It cost €60,000 but it is worth every cent – The Irish Times

Swapping Gas for Green: A Homeowner’s Journey to ⁣an A3 ⁣Energy ⁤Rating

Let’s face it,battling with hard butter in a chilly house is no fun. That was my reality for years. My partner and I had always dreamed of making our 1922 Dublin home more energy-efficient, but the constant struggle with frozen butter and sky-high heating bills finally pushed us to take action at the start of 2024.Our three-bed, semi-detached house, with its original F BER rating, desperately needed an upgrade.

We found a company specializing in energy retrofits, and their in-depth analysis and clear breakdown of costs and available grants impressed us. Their comprehensive plan included cavity wall pumping, external insulation, new triple-glazed windows and doors, upgraded radiators and hot water cylinder, a heat pump to replace our gas heating, and even a car charger. They projected that these upgrades would drastically increase our BER rating to a fantastic A3.

Though, there was a snag.Our electrical wiring, as Bon Jovi once sang, was “living on a prayer.” A complete rewiring was essential before the retrofit could even begin. Finding an electrician willing to tackle such a project wasn’t easy, but eventually, we found a talented local who was up for the challenge.

By the end of July 2024, the project finally kicked off. We moved out for two weeks, knowing things were going to get messy. The sight that sticks with me? Two builders cheerfully demolishing our outdated porch while electricians ripped up floorboards upstairs, chasing channels for new wiring.

two weeks later, we returned to a transformed home. The electrician had even finished ahead of schedule.Over the next few weeks, a steady stream of workers continued the transformation. having the house temporarily windowless while the triple-glazed units were fitted was a strange experience, but it revealed the original yellow bricks from the Dolphin’s Barn brickworks used in the construction. These past details had always intrigued me.

after all the dust settled, we were left with a warmer, more pleasant, and environmentally kind home. “The house is constantly warm now (no more hard butter!) and it’s just lovely to walk into the warmth from outside,” I remarked.

Upgrading our house has made a world of difference,and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we’re living sustainably is priceless.

A dublin home’s Transformation: Embracing Energy Efficiency

Driven by a desire for a sustainable future and rising energy costs, a Dublin homeowner embarked on a comprehensive journey to retrofit their home. The result? A remarkable transformation from an average energy performer to an remarkable A3-rated eco-friendly haven.

“After months of research and careful planning,” shares the homeowner, “we decided it was time to make a change. We wanted to create a home that was not only cozy but also environmentally responsible.” The homeowner’s decision resonated with the growing movement towards energy efficiency and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

The initial step involved a complete overhaul of the home’s insulation. Thick, 120mm insulation boards were meticulously attached to the entire exterior, replacing the aging pebble-dash and redbrick. “The team was incredibly thorough,” recalls the homeowner. “They anchored each board securely with long bolts into the underlying masonry, ensuring a lasting and effective barrier against heat loss.”

A notable milestone in the transformation was disconnecting from the gas mains. “It was a symbolic moment,” the homeowner explains, “a clear commitment to our new energy-efficient system.A crew arrived with the smallest digger you’ve ever seen, and within minutes, we were disconnected!”

The transition to a renewable heating system required several key changes. Inefficient radiators were replaced with energy-saving models tailored to each room’s unique needs. To accommodate the new hot water cylinder and associated plumbing, a corner of the smallest bedroom, currently used as a home office, was repurposed. “The system automatically regulates the flow of hot water between the cylinder and radiators,” explains the homeowner. “Now, it quietly gurgles away beside me as I work from home.”

The centerpiece of the new system is the air-to-water heat pump,proudly installed on the rear wall. “It was lifted into place with heavy-duty brackets and connected with a few simple switches,” the homeowner remembers. “The entire process was surprisingly straightforward, and we were live and warm in no time!”

After three months of dedicated work, the homeowner received their long-awaited A3 energy rating, a testament to their commitment to sustainability. “We’re incredibly proud of our achievements,” they share. “There aren’t many homes in our area with such extensive retrofits. We’ve had many questions and hope our journey inspires others to make similar improvements.”

From D to A3: A Dublin homeowner’s Journey to Energy Efficiency

Sarah O’Connell, a homeowner in Dublin, recently embarked on a transformative journey, upgrading her 1922 semi-detached house to achieve remarkable energy efficiency. We spoke with Sarah to understand her motivations, the challenges faced, and the remarkable results achieved.

“Honestly, it was a mix of factors,” Sarah explained, when asked about what inspired the extensive renovation. “Our heating bills were consistently high, and the old house always felt chilly, especially during winter. Finding my butter harder than a rock was the final straw!” she chuckled.Beyond the financial strain and discomfort, Sarah was driven by a desire for sustainability.“Living sustainably is important to us, and reducing our home’s environmental impact was a priority,” she shared. “Improving our BER rating was another key motivator – we knew it would save us money in the long run and increase our property value.”

The transformation involved a comprehensive approach. sarah and her family added extensive insulation, replaced windows and doors with triple-glazed options, upgraded their radiators, and installed a heat pump to eliminate reliance on gas heating.”It was a big undertaking,” Sarah admitted, “Finding a reliable electrician to handle a full rewiring was a hurdle, but we eventually found a fantastic local company. Living in the house during the renovation was definitely an adventure!”

The most rewarding aspect, according to Sarah?

“Every evening, we now curl up on our sofa to watch television, no longer needing a heater or blankets to stay warm,” she said. “Frankly, that’s worth every cent.”

While the full extent of the heating bill reduction remains to be seen, the immediate benefits are undeniable. Their home is now comfortably warm year-round, and the new windows and insulation have significantly reduced noise pollution.Sarah’s journey is a testament to the positive impact that home energy upgrades can have on comfort, sustainability, and financial well-being.

Green Home Makeovers: A Sustainable Living Case Study

Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact while creating comfortable and inviting living spaces. Sarah, a recent convert to sustainable living, shares her experience with a comprehensive home retrofit, demonstrating the tangible benefits of incorporating eco-friendly practices.

“Besides finally being able to enjoy soft butter without needing a torch, the biggest reward is the peace of mind knowing we’re living in a warmer, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly home. It’s amazing how much of a positive impact these changes have made on our lives,” Sarah cheerfully exclaims,reflecting on her journey.

seeing the Change: Embracing a Sustainable Lifestyle

Sarah’s home retrofit goes beyond simple aesthetic updates; it’s a commitment to a greener future. By opting for energy-efficient appliances, upgrading insulation, and harnessing renewable energy sources, she has significantly lowered her carbon footprint. These changes have translated into tangible savings on energy bills, contributing to both financial and environmental well-being.

Advice for Green Home Enthusiasts

When asked about her advice for others considering similar renovations, Sarah emphasizes the importance of thorough research and careful planning. “Do your research, choose reputable contractors, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions,” she advises. She acknowledges that the initial investment can feel daunting, but asserts, “the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, comfort, and sustainability are truly worth it.”

Building a Movement: Sharing the Green Living Journey

Sarah’s story is a powerful example of how individual actions can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future. By inspiring others to embrace green home practices, she encourages a wider adoption of eco-friendly solutions. The ripple affect of her choices extends beyond her own home, influencing the choices of others and contributing to a greener world.

What motivated Sarah to begin her home energy efficiency journey?

from D to A3: A Dublin homeowner’s Journey to Energy Efficiency

Sarah O’Connell, a homeowner in Dublin, recently embarked on a transformative journey, upgrading her 1922 semi-detached house to achieve remarkable energy efficiency. We spoke with Sarah to understand her motivations, the challenges faced, and the remarkable results achieved.

“Honestly, it was a mix of factors,” Sarah explained, when asked about what inspired the extensive renovation. “Our heating bills were consistently high, and the old house always felt chilly, especially during winter. Finding my butter harder than a rock was the final straw!” she chuckled. Beyond the financial strain and discomfort, Sarah was driven by a desire for sustainability.“Living sustainably is crucial to us,and reducing our home’s environmental impact was a priority,” she shared. “Improving our BER rating was another key motivator – we knew it would save us money in the long run and increase our property value.”

The transformation involved a comprehensive approach. Sarah and her family added extensive insulation, replaced windows and doors with triple-glazed options, upgraded their radiators, and installed a heat pump to eliminate reliance on gas heating.”It was a big undertaking,” Sarah admitted, “Finding a reliable electrician to handle a full rewiring was a hurdle, but we eventually found a fantastic local company.Living in the house during the renovation was definitely an adventure!”

The most rewarding aspect,according to Sarah? “Every evening,we now curl up on our sofa to watch television,no longer needing a heater or blankets to stay warm,” she said. “Frankly, that’s worth every cent.”

While the full extent of the heating bill reduction remains to be seen, the immediate benefits are undeniable. Their home is now comfortably warm year-round, and the new windows and insulation have significantly reduced noise pollution. Sarah’s journey is a testament to the positive impact that home energy upgrades can have on comfort,sustainability,and financial well-being.

What steps have you taken to make your home more energy efficient? share your experiences in the comments below!