top of page
Blog
Search


Insulation can be a poison chalice – if you leave it to the builder
Not all insulation is the same. Builders will use synthetic materials that will keep you warm, but not cool. Natural materials will do both.

Judith Leary-Joyce
5 days ago2 min read


Thinking about a heat pump? You need to get out of the way!
Thinking of having a heat pump? Then you need to learn how to use it. Homeowners can be part of the problem if heat pumps don't work well enough.

Judith Leary-Joyce
Jan 123 min read


Is renovation always gut wrenching?
It’s tempting to be put off by the horror stories that appear on social media. Four years in, no loo, freezing cold and still finding rot and damp. You know the sort of thing. Fascinating to watch, but stops you ever biting the bullet yourself. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to take it one step at a time to suit your appetite for chaos and your budget. We completed a deep retrofit - finally I’ve seen both sides of the story. We did a combination – biti

Judith Leary-Joyce
Jan 13 min read


The joy of Panto - what better way to finish off the year!
Never been to a Panto? It's quintessentially British. Silly in the extreme and great fun. So find yourself a Brit and get them to take you in 2026

Judith Leary-Joyce
Dec 29, 20253 min read


How do I know my house will be warm with a heat pump?
How to know my house will be warm with a heat pump? Make sure you find an experienced, confident installer

Judith Leary-Joyce
Dec 16, 20253 min read


What the builder won’t tell you – it’s a lot of work, so why bother?
The builder won't tell you how to make your home more comfortable and cheaper to run, because they don't know themselves. This book gives you a head start, so you can question the builder and get the home you need.

Judith Leary-Joyce
Nov 27, 20255 min read


Materials that keep you warm in winter and cool in summer
The trick is to look for materials that can do both jobs – warm in winter and cool in summer. That means they need: · High thermal mass - materials take a long time to warm up and cool down, so it smooths out temperatures. (you want them to be slow to respond to temperature) · High thermal resistance – how well the material resists the flow of heat (you want it to resist with all it’s might!) · High decrement delay – length of time it takes for temperature outside to be r

Judith Leary-Joyce
Nov 19, 20252 min read


Air to air heat pump - now you can get a grant to help with cost
You can now get a grant for an air to air heat pump for your home. Smaller, cheaper to install and saving you money. Well worth a look.

Judith Leary-Joyce
Nov 18, 20253 min read


Be up there with those in the Know: use natural insulation
Most people don't realise that the wrong insulation can cause condensation and mould. But there are so many choices out there that manage moisture really well. Quick summary here.

Judith Leary-Joyce
Oct 20, 20252 min read


What do gutters have to do with energy efficiency?
Clear your drain pipes of leaves so water doesn't drip down your walls and make them cold.

Judith Leary-Joyce
Sep 23, 20253 min read


No 10 Downing Street invites you...
It has to be a scam No 10 Downing Street invites Mrs Judith Leary-Royce to a breakfast meeting for content creators. There will be...

Judith Leary-Joyce
Jul 31, 20253 min read


Octopus, Brian Cox and retrofit – a magic combo
I viewed my invite to the Octopus Tech Conference somewhat dubiously. I expected a small event with loads of techies, a number of...

Judith Leary-Joyce
Jun 23, 20252 min read
NEW BOOK
What the Builder Won't Tell You
Are you ready to transform your home into an energy-efficient, healthy, and comfortable sanctuary—but unsure who to trust or where to start? Discover the insider knowledge that builders rarely share in this comprehensive guide to home retrofit and energy efficiency.
Buy the book from Amazon or any good bookshop.




Subscribe to the Newsletter
bottom of page