Older homes are appealing to investors, buyers, and tenants due to their inherent rustic charm. One drawback of homes constructed before the year 2000 is that, barring major renovations, they will not be energy efficient enough to meet current codes. Houses that don’t make good use of energy are not only costly to maintain but also harmful to the environment. Making your home more energy efficient should, therefore, be your first priority.
The following is a list of ways to improve the energy efficiency of old buildings:
Insulation for Roofs
Because of the convective nature of heat, about a quarter of a boiler’s output will be lost through the ceiling. One of the simplest and least expensive ways to make your home more energy efficient is to insulate the roof. This project typically costs about £300. Using 120 mm thick rigid foam or 200 ml of mineral wool can reach a U value of 0.20W/m², which is the current regulatory requirement. On the other hand, you can enhance the levels to 180 mm of rigid form or 300 ml of mineral wool, which provides even better insulation against heat loss. Installing roof insulation is a simple process that shouldn’t take more than a few hours and can be done either in conjunction with a new roof installation or independently.
Insulating or Rendering Cavity Walls
To prevent heat loss through walls, you can insulate your cavity walls and then apply rendering. The method that is most suited to your home’s age and brick construction will determine which of these two distinct processes to employ. Cavity walls, which are typically present in houses constructed after 1920 and consist of a space between the outer brick layers, are a common architectural feature. Filling these spaces with insulation, a process known as cavity wall insulation, can save homeowners about £150 year. Rendering, sometimes called external wall insulation, is a coating that prevents heat from escaping through brickwork. A home’s kerb appeal can be enhanced with the installation of external wall insulation, which is best suited for properties with solid walls.
Note: Upgrading insulation, switching to more energy-efficient lights and appliances, fixing air leaks, and fine-tuning HVAC systems are all ways that property managers can make older buildings more energy efficient. Sustainable practises help reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Tenant education on energy conservation, regular energy audits, and using technology for smart building solutions are all part of this.
Fix the Windows
Unfortunately, most older homes only have single-paned windows, which let in a lot of cold air. Restrictions on the type of windows you can replace them with may apply if the property is listed or not. But right now, you can choose between secondary glazing, triple glazing, or double glazing. There is a certain amount of time that all windows should be repaired or replaced if they begin to leak air. Windows have a lifespan. Pay close attention to the window frames; they were typically made of wood during that time period. In the absence of routine maintenance, the frames may begin to deteriorate, leading to further issues.
Sustainable Energy and Heating
One hundred years ago, there were a lot fewer options for home heating and power. Think about installing solar panels or a geothermal boiler if you wish to maximise your home’s energy efficiency. You will see a significant drop in your energy bills as compensation for the expense of either of these choices. The cost of the work may be covered by various government energy efficiency schemes, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.
Note: Insulate older buildings, fix air leaks, replace windows, and install energy-efficient appliances as part of residential property management to make them more energy efficient. Renewable energy sources should be considered, energy audits should be conducted on a regular basis, and sustainable practises should be encouraged among residents. Reduce overall energy consumption by prioritising building envelope improvements and educating residents on energy-saving behaviours.
Making It Waterproof
Cold rooms and rattling doors are common complaints from tenants of older homes with draughty corners. For example, draught proofing can be used to seal spaces under floorboards or around door frames where air can escape. Older homes typically have multiple airbricks for draught proofing because they were originally built to breathe. Seek reliable advice to seal the offending draughts without compromising your home’s breathability. Avoid causing additional problems by doing so.
Carefully arrange the furnishings.
Even though they look great, painted walls and hard floors don’t really keep heat in and aren’t the most inviting features of a room.
Consequently, it’s a good idea to sprinkle carpet and wallpaper wherever you can, since they will prevent the heat from escaping.
Wrap up!
Regarding anything we’ve discussed so far, do you require any additional assistance or guidance? If you are looking for a property management company, look no further than House Manage.
We are happy to assist you in your search for a rental property, thanks to our extensive local knowledge and property expertise.