Aoife and Paul Davey live with their three children in a single-storey bungalow just outside Shinrone, Co. Offaly. Built in the early 1980s, the home has undergone a significant transformation following a deep retrofit with Electric Ireland Superhomes. The works have dramatically improved comfort, energy efficiency, and running costs, turning what once felt like two very different homes into one consistently warm and comfortable space.
The Journey: From E2 to B1
Before the retrofit, the house relied on an oil heating system and a solid fuel stove. While the living room and kitchen were reasonably warm, the bedrooms at the far end of the bungalow were persistently cold, especially during winter.
Initially, Aoife and Paul were considering cosmetic upgrades, with only a general interest in improving energy efficiency. However, after seeing friends complete major energy upgrades in their own home, they began to explore the idea of a deeper retrofit. Following a consultation with an Electric Ireland Superhomes Advisor, they realised that a whole-house retrofit would allow them to futureproof their home, lower their energy bills, and reduce their environmental impact.
After completion, the bungalow’s BER rating improved significantly, rising from an E2 to a B1.
Key Challenges Identified
A full assessment of the home highlighted several issues that were affecting comfort and efficiency:
- Uneven Heat Distribution: Warmth was concentrated in the main living areas, while bedrooms remained cold.
- Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Oil and solid fuel were required to maintain comfort.
- Poor Overall Thermal Performance: Typical of many homes built in the early 1980s, the house struggled to retain heat efficiently.
To address these challenges, a coordinated deep retrofit approach was recommended.
Retrofit Measures
The energy upgrade works were carried out over a six-week period and were completed alongside other renovation works to the home. The retrofit focused on improving the building fabric and upgrading the heating system to deliver consistent warmth throughout.
Aoife notes that many people are surprised by the result:
“There’s a perception that only new builds can be highly energy efficient, but that’s just not true.”
The Outcome: Comfort, Convenience, and Savings
While Aoife and Paul love the appearance of their upgraded home, the most noticeable change has been how it feels to live in.
“It’s lovely to have a new kitchen, but in the depths of winter it’s no good if the house is freezing. Now, when you walk into the house, it’s so comfortable — we don’t even have to light the fire anymore.”
The consistent heat provided by the heat pump has been particularly beneficial for family life:
“I don’t have to worry about draughts, cold bedrooms, or running out of hot water. That peace of mind is huge when you have three young kids.”
The retrofit has also delivered clear financial benefits. Aoife estimates the family is now saving approximately €1,500 per year, as they no longer need to fill an oil tank or buy solid fuel.
Friends and neighbours have taken notice of the transformation, and Aoife says the benefits are felt every day:
“You can’t see the money spent on insulation and a heat pump, but you really can feel the difference.”
Support Every Step of the Way
Although the scale of the project initially felt daunting, Aoife credits the Electric Ireland Superhomes team with making the process manageable.
“They took away the stress of paperwork and secured the grant funding for us. That support made such a difference.”
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.
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