FERNSIDE, 8 HAZELWOOD ROAD

Your options for this home

HotAndCold's model combines the recorded floor area, property type and EPC data, so this 319m² pre-1900 detached home has a current EPC rating of E39 and mains-gas heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 37.0–47.5kW. 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)

319 m²

Building footprint

~161 m²

Approx. dimensions

~15.6 × 11.2 m

Main building axis

NW–SE

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

2.5 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

Cavity wall, as built, no insulation (assumed)

Roof

Pitched, no insulation (assumed)

Windows

Partial double glazing

Main heating

Boiler and radiators, mains gas

Heating controls

Programmer, room thermostat and TRVs

Hot water

From main system

Floor

To unheated space, 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 FERNSIDE, 8 HAZELWOOD ROAD, HALE, ALTRINCHAM, WA15 9AX.

1. 1
   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).

2. 2
   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).

3. 3
   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.

4. 4
   Draught proof single-glazed windowsIndicative cost: £80 - £120

   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.

5. 5
   Replace boiler with new condensing boilerIndicative cost: £2,200 - £3,000

   A condensing boiler is capable of much higher efficiencies than other types of boiler, meaning it will burn less fuel to heat this property. This improvement is most appropriate when the existing central heating boiler needs repair or replacement, but there may be exceptional circumstances making this impractical. Condensing boilers need a drain for the condensate which limits their location; remember this when considering remodelling the room containing the existing boiler even if the latter is to be retained for the time being (for example a kitchen makeover). It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer. Ask the engineer to explain the options.

6. 6
   Insulate hot water cylinder with 80 mm jacketIndicative cost: £15 - £30

   Installing an 80 mm thick cylinder jacket 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. A cylinder jacket is a layer of insulation that is fitted around the hot water cylinder. The jacket 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
   Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £165

   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.

8. 8
   Replace single glazed windows with low-E double glazingIndicative cost: £3,300 - £6,500

   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 glazing 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.

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

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