FLAT 1, DEVONSHIRE HOUSE

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HotAndCold's model combines the recorded floor area, property type and EPC data, so this 117m² pre-1900 flat has a current EPC rating of F21 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 10.5–13.5kW. This property's recorded energy efficiency is comparatively low. The estimated heat demand per square metre is around typical levels.

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What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 56 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Flat

Internal area (EPC)

117 m²

Building footprint

~2181 m²

Approx. dimensions

~115.1 × 28.9 m

Main building axis

E–W

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

5.3 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, no insulation (assumed)

Windows

Single glazed

Main heating

Electric storage heaters

Heating controls

Manual charge control

Hot water

Electric immersion, off-peak

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 FLAT 1, DEVONSHIRE HOUSE, 3 BATH ROAD, BUXTON, SK17 6HH.

1. 1
   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.

2. 2
   Change heating to gas condensing boilerIndicative cost: £3,000 - £7,000

   Changing the heating to use a mains gas boiler that provides both space and water heating will save money, as mains gas is currently cheaper than the fuel being used at present. A condensing boiler is capable of much higher efficiencies than other types of boiler, meaning it will burn less fuel to heat the property, 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). This improvement is most appropriate when the existing heating system needs repair or replacement. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer. Ask the engineer to explain the options. It is also recommended to change the electricity tariff to standard tariff when off-peak is no longer used.

3. 3
   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.

4. 4
   Heat recovery system for mixer showersIndicative cost: £585 - £725

   A shower heat recovery system extracts heat from the water in the shower drain and transfers it to incoming cold water. This reduces the amount of energy needed per shower.

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
   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 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).

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

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