STONELEA, HIGH STREET

Your options for this home

Based on this property's recorded characteristics, this 65m² pre-1900 mid-terrace home has a current EPC rating of E48 and mains-gas heating. HotAndCold estimates a space-heating requirement of approximately 6.0–7.5kW. The recorded EPC score sits towards the lower end of the efficiency range. 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 18 EPC-recorded properties nearby.

Built form

Mid-terrace

Internal area (EPC)

65 m²

Building footprint

~441 m²

Approx. dimensions

~40.3 × 12.8 m

Main building axis

N–S

Estimated floors

2

Nearest building

1.5 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

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

Roof

Pitched, 200 mm loft insulation

Windows

Fully double glazed

Main heating

Electric storage heaters

Heating controls

Manual charge control

Hot water

Electric immersion, off-peak

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 STONELEA, HIGH STREET, TIDESWELL, BUXTON, SK17 8LB.

1. 1
   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.

2. 2
   Floor insulation (solid floor)Indicative cost: £4,000 - £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.

3. 3
   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).

4. 4
   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.

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
   Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWpIndicative cost: £5,000 - £8,000

   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.

7. 7
   Solar water heatingIndicative cost: £4,000 - £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.

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

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