Case study: retro-fit of a bungalow in Harting
My 80sqm 2 bedroom bungalow with integral garage in South Harting was built in 1970 and bought by my dad in 2005. I moved in in 2019 just before Covid, the house was not my choice, the style and layout did not work for me, and didn’t feel like home, I had to make drastic changes if I was to stay in the village where I grew up, or move, but even after viewing several properties I realized nothing was actually how I wanted my home to be. I decided to change the layout of the property I already owned, change the heating to a greener more sustainable source and to get it properly insulated.
My starting point
The bungalow had brick and block cavity walls, underfelt/tiled roof, and wood suspended floors with an approximately 60cm void beneath. It was heated by an open fireplace with LPG providing central heating, hot water and kitchen hob. The loft had 29cm of insulation, and rockwool cavity wall insulation had gone in around 2005.
The LPG boiler was 35+ years old and there was a damp problem in the wall between the garage and a bedroom, a single skinned wall, not a cavity wall. I had a damp survey with photos of under my floors and in the wall cavity proving the rockwool was still dry.
Time for some changes
Under the Solar Together scheme in conjunction with Chichester District Council and at a reduced cost (approx. 1/3 cheaper than my 3 independent quotes) I had 10 PV Solar Panels fitted, with 7kw storage batteries. Each month I get an income from any electricity from this system that gets fed back into the grid – in June 2023, I received my largest amount so far, £120!
My aged boiler, over 30 years old, desperately needed replacing. I knew that a company had installed Air Source Heat Pumps into the housing association properties in the village. After speaking to several tenants living in those homes, who I have known for many years, I was told they were delighted to have changed from open fires with back boilers to the new technologies, and were feeling health benefits as well as warm houses and saving money on fuel.
So it was that I decided upon installing an Air Source Heat Pump, with estimated fuel savings of £100 per month. This year my second winter with it and I have no complaints!
Further work continued from August 2023 until Christmas and also included:
· A large rainwater harvest tank installed under new decking area, with filters, a pump and tap connected to provide a grey water system for toilet flushing and garden watering
· Kitchen walls removed to make an open plan area into lounge/diner with LED lighting
· Garage converted to 3rd bedroom and separate utility room which also houses my solar inverter and storage batteries
· Replacement double glazed windows
· 100mm Cellotex insulation under entire property
The property is now warmer, greener and I feel I am contributing to the campaign to help with climate change, AND I can water my garden in summer and enjoy growing plants and vegetables knowing I have my own water supply.
Denise is an ERA member from South Harting