Household retrofit guidance for private properties

Retrofitting: making your home energy efficient

Retrofitting means making improvements to your home to make it more energy efficient. 

This process involves:

  • adding insulation to walls, floors, roofs and lofts
  • upgrading windows and doors
  • improving heating and hot water systems
  • installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances

In Croydon, the energy used to heat and power homes in 2022 was 43% of the borough’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

By retrofitting your home, you can play your part in our Carbon Neutral Action Plan to reduce energy in homes and reach the goal of the borough being ‘net-zero’ by 2050.

A person wearing protective clothing, installing thermal roof insulation

Benefits of retrofitting

Energy savings

Retrofitting significantly reduces energy consumption, especially in older homes. This helps to lower energy costs, and makes homes more environmentally friendly.

This can be achieved by:

  • improving insulation
  • upgrading heating systems
  • adding renewable energy sources, like solar panels

This is important for reaching decarbonisation goals. 

In 2020, 96% of homes with an energy efficiency rating of band F and G failed the Decent Homes Standard, highlighting the need for retrofitting homes.

Health and wellbeing

Poorly insulated homes can be cold, damp and uncomfortable. 

These housing conditions can lead to health problems such as:

  • respiratory issues
  • allergies
  • mould-related illnesses

Improving quality of life 

Retrofitting can improve indoor air quality, comfort and temperature control. 

This makes homes healthier for everyone, including:

  • older people
  • children 
  • people with respiratory conditions

Keeping your home warm and frequently ventilated can prevent many health issues that are caused by condensation, damp or mould.

Financial support

We have funding schemes to help you stay warm and save energy:

Long-term sustainability

Retrofitting makes housing more sustainable and is generally more cost effective than new builds. 

It can also provide the following benefits:

  • extend the lifespan of homes
  • fix structural issues 
  • lower the need for expensive repairs in the future