Solar power and carbon-free homes: Green energy is a hot topic
NEXT week’s Homebuilding & Renovating Show will attract self-builders intent on creating their dream homes and for many that will mean a carbon-zero home-life with low heating bills.
Not everybody has the appetite to build their own home but renovation is another matter and if it means transforming a draughty old home into a modern living space that consumes less energy – possibly even generates it – so much the better.
According to the UK Green Building Council, more than one home a minute needs to be refurbished in Britain by 2050 to meet the insulation standards required to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent – which successive governments have aimed for.
Solar panels can be installed to most homes, whatever their age, and they will save money as soon as they’re in operation. The show’s property expert Michael Holmes says: “Thirty per cent of the average household heating bill is spent on heating water.
Solar energy can make you a saving of around £65 per year on your energy bill. “Once installed there is little maintenance required – just an annual service to ensure the controls and glycol levels are sufficient.
“To get the most out of your panels the ideal orientation is due south at an angle of 30-45 degrees, and failing that, a west-facing panel is preferred over east.” Solar panels need a home battery to harness the sun’s power and luxury electric car manufacturer Tesla now has a Powerwall home battery for storing surplus solar energy not used immediately it is generated.
This functionality extends the environmental and cost benefits of solar and the unit can be fitted to a wall or on the ground, indoors or outdoors. “Installing the right boiler will also make significant savings,” adds Holmes.
“The Energy Savings Trust estimates this to be up to £200 per year for the equivalent of 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Prices start from around £400 for a condensing boiler (not including installation) and self-builders can choose from gas, electric or oil fi red.” Summer is the best time to install a new boiler as they are not needed for heating.
And now, ironically, is a good time to think about preventing heat loss from your home. This will dramatically reduce carbon emissions from autumn onwards and will have the double benefit of saving money on heating bills and improving your health.
Even though it’s notoriously difficult to improve the insulation of homes built before 1920 Tim Pullen, eco-expert for the show at Sandown Park next month has some tips:
“There is a misconception that older homes, especially those built before 1920, cannot be as thermally efficient as a new home,” says Tim.
“The date is important as, before then, houses were usually built with solid walls, with no cavity. But there is quite a bit that can be done, relatively cheaply, that will have a big impact.”
This includes blocking chimneys for unused open fireplaces: “The point of a chimney is to draw air out of the house. With it will go the heat. If the fi replace is not being used then pop in a flue blocker.
An internet search will find many options, all under £50.” Draught proofing is obviously essential but Tim has a trick to help you find the source of your draughts: “Invest in a smoke pen. It looks like a pen, gives off smoke and is available from the likes of Toolstation for around £30.
“On a reasonably windy day walk around your house with your lit smoke pen and the direction the smoke travels will take you to the source of a draught.
Bright future for solar power
Then visit your local DIY shed where you will find a huge array of draught-proofing products. Doors are often forgotten when it comes to draught-proofing but you should make sure the door fits the frame and the frame doesn’t gape from the wall.
The reality is that homes built before 1920 can be improved but, as Tim says, “It is a question of how deep your pockets are and/ or how much effort you put in.”
The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show at Sandown Park racecourse in Esher, on July 1 and 2, is a good place to start.
INFORMATION: 01372 464348/ surrey.homebuildingshow.co.uk