How to Make an Older Home More Energy Efficient During a Renovation

A renovation is the ideal moment to make an older home cheaper to run and more comfortable — because the walls, floors and services are already open, and doing the work now costs a fraction of retrofitting it later.

Insulation is the biggest win. Heat escapes through the roof, walls and floors, so topping up loft insulation, insulating solid or cavity walls where possible, and insulating ground floors while they're up makes the single biggest difference to running costs and comfort.

Sort out draughts and airtightness. Older homes leak heat around windows, doors, floorboards and service penetrations. Draughtproofing and improving airtightness during a renovation is cheap and effective — though it should be balanced with adequate ventilation to avoid condensation.

Upgrade the glazing. Replacing single glazing or tired old units with modern double glazing cuts heat loss and noise. In conservation areas there are sympathetic options worth discussing.

Rethink the heating. A renovation is the right time to consider a more efficient heating system. Whether that's a new efficient boiler or, for some properties, a heat pump depends on the home's fabric — the better insulated it is, the more options you have. It's worth taking professional advice on what suits your property, and checking whether any grants apply.

Do it in the right order. Improving the fabric first (insulation, airtightness, glazing) means any new heating system can be smaller and cheaper to run — rather than paying to heat a leaky house.

We factor energy efficiency into the renovations we carry out across the West Midlands, so the finished home is comfortable and cheaper to live in. If you're planning a renovation, get in touch and we'll build it into the plan.