178 COPPICE STREET, OLDHAM

Your options for this home

Based on this property's recorded characteristics, this 214m² end-terrace home has a current EPC rating of E47 and mains-gas heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 19.0–24.0kW. Its current energy rating indicates relatively weak energy performance compared with more efficient homes. The estimated heat demand per square metre is around typical levels.

Hot&Cold snapshot

What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 20 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

End-terrace

Internal area (EPC)

214 m²

Building footprint

~110 m²

Approx. dimensions

~14.1 × 9.3 m

Main building axis

NE–SW

Nearest building

0.0 m

Footprint & dimensions derived from Overture Maps building data (ODbL). Approximate, not survey-grade.

How this home is constructed & heated

Recorded on its Energy Performance Certificate.

Walls

Cavity wall, as built, no insulation (assumed)

Roof

Pitched, 200 mm loft insulation

Windows

Some double glazing

Main heating

Boiler and radiators, mains gas

Heating controls

No time or thermostatic control of room temperature

Hot water

From main system, no cylinder thermostat

Floor

Suspended, no insulation (assumed)

Energy improvement potential

Recommended improvements for this property

Measures from this home’s official Energy Performance Certificate assessment that could raise its rating and cut running costs, specific to 178 COPPICE STREET, OLDHAM, OL8 4BL.

1. 1
   Upgrade heating controlsIndicative cost: £350 - £450

   The heating system would benefit from a programmer and room thermostat to enable the boiler to switch off when no heat is required; this will reduce the amount of energy used and lower fuel bills. Thermostatic radiator valves should also be installed, to allow the temperature of each room to be controlled to suit individual needs, adding to comfort and reducing heating bills. For example, they can be set to be warmer in the living room and bathroom than in the bedrooms. Ask a competent heating engineer to install thermostatic radiator valves and a fully pumped system with the pump and the boiler turned off by the room thermostat. Thermostatic radiator valves should be fitted to every radiator except one – the radiator in the same room as the room thermostat. Remember the room thermostat is needed as well as the thermostatic radiator valves, to enable the boiler to switch off when no heat is required. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer.

2. 2
   Cavity wall insulationIndicative cost: £500 - £1,500

   Cavity wall insulation, to fill the gap between the inner and outer layers of external walls with an insulating material, reduces heat loss; this will improve levels of comfort, reduce energy use and lower fuel bills. The insulation material is pumped into the gap through small holes that are drilled into the outer walls, and the holes are made good afterwards. As specialist machinery is used to fill the cavity, a professional installation company should carry out this work, and they should carry out a thorough survey before commencing work to ensure that this type of insulation is suitable for this home. They should also provide a guarantee for the work and handle any building control issues. Further information about cavity wall insulation and details of local installers can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk).

3. 3
   Replace single glazed windows with low-E double glazingIndicative cost: £3,300 - £6,500

   Double glazing is the term given to a system where two panes of glass are made up into a sealed unit. Replacing existing single-glazed windows with double glazing will improve comfort in the home by reducing draughts and cold spots near windows. Double-glazed windows may also reduce noise, improve security and combat problems with condensation.

4. 4
   Replace boiler with new condensing boilerIndicative cost: £2,200 - £3,000

   A condensing boiler is capable of much higher efficiencies than other types of boiler, meaning it will burn less fuel to heat this property. This improvement is most appropriate when the existing central heating boiler needs repair or replacement, but there may be exceptional circumstances making this impractical. Condensing boilers need a drain for the condensate which limits their location; remember this when considering remodelling the room containing the existing boiler even if the latter is to be retained for the time being (for example a kitchen makeover). It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer. Ask the engineer to explain the options.

5. 5
   Add additional 80 mm jacket to hot water cylinderIndicative cost: £15 - £30

   Increasing the thickness of existing insulation by adding an 80 mm cylinder jacket around the hot water cylinder will help maintain the water at the required temperature; this will reduce the amount of energy used and lower fuel bills. The jacket should be fitted over the top of the existing foam insulation and over any thermostat clamped to the cylinder. Hot water pipes from the hot water cylinder should also be insulated, using pre-formed pipe insulation of up to 50 mm thickness (or to suit the space available) for as far as they can be accessed to reduce losses in summer. All these materials can be purchased from DIY stores and installed by a competent DIY enthusiast.

6. 6
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £9,000 - £14,000

   A solar PV system is one which converts light directly into electricity via panels placed on the roof with no waste and no emissions. This electricity is used throughout the home in the same way as the electricity purchased from an energy supplier. The British Photovoltaic Association has up-to-date information on local installers who are qualified electricians. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified electrician. Ask the electrician to explain the options.

7. 7
   Floor insulationIndicative cost: £800 - £1,200

   Insulation of a floor will significantly reduce heat loss; this will improve levels of comfort, reduce energy use and lower fuel bills. Suspended floors can sometimes be insulated from below which means that the floor does not need to be lifted to install the insulation. Further information about floor insulation and details of local contractors can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk).

Source: the property’s domestic EPC recommendations (open data). Indicative only, get a professional survey before committing to any measure.

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