Loft conversions are quickly becoming the most popular type of home extension project in Britain, and it is easy to see why. Quick to construct, cost-effective, and extremely versatile in terms of their design and function, loft conversions allow homeowners to make incredible new spaces from previously-awkward loft corners.
Best of all? They can drastically increase the value of your home.
However, there is one more reason why loft conversions are a much-loved form of home improvement; they can also increase the energy efficiency of your home.
How? Read on below to find out.
Why should you make your loft conversion energy efficient?
Because of the savings it offers, both in terms of energy and money.
Heat loss through the roof and loft space accounts for much of the energy wastage in a home. Reducing or eliminating this loss can significantly reduce the amount of energy utilised in heating a home, which in turn, translates to reduced utility costs (and a reduced carbon footprint).
Additionally, energy efficiency is an important factor in ensuring that your loft conversion complies with standard building regulations. These guidelines require the heat loss value (or U-value) to be 0.18W/m2 or lower. A well-insulated loft ensures that these building regulations are met and your loft conversion is approved.
A professional and experienced team can help you make all these calculations, obtain the requisite approvals, and design and construct the conversion to optimise the energy efficiency of your loft and, consequently, your home.
How can you design an energy-efficient loft?
Designing an energy-efficient loft is all about minimising heat loss and reducing energy consumption. Some simple (but extremely effective) ways to achieve this include:
1. Perfecting the insulation
Insulation is perhaps the biggest factor when considering energy efficiency. This is because improperly installed or insufficient insulation is often the primary cause of energy draining from your home.
To combat this, ensure that there is good insulation between and beneath the rafters, as well as between the walls and the roof.
In addition to making sure that there are no gaps in the insulation that would allow heat to escape, the materials used for insulation can also have a profound effect on its efficacy. Loose-fill cellulose is a wonderful material for insulation as it is both extremely efficient and, as it is made from recycled materials, it is also an environmentally responsible choice.
2. Double glazing
No insulation is complete without considering the windows too. Ideally, your loft windows and skylights should be fitted with A+ rated double glazing or even triple glazing to reduce heat loss. This helps by:
- Keeping the room warmer
- Lowering energy bills
- Providing sound-proofing
- Reducing the build-up of condensation
All of which increase the energy efficiency of your home.
3. Bringing in natural light
Clearly, the loft space is perfectly positioned to receive the maximum amount of sunlight. You can further optimise this benefit by the strategic placement of skylights, windows, and doors in order to increase the amount of natural light that comes in. For instance, south-facing windows allow the sun’s heat to warm up your rooms during winter while remaining cool during the summer months.
Daylighting also allows you to drastically reduce the use of artificial lighting during the daytime, which leads to decreased electricity and HVAC costs, allowing you to enjoy lowered utility bills.
4. Adopting energy-efficient appliances
A loft conversion is a good time to reassess the use of old and energy-draining appliances and maybe even upgrading your boiler.
Investing in smart thermostats that allow you to control and regulate the heat in different parts of your home even remotely helps prevent needless energy consumption.
Similarly, switching to A-rated electrical appliances, which use significantly less energy, allows you to save on energy bills.
Another crucial consideration is the lighting within your home. LED lights consume up to 80% less energy compared to incandescent light bulbs. Making the change to LEDs is, therefore a proven way to increase the energy efficiency of your home.
5. Installing solar panels
The installation of solar panels is an obvious way to reduce dependency on non-renewable resources, increase the energy efficiency of your home, and even be paid for the amount of electricity you generate.
And there is no better time for this installation than during a loft conversion.
Why? Because scaffolding plays a big part in the expense associated with loft conversions and the installation of solar panels. So, using the opportunity to do both at the same time allows you to save money while investing in energy efficiency.
Conclusion
A loft conversion brings space, style, and value to your home. Add to that the opportunity of making your home energy efficient and the numerous benefits that come with it, and there is no looking back.
After all, what is better than having a home that is not just warm, beautiful, and spacious, but also allows you to reduce your energy consumption, your carbon footprint, and the amount of money you spend on energy bills?
Looking for ideas to create your own energy-efficient loft conversion? At Good Design & Build, we pride ourselves in offering you a complete solution, from planning to completion. See our recently completed projects, get inspired, and start your dream home journey with us today!
