less carbon, which will help tackle the climate emergency.
Get a retrofit
If youโre thinking of retrofitting your home to make it more energy efficient, Changeworks has a number of funded and self-funded options available.