4, VICARAGE COTTAGES

Your options for this home

HotAndCold's model combines the recorded floor area, property type and EPC data, so this 60m² pre-1900 end-terrace home has a current EPC rating of F30 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 6.0–7.5kW. This property's recorded energy efficiency is comparatively low. 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 189863 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

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

Full secondary glazing

Main heating

Electric storage heaters

Heating controls

Manual 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 4, VICARAGE COTTAGES, WILMSLOW OLD ROAD, MANCHESTER, WA15 8XQ.

1. 1
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £5,000 - £8,000

   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
   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.

3. 3
   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).

4. 4
   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).

5. 5
   Flat roof or sloping ceiling insulationIndicative cost: £850 - £1,500

   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).

6. 6
   Increase hot water cylinder insulationIndicative cost: £15 - £30

   Increasing the thickness of existing insulation around the hot water cylinder will help to maintain the water at the required temperature; this will reduce the amount of energy used and lower fuel bills. An additional cylinder jacket or other suitable insulation layer can be used. The insulation should be fitted 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.

7. 7
   Floor insulation (solid floor)Indicative cost: £4,000 - £6,000

   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.

8. 8
   High heat retention storage heatersIndicative cost: £1,200 - £1,800

   Modern storage heaters have better insulation and are easier to control than the older type in the property. Ask for a quotation for new, high heat retention heaters with automatic charge and output controls. 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.

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

Other homes nearby