Mike has lived in this 1930’s 3-bedroom semi-detached house for 12 years. Previous occupiers had built a kitchen extension, but a poorly insulated roof, unfilled cavity walls and an uninsulated concrete floor meant this was the coldest part of the house. The main house cavity walls had not been insulated, and an attic conversion (done in the 1990’s) had an unknown level of insulation. The house had double glazed windows throughout, but there were draughts between the wooden floorboards in the living room from the void below the suspended floor. The house was heated by a Gas fire in the living room a 16-year-old gas boiler.
The renovations and improvements were mostly motivated by a desire to improve efficiency and so reduce emissions because of Climate Change. Michael was a Green Party Councillor and felt it was important that he didn’t just 'talk the talk' but also 'walked the walk'. Reducing bills and saving money was also an important consideration.
Energy Efficiency Measures
- Insulation: Cavity wall insulation was installed poorly, but problems were repaired under warranty. Internal and External wall insulation were added in the kitchen extension. DIY suspended timber floor insulation.
- Ventilation is through window trickle vents.
- Heating: An 8kW air source heat pump replaced the old gas boiler, with radiator upgrades and a hot water tank added. A wood burner provides secondary heating.
- Solar: 6.4kW of solar panels with an 8.2kWh battery provide most of the electricity and help to significantly reduce bills. A solar diverter maximises solar self-consumption by using excess generated electricity to heat the hot water tank.
- E bike: DIY Swytch conversion
- Water conservation with 9 200L water butts, and two 350L galvanised water troughs. No rainwater flows into drains.
- Natural or Low embodied carbon materials: Mike make raised veg beds & wood stores etc. from salvaged wood and paths from rescued bricks, paving & tiles.
- Lifestyle/behaviour changes like setting the thermostat to 19 degrees and keeping the bedrooms cooler than the main living room. Using the washing machine when the Sun shines, energy efficient appliances.
- Shading from blinds on all South facing windows.
