Loft conversions are becoming increasingly popular; not only do they add valuable living space to your property, but they can also be more energy-efficient, helping you save on energy bills. With a loft conversion, you can utilise the redundant space and make it more energy efficient due to the modern insulation materials now available. Improved insulation will reduce your energy bills.
Due to the UK’s focus on reducing its carbon footprint, it makes sense to do all we can to make any new property conversion as energy efficient as possible.
The conversion design can add another bedroom/s, office space, games room, and chill-out area to a property. The conversion is only limited to the designers’ imagination. It will also add value to a property.
According to Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP), now is the perfect time to be more energy efficient. If you’re considering a loft conversion, just make sure you focus on energy-efficient materials that will help reduce heating costs.
Building Regulations are a must!
When it comes to loft conversions, building regulations always become a crucial part of the overall loft design project. Building regulations require 0.18W/m2 of insulation or lower, so choose an experienced company that provides superior insulation solutions between and beneath rafters as well as continuity throughout walls and the roof. It’s crucial to plan wisely and estimate how efficiently a new house or loft conversion needs to function when planning and during construction.
Using sustainable materials that give long-term durability will help the environment. These materials include, but are not limited to, roofing material, hardwood floors, wood panelling, bamboo or cork, which are all sustainable and healthy for the environment!
Check out our energy-efficient tips below.
A few considerations with an energy-efficient loft conversion.
- Select the right insulation.
When combining energy efficiency with additional living space, comparing the existing building design is important. This means evaluating insulation, windows, doors etc., to name but a few, as these will impact the amount of energy leaving the property.
A loft conversion project requires intricate planning to cater for its intended purpose. You should consider expanding your living space at ground level as opposed to a loft conversion. All energy-related features must be assessed to avoid any heat loss areas, i.e., you may put most of the effort and cost into roof insulation but cut corners with cheap low-grade windows. All the energy saved with roof insulation could be eroded by the amount of heat escaping through windows. Energy efficient windows could give an annual saving of £100+.
- Estimate energy consumption.
As the second consideration, it is essential to consider how much energy will be needed in order to heat and cool the conversion. Also, its location within the property’s footprint can affect energy requirements; the further away it is from existing central heating or cooling systems, the more energy will be needed. Additionally, looking into energy-efficient insulation materials such as foam or rock wool insulation will help to reduce energy bills in your conversions.
- The energy cost.
The budget available is a major consideration when embarking on a design project to build an energy-efficient loft conversion. Like any other property development project, the project will require skilled labour, quality materials and a contractor conversant with energy performance criteria. All will influence the overall cost and determine its feasibility.
Energy saving measures for your Loft space.
- Double/triple glazing.
A+-rated double or triple-glazing windows may greatly reduce energy bills in your conversions. They are also excellent at soundproofing and reducing dampness or condensation.
Investing in quality, energy-efficient glass can drastically improve insulation and ensure maximum efficiency for hot summers and cold winters, even more so if the windows face south.
- LED lights.
LED lights are revolutionising the way we light up our homes and businesses. They last much longer than traditional bulbs. They provide bright, cost-effective lighting, and LED lights also use 80% less energy than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs! They waste only 5% of heat, making them an excellent choice for saving money on electricity bills! LED bulbs can save up to £35 on the electricity bill!
- Controlled heating.
Why not invest in a smart thermostat? Not only can they give your home a cosy and comfortable ambience, but it also gives you the flexibility of remote control.
Additional radiators may be required to keep the house warm and cosy and should be fitted with thermostatic radiator valves.
Several ‘smart home’ technologies now allow you to manage your entire home’s heating from your mobile phone. Now may be the perfect time to consider investing in more modern technology for greater convenience. Heating controls (TRVs) can save up to £120 a year on heating costs, lowering energy bills without compromising that warm and cosy feel.
- Solar Panels.
Loft conversions present a fantastic opportunity to make way for solar energy. Government discounted Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) it can make solar power more appealing. FiTs are an incentive to sell any excess power generated back to the grid, making solar panels more profitable than ever.
Two birds with one stone:
With the scaffolding already in place for the loft conversion, why not take advantage of it and have solar panels installed at the same time? Loft conversions can make solar PV panels more viable, so it could be a profitable addition if you’re looking for improved energy efficiency or financial benefits.
If you want your loft conversion project done by a professional team, call Lofteam, who covers the London area, and plan and organise your conversion from start to finish.
Loftteam will manage all the red tape and building regulations generated by the local authority and ensure the project is started and completed on time.
Call our friendly consultation team NOW! and get the ball rolling.
