209 BUXTON ROAD, HIGH LANE

Your options for this home

HotAndCold's model combines the recorded floor area, property type and EPC data, so this 174m² pre-1900 detached home has a current EPC rating of E44 and mains-gas heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 19.5–24.5kW. Its current energy rating indicates relatively weak energy performance compared with more efficient homes. 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 7 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Detached

Internal area (EPC)

174 m²

Building footprint

~113 m²

Approx. dimensions

~13.8 × 10.8 m

Main building axis

NE–SW

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

1.1 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, 50 mm loft insulation

Windows

Some double glazing

Main heating

Boiler and radiators, mains gas

Heating controls

Programmer and room thermostat

Hot water

From main system

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 209 BUXTON ROAD, HIGH LANE, STOCKPORT, SK12 2LH.

1. 1
   Cavity wall insulationIndicative cost: £900 - £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).

2. 2
   Increase loft insulation to 270 mmIndicative cost: £900 - £1,200

   Loft insulation laid in the loft space or between roof rafters to a depth of at least 270 mm will significantly reduce heat loss through the roof; this will improve levels of comfort, reduce energy use and lower fuel bills. Insulation should not be placed below any cold water storage tank; any such tank should also be insulated on its sides and top, and there should be boarding on battens over the insulation to provide safe access between the loft hatch and the cold water tank. The insulation can be installed by professional contractors but also by a capable DIY enthusiast. Loose granules may be used instead of insulation quilt; this form of loft insulation can be blown into place and can be useful where access is difficult. The loft space must have adequate ventilation to prevent dampness; seek advice about this if unsure (particularly if installing insulation between rafters because a vapour control layer and ventilation above the insulation are required). Further information about loft insulation and details of local contractors can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk).

3. 3
   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.

4. 4
   Floor insulation (suspended 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. Suspended floors can often be insulated from below. . Further information about floor insulation is available from many sources including www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northernireland/Insulation/Floor-insulation.

5. 5
   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).

6. 6
   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.

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

   Thermostatic radiator valves 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. Thermostatic radiator valves should be fitted to every radiator except 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.

8. 8
   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.

9. 9
   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.

10. 10
    Add additional 80 mm jacket to hot water cylinderIndicative cost: £20 - £40

    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.

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

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