As we move forward in time our awareness and interest in sustainable living is increasing constantly! But how can we transfer this into our homes? Green living and Green mortgages are becoming more popular in the uk. Retrofitting your home refers to the process of updating and making changes to improve your current homes energy efficiency.
Eco homes are a fantastic idea for new build properties. However, if we are to reach the low Carbon goals that the government is aiming for, the responsibility lies with current homeowners. Eighty percent of homes that will be standing in 2050 are already built now! Retrofitting our current home is crucial. Remortgaging your property could be the answer to your renovation needs.
Read on to learn exactly what this means and updates you can make to your home.
How do you retrofit your green home?
The ‘Green Financial Institute’ refer to four categories that your home can be retrofitted to improve it’s energy efficiency:
- Energy efficiency methods – reserving and reducing your energy use.
- Heating measures – reserving and reducing your heat use.
- Renewable energy generation – energy produced by sources that naturally replenish themselves (e.g. wind and sun).
- Resilience methods – enhancing resistance to weather.
- Materials used in a circular economy – recycling and reusing products.
Read more:
Prevent Heat loss in your GREEN home
To get the most out of any add ons or internal heating improvements you make, your homes insulation is essential. According to Northern Energy, between 35-40% of heat is lost through poorly insulated walls. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to use different materials such as wool or foam to insulate cavity walls. It’s not too costly to do this either and will save on your yearly energy bills. Layers of insulation can be applied to either side of solid walls – which is a more costly process.
Heat rises, so your green home will need to have an insulated loft. This will keep the heat trapped within your home. As well as heat loss, poor insulation can lead to damp. Cold spots and drafts are also experienced when there is poor insulation. You can even go as far as insulating your floor! Protect your home from heat loss and save money by insulating your walls and loft.
Depending on what glazing you have on your widows can be a source of heat loss. You should ideally have double, even triple glazed window to prevent this. Another source of heat loss is through gaps and cracks causing air leaks. By draught proofing or refurbishing window frames you will see improvements. However thick curtains will also prevent this from the inside.
Improve your home heating and boiler
A simple start to using your boiler more efficiently is to reduce the heat. Ideal Heating recommend reducing the flow temperature to 60℃ on a modern combo boiler to maximise its opporating efficiency. This is 20℃ lower than traditional heating temperatures. Ensure your cylinder and pipes are wrapped with foam insulation. Annually service your boiler and keep it clean on the inside. They also recommend turning your boiler on heat for 15 minutes once a week to avoid break downs or seize ups during the winter months. Here’s where an expert can help you with your green home goals. Read more:
https://idealheating.com/blog/how-to-maximise-your-boilers-efficiency-to-reduce-energy-use
Underfloor heating (UFH) can be an effective switch from radiators. UFH requires a lower temperature to operate than traditional radiators due to their small surface area. Radiators have to run at a much higher temperature to distribute the heat throughout a larger space. UFH produces an evenly spread heat that rises and can run at a much lower temperature. Therefore you achieve the same heat but save on your bills and lower your energy use!
smart controls and thermostat
Getting more control in your heating is crucial in a green home! SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis & Reporting Technology) controls will enable you to control the temperature thoroughly and easily. This is key to driving your usage percentage down. SMART meters can significantly reduce your heat waste as they allow you to personalise your heating! Making it easy to reduce the heat of your home in rooms that aren’t used as frequently. Wireless systems are easily fitted, controlled and aren’t too expensive to install.
Renewable energy to power your green home
Solar panels covert sunlight into electricity. Fortunately for people living in the uk, light does not have to shine directly onto they panels. They will still work on cloudy days. On occasion they may require a back up system. The main advantage of solar panels is that it is renewable energy, avoiding environmental damage. It releases no carbon or greenhouse gases. However it is costly to fit initially and will not work effectively on every roof.
Although they are expensive, solar panels will ultimately save you money and experts advise that they should last over 20 years. As said above, not all homes are suitable, there is more information on the link below on whether they would be worth looking into.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels/
Green mortgages are becoming more popular and available with a growing number of lenders. Read our previous blog to find out more.