2, HOUGH HOLE COTTAGES

Your options for this home

From the available property and energy data, this 63m² mid-terrace home has a current EPC rating of D61 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 4.5–5.5kW. This property has moderate recorded energy efficiency — neither especially poor nor especially high. 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 125717 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Mid-terrace

Internal area (EPC)

63 m²

Building footprint

~135 m²

Approx. dimensions

~13.8 × 9.8 m

Main building axis

E–W

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

55.2 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

Sandstone, with internal insulation

Roof

Pitched, 200 mm loft insulation

Windows

Multiple glazing throughout

Main heating

Room heaters, electric

Heating controls

Programmer and appliance thermostats

Hot water

Electric instantaneous at point of use

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 2, HOUGH HOLE COTTAGES, HOUGH HOLE, RAINOW, MACCLESFIELD, SK10 5UW.

1. 1
   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.

2. 2
   High heat retention storage heatersIndicative cost: £2,400 - £4,800

   Modern storage heaters are less expensive to run than the direct acting, on-peak heating system in the property. A dual-rate electricity supply is required to provide the off-peak electricity that these heaters use; this is easily obtained by contacting the energy supplier. Ask for a quotation for high heat retention heaters with automatic charge and output controls. As installations should be in accordance with the national wiring standards, only a qualified electrician should carry out the installation. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified electrical heating engineer. Ask a qualified electrical heating engineer to explain the options, which might also include switching to other forms of electric heating.

3. 3
   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.

4. 4
   Wind turbineIndicative cost: £5,000 - £20,000

   A wind turbine provides electricity from wind energy. This electricity is used throughout the home in the same way as the electricity purchased from an energy supplier. The British Wind Energy Association has up-to-date information on suppliers of small-scale wind systems. Wind turbines are not suitable for all properties. The system’s effectiveness depends on local wind speeds and the presence of nearby obstructions, and a site survey should be undertaken by an accredited installer.

5. 5
   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.

6. 6
   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).

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

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