Retrofit Strategies for Improved Heating Efficiency

As building owners, managers, and designers strive to meet ambitious energy and emissions reduction targets, retrofitting strategies that enhance heating efficiency are more crucial than ever. Drawing on the latest findings presented at the 2025 CIBSE Technical Symposium, this blog unpacks cutting-edge research and explores how these insights can be applied in practical retrofit scenarios.

Deep Energy Retrofit Strategies in Low-Rise Social Housing 

Retrofit packages that combine envelope upgrades, electrified heating systems, and on-site renewables can reduce site energy use by up to 100% and cut GHG emissions by over 95%. 

Highlights: 
  • Simulation Tool: BEopt was used to simulate 30-year retrofit scenarios for social housing in Ontario. 
  • Optimal Heating Solution: Ductless mini-split heat pumps (MSHPs) emerged as the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solution. 
  • Retrofit Impact: Net-zero energy costs were achieved in some cities through MSHPs and 11.5kW PV systems. 

Takeaway: Electrified heating, particularly using mini-split heat pumps paired with PV generation, provides a viable and financially sound path to net-zero for social housing. 

Illustration of HVAC components including an outdoor air conditioning unit, indoor wall-mounted unit, and solar panel

Predictive Modelling for Heat Storage in Non-Domestic Buildings 

Integrating phase change materials (PCMs) into thermal storage can boost usable energy storage by up to 72%, extending system efficiency during discharge cycles. 

Highlights: 
  • Storage Strategies Evaluated: Sensible vs. hybrid PCM-water storage in 1,000L tanks. 
  • Performance Gains: PCM1120, in particular, increased discharge time significantly under real-world scenarios. 
  • Energy Modelling: Quantaco’s predictive engine showed that coupling PV or solar thermal with thermal storage can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 22% in non-domestic buildings. 
  • Economic Forecasting: Quantaco’s platform enables quick investment-grade assessment across entire portfolios. 

Takeaway: Hybrid PCM storage systems are not only technically effective but can also be accurately modelled for large-scale deployment in commercial buildings. 

VEXO’s Retrofit Toolkit: Side Stream Filtration & Smart Building Management 

At VEXO, we believe that energy efficiency starts with system integrity and intelligent control. Our X-POT® side stream filtration units help maintain optimal heat transfer efficiency by reducing particulate buildup, oxygen ingress, and system corrosion. This directly enhances the performance of retrofit heating systems, especially heat pumps. 

Our Smart Building Management System (BMS) complements physical upgrades by enabling: 
  • Real-time energy performance tracking 
  • Integration with a wide range of IoT LoRaWAN devices 
  • Optimised scheduling of HVAC systems 

These tools are essential for unlocking the full potential of retrofits and ensuring persistent savings. 

A VEXO S-BMS Smart Building Management System unit, featuring a sleek, black rectangular enclosure with a label displaying the VEXO logo and S-BMS branding. The unit is designed for efficient building automation and management.

Ready to Retrofit Smarter? 

VEXO supports consultants, engineers, and building owners with tailored plantroom design support. Whether you’re working on social housing, commercial retrofits, or public sector decarbonisation, our solutions integrate seamlessly with your energy strategy. 

Get in touch to discuss your project requirements or book a demo of our BMS and filtration solutions today. 

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