Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of whole house retrofit?
Whole house retrofit is an approach to delivering energy efficiency measures to your home in a methodical way. It takes a holistic approach to ensure that certain measures aren't undermined by the lack of supporting measures. For example, air tightness measures help to prevent the undermining of insulation works by preventing heat loss but will then require a strategy to deal with ventilation. A whole house approach ensures that all risks of unintended consequences are considered.
Will a whole house retrofit make my home more energy efficient?
Yes, undertaking a whole house retrofit will have a significant impact on a home’s energy consumption, allowing you to use up to three times less heat to warm your home.
How much will a whole house retrofit reduce my energy bills?
A whole house retrofit provides a platform to reduce energy bills, however there are a number of different factors which will impact the extent to which cost reductions are realised, including how you use the building and appliances. Fluctuation in the cost of different energy sources will also impact energy bills - for example, gas is currently cheaper per unit of energy compared to electricity, however this is subject to significant fluctuation based on global markets and the Government's approach to taxation of different sources of energy.
How much does a whole house retrofit cost?
The cost of delivering a whole house retrofit can vary significantly depending on what you're looking to achieve. A whole house approach to retrofit should allow for phasing of works to allow you to gradually achieve your intended outcome within your budget for each project.
Is a whole house retrofit worth it?
A whole house retrofit alone will not solve climate change but will bring significant health benefits through improving warmth, air quality and reducing mould. It will also reduce the running costs of a home which can deliver a payback on the building works over a 10-30 years period.
How long does it take to retrofit a house?
Different suites of measures will take different a different amount of time. Delivery of a comprehensive set of measures would take around three months.
Do you need to pay VAT on a retrofit?
The Government has introduced a zero-rate of VAT for the installation of certain Energy Saving Materials which includes insulation, solar panels and heat pumps. More details can be found on the Government website.