2, HOME FARM COTTAGES

Your options for this home

From the available property and energy data, this 168m² pre-1900 semi-detached home has a current EPC rating of D55 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 16.0–20.5kW. This property has moderate recorded energy efficiency, neither especially poor nor especially high. The estimated heat demand per square metre is towards the higher end.

Hot&Cold snapshot

What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 56294 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Semi-detached

Internal area (EPC)

168 m²

Building footprint

~380 m²

Approx. dimensions

~27.8 × 18.6 m

Main building axis

N–S

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

7.8 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

Solid brick, as built, no insulation (assumed)

Roof

Pitched, 200 mm loft insulation

Windows

Fully double glazed

Main heating

Boiler and underfloor heating, oil

Heating controls

Programmer and room thermostat

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 2, HOME FARM COTTAGES, HALL LANE, BOLD, ST. HELENS, WA9 4SJ.

1. 1
   Time and temperature zone controlIndicative cost: £350 - £450

   The heating system controls should be improved so that both the temperature and time of heating can be set differently in separate areas of your house; this will reduce the amount of energy used and lower fuel bills. For example, it is possible to have cooler temperatures in the bedrooms than in the living room provided internal doors are kept closed, and to have a longer heating period for the living room. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer.

2. 2
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £3,500 - £5,500

   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
   Wind turbineIndicative cost: £15,000 - £25,000

   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.

4. 4
   Solar water heatingIndicative cost: £4,000 - £6,000

   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.

5. 5
   Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £35

   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.

6. 6
   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).

7. 7
   50 mm internal or external wall insulationIndicative cost: £4,000 - £14,000

   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.

Energy rating history

Recorded change: -13 EPC points across 3 certificates.

1. 2014D68
2. 2023F30
3. 2024D55

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