Andrew Gage

We have achieved a warm comfortable home and reduced our carbon output by 74% and will make a profit over the next 25 years.

Energy efficiency improvements include:

Low-cost improvements: thermal backed plaster board in new extension, loft insulation between joists on ground floor of older part of the house, cavity wall insulation in older part of house, loft insulation throughout.

Glazing: triple glazing

Lighting systems and electrical appliances: low energy lighting throughout.

High spec heating: air source heat pump system

Renewables: electricity: Solar P.V. 4 kw system

Water management: Rain Water Harvesting system

Sustainable building materials: reclaimed roof tiles for extension

Lifestyle change: smart meter fitted by energy supplier Ovo. Use of high demand electrical equipment is restricted to when demand is low and P.V. system is generating. Recent purchase of a hybrid car.

Other (please state): Part of Carbon Coop battery project. Evidence of 74% reduction in carbon use by Superhomes assessor.

Measures installed in detail:

• Argon filled double/triple glazing throughout
• 75mm cavity wall insulation in existing house. 100mm insulation, thermal blocks and thermal backed plasterboard in external extension walls
• Existing suspended floors insulated between joists with loft insulation
• 260mm loft insulation
• Ground floor ceiling is insulated with thermal/sound insulation throughout
• 4kWp photovoltaic panels
• Air Source Heat Pump
• Low energy lighting throughout
• Low energy appliances replacing older appliances when new are required
• Water saving devices include; A 5000 litre Rain Water Harvesting system and 18cubic meter sump linked to land drainage, fitted with submersible pump for garden watering

Superhome description:
The entire house is now kept at a constant minimum temperature of 18 degrees, with the facility to increase as required and a gas fire in one room for extra instant heat. Hot water is constantly available and two showers can operate simultaneously. The house has 6 bedrooms and, currently, 3 occupants.The fuel bill is £1725 p.a. and income from Feed in Tariff is an average £1598 p.a. A by – product of the Air Source Heat pump is that the garage is kept hot by heat loss from the compressor pumps and a clothes drying rack has been installed that allows indoor drying during cold and wet weather; the tumble dryer is now redundant. Water bill is £141 p.a. because 800 litres of toilet flush water is saved each week and large garden can be watered at no cost. The land drains have overcome garden flooding caused by a clay base and created a sump for extra garden watering.

Favourite feature: Each aspect fits together to create an environmental and personal benefit.
Property background: 1930’s detached 4 bedroom house. Brick and tile roof construction. Recently extended to low standard. Large south facing rear garden.

Key changes made: Extended both sides to create a garage, utility room, toilet and small gym on the east side and on the west side, two bedrooms, bathroom, dining room and study. Added P.V. panels, Air Source Heat Pump, Rainwater Harvesting System, land drains and sump. Improved insulation by adding thermal blocks and thermal backed insulted plasterboard to new external walls, increased loft insulation to 270 mm, fitted insulation between joists on suspended floor, replaced windows with double or triple glazing, replaced front door with insulated stronger model, fitted insulated garage door.