Forum Topic

Checking your EPC Rating and the Green Homes Grant

https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201098/energy_efficiency/2764/green_homes_grant/1

Philippa Bond ● 1782d9 Comments

We have some of the worst insulated buildings in Europe! https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/10/how-to-save-money-on-your-household-bills/#energyhttps://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-schemeIt's no wonder there are protests!

Philippa Bond ● 1776d

Government has made commitment to remedying that.Presume all new builds are governed by modern regulations.Rest of us in existing dwellings have to struggle & save (& it’s not quite so easy, there’s other probs with it)Can’t happen over night as these crusty ,hippy ,liberal l,uvvies, road blocking *****ers try to dictate

Peter Yale ● 1776d

The EPC rating is done by assertion estimating and cannot measure accurately the insulation or efficiency of a home properly.If you insulate your home yourself, it does not count because it is really a marketing tool for vested businesses.Much insulation work carried out is very poor and leads to mould, rot, damp and a host of other problems which hitherto were minimal or net existent in older housing stock.To do things correctly costs a huge amount of outlay. It is unaffordable to most and the return is over such a long period that much of the insulation will need replacing before that return is fully realised.Efficiency can be achieved by longevity and good quality.Sadly the British methods have fallen way short on that for generations now.More to do with developers and the build it cheap pocket the profit culture they have spawned.

Raymond Havelock ● 1775d

"Much insulation work carried out is very poor and leads to mould, rot, damp and a host of other problems which hitherto were minimal or net existent in older housing stock."Absolutely correct - get serious, VERY experienced, expert opinion before you do ANY insulation.

Rosco White ● 1775d

It is not just insulation work that can cause problems though.  Far too many buildings are altered without people understanding  fire compartmentation, fire resistant doors and so much more. I was shown an intumescent strip on the top of a door which had been painted over and another which if it had expanded would have pushed the door open rather than sealed it closed to stop smoke and fire.

Philippa Bond ● 1775d

What has fire compartmentation got to do with EPC..EPC surveys are subjective send 100 surveyors into complete an assessment and you will get 100 variations.. They should not be the basis for setting the standards they are not worth the paper they are written on. As for our housing stock go and have a look at housing in Eastern Europe.

Nicolas Ozegovic ● 1775d

It was a reply to Rosco's re how what may seem very superficial  changes to a building can be disastrous.I agree that EPCs can just be subjective tick box exercises.

Philippa Bond ● 1775d

Bumped into one of my neighbours this morning. They are having their 110 year old house fitted with double glazing, we're in a conservation area. Its taken 15 months and a lot of talking with the conservationists and they can finally proceed, just a problem of a £30,000 cost for a three bed semi-detached terrace house. Currently the doors and windows don't keep out the cold and they are, like me, subject to condensation.

peter king ● 1751d

I heard about this secondary glazing recently.  I don't know any more about it:https://windowskins.co.uk/

Philippa Bond ● 1751d