The Existing Property

We begin by considering the age, type and general construction of the property.

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A Victorian terrace, 1930s semi-detached house, modern detached property and converted flat can have very different energy characteristics and different opportunities for improvement.

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We may consider:

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• age and type of property;

• wall construction;

• roof construction;

• floor construction;

• extensions and later alterations;

• general condition;

• orientation;

• existing services; and

• any obvious constraints affecting future upgrades.

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Understanding the existing building provides the starting point for the wider home energy assessment.

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Insulation and Heat Loss

 

Reducing unnecessary heat loss can be one of the most important steps towards creating a more energy-efficient home.

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We consider the existing level of insulation and where improvements may potentially be made.

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This can include:

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• loft and roof insulation;

• cavity-wall insulation;

• solid-wall insulation;

• floor insulation;

• insulated extensions;

• draughts and uncontrolled air leakage; and

• areas where insulation may be missing or inadequate.

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Improving the building fabric may reduce heating demand and can influence decisions about future heating systems.

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Windows and Doors

 

Windows and external doors can affect heat loss, draughts, comfort and overheating.

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We consider the existing glazing and whether replacement or improvement may form part of a wider energy-efficiency plan.

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This may include:

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• single, double or triple glazing;

• condition of existing frames;

• draughts;

• large glazed areas;

• orientation;

• solar gain;

• older doors; and

• opportunities for improved thermal performance.

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Replacement glazing will not always be the first priority, but it should be considered alongside insulation and heating improvements.

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Existing Heating System

 

The existing heating system is an important part of the assessment.

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We can consider:

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• gas boilers;

• oil heating;

• electric heating;

• radiators;

• underfloor heating;

• hot-water cylinders;

• heating controls;

• thermostats; and

• the general age and condition of the system.

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The purpose is to understand how the property is currently heated and whether changes may be worthwhile now or as part of a longer-term plan.

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Heat Pump Potential

 

Air source heat pumps are increasingly being considered as an alternative to traditional fossil-fuel heating.

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However, suitability depends on more than simply finding somewhere to position an outdoor unit.

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We can consider factors such as:

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• the type and size of property;

• existing insulation;

• likely heat demand;

• existing radiators or underfloor heating;

• location for the external unit;

• space for associated equipment;

• noise and neighbouring properties;

• planning considerations; and

• whether further specialist heat-loss calculations are required.

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The survey can help establish whether a heat pump appears worth investigating in greater detail.

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Solar Panel Potential

 

Solar PV can be one of the most visible and popular green home improvements.

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We can consider the general potential for solar generation, including:

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• roof orientation;

• roof pitch;

• available roof area;

• shading;

• chimneys and roof obstructions;

• roof condition;

• alternative roof areas;

• flat roofs;

• outbuildings;

• ground-mounted opportunities; and

• possible planning constraints.

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The assessment can also consider how solar generation might work alongside battery storage, EV charging and your normal household electricity use.

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Battery Storage

 

A home battery can allow electricity generated by solar panels to be stored for use later rather than immediately exported to the grid.

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We can consider whether battery storage may form a useful part of the overall home energy strategy, taking account of:

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• solar generation;

• household electricity use;

• daytime and evening consumption;

• EV charging;

• suitable battery location;

• future energy demand; and

• whether the battery is likely to be installed with solar or added later.

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Battery storage should normally be considered as part of the wider electricity strategy for the home.

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EV Charging

 

Electric vehicles can significantly increase household electricity consumption.

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Where an EV charger is being considered, we can look at how it may integrate with solar panels, battery storage and the existing electrical supply.

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The assessment may consider:

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• parking arrangements;

• possible charger location;

• distance from the property;

• solar generation;

• battery storage;

• future vehicle requirements;

• electrical demand; and

• possible planning constraints.

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For some homeowners, EV charging becomes an important reason for increasing the amount of electricity generated and stored at home.

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Ventilation

 

Improving insulation and airtightness can reduce heat loss, but adequate ventilation must also be maintained.

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We can consider the general ventilation arrangements within the property, including:

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• existing extract fans;

• trickle ventilation;

• kitchens and bathrooms;

• condensation;

• moisture;

• airflow;

• background ventilation; and

• whether more advanced ventilation systems may deserve consideration.

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Good energy efficiency should not be achieved at the expense of healthy indoor air quality.

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MVHR and Heat Recovery

 

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery can provide controlled ventilation while recovering some of the heat from outgoing air.

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It is not suitable for every property, but it can be particularly relevant where substantial renovation, extension or energy-efficiency work is planned.

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We can consider whether MVHR or another form of mechanical ventilation may be worth further investigation.

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Air Conditioning and Summer Comfort

 

Home energy efficiency is increasingly about keeping homes comfortable in summer as well as warm in winter.

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Large areas of glazing, south-facing rooms, loft conversions and highly insulated properties can all experience overheating.

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We can consider:

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• rooms prone to overheating;

• solar gain;

• shading;

• glazing;

• ventilation;

• air conditioning;

• heat-pump cooling opportunities; and

• the additional electrical demand associated with cooling.

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Where solar panels are also being considered, daytime solar generation may help offset some summer cooling demand.

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Hot Water

 

Domestic hot water can represent a significant part of household energy use.

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Depending on the property, we can consider:

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• existing hot-water system;

• cylinders;

• boiler-produced hot water;

• electric immersion heaters;

• heat-pump hot water;

• solar thermal systems; and

• opportunities to use renewable electricity more effectively.

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Hot-water requirements should be considered alongside any proposed change to the heating system.

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Smart Heating and Energy Controls

 

Better control can sometimes improve efficiency without major building work.

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We can consider the role of:

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• smart thermostats;

• heating zones;

• programmable controls;

• smart radiator valves;

• energy monitoring;

• solar monitoring;

• battery controls; and

• EV charging controls.

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Modern energy systems increasingly depend on intelligent control of when electricity is generated, stored and consumed.

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Your Current and Future Energy Use

 

A greener home should be designed around the way the household actually lives.

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We therefore consider current and anticipated future requirements.

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For example, a homeowner may currently have a gas boiler and petrol car but expect to move towards a heat pump, electric vehicle and greater use of electricity over the next few years.

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Understanding that future demand can influence decisions made today.

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Planning and Property Constraints

 

Some energy improvements are relatively straightforward while others may be affected by planning or property restrictions.

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We can consider whether further investigation may be needed because the property is:

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• listed;

• within a conservation area;

• a flat or maisonette;

• subject to leasehold restrictions;

• affected by limited external space;

• close to neighbouring properties; or

• undergoing other building or alteration work.

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Planning considerations can be particularly important for solar panels, heat pumps, air-conditioning equipment and other external installations.

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Building Regulations and Design Requirements

 

Certain improvements may involve Building Regulations or require professional design input.

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This can be relevant where work involves changes to the building fabric, structural alterations, new electrical installations, heating systems or major renovation.

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Where we identify a likely design or approval requirement, it can be incorporated into the next-step plan rather than discovered after equipment has already been ordered.

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What Are We Looking For?

 

The purpose of the assessment is not to find the maximum number of improvements that can be sold to you.

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We are looking for the measures that appear to make sense for your property.

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That may mean identifying an immediate opportunity such as solar panels. It may mean recommending insulation before changing the heating system. It may mean planning for a battery or EV charger in the future rather than installing one immediately.

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In some cases, the most useful advice may be that a particular technology is unlikely to represent the best investment at the present time.

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Bringing Everything Together

 

The value of a whole-home energy assessment comes from looking at how the different parts of the property interact.

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Insulation affects heating demand. Heating changes electricity use. Solar panels generate electricity. Batteries change when that electricity can be used. EV charging and cooling increase demand. Ventilation affects comfort and indoor air quality.

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Rather than considering each decision separately, a Green Home Survey helps bring them together into one practical strategy for the property.

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NEXT STEPS

Every home is different, so the right next step depends on your property, your budget and what you want to achieve. APN Green Homes can help you turn the information you have just read into a practical plan for your own home. Whether you are considering one improvement or looking at a complete whole-home energy upgrade, we can help you understand what is suitable, what should be prioritised and where your money is likely to make the greatest difference.

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Choose one of the options below to get the ball rolling:

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BOOK A GREEN HOME SURVEY
Get a detailed assessment of your home with practical, property-specific recommendations and a clear plan for the improvements worth considering.

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BOOK A PHONE CONSULTATION
Talk through your property, ideas and priorities with us and get some initial direction on the best way forward.

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EMAIL US
Send us details of your property, photographs or any questions and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.

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GIVE US A CALL
Prefer to speak to someone? Give us a call and tell us what you are hoping to achieve.

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Your greener, more efficient home starts with understanding the right improvements for your property — and putting them in the right order.