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Anyone here in the trade? I'm considering getting a heat pump to replace the gas boiler, ads suggest there's big government grants, it'll cost about £4k instead of £11k etc. But also, that bills go down on average of £20 a month, so they take approx 20 years to pay for themselves.
Likewise, I'm thinking of cavity wall insulation, either adding it, or replacing depending on what the survey comes back with. New loft insulation etc to make the new house as green and bills as low as possible.
Anyone done these sort of things and found they were worth it?
Got a heat pump installed nearly two years ago and have been very happy with it. Cost about £3.5k after the grant which included radiators being replaced and needing scaffolding up. That's about the same, perhaps even a touch less, than replacing the gas boiler would have cost. Bills are about £25 a month lower and the house has stayed toastie. Important to use it right, have the heating on for longer over the winter rather than trying to give it a 'blast' for a couple of hours in the morning and evening, but if you do that it's efficient and effective.
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:46 - Oct 28 by Herbivore
Got a heat pump installed nearly two years ago and have been very happy with it. Cost about £3.5k after the grant which included radiators being replaced and needing scaffolding up. That's about the same, perhaps even a touch less, than replacing the gas boiler would have cost. Bills are about £25 a month lower and the house has stayed toastie. Important to use it right, have the heating on for longer over the winter rather than trying to give it a 'blast' for a couple of hours in the morning and evening, but if you do that it's efficient and effective.
How on earth do you replace existing cavity insulation??
Anyway, to tag on an additional question to those in the know... I've a victorian mid terrace with no insulation at all as far as I can see. Do you insulate each room (as in floor/ceiling on internal rooms) as well as the exterior?
If you liked my post, please take the time to upvote it. It's very much appreciated.
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:48 - Oct 28 by Swansea_Blue
Is it noisy?
Can't really hear it. When it's going at full tilt it's a faint sort of white noise but you can't hear it inside the house unless you've got the windows wide open right next to it.
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:48 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
How on earth do you replace existing cavity insulation??
Anyway, to tag on an additional question to those in the know... I've a victorian mid terrace with no insulation at all as far as I can see. Do you insulate each room (as in floor/ceiling on internal rooms) as well as the exterior?
I have recently had a heat pump installed so it's too early to tell whether it will be cost effective. From knowing next to nothing about heat pumps, l have tried to educate myself. I recommend Heat Geek on YouTube.
New radiators are probably needed, as well as double glazing and the latest specification of loft cladding.
From my experience, l would say that finding a good person to design the system should be a priority. I was very impressed with the installer and the company who designed and installed everything. A good installer should listen to your specific requirements as well as the unique nature of your property.
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 10:14 - Oct 28 with 1517 views
There was a very good documentary on Channel 5 earlier this year about Heat Pumps. Showed you all the financial sums and the logistics of installation. I learnt a lot. Programme might still be available online, think it was called "Heat Pumps: Are they worth it ?"
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 10:24 - Oct 28 with 1482 views
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 10:14 - Oct 28 by wischip
There was a very good documentary on Channel 5 earlier this year about Heat Pumps. Showed you all the financial sums and the logistics of installation. I learnt a lot. Programme might still be available online, think it was called "Heat Pumps: Are they worth it ?"
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:48 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
How on earth do you replace existing cavity insulation??
Anyway, to tag on an additional question to those in the know... I've a victorian mid terrace with no insulation at all as far as I can see. Do you insulate each room (as in floor/ceiling on internal rooms) as well as the exterior?
If I understand correctly it can deteriorate and sink, so needs topping up. Correct me if I am wrong
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:48 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
How on earth do you replace existing cavity insulation??
Anyway, to tag on an additional question to those in the know... I've a victorian mid terrace with no insulation at all as far as I can see. Do you insulate each room (as in floor/ceiling on internal rooms) as well as the exterior?
They literally suck out the old stuff. I think it depends on the type though and can sometimes be a pain.
If only there was a national awareness campaign to encourage people to insulate their homes to save energy and money. It could be called something like Insulate Britain. I can’t see anyone pushing back against such a thing
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:48 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
How on earth do you replace existing cavity insulation??
Anyway, to tag on an additional question to those in the know... I've a victorian mid terrace with no insulation at all as far as I can see. Do you insulate each room (as in floor/ceiling on internal rooms) as well as the exterior?
I’ve a Victorian mid terrace, modern insulation has caused all sorts of problems.
They’re built to breathe, I have been dealing with all sorts of issues, and am probably going to be having to figure out some subfloor problems too.
I genuinely believe the modern insulation has caused a lot of the problems.
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 11:12 - Oct 28 by NewcyBlue
I’ve a Victorian mid terrace, modern insulation has caused all sorts of problems.
They’re built to breathe, I have been dealing with all sorts of issues, and am probably going to be having to figure out some subfloor problems too.
I genuinely believe the modern insulation has caused a lot of the problems.
I lived in a Victorian end terrace for years and it was freezing in the winter. Looked into external wall insulation for the large side wall but the consensus seemed to be it caused more trouble than it was worth for the reasons you suggest, doesn't let the building breathe. There were some lime based options that were breathable and looked better but if you're in an old house I think there's only so much you can do to make it more energy efficient.
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 11:12 - Oct 28 by NewcyBlue
I’ve a Victorian mid terrace, modern insulation has caused all sorts of problems.
They’re built to breathe, I have been dealing with all sorts of issues, and am probably going to be having to figure out some subfloor problems too.
I genuinely believe the modern insulation has caused a lot of the problems.
Not just old properties. Our house was built in 1999 and I was rather surprised to find it had no cavity wall insulation. We had it added around 2009 through some Council discount scheme. Within a couple of years we had serious mold and condensation problems and ended up having it removed. Would like to get a replacement now but the wife won't entertain the thought of it, worried that we'd get a repeat of the problem.
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:22 - Oct 28 with 982 views
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 12:38 - Oct 28 by Herbivore
I lived in a Victorian end terrace for years and it was freezing in the winter. Looked into external wall insulation for the large side wall but the consensus seemed to be it caused more trouble than it was worth for the reasons you suggest, doesn't let the building breathe. There were some lime based options that were breathable and looked better but if you're in an old house I think there's only so much you can do to make it more energy efficient.
I'm really confused by the confliction of insulation and ventilation. Where does one start and the other end? Can you do both?
If you liked my post, please take the time to upvote it. It's very much appreciated.
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 09:48 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
How on earth do you replace existing cavity insulation??
Anyway, to tag on an additional question to those in the know... I've a victorian mid terrace with no insulation at all as far as I can see. Do you insulate each room (as in floor/ceiling on internal rooms) as well as the exterior?
Might be of interest to you and others Gav:
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:43 - Oct 28 with 921 views
Hey Mullet, I am about 3/4's of the way through my energy retrofit over here in Ireland.
It's been a long journey of nearly a year at this point, with a lot of ridiculous quotes and direct conversations.
To date, I have had the attic insulation upgraded, solar array installed and a heat pump. (Along with minor work, capping chimneys etc) No wall insulation was possible due to the house construction type just waiting now for windows/doors upgrade which is due in Nov.
In terms of my heat pump, its early days and there were plumbing issues etc during the install. But once setup and tweaked for the house itself its amazing just keep the house at the desired temperature. No scheduling timers, tweaking thermostats etc. To make a heatpump efficient you want it running all the time not cycling. Ours is a monobloc type and is situated in front of the kitchen window you cannot hear the compressor at all.
My house is UFCH throughout so no upgrading of rads was needed. The key thing is the correct sizing of the heatpump and accurate heat loss calculations for the existing building.
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:47 - Oct 28 with 906 views
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:43 - Oct 28 by WicklowBlue
Hey Mullet, I am about 3/4's of the way through my energy retrofit over here in Ireland.
It's been a long journey of nearly a year at this point, with a lot of ridiculous quotes and direct conversations.
To date, I have had the attic insulation upgraded, solar array installed and a heat pump. (Along with minor work, capping chimneys etc) No wall insulation was possible due to the house construction type just waiting now for windows/doors upgrade which is due in Nov.
In terms of my heat pump, its early days and there were plumbing issues etc during the install. But once setup and tweaked for the house itself its amazing just keep the house at the desired temperature. No scheduling timers, tweaking thermostats etc. To make a heatpump efficient you want it running all the time not cycling. Ours is a monobloc type and is situated in front of the kitchen window you cannot hear the compressor at all.
My house is UFCH throughout so no upgrading of rads was needed. The key thing is the correct sizing of the heatpump and accurate heat loss calculations for the existing building.
I may pick your brains in a few weeks/ months if that’s ok?
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:21 - Oct 28 by longtimefan
Not just old properties. Our house was built in 1999 and I was rather surprised to find it had no cavity wall insulation. We had it added around 2009 through some Council discount scheme. Within a couple of years we had serious mold and condensation problems and ended up having it removed. Would like to get a replacement now but the wife won't entertain the thought of it, worried that we'd get a repeat of the problem.
The issue in a lot of cases has been using blown fibre, which isn't water resistant.
Cavity walls were originally introduced to prevent wind-driven rain soaking through to the interior walls, so if you have a house in an exposed area, installing insulation in the cavity that absorbs water will cause problems.
However, there are water resistant types available - my Dad's farmhouse was done with polystyrene beads, which has prevented the moisture transfer. They were also coated with glue, meaning they stick in place and won't settle like some forms of cavity wall insulation do.
External wall insulation can work very well, but needs to be done properly to prevent moisture buildup. Unfortunately a lot of it is done wrong and has given it a terrible reputation.
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 14:22 - Oct 28 with 828 views
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:22 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
I'm really confused by the confliction of insulation and ventilation. Where does one start and the other end? Can you do both?
I have been opening windows for a five minute power flush of damp air first thing in the morning and again at midday.
Using a hob extractor fan and the bathroom extractor fan when cooking or showering is essential. Dry air feels more comfortable and is better for raising the temperature via the heat pump.
I also keep the trickle vents open pretty much 24 / 7. Neither opening the windows briefly or using the extractor fans affect the temperature to a large extent.
I have Thermpro hydrometers in every room to monitor relative humidity and room temperature. It works on Bluetooth so l can monitor trends.
Despite the above, l am not a heat pump nerd; l have just found it interesting to optimise the system..
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 15:14 - Oct 28 with 691 views
Heat Pumps and house insulation on 13:22 - Oct 28 by GavTWTD
I'm really confused by the confliction of insulation and ventilation. Where does one start and the other end? Can you do both?
my understanding is that the risk with modern insulation systems (foams etc) is air with moisture getting between the various layers and reaching a cold surface and condensing there. hence mould and rot etc. so either you need to seal the insulation so that air can't get reach inside - vapour barriers, passive house type standards etc - or you need ventilated voids where insulation meets the cold and moisture baring air. the risk also is that you can insulate walls but leave a gap in the insulation, eg between floors, which then becomes a cold point where condensation and mould forms.
traditional materials are vapour permeable and therefore these issues don't arise since if condensation forms within it it can escape again through the materials and out into the air. they can't cope with being soaked (ie rain getting in) but moisture in the air and condensation doesn't cause a problem. but if someone then introduces a non-permeable layer - eg cement based render or plaster - then the moisture gets trapped and the whole thing rots.
i've just built an extension using all breathable materials - essentially hemp and lime. it's pretty close to wattle and daub. you get a very high insulation level, plus lots of thermal mass so that the walls absorb heat during the day and release it at night, plus the walls breathe which involves an energy exchange as moisture is absorbed into and released from the walls. it isn't an option for retro-fit but if i was building anything domestic now from scratch it's a brilliant system in terms of energy efficiency, air quality and temperature control.
And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show
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Heat Pumps and house insulation on 15:54 - Oct 28 with 625 views
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