Cavity wall insulation has been done on the external walls, but the ceiling of the bay window in the front lacks insulation. There are insulation issues in the sloped ceilings of the two rear bedrooms and the attic rooms.

Heat is entering these rooms on hot days, indicating a lack of insulation. The attic eaves, accessible through a hatch, have inadequate insulation, and the floors of the eaves lack insulation as well.

Installing ceiling insulation and addressing the attic insulation will greatly improve energy efficiency.

Mr Bennett has received a quote for a solar system installation, and the east-to-west alignment of the house is ideal.

The attic eaves provide enough space for the inverter and battery installation, and if he gets a regular sized array (around 10 panels) these could be paying for themselves in savings in just a few years, depending on how much energy Mr Bennett uses.

However, smart tariffs can optimise the usage of solar panels, offer cheap periods for charging electric cars overnight, reduce peak demand and the need for grid expansion.

Heat pumps were also discussed, and while they can work in most properties, insulation issues must be addressed first.

The most significant recommendation is to focus on insulation issues, as renovating the attic and resolving the draughty doors and single-glazed windows will make a substantial difference.

Now read: ‘My house is more than 100 years old – how can I achieve a top energy rating?’