FLAT 40, BEECH HOUSE

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From the available property and energy data, this 45m² 1950s flat has a current EPC rating of E50 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 4.0–5.0kW. Its current energy rating indicates relatively weak energy performance compared with more efficient homes. The estimated heat demand per square metre is around typical levels.

Hot&Cold snapshot

What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 55 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Flat

Internal area (EPC)

45 m²

Building footprint

~511 m²

Approx. dimensions

~45.3 × 25.2 m

Main building axis

N–S

Nearest building

12.0 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

(another dwelling above)

Windows

Fully double glazed

Main heating

Electric storage heaters

Heating controls

Manual charge control

Hot water

Electric immersion, off-peak

Floor

(another dwelling 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 40, BEECH HOUSE, THE BEECHES, MANCHESTER, M20 2AH.

1. 1
   High heat retention storage heaters and dual immersion cylinderIndicative cost: £800 - £1,200

   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. A dual-immersion cylinder, which can be installed at the same time, will provide cheaper hot water than the system currently installed. 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

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
   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.

4. 4
   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).

5. 5
   Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £25

   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.

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

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