After having now done assessments on several houses in the 5 years plus old bracket; it is clear to see that significant improvements can be made to this age band through a few simple upgrades. This can of course lead to an improved rating, but what everyone should also consider is that this also represents saving on the annual heating and hot water bill.
Most common up-grades that tend to lead to cost effective savings are top-up ( or installing ) loft insulation, fitting energy efficient light bulbs and making improvements to the heating system controls.
The first two are easily done by a householder themselves, and at a relatively small cost. Where a dwelling currently has no loft insulation or no energy efficient light fittings, significant jumps in overall performance can be made by retro-fitting.
improvements to the heating system may include one or all of the following, fitting of a cyclinder stat, installing a room thermostat, separating the hotwater and space heating systems, ensuring time and temperature control of both hot water and heating systems.
Improving the controlability of the heating system saves money simply by ensuring that the boiler is not firing up when it is not needed. It is the situation in many houses that the heating system is on a timer only, so will continue to heat the dwelling even when it has reached a desirable temperature.
As part of an assessment I can calculate how much of a financial saving can be made through a range of theroretical up-grades to a house. The client can then select which, if any, they wish to follow through on. This is impartial consultacy, geared towards providing clear information to the householder.
So, what i am saying is, it is well worth having and assessment done, whether you need one to sell or rent a house or NOT.
Right i’m off for my tea.
dave