Junia and Feichín purchased a 1970s three-bedroom semi-detached home in Galway at the beginning of September, with the vision of transforming it into a warm, energy-efficient forever home. Upon moving in, they were determined to improve the house’s energy efficiency, especially given its current BER rating of E2. Their goal was to retrofit it with modern systems that would provide long-term comfort while helping the environment.
The Journey: E2 to A1
After buying the property, the couple’s first priority was to retrofit the house to accommodate a modern heating system. “We wanted to make sure this home meets the highest energy standards,” they said. “Not only is it better for us, but it’s also better for the environment.”
Having heard great things about Electric Ireland Superhomes, they found the retrofit process straightforward. They appreciated how Electric Ireland managed much of the project, from sourcing contractors to securing the maximum available SEAI grants through the One Stop Shop scheme. This significantly eased the burden on Junia and Feichín.
“Our engineer, Mike O’Rourke, was fantastic with any questions we had. He provided clear guidance on everything, from the heat pump installation to how external insulation would affect the house’s appearance,” they shared.
Retrofit Measures
The retrofit included a combination of home energy upgrades aimed at transforming the home into a model of energy efficiency. The five major improvements were:
- Fabric First Approach: Major insulation improvements to the home’s structure.
- Air-to-Water Heat Pump: Installed to provide efficient heating and hot water.
- Airtightness Strategy & Mechanical Ventilation: Enhancing energy efficiency through airtightness, followed by a ventilation system to maintain air quality.
- Solar PV Installation: A 10-panel solar photovoltaic (PV) system to generate renewable energy.
The home’s external walls are cavity construction, and it has a timber truss roof. External and attic insulation were recommended to improve heat retention.
The existing heating system, a Stanley solid fuel range, was replaced with an air source heat pump. This heat pump, along with a full control upgrade, now maintains a comfortable, consistent temperature across the house—between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius—providing efficient and reliable heating.
Since the home’s windows and doors were recently replaced and in good condition, no additional airtightness measures were necessary. However, Electric Ireland Superhomes recommended sealing the chimneys to reduce draughts. Junia and Feichín opted to remove the chimneys entirely, creating extra space in two rooms. This additional work was an optional upgrade.
To improve indoor air quality and control humidity levels, a demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system was installed. This system adjusts ventilation levels based on the room’s humidity, balancing air quality and energy consumption. It increases ventilation when necessary (such as when humidity rises due to cooking or washing) and reduces energy use when humidity is low.
Lastly, Junia and Feichín chose to install a solar PV system (10 panels, 3.75kWp, with a 2.4kWh battery), an optional measure that Electric Ireland Superhomes recommended. This upgrade helped push the home’s BER rating to the highest level, significantly improving its energy efficiency.
The Outcome
“We had full control over the project,” they explained. “We could have opted for the minimum necessary work to meet grant requirements, but we were given all the options. Making the decision to upgrade our home was our way of contributing to a more sustainable world.”
They also praised Chris, the contractor from CW Xterior Solutions, for his excellent project management skills: “He coordinated everything, working with multiple contractors. Thanks to Electric Ireland Superhomes, we didn’t have to worry about a thing.”
Junia and Feichín highlighted the transformation brought by the air-to-water heat pump: “It keeps the house at a steady, comfortable temperature, which is something new for us. The control it provides is amazing.”
The results speak for themselves. The home’s BER rating skyrocketed from E2 to A1 after the retrofit.
Cost and Grants
The total cost of the retrofit, including the heat pump and all associated upgrades, was €69,650. After receiving €23,000 in SEAI grants, the final cost for the couple was €46,650 (excluding professional fees).
“We were truly surprised by the A1 BER rating,” Junia and Feichín remarked. “We never thought a house from the 1970s could achieve that level of energy efficiency.”
Through careful planning and working with Electric Ireland Superhomes, Junia and Feichín successfully turned their cold, outdated house into an energy-efficient home that will be comfortable for years to come.
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