Living in a historic home or a conservation area, how can I reduce my energy bills?

As energy costs continue to rise, many individuals and households across the UK are feeling the financial strain.

Older properties often have distinctive architectural features  or preservation requirements that can reduce the options available when it comes to improving energy efficiency.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how Kuppa can help address the challenge of retrofitting historic properties and provide a practical pathway to decarbonising any home that falls into this ‘heritage’ grouping.

‍

Managing Drafts and Heat Loss

‍

Historical homes often have features like sash windows, timber doors, and  suspended flooring, which can contribute to drafts and heat loss. Why list drafts first? Because draft proofing is one of the most low-cost, high-impact measures, which can often be DIY tasks. Start here to reduce your energy consumption and higher heating bills.

Kuppa recommends a range of low-cost, practical measures that are easy to implement without compromising the character of your home. Residents in Park and St Peter’s wards, Wolverhampton, could even access up to £100 to cover the cost of one of these measures, such as thermal backing for curtains, through Kuppa via the council’s Household Support Fund.

‍

Finding Alternative Measures That Meet Constraints

‍

Constraints on historic homes and buildings in conservation areas may require planning permission, or indeed may be restricted. For instance, you may be restricted from applying external wall insulation or replacing dingle for double glazing.

Kuppa points historic home owners and renters to a range of energy-saving hacks outlined by Historic England, including:

• installing secondary glazing, instead of replacing single for double glazing.
• adopt heating and hot water controls to prevent heat loss and unnecessarily high bulls.
• insulating floors, roofs and walls, without impacting the home’s traditional fabric.

‍

Renewable Energy Options

‍

While preservation constraints can restrict some ‘bricks and mortar’ upgrades, implementing renewable energy solutions like solar panels or air source heat pumps is typically met with fewer obstacles. These technologies can be tucked away more easily. Households can explore discrete installation options or consult with experts who specialise in integrating renewable energy systems into historic properties.

Historic England offers examples and more information on renewables.
Kuppa signposts Wolverhampton residents to TrustMark-rated local suppliers.

‍

Act Now and Start Saving

‍

Living in a historic home or conservation area shouldn’t leave residents you especially vulnerable to rising energy costs. Equipped with the right information, you can implement effective energy-saving measures that meet your personal needs.

Kuppa’s recommendations can help you get on the right track. Visit www.yourkuppa.com/wolverhampton today.

‍