How to make your prefab home more energy efficient

After the Second World War the Government needed to build a number of new houses quickly to replace those which had been destroyed. In order to do this quickly and efficiently thousands of prefabricated homes were built from concrete or metal.

Although these homes were expected to last no longer than a decade and were essentially a quick fix, there are still thousands scattered around the country. Many have been taken up as social housing but many homeowners also have these properties.

The biggest problem is that with thin walls, insulation is poor and they’re not energy efficient in the slightest. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be brought up to date.

Can prefabricated homes become energy efficient?

The answer is simply yes. For starters, let’s take a look at the walls. Even if you don’t have cavity walls, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have insulation. This is because solid wall insulation is a fantastic option that will help to slash your energy bills.

Even if you can’t afford this type of insulation, you can make the most of the Green Deal scheme. This Government scheme helps fund insulation measures with a loan offered to homeowners, landlords and businesses.

With the Green Deal you won’t pay back more than you save on energy bills, so you can be sure of not being worse off.

Other ways to turn your home into an energy efficient hub is with improved windows. Double glazing is the perfect replacement for single glazed windows and can save you several hundreds of pounds annually.

If your home is in a conservation area then double glazing may not be permitted. If this is the case then you should look at secondary glazing which can certainly be used to help you save.

Loft lagging is yet another opportunity to save on your bills. A mineral wool is used to line the gaps between the beams in your loft, preventing heat passing through and exiting your home.

 

Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share

  • With the right insulation you can save hundreds of pounds every year, making a huge saving on those expensive energy bills.
  • Solid and cavity wall insulation prevents heat escaping through the walls and you can save over £200 a year.
  • If your boiler is inefficient, replacing the system with an A-rated model would save you up to £310 annually.
  • For those who can’t afford to invest in insulation, consider the Government’s Green Deal which offers a low-interest loan.

Tom Crosswell

I have been managing online projects since 1999 and I'm a experienced marketeer, who is well versed in international brand management, online business strategy and developing long term relationships. Through my academic and professional background I am a specialist in generating online loyalty towards brands. My experience has taught me that ultimately business is about relationships and people. For more information see my Google+ page.