š” Retrofitting Your Home: Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Pay Off
When we talk about climate action, we often picture wind turbines, electric vehicles, or solar farms. But one of the most powerful tools we have is much closer to homeāliterally.
Retrofitting is the process of upgrading your home to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It can include anything from installing a heat pump to adding insulation or solar panels. As defined by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiencyāmaking it easier to heat, better at retaining warmth, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.
In short? A more comfortable home, lower bills and a cleaner planet source:āÆRetrofit West.
With funding opportunities now available, retrofitting is more accessible than everābenefiting not just the planet, but your wallet and day-to-day comfort too.
šø Funding Opportunities You Should Know About
1.Ā Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The UK GovernmentāsĀ Boiler Upgrade SchemeĀ offers grants of up to:
- Ā£7,500Ā for air or ground source heat pumps
- Ā£5,000Ā for biomass boilers
These grants help cover the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives. The scheme is open to homeowners and small business property owners in England and Wales, and the application isĀ installer-led, meaning your chosen certified installer will apply on your behalf.
š Learn more and check eligibility onĀ GOV.UK
2.Ā Virgin Money Retrofit Boost Mortgage
If you’re buying or remortgaging a home, Virgin MoneyāsĀ Retrofit Boost MortgageĀ offers:
- Ā£3,000 to Ā£15,000 cashbackĀ for energy-efficient upgrades
- Cashback can be spent on improvements like solar panels, heat pumps, or insulation
- Available through mortgage brokers only
This product is designed to help homeowners fund retrofitting without increasing their mortgage balance. Itās a smart way to invest in your homeās future while reducing monthly bills.
š Explore the offer onĀ Virgin Moneyās website
3. New Planning Rule for Clifton Homeowners
In Bristolās Clifton conservation area, a new Local Listed Building Consent Order now allows homeowners in historic buildings to install solar panels without needing planning permissionāas long as theyāre not visible from the street.
This trial aims to remove barriers to retrofitting in heritage areas and could be rolled out city-wide. Itās a big step forward in making renewable energy more accessible, even in traditionally protected neighbourhoods.
š Read the full story on Bristol Post
šŖ A Warmer, Greener Future Starts at Home
Ā Retrofitting isnāt just about insulation or heat pumpsāitās about creating homes that are comfortable, affordable, and climate-resilient. With funding now available, thereās never been a better time to take action and invest in your home’s future.