Helping local homeowners with a starting point to retrofit
Through the Retrofit West voucher scheme, homeowners in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire can access discounted home energy assessments at 70% off. These assessments provide valuable insights into energy inefficiencies, guiding homeowners on how to improve comfort, reduce energy bills and enhance the overall energy performance of their homes.
Case Study: David Butler, Bristol Homeowner
Bristol homeowner David Butler received a 70% discounted home energy survey through the Retrofit West voucher scheme. The assessment identified key inefficiencies and provided practical solutions to reduce heat loss, improve ventilation and enhance overall comfort in David’s home.
The Homeowner’s Challenge
David wants to lower his energy bills and make his mid-20th-century semi-detached house more comfortable. Despite having loft insulation and double glazed windows, his home remains difficult to heat. On cold days, maintaining temperatures above 17-18 degrees is a challenge, even with the central heating running for extended periods.
The Solution: A Comprehensive Home Energy Survey
With the Retrofit West vouchers, David chose our advanced air tightness test and thermal imaging, which included the following energy efficiency assessments:
- Thermal Imaging Survey: Using infrared technology, we identify hidden areas of heat loss in your building envelope.
- Air Tightness Test: A blower door test help us measure how draughty your home is and identify areas where warm heat might be escaping or cold air entering.
- Whole House Ventilation Survey: We assess your home’s ventilation to ensure it is adequate, helping prevent damp, mould and poor indoor air quality.
Key Findings from the Survey
The assessment highlighted several major sources of heat loss and energy inefficiencies:
Air Tightness Issues
- Measured Air Permeability: 10.87 m³/h·m² (new dwellings should aim for 5 m³/hr.m² or less)
- Skirting Boards – Unsealed gaps allowed cold air infiltration.
- Kitchen Cabinets – A large air gap behind cabinets led to significant heat loss.
- Toilet Pipes – Air leakage through unsealed pipe penetrations.
- External Doors & Windows – Worn gaskets and absent draught seals were allowing warm air to escape.
- Fireplace – Air escaping through the flue, contributing to heat loss.
Ventilation Issues
- Non-compliance with Part F Building Regulations (ventilation requirements for new builds) – Insufficient background ventilation and extract ventilation.
- Increased risk of condensation and poor indoor air quality due to a lack of trickle vents and underperforming extract fans.
Thermal Bridging & Insulation Deficiencies
- Corner Junctions – Significant thermal bridging at window junctions and external walls.
- Loft & Roof Space – Missing insulation in certain areas, particularly around eaves cupboards and the room-in-roof.
- Floors – Heat loss detected around the perimeter of carpets and skirting boards.
The Results: Actionable Home Energy Improvements
Based on the findings, we provided David with tailored recommendations to fix the issues found:
- Air Tightness Improvements – Sealing skirting boards, applying airtight sealant behind kitchen cabinets, and replacing worn window gaskets.
- Insulation Upgrades – Installing internal wall insulation to minimise thermal bridging at window junctions.
- Ventilation Enhancements – Adding trickle vents and improving extract ventilation to reduce condensation risk and enhance air quality.
- Fireplace Draught Reduction – Installing a chimney balloon or capping off the flue.
“The assessment was very useful, they have identified areas of air leakage etc and quick wins I can make. It has helped me prioritise my budget.”
My house is drafty and hard to heat, it is difficult to get it above 17-18 degrees on cold days even if the central heating has been on for quite awhile. The team at Building Energy Experts were very professional, explained what they were doing as they went along. The assessment was very useful, they have identified areas of air leakage etc and quick wins I can make. It has helped me prioritise my budget. I would definitely recommend using Building Experts.
David Butler, Homeowner – Retrofit West Advanced Air Tightness Test & Thermal Imaging
A Whole House Approach to Energy Efficiency
For long-term energy savings and home comfort, fabric-first retrofits, such as insulation and airtightness improvement, should come first, followed by a whole house ventilation strategy. Accompanying air tightness with proper ventilation maintains good indoor air quality and prevents moisture buildup.
Addressing heat loss holistically helps reduce space heating demand, lower energy bills and create a healthier living environment amongst other benefits.
If you’re considering a full home retrofit, we always recommend that remedial works be consulted with an appropriately qualified retrofit designer to ensure the best results (or a competent contractor for simple improvements).
Lessons Learned
- Hidden air leakage points can have a significant impact on heating costs and home comfort.
- Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
- A whole-home approach to energy efficiency provides the best roadmap for targeted improvements.
What’s Next?
Are you a resident of Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset or South Gloucestershire interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency?
We’re proud to offer discounted home energy assessments exclusively for local residents in partnership with Retrofit West and the West of England Combined Authority. Get your vouchers today and book your discounted home energy assessment with us at 70% off!
