Making your period property sustainable and comfortable

Owning a period property is a joy, but making it more energy efficient can feel like a challenge. Many homes in the UK, especially those built before 1946, aren’t built with modern energy-saving measures in mind.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t make improvements that will lower your bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your home warm and cosy – all while preserving its charm.

At first glance, the idea of retrofitting an older, possibly listed, building can be daunting. But with sensitive approaches and expert guidance, it’s possible to make meaningful changes that improve energy efficiency while protecting the character of your home.

Take the example of Catherine Hayward’s 16th-century Grade II listed thatched cottage. She successfully upgraded her historic home through a carefully planned retrofit, improving comfort without compromising the building’s heritage.

Here’s how you can start making your period property more efficient too:

Start with a home energy assessment

The first step to improving your period home is understanding where energy is being lost. Older homes, especially those with solid walls, draughty windows, and quirky layouts, can be tricky to manage. An energy efficiency assessment by a professional will highlight the specific areas where your home is losing heat and where improvements can be made without affecting the fabric of the building.

An audit can reveal both small, simple fixes and more substantial measures that will make a significant difference. This personalised approach ensures you get the best results for your home without compromising its unique features.

Why not start with a home energy assessment today? Our team at Cosy Homes Oxfordshire is here to help.

Explore renewable heating options

Consider installing alternative heating systems for your period home. Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground and upgrade it to a higher temperature to be able to heat your home, while air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside surrounding air to be compressed and used to improve your home comfort. 

Introducing other low-carbon renewable alternatives such as solar panels will enable you to run your home more sustainably in the long term.

Consider insulating your walls

If your home was built before the 1920s, it likely has solid walls that can lose significant amounts of heat. While traditional cavity wall insulation isn’t suitable, solid wall insulation – either applied internally or externally – can be an excellent option.

External wall insulation will alter your home’s appearance, so it’s important to check if you need planning permission, particularly if your home is listed or in a conservation area. Internal insulation is often more discreet and doesn’t affect the external look of the property, though you’ll still want to seek expert advice to ensure it’s right for your building.

Upgrade your windows

Many period properties come with beautiful, historic windows that can’t easily be replaced. If this is the case for your home, secondary glazing is an ideal way to reduce heat loss without altering the original windows. This discreet option helps to make your home warmer and more comfortable without changing its appearance.

At the same time, draught-proofing your windows and doors can also make a big difference. By sealing gaps and reducing draughts, you’ll keep the heat inside and make your home feel much cosier.

Make your period home cosy and energy efficient

Retrofitting, or eco refurbishing, a period property doesn’t mean sacrificing the character you love. With the right approach, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – preserving your home’s history while creating a comfortable, energy-efficient space for modern living.

If you own a period property in Oxfordshire and want to make it as energy efficient as possible, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us to arrange an on-site assessment, and we’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive Whole House Plan. Our specialist Retrofit Coordinators will guide you through every step, ensuring your home remains warm, healthy, and cosy all year round.

Any questions?

We’re here for an informal chat if you’re unsure where to start or just need guidance on transforming your period property. You can reach us on 0330 223 2742, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. We’re here to help!