A 1960’s bungalow in Cornwall had been empty for 8 months. Equipped with filled cavity walls, double glazing and loft insulation of 250mm, it also relied on older coal heating with a backup electric immersion. There is a kitchen extension with filled cavity walls and a utility room off the kitchen which had been converted from a garage. Both this and the kitchen have a flat roof assumed uninsulated. There is low energy lighting throughout the bungalow, some LED.
The owner decided to let the property on a long term rental through the Cornwall Council Private Lets team in the hope of providing a local family with housing. But, the heating system needed updating and a new EPC was required. For environmental reasons, the owner decided to install an air source heat pump to replace the old coal range.
Previous EPC rating: E 41
Estimated energy use: 16,358 kWh (Heating & Hot water)
Estimated carbon: 8.8 tonnes p.a
Primary energy use: 333 kWh/m2
Predicted energy costs: £3,308 p.a
Improvements
Based on the property assessment undertaken for this installation, no additional fabric upgrades were identified before installation of the heat pump.
The homeowner used the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant available at the time to contribute towards the installation costs. Additional borrowing was provided though the Cornwall Council Green Home Improvement Scheme, delivered by Lendology CIC.
Loans are subject to status, eligibility and lending criteria.
A 7kw Vaillant air source heat pump was installed to provide the heating and hot water for the bungalow. The old radiators were replaced with larger ones, (as heat pumps operate at lower temperatures), and a new, large insulated water cylinder was installed.
Carbon Savings
The post-install EPC increased from E to C, which may help support future compliance with proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for rental properties, subject to any future legislative changes.
The predicted CO2 savings are 5.6 tonnes per year.
Post install EPC rating: C 70
Estimated energy use:
(Heating & Hot water) 14,543 kWh
Estimated carbon: 3.2 tonnes p.a
Primary energy use: 157kWh/m2
Predicted energy costs: £1,481 p.a
Energy costs, EPC ratings and carbon savings are estimates based on EPC methodology and may vary depending on occupancy, energy prices, weather conditions and household usage.
We recommend carrying out an independent retrofit assessment to determine which improvements may be suitable for your property, circumstances and budget.
Find out more about the options available in Cornwall: https://www.lendology.org.uk/partner/cornwall-council/
Learn more about renewable home improvement funding: https://www.lendology.org.uk/loans/renewable-energy-loans/