3, OAKEN BANK COTTAGE

Your options for this home

From the available property and energy data, this 64m² pre-1900 end-terrace home has a current EPC rating of E39 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 6.5–8.0kW. The recorded EPC score sits towards the lower end of the efficiency range. 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 5 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

End-terrace

Internal area (EPC)

64 m²

Building footprint

~171 m²

Approx. dimensions

~18.1 × 9.7 m

Main building axis

E–W

Nearest building

5.5 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

Sandstone, as built, no insulation (assumed)

Roof

Pitched, 200 mm loft insulation

Windows

Fully double glazed

Main heating

Electric storage heaters

Heating controls

Automatic charge control

Hot water

Electric immersion, off-peak

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 3, OAKEN BANK COTTAGE, OAKENBANK LANE, RAINOW, MACCLESFIELD, SK10 5RP.

1. 1
   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.

2. 2
   Wind turbineIndicative cost: £1,500 - £4,000

   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.

3. 3
   Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £20

   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
   Fan-assisted storage heatersIndicative cost: £1,200 - £1,600

   Modern storage heaters are smaller and easier to control than the older type in the property. Ask for a quotation for new, fan-assisted heaters with automatic charge control. As installations should be in accordance with the current regulations covering electrical wiring, only a qualified electrician should carry out the installation. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer. Ask the engineer to explain the options which might also include switching to other forms of electric heating.

5. 5
   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).

6. 6
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £9,000 - £14,000

   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
   High performance external doorsIndicative cost: £1,000

   High performance external doors contain insulation and lose heat at about half the rate of conventional external doors.

8. 8
   Floor insulationIndicative cost: £800 - £1,200

   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 sometimes be insulated from below which means that the floor does not need to be lifted to install the insulation. Further information about floor insulation and details of local contractors can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk).

9. 9
   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.

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

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