Retrofit Success In Belfast: Heating Costs Reduced by Nearly 60%!

In 2014, with the sharp rise in oil prices (like the current surge in gas costs), the homeowners decided to overhaul their home heating system. Their old setup was a basic time clock with no thermostat, leading to constant temperature fluctuations – either too hot or too cold – and frequent shortages of hot water.

Upon investigating the heating pipework, Daly discovered that the pipes under the floorboards weren’t even insulated. That was the moment we knew a complete upgrade was necessary to make our home more energy-efficient and comfortable.

The client had a long-term vision for their home, wanting to make it healthier, more energy-efficient, and future-proof.

Objectives

• Transition to a renewable energy solution to reduce the yearly £1,100+ oil costs.

• Improve energy efficiency.

• Increase the value of the house

• Achieve better co2 levels and air quality

Renewable Energy Upgrades by Daly Renewables

Daly Renewables was selected to design and implement a modern, energy-efficient system tailored to the homeowner’s needs. The comprehensive project included the following enhancements:

1. Upgraded Radiators: Replaced single radiators with double ones in main living areas, and standard radiators with SmartRads, featuring integrated fans for optimal performance at lower temperatures.
2. Air Source Heat Pump: Replaced the outdated 15kW oil boiler with a more efficient 7.5kW Air Source Heat Pump.
3. Smart Thermostat: Installed a wireless programmable thermostat with app accessibility for convenient temperature control.
4. Hot Water System: Switched from a poorly insulated copper cylinder to a foam-lagged stainless steel cylinder. Converted the plumbing to a pressurised hot water system, eliminating the need for a large cold-water storage tank in the attic, freeing up additional storage space.
5. New Heating Pipes: Installed an entirely new heating pipe system and lagged all pipes under the suspended timber floor to improve insulation.
6. Floor Insulation: Added 10mm foil-backed Airflex insulation to the ground floor, sealing all joints and taping them to the walls for enhanced thermal performance.
7. Loft Insulation Upgrade: Increased attic insulation from 100mm to 300mm using mineral wool for better energy efficiency.
8. Wall Insulation: Enhanced cavity wall insulation by filling the remaining space with 40mm of pumped grey beads, complementing the existing 60mm HD board.
9. Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation: Installed a mechanical ventilation system to improve indoor air quality and resolve previous mould issues. The system provides continuous fresh air, which the homeowners value the most.
10. Solar Hot Water System: Installed a 15-tube solar thermal system to provide free hot water for most of the year.

Results

The renewable energy system has exceeded expectations, delivering outstanding environmental and economic benefits. Key outcomes include:

• Efficiency: Hot water is always available and the house always maintains a 21°c comfort level all year.

• Cost Savings: Heating bill reduced from over £1,100 per year to £450 per year to run the heat pump.
• Comfort: With the MHRV system the home has fresh air always which is beneficial for a house which we worked hard to have airtight.
• Value: The value of our home has increased greatly with its higher EPC rating and lower running costs.

‘Now, we never need to open the windows! The system works brilliantly, and we sleep easy knowing that our kids are breathing clean, fresh air throughout the night. Replacing the filters every year shows just how effective it is. My wife, who’s not particularly technical, considers it one of the best decisions we made. We used to have issues with mould and condensation in the bathroom and bedrooms, and every morning the windows would be covered in moisture. That doesn’t happen anymore. The house feels fresh all the time, and we never have any drafts because we don’t need to open the windows much!’