Greg resides in a 1950s semi-detached house in Dublin, which, after undergoing a comprehensive retrofit with Electric Ireland Superhomes, transformed from a cold, energy-inefficient home with a D2 BER rating to a highly energy-efficient property boasting an A1 BER rating.
The Journey: D2 to A1
Originally, Greg’s home had minimal attic insulation, outdated windows that didn’t meet modern performance standards, and a general lack of energy efficiency. These issues led to a drafty, uncomfortable living environment. The house was previously heated by a traditional gas boiler and constructed with concrete hollow wall blocks, contributing to its poor insulation and high energy costs. Greg was motivated to improve both his home’s energy efficiency and its environmental impact. He says, “I wanted to do something for the planet and switch to a modern, renewable heating system.” Electric Ireland Superhomes specializes in reducing carbon footprints by replacing traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems like gas or oil with sustainable, renewable heat pump systems.
Retrofit Measures
After a thorough home survey by an Electric Ireland Superhomes engineer, Greg received a detailed report outlining the steps required to upgrade his home to the A1 BER standard. The retrofit measures included:
- Attic insulation
- External wall insulation
- New energy-efficient windows and doors
- Improved airtightness
- Installation of an air-to-water heat pump
- Demand control ventilation
- Solar PV panels and battery storage system
This "fabric-first" approach focuses on enhancing the home’s insulation, airtightness, and overall energy efficiency before integrating a renewable heat pump system. As a result, the heat pump operates much more efficiently, reducing costs in the long run. Greenwatt's Martin O'Reilly, an approved Electric Ireland Superhomes contractor, highly recommends heat pump installations via the One Stop Shop due to significant SEAI grant funding, stating, "It’s the future of home heating—eliminating gas, supporting renewables, and pairing perfectly with solar PV systems for improved efficiency compared to old gas or oil boilers."
The Outcome
Greg was pleasantly surprised by the dramatic transformation of his home, achieving an A1 BER rating. "I was amazed and astounded by the final results," he says. The combination of the new heat pump heating system and solar PV panels brought an added excitement: "You can see the electricity being generated right on your app. It’s fantastic!"
Greg has tracked his energy consumption and found that it’s now less than half of what it was before the retrofit. His home is now fully electric, featuring the heat pump, solar panels, and even an electric car charger.
Reflecting on his experience with Electric Ireland Superhomes, Greg shares, “The new heat pump and retrofit have made my house so much more comfortable, and I’m using a lot less energy.” The upgrades have not only made his home more efficient but also significantly reduced its carbon footprint.
This transformation highlights the power of deep retrofitting and renewable energy systems in improving both the comfort and sustainability of older homes. Through Electric Ireland Superhomes, Greg’s home has become a model for energy efficiency and modern living.
Discover your dream home on MyHome.ie, Ireland’s leading property portal. In collaboration with Electric Ireland SuperHomes, we are helping homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient with expert retrofitting solutions.
Visit Electric Ireland SuperHomes for more information.
