THE BENEFITS OF retrofitTING
the benefits of refurbiSHIng your home
Refurbishing your home to reduce energy use – what we call a retrofit – can bring many benefits. It can make your home feel more comfortable, be a healthier place to live and you could even get a few other improvements done while you've got the builders in. Upgrading your home will also achieve the four Cs:
COST
In the current economic climate perhaps the biggest benefit of a retrofit is to reduce your energy costs. Simply insulating your floor should save you money, even when you factor in the cost of the work.
A retrofit can give you the opportunity to step off the fuel price escalator. There is even the opportunity for households to sell surplus energy to help pay for the costs of the retrofit, so you should pay no more than you currently do for your energy.
COughs
Cold damp homes are responsible for a large number of health issues, from increased risk of asthma to exacerbating long-term ailments.
In traditionally built uninsulated homes, the heating needs to be on in winter to prevent condensation and mould on the surface of internal walls. A retrofit can remove that condensation risk and keep your home warmer.
COMFORT
A retrofit will make you a lot more comfortable in your home. An insulated house takes longer to cool down – and warm up - and heat loss is reduced so the house stays warmer.
A whole house retrofit can also reduce the risks of overheating in summer.
Cold damp homes are responsible for a large number of health issues. Even just insulating your home could help create a healthier home – and Your Home Better is here to help.
carbon
The average UK home emits about 4.5 tonnes of CO₂ per year. The 1.2 million homes in Greater Manchester are responsible for about a quarter of the region’s carbon emissions.
Greater Manchester has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2038. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver substantial carbon reductions, environmental and health benefits for all.
We can go a long way towards achieving zero carbon, starting with our own homes. If we all got our homes to zero carbon, our energy suppliers would be under pressure to do the same. This is your chance to show leadership in achieving zero carbon to keep our planet habitable for future generations.