Older homes are full of charm, but they can also be expensive to heat, draughty, and not very energy-efficient. The good news is you don’t have to choose between keeping the character of your home and making it more comfortable. Retrofitting lets you do both.
We spoke to two notable experts to explore practical ways to upgrade older properties. This guide will show you seven easy ways to upgrade your home. You’ll learn how to save money on energy bills, make your home cozier, and help the environment — all while keeping the unique features that make your house special.
Insulation That Works without Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Heat often escapes through the walls, roofs, and floors of older houses due to insufficient insulation. Modern upgrades can fix this without using harmful materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS). Instead, you can choose breathable, eco-friendly options like mineral wool, cork, or wood-fiber boards. These materials improve energy efficiency and protect the structure of older buildings, especially those with solid walls.
Why It Matters: Without proper insulation, it’s hard to keep indoor temperatures steady, and up to 45% of a home’s heat can escape.
Double or Triple Glazing for Energy Efficiency
Older homes often feature beautiful but inefficient single-glazed windows that let heat escape and cold air seep in. Replacing these with double or triple glazing can drastically improve thermal performance without sacrificing your home’s aesthetics. Modern glazing solutions include slim-profile units and secondary glazing, both designed to maintain the heritage look of period properties.
Quick Tip: Secondary glazing can be an ideal option for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas, as it preserves the original window frames while enhancing efficiency. Pair this with draught-proofing to seal gaps and further reduce heat loss.
Solar Panels That Fit the Style
Solar energy is a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills, and it’s now easier than ever to install panels that suit the aesthetic of older homes. Low-profile solar panels are designed to blend seamlessly with traditional rooflines, making them a popular choice for heritage properties.
Did You Know?
Solar panels can significantly lower your reliance on grid electricity, especially when paired with a battery storage system. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to sell surplus energy back to the grid, further increasing your return on investment.
Heat Pumps: Clean, Efficient Heating
Gas boilers are becoming outdated and less efficient, especially as the UK moves toward renewable energy solutions. Heat pumps are a sustainable alternative. These systems, which draw heat from the air or ground, work efficiently even in cold weather. When paired with good insulation, heat pumps provide steady, eco-friendly warmth for your home.
“Delivering insulation, solar, and heat pump projects has become essential in helping the UK meet its net-zero targets,” says Michael Zohouri, founder of The Retrofitters. Michael’s team has worked on retrofitting projects for social housing and local authorities, emphasizing the need to combine heating upgrades with proper insulation and ventilation for the best results.
LED Lighting for Sustainable Savings
Upgrading your lighting might seem minor, but it can make a big difference in energy efficiency. Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy and don’t last long. On the other hand, LEDs use much less electricity and last much longer. They also come in many styles and tones, so you can keep the warm, inviting feel of your older home.
LED lights lower your energy bills and reduce waste without compromising your home’s character. Pair them with smart controls to save even more by adjusting brightness and schedules automatically.
Smart Controls for Energy Efficiency
Smart home technology allows you to optimize your energy use with minimal effort. Devices like programmable thermostats, zoning systems, and energy monitors give you complete control over heating and lighting, ensuring energy is only used when and where it’s needed. In older homes with uneven heating or inefficient systems, smart controls can make a noticeable difference in comfort and cost savings.
Ventilation Upgrades for Healthier Living
Proper ventilation is crucial in older homes, especially when retrofitting insulation or double glazing. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation, damp, and mold, all of which compromise the health of both your property and its occupants. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems provide a solution by exchanging stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while retaining heat.
Expert Insight: Marc Jiggins, Managing Director of Pyramid Eco, stresses the importance of ventilation in retrofitting: “Retrofitting is critical to improving the UK’s housing stock, but overlooking proper ventilation can lead to long-term issues like mold and poor air quality. It’s essential to balance airtightness with effective airflow.”
Why Retrofit Your Home?
Retrofitting goes beyond saving energy—it’s about making your home more comfortable, healthier, and more valuable. Upgrading insulation, adding renewable energy systems, and improving ventilation can turn older properties into efficient, sustainable spaces that suit modern needs.
As Michael Zohouri, founder of The Retrofitters, puts it, “Retrofitting isn’t just about meeting energy targets; it’s about ensuring homes are healthier, safer, and more comfortable for generations to come.” By retrofitting, you can enjoy the charm and character of your older home while adding modern comfort and efficiency. It’s the perfect way to respect the past while preparing for the future.
