This article is a summary of the podcast conversation “19. Easy Wins for a More Energy Efficient Older Home “. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

Easy Wins for a More Energy Efficient Older Home

Retrofitting your home for energy efficiency can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s less exciting or visible than other reno upgrades. But when it comes to home comfort and savings, it’s what’s on the inside that counts!

The simplest ways to improve your home’s efficiency are often best shared by someone who isn’t trying to sell you something. That’s where my guest, ReNewy Living community member Gayle from Lake Macquarie NSW, comes in. Gayle’s an active member of her local Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group and has a wealth of hands-on experience retrofitting her homes. She’s here to share real, practical advice from her own retrofitting journey.

Overview of the Conversation

Difference between renovating and retrofitting…“retrofitting is where you’re doing things that make the property more energy efficient”
Knowing where to start with your retrofitting project to make it more energy efficient
Gayle’s top three easiest and most efficient ways to make your home energy efficient:
- draughtproofing,
- adding insulation (both ceiling and subfloor), choosing which types of insulation as well as the value of good ceiling ventilation
- Shading, house orientation, eaves width… “the main thing is to try and stop the sun coming in”.

“it’s nice to come home and feel comfortable in your house”

Examples of External Shading

External shutters that can be opened and closed from the inside of the house

Garden plantings are a natural way to shade the house on the northern & western sides

Examples of Draught Proofing

A roller door stop

Strips of insulation for doorways

Under floor insulation

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Awabakal country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story here at Spotify podcasts and here at Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

Easy Wins for a More Energy Efficient Older Home (S3 Ep19)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S3 Ep19)

Illume Skylights – for bringing the outside light in more efficiently
SolarWhizz – a solar roof vent & exhaust fan that can operate completely without mains electricity.
Your Home – Australian government guide to living in environmentally sustainable homes