Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
How to save money on your energy bills
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk
Warm Homes Plan – Help to save households money
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/help-to-save-households-money-and-deliver-cleaner-heat-to-homes
Are you ready for a heat pump?
Check out: https://www.heatgeek.com
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Summary
🏡 Upgrading Older Homes: A walkthrough of a Victorian home highlights energy inefficiencies, with an EPC rating of Band B. The goal under the UK’s Warm Homes Plan is to improve to Band C, focusing on insulation and sensible upgrades that maintain the property’s character.
🔍 Thermal Scanning Findings: A thermal imaging scan exposes major heat losses through solid walls and windows. Even relatively new constructions exhibit poor insulation, emphasising widespread inefficiencies.
🚪 Draft-Proofing and Porches: Effective draft-proofing around the front door and the use of a porch help reduce heat loss. These are affordable enhancements with a high impact on comfort and energy bills.
💨 Managing Moisture with Ventilation: Excessive sealing can lead to moisture build-up and mould growth. It’s essential to strike a balance between airtightness and sufficient airflow to maintain a healthy living environment.
🔥 Heating Systems and Floor Warmth: Traditional cast iron radiators, while charming, require high flow temperatures and aren’t suited for low-temperature systems like heat pumps. Underfloor heating offers comfort, but electric versions can be costly to operate.
🐾 Practical Heat Indicators: Pets naturally gravitate to warmer spots, serving as informal indicators of where insulation performs best or fails.
🧱 Challenges of Wall Insulation: Both external and internal wall insulation present issues due to aesthetic concerns and structural limitations. Loft areas and gable ends are potential targets for insulation, though with considerable cost and effort.
🌬️ Fireplace Drawbacks: Open fireplaces can pull up to ten full air changes per hour from a room, making them significant sources of heat loss. In contrast, wood burners retain more heat if chimneys are properly lined.
🛏️ Optimising Radiator Placement: Radiators under windows promote efficient air circulation by combating cold drafts. Older models may lack performance and need replacement to work with modern heating systems.
💡 Lighting Efficiency: Replacing incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LEDs drastically cuts electricity costs, especially important given the UK’s high energy prices.
💷 High Retrofit Costs vs. Modest Gains: A full retrofit involving heat pumps and pipe replacement could cost over £60,000, with a lengthy payback period. For many households, continuing with a modern gas boiler remains the most practical approach.
🌐 Accessing Financial Support: Homeowners are encouraged to explore eligibility for energy efficiency grants through the Energy Savings Trust, especially those with older systems or qualifying benefits.
