External wall insulation is considered 'Permitted Development' within York; however, any rendered or brick slip finish which changes the aesthetic of the original property, will require planning permission. Conservation areas and listed buildings however will have different rules which you will need to clarify with the council. For further information, please contact the Planning Enquiries team at City of York Council: planning.enquiries@york.gov.uk or find out more on our planning permission page, here.

Air source heat pumps - Air source heat pumps have an outdoor part that’s similar in size to a standard air conditioner. They often sit outside on the floor, attached to your wall.

Ground source heat pumps - This type of heat pump requires enough outdoor space for digging trenches or drilling holes. It is also about the size of a large air conditioner and is placed on the ground next to your wall.

Both heat pumps have an inside part that is about the size of a fridge. This includes pipes and other equipment.

Insulation is usually less noticeable than a heat pump. Here’s an idea of what each type looks like, and where it goes:

There are many types of insulation and each type has different benefits and is installed differently. Not all of them will be suitable for your home. At YorEnergy we can offer advice and support on installing loft insulation, room-in-roof insulation, cavity wall insulation (CWI), internal wall insulation (IWI), external wall insulation (EWI) and floor insulation.

Find out more here about our insulation offering and the benefits of each or speak to one of our advisors here.

As our climate changes, people are rightly concerned about whether insulating their home will make them too hot in the summer. This is why air flow and ventilation is something that your coordinator and assessor will consider during your free home assessment. Proper ventilation and appropriate shading where required should make your home comfortable all year round.

Some insulation materials will have an impact on internal temperatures during Summer too. Less dense materials such as foam boards, usually used in modern buildings, do not store much heat and can lead to overheating. Higher density, usually more natural, materials have a thermal mass which helps buffer against that. https://www.backtoearth.co.uk/news/extreme-heat-and-why-u-values-do-not-tell-you-how-well-your-building-perform

Additionally, retaining internal access to thermal mass, where applicable, can further buffer your home against summer overheating by absorbing and slowly releasing heat. Some insulation options, particularly higher-density, natural materials, contribute to this effect.

Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how insulation could benefit your home.

A heat pump warms your home at a lower temperature than other heating systems, so insulation is important to keep the heat in. Using both together can keep your home comfortable and save you money on energy bills.

There are two main types of heat pumps:

There are also a few insulation options to choose from:

Our advisors can help you find the best heat pump and insulation combination for your home. They can also connect you with suppliers to get everything installed.

Think of room-in-roof insulation as an extra layer for your attic. It comes in a few different shapes and sizes:

The type of insulation you use will depend on the size and shape of your attic loft. Our friendly team can help you choose the best insulation for your home.

• The type of heat pump.

• The type of insulation you choose.

• The size of your home.

• If you need new radiators. 

Typically, installing an air source heat pump with loft and cavity wall insulation costs between £17,100 and £19,200.

 Learn how a government grant can help you pay for this.

Here is a breakdown of the average costs:

(Based on July 2024 costs).

Yes, you can install certain types of insulation yourself, such as some loft insulation or draught-proofing, if you have DIY skills. We can help you find good guidance on how to do this safely - the Responsible Retrofit Guidance Wheel is a great starting point for things to consider. However, more complex insulation projects like cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, or underfloor insulation often require professional installation to ensure it is done correctly and safely.

DIY insulation can be a cost-effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency, but it’s important to follow guidelines and use the right materials. For larger projects or those involving specific grants, professional installation may be required to meet standards or qualify for incentives.

Speak to one of our advisors here to find out what improvements you can make to your home.

• The type of insulation you choose.

• The size of your attic. loft

• Whether your home isit’s a new build or existing property.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of room-in-roof insulation and how much they cost:

(Based on April 2024 costs).

There are several reasons why your home could be too cold. Lack of sufficient insulation and draughts may be the biggest. However, it could also be due to an inefficient heating system and other factors. Our free home assessment service will help you find the cause and propose solutions. Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how to make your home warmer.