In County Offaly, six apartments were successfully retrofitted, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort for their residents. A standout project is that of Noel and Alison, homeowners in the Altmore House Apartment Complex, who upgraded their apartment from a C1 to an impressive A2 on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale.
The Journey: C1 to A2
The journey began when Altmore House faced an unexpected challenge—residents had their gas supply disconnected. With winter approaching, the residents urgently needed an alternative heating solution. Electric Ireland Superhomes quickly stepped in, offering consultations to homeowners and landlords in the complex.
During the consultation, many residents were considering electric heating, but this would have resulted in a low BER rating and poor efficiency. Electric Ireland Superhomes suggested an alternative: an air-to-water heat pump, which would provide both space heating and hot water while also improving the overall energy rating.
Retrofit Measures
Noel and Alison, who had purchased their apartment 20 years ago, were facing the challenge of an outdated gas LPG system that no longer met current regulations. After the unexpected disconnection of their gas supply, Noel turned to Electric Ireland Superhomes for guidance.
With the help of Retrofit Advisor Pearse Desmond, Noel chose to install an air-to-water heat pump, which offered significant benefits without the need for extensive insulation upgrades. This system would provide an efficient alternative to the outdated gas system while ensuring minimal disruption.
The recommended retrofit measures included:
- Minimal insulation upgrades: Ensuring that the apartment met energy efficiency standards with minimal disruption.
- Replacement of the boiler and water cylinder: Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient equipment.
- Installation of an air-to-water heat pump: A sustainable and highly efficient solution for heating and hot water.
Electric Ireland Superhomes, as an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop, managed the entire process, from contractor selection to overseeing SEAI grant funding.
The Outcome
The results of the retrofit were remarkable. The apartment’s BER rating soared from C1 to an impressive A2, reflecting a significant improvement in energy efficiency.
The retrofit process was completed with minimal disruption to the apartment. Noel and Alison were pleased with how quickly and efficiently the installation took place. Hugh Wallace, Electric Ireland Superhomes' brand ambassador, and David Flannery, Head of Retrofit Advisory, visited the apartment to see the outcome firsthand. Both were impressed with how neatly the system was installed and how little intervention was required—just a small amount of skirting to hide the pipework.
Noel shared his satisfaction with the process, noting that the retrofit was completed in just three days with no additional plumbing work needed. The cost of the retrofit was €15,800, but with an SEAI grant of €7,850, the final cost to Noel and Alison was just €7,950.
Reflecting on his experience, Noel expressed his gratitude for the hassle-free process, saying that he had to do little more than sign a document. The project was completed quickly and with excellent results, improving the apartment’s energy efficiency and future sustainability.
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