There’s an ever-increasing amount of information out there about the cost of energy-saving home improvements like heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation. We’ve collated four graphs that put domestic retrofit numbers into visuals.
53% of Homeowners in the UK Want to Learn More about Retrofit
53% of homeowners surveyed by Trustmark across the United Kingdom said they wanted to learn more about Retrofit.
For comparison, 60% of the same homeowners said they don’t know what retrofit means.
This indicates not only a massive knowledge gap that we at The Green Register aim to help fill, but also a huge opportunity for contractors and tradespeople to learn about retrofit so that they can inform their customers about it and offer services related to retrofit.
55% of UK PRS Homes Do Not Meet Proposed EPC Regulations and Will Need Retrofitting
Only 45% of properties in the Private Rented Sector (which itself accounts for 19% of all UK households) have an EPC certificate of C or above, meaning the majority of them do not.
With proposals to change the Energy Efficiency Regulations to change the minimum EPC rating of privately-rented properties from an E to a C, this means that 55% of PRS properties currently won’t have an EPC rating high enough for new tenancies in 2028.
Only 10% of Homes with Solid Walls Are Adequately Insulated
Most homes with cavity wall and loft insulation are well-insulated, but only 10% of homes with solid walls (most homes built before 1919) have adequate levels of insulation.
This is largely due to the fact that homes with solid walls either require internal wall insulation or external wall insulation, both of which are two of the most expensive retrofit measures. However, many homes with solid walls will require either IWI or EWI to obtain an EPC C.
For reference, homes with solid walls made up 24% of the UK housing stock in December 2023.
Solar Panels Save the Most per Year
Graph 4: Solar panels will save the most amount of money per year (£500) while adding new loft insulation takes the least amount of time to break even (3 years). Solid wall insulation, due to its cost and despite it saving £350 per year on average, takes 21 years on average to break even at current rates.
Heat pumps, despite often costing upwards of £10,000 for installation, have a relatively low break-even point due to available grants that can bring the total cost of installation down to below £1000.
Sources:
Checkatrade – Savings per Year
GreenMatch – Floor Insulation – Cost
GreenMatch – Wall Insulation – Cost
GreenMatch – New Loft Insulation – Cost
GreenMatch – Heat Pumps – Cost
GreenMatch – Solar Panels – Cost
Do you want to learn more about how you can make retrofit work for you?
Whether you’re a homeowner about to begin a DIY retrofit project, or a builder, architect, plasterer or plumber looking to fill your order book and think ahead for the future, Retrofit Skills will provide you with a solid foundation in retrofit knowledge.
Retrofit Skills is a hybrid course with 9 hours of practical sessions and 6 hours of online learning that you can fit around your schedule. Each module is assessed and accredited by ABBE, a built environment specialist awarding body. The ‘stackable’ approach to training allows learners to build and evidence training achievements as they move through their careers.
The Green Register builds upon 24 years of sustainable construction training. Retrofit Skills has been developed in partnership with experts including PAS2035 technical author, Dr Sarah Price, with every practical Heat Pumps, Ventilation, and Insulation & Airtightness session being led by local experts in their industries.
Learn more and register today here.