Kauser Dad, our new Marketing Manager, takes her first steps into the world of energy efficient renovation…
On 14 September, on a sunny Saturday, I am lucky enough to visit a home (in Leeds, Yorkshire) which is part of the SuperHomes September network. This group of householders have renovated their homes to make them more eco-friendly and energy efficient, and now volunteer to show visitors around their home to inspire and share their learnings with others – all for free.
As I expect, I receive a very warm welcome from my hosts, Fiona and Martin, at their home, ‘The Birches’, and they talk me through the changes they made to their 1930s bungalow which has seen them reducing their energy bills to just a couple of hundred pounds a year and significantly reducing their carbon emissions.
The golden rule of renovation: insulation, insulation, and insulation
I sit and chat to Martin and Fiona in their cosy kitchen feeling snug – thanks to the insulation, the wood burning stove only needs to be put on for a short time for the home to warm up even in winter. Martin’s advice to anyone renovating for energy saving improvements is make insulation a priority – as it significantly contributes to making a home more energy efficient. I absorb information on how he created an ‘insulation envelope’ in the floors and walls, right up to the roof and around windows, to prevent heat escaping through gaps in the insulation. And, for insulation in areas where there isn’t enough space for thick insulation Martin recommended using Kingspan vs. Sheep’s wool as it doesn’t need as much space.
Eco-friendly renovation is a lifestyle choice
The couple invested in solar PV, solar heating on their roof and triple glazed French doors in their lounge. They’ve not recouped the costs of making some eco-friendly changes just yet, but with energy costs rising, a trend which is expected to continue, they are happy that they have low running costs. Also, with the couple approaching retirement they see these changes contributing to a way of life they choose to live, low cost and eco-friendly.
Information on renovating your home
When Martin renovated his home, he used self-taught techniques and online resources like the Green Building Forum to discuss ideas and problems with like-minded individuals. If you are stuck with a particular problem, use online communities, like Martin used, to share best practice and overcome problems or issues you face with your refurbishment.
As someone who is completely new to home refurbishment and energy efficiency, I walk away feeling inspired by how a normal, modern home could be renovated to make it part of a sustainable lifestyle. And, I learnt a great tip: use adhesive tape where necessary to seal the air in gaps – these are available from most DIY shops. For more information about Martin’s and Fiona’s home visit SuperHomes September.
