RETROFIT

Home retrofitting refers to modifications or improvements to an existing home to enhance its energy efficiency, safety, comfort, or functionality.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades May include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, upgrading windows and doors, installing energy-efficient appliances, and replacing lighting with LED fixtures. These improvements can help reduce energy bills and create a more comfortable indoor environment.

Installing mechanical ventilation with air purifiers or filters can be a part of this strategy which can help reduce allergens, pollutants, and other harmful substances in the home.

Overall, home retrofitting can help homeowners reduce their environmental footprint, enhance safety and comfort, and increase the overall value of their property.

PASSIVHAUS

The Passive House standard originated in Germany and is known for its extremely low energy usage, high comfort levels, and excellent indoor air quality. It sets strict criteria for factors such as energy consumption, airtightness, insulation levels, and thermal comfort. Buildings that meet these criteria can significantly reduce their energy bills and environmental impact while providing a comfortable living or working environment.

EnerPHit

EnerPHit is a certification standard developed by the Passive House Institute specifically for retrofit projects. It focuses on achieving the rigorous energy performance and comfort standards of the Passive House (Passivhaus) standard in existing buildings undergoing renovation or retrofitting.

EnerPHit certification recognizes that achieving the same performance standards in retrofit projects can be more challenging than in new construction due to existing structural and design limitations. Therefore, the EnerPHit standard provides slightly relaxed criteria compared to the original Passive House standard, allowing for more flexibility in retrofit scenarios while still ensuring significant energy savings and comfort improvements.

Key principles of EnerPHit include:

High Levels of Insulation: Retrofit projects typically involve adding insulation to improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss.
Airtight Construction: Ensuring airtightness is crucial for preventing drafts and reducing energy loss. Retrofit projects often involve sealing gaps and cracks in the building envelope.
High-Quality Windows and Doors: Upgrading windows and doors to high-performance, airtight models helps minimize heat loss and improve comfort.
Efficient Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality while also recovering heat from outgoing air. Retrofit projects may involve installing heat recovery ventilation systems.
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems: Upgrading heating and cooling systems to energy-efficient models helps reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

Overall, EnerPHit certification provides a framework for achieving high-performance energy retrofits, ensuring that renovated buildings meet stringent energy efficiency and comfort standards.

Weatherisation measures protect you from the elements such as adding weather stripping around doors and windows, sealing gaps and cracks and installing storm windows and doors. These measures help to stop water ingress and reduce drafts to improve energy efficiency.

Ventilation becomes increasingly important as we make modifications to the home. As we seal and insulate we can trap air and moisture so a well-integrated ventilation strategy is required. We can also take this opportunity to improve indoor air quality by dictating the airflow and encouraging controlled and healthy air exchange.