FLAT 2, 15 KING STREET

Your options for this home

Using the recorded floor area and EPC characteristics, this 68m² pre-1900 flat has a current EPC rating of F31 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 7.0–9.0kW. 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 94040 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Flat

Internal area (EPC)

68 m²

Building footprint

~308 m²

Approx. dimensions

~20.7 × 20.0 m

Main building axis

NW–SE

Nearest building

3.5 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

Solid brick, as built, no insulation (assumed)

Roof

Pitched, 100 mm loft insulation

Windows

Single glazed

Main heating

Electric storage heaters

Heating controls

Manual charge control

Hot water

Electric immersion, off-peak

Floor

(other premises below)

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 2, 15 KING STREET, WIGAN, WN1 1DY.

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
   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.

3. 3
   Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £30

   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
   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.

5. 5
   Increase loft insulation to 270 mmIndicative cost: £100 - £350

   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).

6. 6
   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).

7. 7
   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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