Plymouth Energy Community

Why Retrofit

Retrofit is the process of making changes to a building to improve its energy efficiency and reduce energy use.

3 family no rain colour

What is Retrofit?

Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency. Retrofit is sometimes also referred to as 'home upgrade'. These improvements make your home easier to heat, able to retain heat for longer, and replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.  

There are a lot of options available, retrofit measures can include:

  • Improving insulation in walls, roofs, and floors.
  • Upgrading heating systems to more efficient ones.
  • Improving ventilation to manage indoor air quality.
  • Installing double or triple-glazed windows to reduce heat loss.
  • Sealing gaps to prevent drafts and improve comfort. 

 

The benefits of retrofit

The impact of retrofit improvements can be massive. There are lots of great reasons to get your home upgraded!

Comfort:

We all want to relax at home, but that's difficult when a property is damp or hard to keep warm. Many residents tell us that their homes are warmer, more comfortable to live in and easier to heat after retrofitting. 

Health:

By reducing common issues such as damp, condensation and draughts, retrofitting can have a positive impact on health conditions such as asthma, allergies and heart conditions, as well as mental health and wellbeing. 

Energy Costs:

With high energy bills continuing to effect many households, retrofitting could help you make energy cost savings. Retrofitted homes are also better protected against energy price increases as they can generate their own energy and are improved so they actually require less energy to run.

Carbon savings:

Buildings are responsible for 26% of Plymouth's carbon emissions, second only to transport (34%).   By working together to make homes more energy efficient - requiring less fuel to keep your home warm - we can all contribute tackling climate change by reducing the amount of carbon emissions from your home. 

Retrofit Stories

All kinds of properties are getting retrofitted across the South West. We've gathered stories about the benefits of retrofit with other local community energy organisations from Devon and Cornwall. 

View A Family Home's Heat Pump Journey

A Family Home's Heat Pump Journey

From Unreliable LPG to Low Carbon Comfort

View Whole House Plan: Anna's route map to carbon savings

Whole House Plan: Anna's route map to carbon savings

Impartial advice gives Anna confidence to act

View Step by Step to a Warmer, Healthier Home

Step by Step to a Warmer, Healthier Home

Sofia’s Retrofit Journey

View From Cold Comfort to Clean Energy

From Cold Comfort to Clean Energy

Owen’s home retrofit - grant funding leads to transformative change

View Grant funding unlocks rooftop solar for Jean

Grant funding unlocks rooftop solar for Jean

Solar install reducing bills in a hard to heat house