Snugg’s Alphabetical Guide To Retrofit And Energy Efficiency Jargon

With Energy Saving Week coming up, Snugg presents an alphabetical guide to retrofit and energy efficiency terms, designed to simplify complex concepts for everyone:

A

‍Air Source Heat Pump  (ASHP)

A device that heats homes and water by absorbing heat from the outside air.

B

Battery Storage

A system that stores electrical energy, typically from renewable sources like solar panels, for later use.

Biomass Boiler

A system that generates heat from burning organic materials like wood pellets.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme  (BUS)

A UK government initiative offering incentives to replace old boilers with more efficient systems.

C

Carbon Credit

A certificate representing an emission reduction or removal equivalent to one metric tonne of CO2 equivalent.

Carbon Emissions

The release of CO2 into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, contributing to global warming.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by our actions.

Cavity Wall  Insulation

Insulation material inserted between an exterior and interior wall to prevent heat loss.

D

Demand Controlled  Ventilation

An energy-efficient system adjusting airflow based on occupancy, optimising air quality and  energy use.

Department for Energy  Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

A UK government department for energy security and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Double Glazing

Windows with two layers of glass to reduce heat loss and noise.

Draught Proofing

Stopping airflow around doors and windows to prevent heat loss.

E

Energy Audit

An assessment of a home's energy use and loss, identifying improvements.

Energy Efficiency  Installation

Fitting a system to improve a home’s energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency  Rating

Rating on appliances indicating their energy efficiency, from A+++ to G.

Energy Efficient  Lighting

Lighting solutions like LED bulbs that use less electricity.

Energy Performance  Certificate (EPC)

Document showing the energy efficiency of a property, rated from A to G.

Energy Performance  Certificate (EPC) ratings

Reflects a property's energy efficiency and carbon emissions, A to G.

Energy Savings Trust  (EST)

Advice and support for UK homeowners to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Energy Star

An international  standard for energy-efficient consumer products.

Energy Tariff

A plan determining the pricing of gas and electricity.

External Wall  Insulation

Insulation applied outside a building to improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss.

F

Fabric First

Building design approach prioritising building fabric improvement for energy efficiency.

Feed-in Tariff (FIT)

A UK scheme that paid homeowners for low-carbon energy generation, closed in 2019.

Flat Roof Insulation

Insulation for flat roofs to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Floor Insulation

Insulation under the floor surface to reduce heat loss, especially in older properties.

G

Grants

Financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements in homes and businesses.

Great British  Insulation Scheme

UK program for funding home insulation improvements.

Green Deal

A former UK initiative for funding home energy-saving improvements.

Green Finance

Investments and loans for environmentally positive projects and technologies.

Green Heating  Products

Heating solutions using renewable energy sources for efficiency.

Ground Source Heat  Pump (GSHP)

Uses buried pipes to extract ground heat for home heating.

H

Heat Loss

Transfer of heat from inside to outside a building, leading to higher energy consumption.

Heat Pump

A device transferring heat from air, ground, or water to heat a home.

Home Assessment

Evaluation of a home's energy use to identify efficiency improvements.

Home Energy Plan

A detailed strategy to improve a home's energy efficiency.

Home Energy Scotland  (HES)

Scottish program offering advice for home energy efficiency.

Home Energy Storage

Systems storing energy from renewable sources at home for later use.

I

Internal Wall  Insulation

Insulation applied to internal surfaces of external walls for thermal performance.

K

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Unit of energy for measuring electricity usage.

K-Value

A measure of thermal conductivity; lower values indicate better insulation.

L

LED Lighting

Energy-efficient and long-lasting light-emitting diodes.

Loft Insulation

Retrofit in the UK improving a building's heat retention.

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glazing

Glazing reducing heat loss through windows.

M

MCS Certified

Certification under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

UK quality assurance scheme for renewable technology installations.

Natural Gas

A fossil fuel used for heating and electricity generation.

N

Net Zero

Balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere.

P

Passive House

A highly energy-efficient home relying on sunlight and ventilation for temperature control.

R

Radiant Heating

Heating method delivering heat directly from a surface.

Renewable Heat  Incentive (RHI)

UK financial incentives for using renewable heat technologies.

Retrofit

Upgrading older systems with new technology for energy efficiency.

R-Value

Resistance to heat flow measure; higher values mean better insulation.

S

SAP (Standard  Assessment Procedure)

UK's home energy and environmental performance assessment methodology.

Smart Meter

Meter recording electricity and gas use in real-time.

Smart Thermostat

Device controlling home temperature remotely, learning user habits.

Solar Panels

Devices converting light into electricity, often used on rooftops.

Solid Floor  Insulation

Insulation for solid floors to reduce heat loss and improve comfort.

Solid Wall Insulation

Insulation for solid walls to improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss.

Standard Gas Boiler

A common boiler type used for central heating and hot water.

Standby Power

Energy used by devices when not in active use but plugged in.

Suspended Floor  Insulation

Insulation for floors with a void beneath, like wooden floorboards.

T

Thermal Bridging

Weak points in insulation where heat escapes more easily.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared cameras visualising heat loss in a building.

Triple Glazing

Windows with three layers of glass for better insulation and soundproofing.

TrustMark

A UK scheme certifying tradespeople in the home improvement sector.

U

Underfloor Heating

Heating system beneath the floor for even, efficient warmth.

U-Value

Indicates how well a material keeps heat inside; lower values mean better insulation.

W

Watt (W) and Kilowatt  (kW)

Measures the rate of energy transfer; 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.

Workmanship Guarantee

Promise by installers to meet a certain standard and rectify issues

This guide aims to equip you with knowledge for making informed decisions and contributing to a sustainable future. Snugg supports you in your energy efficiency journey, helping you to embrace these concepts for amore energy-efficient lifestyle.

Are there terms that you still don’t understand? We are always ready to help you with your energy efficiency journey contact us at hello@snugg.com if you have any questions.