Home Overview
Home Type: Semi-Detached
Year Built: 1965 approx
Size: 4 / 5 Bed
Renovation History: Large 1st floor extension 1980s, Small ground floor extension late 2000s. Retrofit Dec 2022 / Jan 2023 with insulation, air source heat pump, solar PV and battery (details below)
Green Features
Energy Efficiency
Insulation: loft and cavity walls
Windows and Doors: UPVC double glazing
Heating System: Air source heat pump via radiators
Cooling System: None
Lighting: All low energy
Appliances: all appliances are electric and elderly, will upgrade as they break; no dishwasher or tumble drier
Smart technologies: Smart meter
Renewable Energy
Solar Panels: PV array - 4.7kWp / 4100kWh a year approx
Battery Storage: 8.2kWh
Other Renewable Sources:
Indoor Environmental Quality
Air Quality: NK
Ventilation systems 3x extractor fans
Natural Lighting: Windows
Other useful information:
Performance and Savings
Energy Savings: NK. Approx 4100kWh generated per year from PV, but a mixture of battery-stored and exported; ASHP seems to run between about 200% (when below freezing outdoors) and 400% efficiency (when heating just cuts in (around maybe 12 or 13C outdoors), so huge saving in kWh.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: NK. But very big (guesstimate that we’re using about 25-30% of the kWhs of energy we were before).
Financial Savings: Approx £1000 per year overall (but grid price dependent, obviously) due to the solar PV, plus a couple of hundred in exported electricity. ASHP saves very little money due to price of electricity compared to gas – maybe a 5% saving; but this should change if we ever see sensible government policies on climate.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenges Faced: fitted during December and January; very very cold weather, and had to move out for four days. Measuring error by surveyor meant that tank for ASHP system would not get through the door into the airing cupboard as intended. Few teething issues with pressure loss on heatpump and a connection issue with the panel controls. Nothing major.
Solutions Implemented: Tank moved into utility / spare room during installation. Other issues resolved quickly by installers returning.
Future Plans
None (subject to changes in climate); possible shading for rear wall to aid with summer cooling, more trees in garden, possible air-to-air unit for summer cooling as things get hotter.
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