John Penny and his family reside in a detached home from the early 1980s in County Kildare. Thanks to the Electric Ireland Superhomes Heat Pump Plus Retrofit service, they've transformed their home from a C2 BER rating to an impressive A1 rating, significantly boosting energy efficiency.
The Journey: C2 to A1
Before opting for the Heat Pump Plus retrofit, John had already carried out multiple upgrades to the property. These included an attic conversion in the 1990s and several improvements over the years, such as installing external and attic insulation, triple-glazed windows, and new doors. Although these upgrades helped achieve a C2 BER rating, John and his family were determined to eliminate fossil fuel heating and incorporate solar PV technology into their home.
Retrofit Measures
As part of the retrofit, the outdated solid fuel oil burner was replaced with a modern air-to-water heat pump system, and 12 high-efficiency (410W) solar PV panels were installed on the roof. Additionally, the chimney was sealed to enhance the home’s airtightness and overall energy efficiency.
John enthusiastically shared his experience: "The heat pump system completely replaced our old heating setup. Radiators were re-sized based on room dimensions, and all piping was properly insulated. The domestic water system was also pressurized, bringing us a huge improvement – we now enjoy power showers instead of the old electric ones. In essence, we now have a state-of-the-art, highly efficient heating and water system."
John was recently featured in the Irish Times, where he spoke about his transition to fossil fuel-free heating and the addition of solar panels. Thanks to the Solar PV app, he can track the best times to use appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine, optimizing energy use. “With the solar panels, I’ve become a micro-generator, and I get credited for the excess energy produced, which offsets my electricity bill. It’s an excellent bonus!” John explained.
Discussing his Heat Pump Plus retrofit, John added, "The house really came alive with the heat pump and solar panels. Now, we can monitor everything—how much energy we're using, the temperature, the hot water levels. It’s pretty amazing."
The Outcome
John describes his retrofitted home as "toasty" during the colder months of January, February, and March 2023. Reflecting on the investment, he says, “It’s a big commitment, but there’s an SEAI grant for the heat pump, and knowing that it’s more efficient and reduces our carbon footprint made it the right choice.”
John also highlighted the importance of working with Electric Ireland Superhomes: “Having the installation managed and a guaranteed contract with Electric Ireland Superhomes and their contractor, Crystal Air, was essential. This was a major investment, and I wanted to be sure everything went smoothly with no surprises. The fact that they handled the SEAI grant application was another reason I chose them.”
Thanks to the comprehensive support and upgrades from Electric Ireland Superhomes, John and his family now enjoy a fully modernized, energy-efficient home that’s not only environmentally friendly but also significantly reduces their energy costs.
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