LONGWORTH VIEW, BELMONT ROAD

Your options for this home

Using the recorded floor area and EPC characteristics, this 235m² semi-detached home has a current EPC rating of F28 and its recorded heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 21.5–27.5kW. Its current energy rating indicates relatively weak energy performance compared with more efficient homes. Its modelled space-heating intensity per square metre is moderate.

Hot&Cold snapshot

What stands out about this home

How this home compares locally

Based on 45420 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Semi-detached

Internal area (EPC)

235 m²

Building footprint

~285 m²

Approx. dimensions

~26.5 × 14.3 m

Main building axis

E–W

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

10.8 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 or limestone, as built, no insulation (assumed)

Roof

Pitched, 100 mm loft insulation

Windows

Fully double glazed

Main heating

Boiler and radiators, oil

Heating controls

Programmer and room thermostat

Hot water

From main system, no cylinder thermostat

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 LONGWORTH VIEW, BELMONT ROAD, BOLTON, BL7 9QS.

1. 1
   Cavity wall insulationIndicative cost: £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).

2. 2
   Hot water cylinder thermostatIndicative cost: £400

   A hot water cylinder thermostat enables the boiler to switch off when the water in the cylinder reaches the required temperature; this minimises the amount of energy that is used and lowers fuel bills. The thermostat is a temperature sensor that sends a signal to the boiler when the required temperature is reached. To be fully effective it needs to be sited in the correct position and hard wired in place, so it should be installed by a competent plumber or heating engineer.

3. 3
   Solar water heatingIndicative cost: £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.

4. 4
   Floor insulation (solid floor)Indicative cost: £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.

5. 5
   50 mm internal or external wall insulationIndicative cost: £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
   Upgrade heating controlsIndicative cost: £450

   Thermostatic radiator valves allow the temperature of each room to be controlled to suit individual needs, adding to comfort and reducing heating bills provided internal doors are kept closed. For example, they can be set to be warmer in the living room and bathroom than in the bedrooms. Ask a competent heating engineer to install thermostatic radiator valves. Thermostatic radiator valves should be fitted to every radiator except the radiator in the same room as the room thermostat. Remember the room thermostat is needed as well as the thermostatic radiator valves, to enable the boiler to switch off when no heat is required. It is best to obtain advice from a qualified heating engineer.

7. 7
   Replace boiler with new condensing boilerIndicative cost: £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.

8. 8
   Flat roof or sloping ceiling insulationIndicative cost: £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).

9. 9
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £5,500

   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.

10. 10
    Low energy lighting for all fixed outletsIndicative cost: £80

    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.

11. 11
    Increase loft insulation to 270 mmIndicative cost: £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).

12. 12
    Increase hot water cylinder insulationIndicative cost: £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.

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

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