As the warmth of summer fades and the chill of autumn begins to settle in, many of us are getting ready to spend more time in our hopefully cosy, energy-efficient homes.
With an especially cold start to the season, October presents the perfect moment to step back and think about how you can insulate yourself—both literally and financially—against the winter ahead.
The experts at Retrofit West are on hand to give some top tips for people to stay warm and well in their homes during the winter months. The company is offering discounts of 70 per cent on home surveys with its home assessment vouchers.
Retrofit West is a community interest company funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to help householders plan, design, and deliver energy-efficient and sustainable home improvements.
Retrofit West managing director Simon Andrews said: “Visit the Retrofit West website because we can act as an independent first point of call for anybody that is looking to start their retrofitting journey.
“We would recommend getting a survey. Surveys range from about £100 to £1,000 depending on the size of your home and the level and type of assessment you want, whether it’s basic thermal imaging or a much more involved study that can help you make a long-term plan.
“We currently offer discounts of 70% on home surveys with our home assessment vouchers, which can be found on our website.
“The reality is that we can’t all find £30,000 down the back of the sofa, so it’s about identifying and choosing what’s possible within your budget.”
The experts at Retrofit West say autumn is the perfect time to think about energy efficiency improvements. It’s cool enough to notice any inefficiencies in your home’s insulation, yet mild enough to address them without too much disruption.
Why insulation matters more than ever
Many overlook insulation when planning home improvements, focusing instead on more visible or immediate fixes.
Yet insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and create a comfortable living environment.
Without proper insulation, the heat you’re paying for could be slipping out through your walls, loft, or even floors, leaving your heating system working overtime to keep you warm.
The loft is one of the most common culprits for heat loss. By topping up or adding insulation in the loft, you can make an immediate improvement, helping your home retain much more heat.
Reducing heat loss
Walls are another major source of heat loss. If your home has cavity walls, filling them with insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance energy efficiency.
There are grants available to cover the costs. For homes with solid walls, insulation options exist that can dramatically reduce heat loss, ensuring your home stays warmer for longer without placing undue pressure on your heating system.
Draughts around windows, doors, and floorboards are also a source of discomfort. Draughtproofing can make a noticeable difference in the warmth of your home.
Addressing these key areas of insulation now, before winter fully sets in, means you’ll not only enjoy a more comfortable home but also lower energy bills.
Plus, reducing your energy usage also lowers your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future—something we’re all increasingly aware of.
The smart heating solution
Insulating your home is a great first step, but to truly maximise energy efficiency, consider upgrading to a heat pump.
As a highly efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from the outside into your home, even in colder weather (think of a fridge in reverse).
There are a couple of available government grants you can take advantage of designed to help homeowners adopt more energy-efficient heating systems.
With the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, heat pumps are set to play a major role in heating homes in the future.
How you can retrofit your home
If you’re considering making energy efficiency improvements and don’t know where to start contact Retrofit West.