Retrofitting – A Practical Solution: Advertisement Feature

Out with the old – in with the green: how “retrofitting” is transforming old homes into energy efficient ones

Imagine a home that produces more energy than it consumes. A home whose threshold is never darkened by fuel bills. A home which is effectively carbon neutral.

Believe it or not this is actually a reality for a few new-build (and part new-build) homes across the country – but what about the millions of us who live in older homes?

Well, there is good news.

Retrofitting – not a fad but a practical solution

The truth is that any property, no matter how old, can be made more energy efficient, reducing carbon emissions and saving on fuel bills. And one of the most effective ways of achieving this, according to the Energy Saving Trust, is called “retrofitting” – upgrading with home improvements that make a real difference.

Money out of the windows (and doors, conservatories, flat roofs etc.)

According to the Local Government Association, the average UK household loses around £280 worth of energy a year. Where does much of that energy and money escape? Through the windows, of course.

Just by upgrading old, draughty windows to new ones, your savings could be significant. But they’re even greater when choosing ‘A rated’ – the highest rated ones.

The same applies to any part of your home that uses glass – typically, doors and conservatories.

The Managing Director of Everest, the UK’s leading home improvement company comments: “More and more people are telling us they want to make their homes more energy efficient, not just more beautiful. That is why a while ago we decided to make all our uPVC and timber casement windows A-rated as standard”.

“But this is not just about windows. This advanced, energy saving glass technology and superior insulation in doors, garage doors and conservatories keeps in warmth, so you can save money and reduce your home's carbon footprint. When we install flat roofs, we offer insulation over habitable spaces and our solar panels come with free cavity wall insulation. Not to mention the fact that all the appliances in our bespoke fitted kitchens are energy efficient, too.”

Solar panels that give you 50-70% of your hot water free

We all know energy resources like oil are getting scarcer. Their overuse now poses massive planet wide environmental problems. But with new technology, you can capture the sun's energy and convert it into hot water for your home. A typical home will lower its carbon emissions by up to 750kg per year.

Everest solar panels, for instance, generate 50 - 70% of your hot water requirements free. Built to strict European standards and Everest’s own exclusive specifications they use state of the art German engineering and a high technology energy absorbent coating. Special low iron glass lets in the greatest amount of light to ensure maximum performance.

If you have a swimming pool, this is a great way to heat it. And for extra energy savings, where necessary, Everest will top up your loft insulation and give you cavity wall insulation at no extra charge.