Retrofitting an older house for lower heating bills

Older houses often lose heat through the roof, walls, windows and draughts. Retrofitting in the right order saves money and avoids redoing work later.

Start with the envelope

Roof or attic insulation and draught-proofing are usually the cheapest improvements with the clearest effect. Walls and floors follow, then windows.

Then the heating

A smaller, more efficient heating system becomes possible once the house holds its heat. An energy advisor can assess your building and point to the subsidies available where you live.