18 ABBEYSTEAD, DIGMOOR

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Using the recorded floor area and EPC characteristics, this 65m² 1950s flat has a current EPC rating of G2 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 5.0–6.5kW. This property's recorded energy efficiency is comparatively low. Its modelled space-heating intensity per square metre is moderate.

Hot&Cold snapshot

What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 16 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Flat

Internal area (EPC)

65 m²

Building footprint

~429 m²

Approx. dimensions

~38.7 × 19.4 m

Main building axis

N–S

Estimated floors

1

Nearest building

7.2 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

Flat, no insulation (assumed)

Windows

Single glazed

Main heating

Boiler and radiators, electric

Heating controls

Room thermostat only

Hot water

From main system

Floor

Solid, 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 18 ABBEYSTEAD, DIGMOOR, SKELMERSDALE, WN8 9NU.

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

   The heating system would benefit from a programmer to provide better comfort through automatic control of the system. A modern programmer can provide different time programmes for heating and hot water, allowing different time periods to be set for each; seven-day programmers also allow different heating and/or hot water patterns to be set for weekdays and weekends and holidays. 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 provided internal doors are kept closed. 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 for 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
   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.

3. 3
   Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £25

   Replacement of traditional light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones will reduce lighting costs over the lifetime of the bulb, and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs. Also consider selecting low energy light fittings when redecorating; contact the Lighting Association for your nearest stockist of Domestic Energy Efficient Lighting Scheme fittings.

4. 4
   Replace single glazed windows with low-E double glazed windowsIndicative 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-glazed windows 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.

5. 5
   Floor insulation (solid floor)Indicative cost: £4,000 - £6,000

   Insulation of a floor will significantly reduce heat loss; this will improve levels of comfort, reduce energy use and lower fuel bills. Further information about floor insulation is available from many sources including www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northernireland/Insulation/Floor-insulation.

6. 6
   Draught proof single-glazed windowsIndicative cost: £80 - £120

   Fitting draught proofing, strips of insulation around windows and doors, will improve the comfort in the home. A contractor can be employed but draught proofing can be installed by a competent DIY enthusiast.

7. 7
   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).

8. 8
   Heat recovery system for mixer showersIndicative cost: £585 - £725

   A shower heat recovery system extracts heat from the water in the shower drain and transfers it to incoming cold water. This reduces the amount of energy needed per shower.

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

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