I have a large 4 bedroom dormer bungalow built in 1989. I was wondering how I go about improving the energy rating to A standard.The cavity walls have 2 inch insulation, Attic is insulated.I have double glazed teak windows with oil fired heating and open fireplace with back boiler.As the front of the house is sandstone external insulation on the front is not an option,Though the back and sides of the house could be insulated externally. I also have the option of dry lining internally also.Was considering installing heat pump and maybe solar panels.Just wondering is it possible to bring this house to A level given that there is no floor insulation.If anybody has done a similiar job any advice with regards to the above.Can one combine external insulation with dry lining. ?Trying to figure estimated cost with use of possible grants.
External is generally better, though more expensive. The main benefits are you don't lose interior space and (if installed correctly) there's less cold bridges leaking heat compared to internal insulation (though this may be less of a factor in a bungalow)Which is best option?
If the installer isn't very familiar with internal insulation and there's inadequate ventilation then dry lining can cause mold problems on the wall behind the dry lining, leading to poor air quality so I'd go with someone who installs internal insulation as their day job.As regards dry lining would it be better to get a local carpenter to do this rather than getting somebody suggested by surveyor
Just to add to aboveExternal is generally better, though more expensive. The main benefits are you don't lose interior space and (if installed correctly) there's less cold bridges leaking heat compared to internal insulation (though this may be less of a factor in a bungalow)
Without a shadow of doubt, it is best to get the survey done first. You could easily spend 30+k on so called "improvements" and not reap the benefit, especially on a dormer. I've seen it happen a lot. Make sure your surveyor is independent.Many thanks Leo for the above guide. A number of questions My house is an 1989 self build bungalow.There is a 2 inch insulation in the cavity wall.It was suggested in the guide to pump the remaining cavity with insulation and then add external insulation or dry lining on the inside.Which is best option? Is it best to get an overall survey of my house or should I contact companies directly myself.As regards dry lining would it be better to get a local carpenter to do this rather than getting somebody suggested by surveyor .Would it work out cheaper.As I am retired I have time to make contacts myself directly
As I am retired I have time to make contacts myself directly
Is there a register of quality, independent surveyors @Micks'r? What should I look for in a surveyor?Make sure your surveyor is independent.
1. No, not that I'm aware of.1. Is there a register of quality, independent surveyors @Micks'r?
2. What should I look for in a surveyor?
While I agree with the jist of this in pure financial terms and it is a good point but it's not apples to apples, there is another angle which I think is important to mention. Not all the benefits of a deep retrofit can be measured in euros and cents. I'm talking here about the real but unmeasurable comfort dividend to be enjoyed by doing a proper job.Note that while it may be possible to bring your existing house up to an A rating, it might cost so much you never recoup the expenditure in savings. A decent B might make a lot more financial sense in the long run.
I'm talking here about the real but unmeasurable comfort dividend to be enjoyed by doing a proper job.
When a house has poor heat retention properties, it is generally "under-heated" by the occupants because it is perceived to be wasteful, i.e. the house on average is generally on the cool side of comfortable and also the outside weather conditions are readily noticeable inside.
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