How low-energy solutions could
transform your 2020 home renovation
If you are planning a home renovation this
year you might have thought about trying to
lower your carbon footprint, as well as your
energy bills, but don’t know where to start.
The good news is that a home renovation
is the perfect time to consider making your
home more eco-friendly.
Low energy building solutions can feel
intimidating, with so many different options
out there, but there are some really simple
things that you can easily incorporate
into a renovation which can make a big
difference in the long run. Even if you
haven’t got much to spend you can have
a substantial impact on your energy bills
straight away.
1. IMPROVE YOUR LOFT INSULATION.
It is rare today that people have no loft
insulation installed, but compared to
modern regulations almost everybody
would benefit from topping it up. Modern
building regulations suggest almost
300mm of fibre glass insulation to keep
your home snug and once it’s done you can
forget about it. Most homes can be treated
for less than £500 and you’re likely to get
your money back within 2-3 years.
2. GET CAVITY WALL INSULATION.
If you live in a home built in the last 100
years it is likely that your home will have
cavity walls. If so check if they are insulated
and treat them if they are not. There are still
companies out there providing this service
for competitive rates and the savings will
often pay for the work within 4-5 years.
54 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
3. TARGET DRAUGHTS AND OPEN
CHIMNEYS.
In older properties this is a real cost saver,
especially for those with open chimneys.
Draughts can account for around 15% of
a standard energy bill, more so for older
properties. Simple draught proofing seals,
tape, and chimney balloons can recoup
their cost within a year and cut down
wasted energy that is literally going up the
chimney.
4. INSTALL SOLAR PANELS.
Prices for solar panel systems have fallen
considerably, and still far outstrip any
standard investment options. Even the
largest 4kW (16 panel) domestic system
cost no more than £7,000 and you are likely
to get your money back within 10 years with
a 20-year tariff payment term. It will also
offset your daytime electricity usage and
works wonders with a heat pump.
5. INSTALL A HEAT PUMP.
An air source heat pump could cost £10-
15K for the average domestic home, but
the renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme
offers tax free payments for 7 years almost
guaranteeing that you will get your money
back within this term. In real numbers
this is the equivalent of 12.5% return on
investment.
The dream of being able to turn your
existing home into a cost-effective, snug
and wholly comfortable eco-home is not
one that happens overnight; nor will most
solutions come for free, but there are some
measures that outperform the rest and can
quickly help you save money and improve
your situation.
www.mesh-energy.com/