RETROFITTING

The principle of retrofitting is to upgrade an existing home to make it more energy efficient.

For maximum benefit, you need to

l consider the performance of the entire property. For that reason, a full house renovation is the ideal time for a complete retrofit as walls and ceilings may be coming down, floors lifted and doors and windows replaced, so new insulation, ventilation, energy sources and lighting can be easily installed.

Adding an extension or converting

l the loft can offer a good retrofitting opportunity as you have to rethink how your entire home operates. This may mean an overhaul of the heating system, perhaps with the addition of a new boiler, such as a condensing model, or a low-carbon air or ground-source heat pump.

A number of improvements, such

l as adding internal wall insulation or external thermally efficient render and insulating boards, can be undertaken as stand-alone projects.

Thanks to a high-spec retrofit, a pair of Victorian villas in Manchester (see previous page) now benefit from the highest standards of warmth and insulation, while retaining beautiful period details