Renovating your home is more than just a cosmetic makeover – it’s essential for energy efficiency, lowering bills and reducing the environmental impact. Whether you’re doing a loft conversion or working with refurbishment companies, investing in the right solutions will turn your home into a sustainable and cost-effective space. Let’s look at what’s worth investing in.
Insulating walls and roofs
Thermal insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve a building’s energy efficiency. Insulating walls and roofs reduces heat loss in winter and keeps interiors cooler in summer, resulting in big savings on heating and cooling bills. Proper insulation also gives you consistent indoor temperatures, so your living spaces are comfortable all year round. Moreover, insulation technologies have significantly improved over the last few decades – new-build contractors often use advanced materials, such as spray foam or rigid panels.
Energy-efficient doors
Replacing old doors with energy-efficient ones can significantly impact your home’s overall energy consumption. Modern doors have advanced materials such as fibreglass or uPVC with great thermal properties. Double or triple glazing within door panels stops draughts, so heat stays where it belongs – inside in the winter, outside in the summer. Changing old doors will also improve security and enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal.
High-performance windows
Windows are key to a home’s energy dynamics. Double or triple-glazed windows with low emissivity (Low-E) coatings will reduce heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Experienced builders often recommend argon-filled glass units due to their unique insulation properties. High-performance windows also block out noise and pollution, so your living space is quieter and healthier.
Foundation insulation
Often overlooked, insulating your home’s foundations is a game changer for energy efficiency. Thermal bridging through uninsulated foundations can account for a large amount of heat loss, so this is an area to focus on. Adding rigid insulation boards during a refurbishment or new build will improve thermal performance. Whether you’re doing a large-scale home renovation in London or targeting a specific area such as basement foundations, this is a long-term investment.
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is not just a luxury – it’s an energy efficient alternative to traditional radiators. By distributing heat evenly across rooms, it eliminates cold spots and reduces the energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature. Moreover, water-based systems installed during large-scale refurbishments work well with renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps. For smaller projects, electric systems are a practical solution, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.
Heat recovery ventilation
A reimagined approach to ventilation, heat recovery systems extract warmth from outgoing air and use it to preheat incoming fresh air. This recovers energy that would otherwise be wasted, so you get great air quality without increasing heating costs. Recuperation systems are particularly useful for airtight homes, as they balance efficiency and ventilation. Structural calculations may be required to integrate these systems into existing builds, so it’s recommended to work with refurbishment companies that have experience in energy solutions.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps are becoming a popular choice for eco-friendly homeowners. These systems transfer heat from the air, ground or water outside your home to provide efficient heating and cooling. Although the upfront cost may seem high, the long-term savings on energy bills make it a good investment. Ground source heat pumps are ideal for properties with large outdoor spaces, while air sources are more versatile. Heat pumps also work well with other energy solutions, such as underfloor heating, which may further maximise your home’s energy efficiency.
Solar panels
Photovoltaic solar panels allow you to power your home with the renewable energy generated from sunlight. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and saves on utility bills. Many refurbishment companies now offer solar panel installation as part of their service. Investing in battery storage means excess energy can be stored for use on cloudy days or at night.
Smart home systems
Integrating smart technology into your home renovation gives you unparalleled control over energy usage. Systems like programmable thermostats, smart lighting and automated blinds allow you to optimise energy use with minimal effort. Smart metres give you real time feedback on electricity usage, so you can make informed decisions. These systems can usually be easily combined with other energy-efficient upgrades.