Gary's home in Dublin City, a single-storey semi-detached house, has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to a deep retrofit. The home’s BER rating has soared from a D2 to an impressive A1, making it one of the most energy-efficient homes in the area.
The Journey: From D2 to A1
Originally built in 2005, the house had hollow block construction and relied on a gas boiler and an open fire for heating. Prior to the retrofit, there was no zone-controlled heating system, and room temperatures were difficult to manage. As part of Electric Ireland Superhomes' comprehensive retrofit process, fossil fuels were entirely eliminated, and heat pumps were installed alongside other key upgrades to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and improve comfort.
Key Challenges Identified
A thorough survey revealed several areas requiring attention:
- Attic Insulation: Inconsistent insulation, particularly in parts of the attic, led to cold spots.
- Airtightness Issues: Although the house had double-glazed windows installed during construction, air leakage was a concern due to gaps between panes and under the window boards, allowing draughts.
- Indoor Air Quality: The home suffered from poor ventilation and dampness, which contributed to mould growth in some areas.
To address these issues, Electric Ireland Superhomes recommended several key upgrades to increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and make the home more suitable for a heat pump.
Retrofit Measures
The following steps were taken to achieve the home’s transformation:
- Attic Insulation: Additional insulation was installed, including a velux tunnel, to eliminate cold spots.
- External Wall Insulation: To improve the thermal efficiency of the property.
- New Windows & Patio Door: Triple-glazed windows and a new patio door replaced the old, draughty ones.
- Chimney Sealing: The chimney was sealed to prevent heat loss and improve airtightness.
- Mitsubishi Air-to-Water Heat Pump: A high-efficiency heat pump system was installed, complete with a full control upgrade, two heating zones, and one zone for hot water. Five radiators were also upgraded to accommodate the new system.
- Ventilation System: An Aereco demand control ventilation system was added to improve indoor air quality.
- Solar PV System: Although not required for the grant scheme, Gary opted to add a 6-panel (2.4kWp) solar PV system to further reduce energy costs and enhance the home’s performance.
Before the retrofit, the home’s air permeability was estimated to be between 8-12 m³/(h.m²), which affected the efficiency of the heating system. After completing the recommended improvements, the home achieved an impressive post-work air permeability of 4.5, ensuring that the heat pump operates more efficiently.
The Outcome: A Sustainable, Cost-Effective Home
Gary couldn’t be more pleased with the results. "The benefits of upgrading from a D2 to an A1 rating have been tremendous. My energy bills have decreased, and I no longer rely on gas for heating — it’s all electric now. My fossil fuel use has dropped significantly, and my bills have been reduced at the same time," he shares.
Gary also praises the One Stop Shop service provided by Electric Ireland Superhomes, calling it "efficient and hassle-free." He adds, "It took all the headaches out of the process and made everything so much easier. If you have the chance, definitely go for it!"
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.
