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I want to get someone in to look at our bungalow to advise us on where we can improve on insulation (particularly cavity wall - whether it would be worthwhile/appropriate for us) and any other areas where we could improve on our energy efficiency. I don't want someone coming and giving me the hard sell.
Do people do this? I can't find anyone using Google.
Anyone had it done and was it worthwhile?
I had to have one prior to an investment we were making (can't remember what - might have been cavity wall insultation?) but it was a disappointing check-box exercise where the inspector decided they knew all about our insulation status almost without setting foot in the property - no attempt to find anything unusual with our build etc.
They did identify that our hot water tank had no thermostat and therefore the hot water system simply heated water until the thermal cut-out on the boiler switched the burner off! So I guess for this alone I should be thankful.
We used to have someone local that did this kind of thing. Went round the house outside and in with a thermal camera in the winter, to spot cold walls, ceilings, bridging etc. Didn't use them but was effective I think.
To a degree I think you can do something similar with a flir heat cameras which plug into your phone (buy 2nd hand on ebay, survey then sell on again).
A decent EPC surveyor could maybe do this.
Very highly variable though. So I'd be careful with credentials, because EPCs deal in a percentage score.
You want someone that has a scientific background that understands KW and energy flux rather than 'how to do an EPC'
May help with where you are located, especially if you want to have site visits (appreciate may be obvious), so in Cumbria try CAFs, https://cafs.org.uk/home-energy-audit/
or if considering a retrofit https://cafs.org.uk/stage-2-making-a-plan/
Also appreciate it's a bit of a buzzword!! but worth a chat with them...
Also Cumbria https://greenfootsteps.co.uk/domestic/
Cavity wise, depends on age and condition and exposure to weather, i.e. hill top, sea side etc where cavity does a good job, also how far (£££) are you prepared to go with building works, insulation etc.
Just heard a colleague using these people near midlands,(survey/report for pre-refurb, but included some recommendations) maybe worth a chat and explain what you want, https://www.corelogic.uk/solutions/pas-2035-retrofit-solutions/
I do not work for any of these, but do know of the Cumbria based ones.
I am sure it is on most peoples mind how to improve, I have an old building, so no cavities and it's not easy, more a long term aspect. Good luck.
That’s what I do based in the south east. Most of my clients are doing extensive retrofits rather than minor tinkering. As mentioned above it should involve a far more in depth survey to an epc. I normally would spend up to 4 hours and also get an air pressure test done to see how leaky the house is and in the winter also use thermal imaging. From this build a phpp passive house package model to evaluate improvements. And recommend works based on construction type and build methodology of existing house along with essential maintenance works needed prior to retrofitting. You want someone with good surveying background or someone through the AECB or passive house trust. There is a newish standard for assessment and retrofit works called PAS 2035 where works are carried out and guaranteed through trust mark. This is mainly aimed at works getting government funding so has potential to be less relevant to individual home owners. It is an area full of muppets and snake oil so you are well advised to tread carefully.
Hi all. Thanks for the replies. Based in Lancashire. Still struggling to find someone. The link supplied by @cvilla would be just the job if I lived in Cumbria!
Mr S, OK south of Cumbria you say;), try these, worth a chat/email, if nothing else you'll get a feel for services and fees, https://murtonandco.uk/
As mentioned (ajc) lots of greenwash, but you can find good surveying advice, depends what level, i.e. how much £££ fees.
Other links for research, https://www.lowenergybuildings.org.uk/ you may find a more local project with consultants, useful ref.
Also have a think about your long term plan, i.e. how long you will live at your property, forever and hand it down to the kids, or sell up in 5 years, do you want a finance return and no hiccups on next survey. Always more to think about...easier for payback if you are younger and have time on mortgage.
Anyhow you wanted some thoughts, look for a surveyor/architect firm that do surveys, albeit many are busy with 'retrofits'! i.e. peoples refurbs and extensions.