Retrofitting homes to achieve A-Rated Building Energy Ratings
StudioNegri have a track record of retrofitting old houses to achieve an A-rated Building Energy Rating (BER). This is increasingly becoming a priority as Ireland aims to meet its climate goals. Retrofitting homes not only helps reduce energy bills but also reduces carbon emissions, playing a critical role in Ireland's commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. While retrofitting an older home can be a challenge, it is entirely possible to bring it up to modern energy efficiency standards. This article outlines key steps and considerations for retrofitting older houses in Ireland to achieve an A-rated BER.
Understanding BER and Why It Matters
The BER is a measure of a building's energy efficiency. It is ranked on a scale from A to G, with A-rated homes being the most energy-efficient. Achieving an A rating means the home requires minimal energy for heating, lighting, ventilation, and water heating.
For older homes, which were often built with less energy-efficient materials and construction methods, retrofitting is essential to improve their energy efficiency. Given the substantial difference in energy performance between modern and older homes, retrofitting can result in significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
1. Improving Insulation
One of the most effective ways to enhance a home’s energy efficiency is by improving insulation. Older Irish homes often have little to no insulation, especially in attics, walls, and floors. Key areas to focus on include:
Wall Insulation: For solid stone or brick walls, external or internal insulation is necessary. External wall insulation involves adding a layer of insulation material to the outside walls, which is then covered with render or cladding. Internal wall insulation involves adding insulation boards or drylining the interior walls.
Attic Insulation: Heat rises, so insulating the attic is one of the most cost-effective upgrades. Insulation materials like mineral wool or rigid foam can be added to the attic floor or rafters.
Floor Insulation: In older homes, floors can be a major source of heat loss. Insulating under suspended wooden floors or adding a layer of insulation beneath solid floors can reduce heat loss.
With proper insulation, the home retains heat more effectively, reducing the need for excessive heating.
2. Upgrading Windows and Doors
Old, single-glazed windows and poorly fitted doors can significantly reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings and insulated frames can make a big difference in heat retention. Sealing gaps around doors and installing insulated doors will further prevent draughts and heat loss.
3. Installing a Heat Pump
One of the most impactful ways to modernize heating systems in older homes is by installing a heat pump. Heat pumps extract heat from the outside air or ground and use it to heat the home and water. Air-to-water heat pumps are particularly suitable for homes that have been retrofitted with good insulation.
Heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional boilers, producing 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity they use, and they work well with underfloor heating or modern radiators.
4. Upgrading the Heating System
Many older homes in Ireland still use outdated and inefficient oil or gas boilers. Upgrading to a modern condensing boiler or integrating renewable energy systems like heat pumps or solar panels can significantly improve a home’s energy performance.
In addition to heat pumps, installing zoned heating controls and a modern thermostat can improve efficiency by allowing homeowners to heat only the areas they are using.
5. Solar Panels for Energy Generation
Installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels allows homeowners to generate their own electricity. Solar panels are particularly effective when combined with a heat pump, providing renewable energy to power the heating system. Any excess electricity can be stored in a battery or exported back to the grid.
Solar thermal panels, which use sunlight to heat water, are also an option and can reduce the demand for energy needed to heat water through traditional methods.
6. Ventilation and Air Tightness
Older homes were built to "breathe," often leading to drafts and heat loss. Achieving air tightness is crucial in retrofitting homes, ensuring that heat is not lost through gaps in the walls, floors, or windows. Modern air-tightness membranes and tapes can be used during the insulation and construction processes to eliminate draughts.
However, good ventilation is still important to prevent damp and maintain air quality. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems can be installed to maintain a balance between air tightness and ventilation, as they extract stale air and replace it with fresh air without significant heat loss.
7. Smart Home Technologies
Integrating smart technologies like programmable thermostats, smart meters, and home energy management systems can significantly reduce energy consumption. These devices allow homeowners to monitor and control energy usage more efficiently, ensuring that heating and lighting are used only when necessary.
8. Maximizing SEAI Grants and Funding
Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) provides several grants for homeowners looking to retrofit their homes to improve energy efficiency. These include grants for insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and heating controls, as well as a more comprehensive "One-Stop-Shop" service for deep retrofits that aim for an A-rated BER.
The SEAI’s grants and incentives can cover a significant portion of the retrofitting costs, making it more financially viable to upgrade an older home to modern energy standards.
Conclusion: Investing in Future Sustainability
Retrofitting an old house to achieve an A-rated BER may require a considerable upfront investment, but the long-term benefits are substantial. Not only will the home be more comfortable and cheaper to run, but it will also contribute to Ireland’s national energy efficiency targets. In the context of rising energy prices and environmental concerns, investing in retrofitting an older property is a wise decision for future sustainability, energy savings, and overall home value.
The retrofitting process can be complex, but with careful planning, the right technologies, and financial assistance from SEAI grants, it is entirely possible to transform an older Irish house into an energy-efficient, eco-friendly home with an A-rated BER. Contact us today to discuss your retrofit project.
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