Common retrofit misconceptions

There are quite a few misconceptions about retrofitting. These misconceptions can make it tempting to delay plans for retrofitting your home.

However, taking steps to improve your home's energy efficiency can offer significant environmental, financial, and health benefits.

Insultation overheats homes in summer

Effective retrofitting addresses thermal comfort for both heating and cooling.

Proper retrofitting can prevent or reduce summer overheating by improving ventilation, controlling solar gains, and minimising uncontrolled heat from inefficient heating systems.

Heat pumps fail in cold weather

While heat pump efficiency decreases below freezing, they still perform effectively at temperatures as low as -25°C.

In fact, heat pumps are widely used in Norway, where 1 in 3 households rely on them for heating.

Heat pumps are noisy

Heat pumps are engineered to be as quiet as possible, with noise levels comparable to a standard household fridge.

Since they are installed outside the building, the noise is further minimised.

Short lifespan of heat pumps

Air source heat pumps can last up to 20 years, while the average boiler lasts 15 years.

Retrofitting needs planning permission

Many retrofit options, including heat pumps and solar panels, fall under permitted development, meaning homeowners can usually install them without planning permission.

However, if you want to retrofit a listed building or a property within a Conservation Area, planning permission may be required. If you have any questions about this, it is recommended to speak to with a planning officer.