What is RETROFIT?
A whole-house retrofit is a comprehensive approach to upgrading and improving the energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability of an entire home. This can include upgrades such as Insulation, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), Windows and Doors, Lighting, and Solar PV, among other things.
The goal of a whole-house retrofit is to reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and improve the overall performance and comfort of the home.
Our Commitment
Quality: We strive to deliver high quality work and will ensure that all work completed meets industry standards and regulations. Our aim is to provide you with a finished product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Timeliness: We understand the importance of timely completion of work and will communicate any delays or changes to the schedule promptly. Our goal is to complete your project efficiently and
within the agreed upon timeframe.
Safety: The safety of residents & employees is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe working environment at all times. Rest assured, we will take every precaution to minimise risks and prevent accidents.
Feedback: Your feedback is valuable to us and we welcome any comments or suggestions you may have regarding our work. We are committed to continuous improvement and will take your feedback into account to enhance our services in the future.
Point of Contact
The Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) will serve as your primary contact before, during, and after the completion of the work. They are available to provide you with personalised support, answer any questions you may have, and explain the benefits and rationale behind each retrofit measure.
Your RLO is dedicated to ensuring that you have a positive experience throughout the entire process and will work closely with you to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
What to Expect
Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI)
Cavity wall insulation helps reduce heat loss through your walls, allowing you to lower your heating temperature and maintain a warmer home for longer periods.
Homes built after 1920 likely have cavity walls, which is the space between the internal and external walls. A contractor will seal internal holes before filling the cavity with insulation. Small holes will be drilled outside the home for insulation to be blown in, and then filled after. Installation usually takes one day if walls are easily accessible, but may take 3-5 days if existing insulation needs to be removed.
There may be noise and dust during the process, but efforts will be made to minimise disruption.
Your Resident Liaison Officer will notify you if your home requires wall insulation.
What to Expect
Internal Wall Insulation (IWI)
If your home was constructed before 1920, chances are that the walls are solid and may require internal and/or external wall insulation in order to enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Solid wall insulation is intended to keep your home warm and decrease issues with dampness and noise.
• Internal wall insulation involves attaching insulation boards to the interior of your property. The affected area will then be prepared and made ready for decorating.
• If you require internal wall insulation, you will need to move your belongings to make the area accessible. If you need assistance with this or have any concerns, please communicate with your RLO.
• The completion of IWI can take a few days, depending on the size of your home, the number of rooms, and any additional work necessary.
What to Expect
External Wall Insulation (EWI)
• External wall insulation is applied to the exterior walls of the property.
• There are various options for external insulation and render available on the market. The choice of system will be determined by factors such as the construction of your home, its location or connected properties, geographical location, and whether your home is situated in a conservation area. In some cases, planning permission may be necessary to decide on the final decorative finish of the render.
• The installation process may take several weeks to complete and will be influenced by the type of system used, the size of the area, and any existing sheds or conservatories on your property. After a comprehensive survey, we will have a clearer indication of the timescale.
Your RLO will notify you if external wall insulation is needed in your home.
What to Expect
Windows
Energy efficient windows will help to reduce draughts, prevent heat loss, and provide increased insulation against external noise.
• For window replacement, it is important to have clear access to the windows. It is recommended to have at least one meter of clear space in front of the windows, both inside and outside your home.
• If the window replacement is scheduled during colder months and you have concerns about how this may affect you, please talk to your Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to explore possible solutions.
• Most of the work will be done from inside your home to minimise disruptions, but some work may need to be done from outside to ensure proper installation in compliance with building regulations.
• A standard window replacement typically takes about an hour, so you can expect to have 3-4 windows replaced in a day. There may be dust and debris from removing the old windows, but dust sheets will be used and the work area will be cleaned up at the end of each day. Any areas affected by the work will be minimal.
Your RLO will notify you if new windows are needed in your home.
What to Expect
Doors
Installing new external doors can help to reduce draughts, heat loss, and improve insulation in your home.
Replacing external doors typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, with minimal noise and dust expected during the process.
A meeting will be scheduled with you to discuss this type of work.
It is advisable not to install cat flaps on your energy-efficient doors, as this could affect their performance. If necessary, please consult your RLO.
Internal Doors
As part of ventilation requirements, our contractor may need to trim the bottom of some internal doors to ensure adequate airflow.
This may involve removing a section equivalent to the depth of an AA or AAA battery. This step is essential for the completion of any additional work in your home.
Your RLO will notify you if new doors are needed in your home.
What to Expect
Loft Insulation
Insulating your loft is an efficient way to decrease heat loss and maintain a warmer home.
Our operatives will require access to your loft to enhance the insulation to a depth of 300 - 400mm.
Before this process begins, please ensure your loft is free of personal items. If you have any concerns, please communicate with your RLO.
It is crucial that this task is finished before any other renovations, such as replacing your heating system, are done in your home.
Adding more insulation to your loft typically takes 2-3 hours, but completely replacing the insulation will take longer. Delays may occur if additional issues are found, but rest assured we will keep you updated.
There may be a need to install a new loft hatch, which could result in some mess. However, our workers will ensure that all work areas are left clean and organised.
Once the insulation is in place, refrain from using your loft for storage. Placing items on top of or disturbing the insulation may lead to increased heat loss and higher heating expenses.
Your RLO will inform you if your home requires loft insulation.
What to Expect
Ventilation
Household tasks like washing, drying clothes, and cooking produce moisture, which can lead to condensation and mould if not properly ventilated.
Our team may install extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen to reduce moisture and improve air quality. These fans are cost-effective to run and should be left on continuously to prevent condensation
What to Expect
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to water, which is then distributed throughout your home via radiators. Unlike gas boilers, they operate at a lower internal temperature, resulting in less warmth radiating from the radiators. This is due to their efficient operation and reduced need for high temperatures. Heat pumps are designed to provide consistent, steady warmth over extended periods, rather than quick bursts of heat when needed.
The pump will be fixed securely to the ground outside your home with brackets and will be connected to your radiators and hot water pipes, requiring some drilling.
- During the installation process, your current heating system will be taken out which may result in periods where you are without heating, hot water, and electricity. We will provide more information, address any concerns, and offer temporary heating solutions during this time.
- The installation process may take up to 5 days, depending on the size of your home and any additional work required, such as electrical tasks.
- After installation, the system will be tested to ensure it functions properly and you will be instructed on how to operate it effectively.
- The pump unit outside is quiet, comparable to the noise level of a fridge.
- The cylinder and radiators may be larger than your current storage heating units, and we will discuss this along with any other potential impacts on your home.
- Any areas disturbed during the installation will be minimal and repaired, although redecoration is not included.
Your RLO will inform you if your home requires an air source heat pump installation.
What to Expect
Solar PV
The solar installation process begins with the assembly of scaffolding to provide a safe and stable platform for workers to access and install solar panels on the roof.
The scaffolding is designed to support the weight of the panels and equipment, as well as provide a secure working environment for the installation team. Once the scaffolding is in place, the installation team can begin securing the solar panels to the roof and connecting them to the electrical system.
This process typically involves securing the panels with mounting brackets, wiring the panels together, and connecting them to the inverter. Finally, the installation team will test the system to ensure it is functioning properly before completing the installation.
- Make sure to clear any valuable items in the area around your home to allow for the installation of scaffolding. We may need to temporarily move any obstructions in the way, such as potted plants.
- Our goal is to keep the scaffolding in place for as short a time as possible, but in some cases, it may be required for up to a week.
Your RLO will inform you if your home requires solar PV
Retrofit FAQs
