2, DEAN WOOD COTTAGES

Your options for this home

Based on this property's recorded characteristics, this 54m² pre-1900 bungalow has a current EPC rating of E39 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 5.0–6.5kW. The recorded EPC score sits towards the lower end of the efficiency range. Its modelled space-heating intensity per square metre is relatively high.

Hot&Cold snapshot

What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 33042 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Bungalow

Internal area (EPC)

54 m²

Building footprint

~224 m²

Approx. dimensions

~24.4 × 15.6 m

Main building axis

E–W

Nearest building

2.5 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

Basement wall

Roof

Pitched, 200 mm loft insulation

Windows

Partial double glazing

Main heating

Boiler and radiators, oil

Heating controls

Programmer, TRVs and bypass

Hot water

From main system, no cylinder thermostat

Floor

Solid

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 2, DEAN WOOD COTTAGES, RIVINGTON LANE, RIVINGTON, BOLTON, BL6 7SH.

1. 1
   Flat roof or sloping ceiling insulationIndicative cost: £900 - £1,200

   Insulation of a flat roof or sloping ceiling will significantly reduce heat loss through the roof; this will improve levels of comfort, reduce energy use and lower fuel bills. Where the weatherproof membrane is sound and the roof construction is appropriate, suitable insulation can be placed on top of the roof membrane (inverted roof). Alternatively, where the weatherproof membrane needs to be replaced insulation can be provided under the weatherproof membrane (warm roof). Further information about roof insulation and details of local contractors can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk).

2. 2
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £8,000 - £10,000

   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.

3. 3
   Draught proof single-glazed windowsIndicative cost: £150 - £250

   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.

4. 4
   Floor insulation (solid floor)Indicative cost: £5,000 - £10,000

   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.

5. 5
   Heat recovery system for mixer showersIndicative cost: £600 - £1,500

   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.

6. 6
   Hot water cylinder thermostatIndicative cost: £130 - £180

   A hot water cylinder thermostat enables the boiler to switch off when the water in the cylinder reaches the required temperature; this minimises the amount of energy that is used and lowers fuel bills. The thermostat is a temperature sensor that sends a signal to the boiler when the required temperature is reached. To be fully effective it needs to be sited in the correct position and hard wired in place, so it should be installed by a competent plumber or heating engineer.

7. 7
   Upgrade heating controlsIndicative cost: £220 - £250

   The heating system should have a room thermostat to enable the boiler to switch off when no heat is required. A competent heating engineer should be asked to do this work. Insist that the thermostat switches off the boiler as well as the pump and that the thermostatic radiator valve is removed from any radiator in the same room as the thermostat. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer.

8. 8
   Solar water heatingIndicative cost: £4,000 - £7,000

   A solar water heating panel, usually fixed to the roof, uses the sun to pre-heat the hot water supply. This will significantly reduce the demand on the heating system to provide hot water and hence save fuel and money. The Solar Trade Association has up-to-date information on local installers.

9. 9
   Replace boiler with new condensing boilerIndicative cost: £2,200 - £3,500

   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.

10. 10
    50 mm internal or external wall insulationIndicative cost: £7,500 - £11,000

    Solid wall insulation involves adding a layer of insulation to either the inside or the outside surface of the external walls, which reduces heat loss and lowers fuel bills. As it is more expensive than cavity wall insulation it is only recommended for walls without a cavity, or where for technical reasons a cavity cannot be filled. Internal insulation, known as dry-lining, is where a layer of insulation is fixed to the inside surface of external walls; this type of insulation is best applied when rooms require redecorating and can be installed by a competent DIY enthusiast. External solid wall insulation is the application of an insulant and a weather-protective finish to the outside of the wall. This may improve the look of the home, particularly where existing brickwork or rendering is poor, and will provide long-lasting weather protection. Further information can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk).

11. 11
    Replace single glazed windows with low-E double glazed windowsIndicative cost: £4,500 - £6,000

    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.

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

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