LCON has produced a series of seven Housewarming Guides to support people who want to improve their homes. These guides, prepared by independent experts, walk through the options, considering key questions for each stage of any plans to ensure they will work for you and your home. Access and download the guides below.

H1: Taking Stock

This guide provides techniques and approaches to help you identify your homes current status, including thermal images and what they tell you, Energy Performance Certificates and air tightness v air quality.

H2: Insulation

What are the options for insulation – roof, internal and external walls, floors?  How do different materials compare in effectiveness, environmental credentials and potential cost?

(And you can access the Energy Saving Homes Bite-size film ‘Insulating your walls, loft and floor’ here.)

H3: Windows and Doors

What is the difference between double and triple glazing? Will secondary glazing do? What’s a whole window U-value?

(And you can access the Energy Saving Homes Bite-size film ‘Glazing and ventilation’ here.)

H4: Draughts and Ventilation

What is a mechanical ventilation scheme and how does air stay healthy? Which draught proofing works best in different applications?

(And you can access the Energy Saving Homes Bite-size film ‘Glazing and ventilation’ here.)

H5: Heating and Controls

What is needed for air source and ground source heat pumps to work effectively and efficiently? What size of pump is needed and how can this be reduced?

(And you can access the Energy Saving Homes Bite-size film ‘Air-source heat pumps’ here.)

H6: Whole House Plan

Whole house surveys, planning a renovation – including timings and priorities.

H7: Electricity, Appliances and Home Renewables

This seventh guide focuses on electricity – how you might use it more efficiently in your electrical appliances and how you might generate it at home through renewable sources to save money and further reduce carbon emissions.