What Are Energy Efficiency Upgrades? A Beginner's Guide.

Cold homes, rising energy costs and climate concerns are pushing many homeowners to consider energy efficiency improvements. This guide explains the main types of professional home energy upgrades, their benefits and gives some examples.

What are energy efficiency upgrades?

Energy efficiency upgrades are professional improvements that reduce your home's energy consumption while maintaining or improving comfort. These upgrades work together as part of a whole-house approach to create a warmer, more efficient home with lower energy bills.

Types of energy efficiency upgrades

Reducing heat loss

Your home loses heat through its fabric - its walls, roof, floor, windows, and doors. This is known as heat loss, and it's one of the main reasons homes can be expensive to heat. The better insulated these elements are, the less heat escapes and the lower your energy bills will be. That's why addressing these losses is often the first priority when improving a home's energy efficiency:

Low-cost measures (under £1,000):

• Professional draught-proofing
• Loft insulation (in accessible lofts)

Medium-cost measures (£1,000-£5,000):

• Cavity wall insulation
• Floor insulation
• Upgrade to thermally efficient, draft-free doors

High-cost measures (£5,000+):

• Internal or external wall insulation (where cavity wall insulation is insufficient or not possible)
• Double or triple glazing for the whole property

Ensuring effective ventilation

When we add insulation and draught-proofing, we increase a home's airtightness. This means we need to ensure adequate ventilation to maintain good air quality and prevent issues like condensation and mould. Controlled ventilation helps remove moisture and pollutants while minimising heat loss.

Low-cost measures:

• Trickle vents
• Installation or upgrade of extractor fans

Medium-cost measures:

• Advanced ventilation with humidity controls

High-cost measures:

• Whole-house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

Heating system improvements

An efficient heating system with good controls helps maintain comfort while reducing energy use. Consider these upgrades:

Low-cost measures:

• Smart thermostat installation
• Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

Medium-cost measures:

• Zoned heating controls
• Hot water cylinder upgrade with smart controls
• High-performance radiators

Low carbon heating and energy generation

Switching to low carbon technologies can significantly reduce your home's carbon footprint and energy bills. While these technologies can be installed at different stages, some (like heat pumps) work best in well-insulated homes, and they often work well in combination:

Medium-cost measures:

• Solar thermal hot water systems

High-cost measures:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels - can be installed at any stage of your retrofit journey
• Battery storage systems (most effective when paired with solar PV)
• Air source heat pump system

Benefits of energy efficiency upgrades

Live in a warm and cosy home

Energy efficiency upgrades transform how your home feels. A well-insulated house with modern heating controls maintains comfortable temperatures in every room. No more cold spots, draughts, or racing to turn the heating on when you get home - just consistent warmth throughout the day.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Buildings account for a significant portion of carbon emissions. By improving your home's efficiency and potentially generating renewable energy, you're taking meaningful action on climate change. An efficient home dramatically reduces the energy needed for heating and power, helping protect the environment for future generations.

Stop losing money on energy bills

Think of energy efficiency like fixing a leaking bucket - there's no point pouring in more water (or in this case, energy) if it's escaping through poor insulation and inefficient systems. By upgrading your home, you'll need less energy to stay warm and comfortable, protecting yourself against rising energy costs.

Reinforce the value of your home

Energy efficient homes are increasingly desirable in the property market. With energy prices rising and climate awareness growing, features like good insulation, modern heating systems, and renewable energy can make your home more attractive to future buyers and potentially increase its value.

Taking the next step

The best way to start is with a professional home energy assessment. This will help you understand your home's current performance and identify the most effective improvements for your situation.

You can then develop a plan that fits your budget and priorities, making improvements in the right order to maximise their benefits.