Where should you home retrofit journey start? It may be that you already have an idea of what needs to be improved in your home, but if you're not so sure read on to find out some of the measures you might consider to make your home more energy efficient and easier to heat.
What retrofit changes are available?
There are retrofit measures to suit most budgets, ranging in price and in how much impact they may have on your home. Here are some of the most effective changes you can make.
Insulation
Adding insulation to your walls, attic, and floors can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, making your home more energy-efficient.
The attic is often a great place to start as it's generally accessible, frequently under-insulated and highly cost effective to insulate. Of course the attic is just one part of the home that needs insulation, so we've written about your options and available grants in greater detail in our Build Your Knowledge section.
Air sealing
Sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home can help prevent air leaks and reduce energy loss. By improving the airtightness of your home you can protect against unwanted movement of warm air out and cold air in to the house, allowing your heating to work more efficiently so that energy bills can be kept in check. What to find out more? Our partner snughome.ie specialise in home assessments and can use their specialised thermal imaging equipment to tell you exactly where you are losing heat, and provide impartial advice on how to remedy any issues found.
Upgrading windows and doors
Installing energy-efficient windows and doors can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Up to 20% of home heating costs can be determined by your windows and doors, so you'll get a comfort boost and energy saving from investing in modern glazing and doors. You may also increase the security of the home along with the visual appeal that comes with a refreshed appearance.
Upgrading lighting
Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can help reduce electricity consumption and lower your energy bills. LED bulbs do cost a little more to buy up front, but they are longer lasting and use up to 85% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
Upgrading appliances
Replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models can help reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.
What about heatpumps and solar energy?
Upgrading heating and ventilation systems
Upgrading your heating and ventilation systems to more energy-efficient models can help reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills. From switching to a more efficient boiler to moving to a heatpump, upgrading your heating system can have a huge impact on your home comfort and your bills.
Installing renewable energy systems
Installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems can help generate electricity and reduce your reliance on grid electricity.
If you have a roof with suitable sun exposure, ideally south facing, you can join the increasing number of Irish homeowners who are harvesting the sun's rays every day in order to contribute towards the energy needs of their homes. With generous grants available solar power brings a range of benefits - reduced bills, clean renewable energy and a low maintenance system that should provide energy long after it has paid for itself.
Go Green have a range of highly rated trusted partners who operate nationwide and can design and install a solar system for you, as well as advising you on the maintenance of existing systems.
Assess the needs of your home
The effectiveness of these measures may vary depending on your home's construction, age, and location.
Go Green have a quick and easy calculator you can use to get an idea of what changes your home might require. The tool has profiles of all the home types found in Ireland and can give you an indication of where to start.
Want to know for sure? A home assessment from Snuhghome.ie can provide you with expert advice on which measures are most effective for your home.