The Homebuilding & Renovating Show experts gave their predictions and advice for 2023, with Paul Testa, designer of low-energy homes and director of HEM Architects, saying: "I'm predicting that 2023 will finally be the year that mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is established as a key element in self-build and retrofit projects. It's the most convincing way to maintain excellent air-quality without increasing heat demand in the home.

In the Covid world the need for good air-quality has become much more accepted and a healthy home is even more desirable than ever. The idea that we can do this by opening windows and losing the expensive heat is no longer acceptable." 

Eco expert and director of Heat and Energy Ltd, David Hilton, went on to say: “People have been experiencing the biggest energy price hikes in their lifetime and many are simply panicking. They hear that the gas price is to blame and then panic buy an electric heating solution. My best advice is: 

·         Take a deep breath 

·         Evaluate the property 

·         Insulate the property 

·         Draught proof the property 

·         Re-evaluate the heat load requirements 

·         Add room by room heating controls 

Now chose your heat source but do your homework. Do not take the advice of your mates, your neighbour, or the bloke down at the pub who learnt their wisdom watching half an online video.” 

Marianne Suhr, spokesperson for the National Home Energy Week, said: “Old windows are the eyes of an old house. Historic glass lends texture and beauty to a facade, layers of paint mark the changing fashions and jaunty angles record the way the building has settled. Take away the old windows, and the significance and interest of the entire building is dramatically reduced. If your house is listed, then replacement is a non-starter.”  

“But here’s the conundrum. With the price of energy rising exponentially, and pressure on us all to save the planet whilst reducing heat loss, the humble historic window has never been so under threat. Draughty single glazed windows are the main cause of heat loss in many buildings and can no longer be ignored.  

“What’s the solution? Secondary glazing. For windows that you never open in the winter, then magnetic panels (glass or plastic) are the way to go: super-efficient and stored under a bed come the spring, they provide the perfect solution.

“For windows that you open all year round, then discreet sliding systems provide the solution. Secondary glazing will deter the burglars and massively improve acoustic insulation as well. It’s a no brainer.” 

The next Homebuilding & Renovating Shows, where you can find more information about these topics, take place in Farnborough (14-15 January 2023) and Birmingham (23-26 March).