In answer to the big problem of acieving decent u-values AND airtightness whilst still using a products with ‘green’ credentials. I believe that this is definately worth a look. Airtight, breathable, 50% soy based foam. This stuff fills up all the little gaps, that would be impossible to do convensionally, and does away with the need to use a membrane.

Clink on the new link to Biobased insulation

Dave harkness

You can read how the grants work, who is eligible and what the rates are, etc. on the Sustainable Energy Ireland website. In addition, the article on the Construct Ireland website (excellent resource) contains more info.

I would however have a mild concern regarding the ‘Typical net BER improvement’ indicated. The benefit to a dwelling from different upgrades is very much dependant on each situation. A house with NO cavity insulation is clearly going to benefit more from cavity insulation than a dwelling which is already half full for example.

I recommend that a BER be carried out (this is part grant funded also), so that cost/saving analysis can be carried out on the specific dwelling and its situation.

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