Climate change is a hot topic today. We cannot deny the changes that are happening around us, and we all need to do our bit to help decarbonise the planet. There are many producers of carbon with farming and transport being significant contributors, but our homes are also one of the biggest.
As inhabitants of this world, we believe we need to look closely at our homes and lifestyle to see what we can do to cut our carbon footprint. When examining our homes, the emphasis is on ‘energy-saving’ and making simple, and some more substantial changes will help decrease the carbon and reduce our energy bills. It’s time to think ‘green and clean’…
With our experience and as a qualified Thermographer and Retrofit Coordinator, Eco Tiffin can assess your home and recommend energy- and money-saving options, improving your home’s comfy factor. We’re committed to providing sound advice for our clients to reduce the risk of poor investments and save money with both long- and short-term solutions.
Recommended Energy-Saving Measures
Here are a few things that can be implemented to help energy saving:
- Airtightness and draught proofing
- Modern heating techniques and controls – high-efficiency boilers, thermostats and timers.
- Modern double / triple glazed windows
- Window films
- Insulating walls externally or internally
- Insulating floors (especially ground floor and forgotten)
- Loft insulation
- Eaves insulation
Our energy-saving assessments are the perfect start to enlighten you as to what is possible with your home. We can give you calculated before and after savings if requested to show you what is achievable with the retrofit measures to your home, summarised clearly so you can see which actions will pay for themselves quickest.
This clear presentation helps you make informed decisions at a glance – and because we do not sell products or receive commissions for specific materials, you can trust our advice to be the right advice for you.
Follow-up Support
We realise that questions may arise after the survey has taken place, or there might be points you want to clarify. You have the opportunity to ask any follow-up questions relating directly to the report or survey for up to 12 months after the survey. This ensures you have ample time to understand and implement the recommendations effectively.
By combining these elements, you can make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements, ensuring your home not only saves energy but also maintains a comfortable living environment.
Where thermography comes in….
Thermography is used to identify thermal defects in buildings by measuring and recording the reflected energy of an object or area. These thermal images accurately detect problems by relying on reflected heat. The coldest temperatures will appear as black/dark blue images and range up to red / White for the warmest temperature.
In this process, we determine the areas of heat loss, building defects, and anomalies in building structures, which in turn enables homeowners to avoid the costly expense of invasive and destructive measures. We effectively allow the homeowner to have a more detailed insight into the property in which they plan to invest. This practice has proven highly successful in old and listed buildings to help identify adaptions and alterations.
Our focus is to improve and maximise the thermal qualities of the whole structure. This takes into account the age, condition, usage, the status of the property (example listed) and particularly the clients long- and short-term goals. There are also substantial added value benefits, which are:
- Identify long and short-term maintenance issues
- Improve ventilation
- Improve health conditions, allergy-free (fungi and moulds associated with damp and condensation)
- Improved comfort
- Change habits
- Save money
- Helping the war on climate change
If you’d like a home energy survey on your property, please call us to discuss your requirements and the most suitable type of assessment to suit your needs.
How Does It Work? – Home Energy Survey
Conducting the Survey:
Our team will carry out a thorough visual survey of your home to assess how you are using energy. During the heating season (November to April), we will also conduct a thermal imaging analysis*, providing objective evidence of heat loss. This method is invaluable for pinpointing specific areas that need attention.
Heating:
We will inspect boilers, heat pumps, electric heating, controls, and radiators/underfloor heating systems.
Lighting and Appliances:
Review of current lighting and appliance usage.
Hot Water:
Assessment of storage, distribution, and usage.
Draughtproofing:
Identifying areas of cold air infiltration and assessing ventilation.
Insulation:
Examination of roof/loft, floor, walls, windows, and doors, including related structural issues.
Energy Consumption:
Analysis of historic and real-time energy consumption, alongside advice on tariffs.
Renewable Energy:
Exploring opportunities for renewable energy generation and storage.
Please allow up to 3-4 hours for the survey, depending on the size of your home
Report Generation: We write up our findings and issue a comprehensive report to you, typically within 7-14 days. This report will include detailed insights and actionable recommendations based on our survey.
By following this structured process, we provide homeowners with a clear understanding of their property’s energy efficiency and potential improvements. This thorough approach ensures that you are well-equipped to make informed decisions about your home’s energy use.
How does a home energy report assists in future energy monitoring?
The home energy report offers invaluable insights into managing and reducing your energy consumption. Here’s how it helps:
- Heat Loss Analysis: The report pinpoints where your home is losing heat, enabling you to make targeted improvements for a more energy-efficient home.
- Actionable Advice: You’ll receive practical tips on how to monitor and manage your energy use, including smart meters and energy-efficient appliances.
- Long-term Planning: The report aids in planning for future energy needs. This information helps you make informed decisions about home improvements and energy-saving investments.
Overall, the home energy report is a comprehensive tool for monitoring and optimising your energy use, empowering you to make smarter, more sustainable choices.
How long does a home energy survey typically take?
A home energy survey’s duration can vary based on several factors, primarily the size of your home. On average, you should expect the process to take between three to four hours.
Factors Influencing Duration:
- Home size: Larger homes may require more time for a thorough inspection.
- Complexity of systems: Homes with more intricate heating, cooling, and electrical systems could extend the survey duration.
- Accessibility: Areas that are difficult to access may increase the time needed for a comprehensive review.
What to Expect
During the survey, the energy assessor will evaluate several aspects such as insulation, window efficiency, and the performance of your heating and cooling systems. This detailed evaluation is essential for providing accurate recommendations to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
By understanding the factors that influence the length of a home energy survey, you can better prepare for the visit and ensure that the process goes smoothly.
What information is included in the home energy report?
When you receive your home energy report, here’s what you can expect:
- Specific energy efficiency improvements
- Estimated financial outlay for each recommended action.
- Heat Loss Analysis: Identification of areas where heat escapes your home, along with thermal imaging data to visualise problem areas.
- Future Monitoring Tips: Guidance on how to track and reduce your energy usage moving forward.
- Condition report including damp and defects
Your report may also include supplementary advice, such as:
- Planning Advice: Recommendations to navigate any planning regulations or requirements.
- Supplier Information: Tips on finding reliable suppliers for any necessary improvements.
How are the recommendations in the home energy report presented?
The recommendations in the home energy report are detailed and user-friendly. Each suggestion comes with a clear estimate of the cost involved, the anticipated savings, and the time it will take to see a return on your investment.
Here’s how the report makes it easy to digest this information:
- Detailed breakdown: Each recommendation includes:
- Cost estimate: A clear indication of the financial outlay required.
- Unbiased Advice: The recommendations are free from product endorsements or commissions, ensuring trustworthy and impartial advice.
By presenting the information this way, the report ensures you can make informed decisions to improve energy efficiency in your home.
Estimating costs, savings, and payback times in your home energy report
When you receive your home energy report, it will detail several key estimates for each recommendation: the cost of implementation, the savings you can expect, and the payback time. Here’s how these estimates are calculated:
Cost estimation
- Material and labour: The estimate includes the price of necessary materials and the labor required for installation or upgrades.
- Market rates: Costs are based on current market rates, ensuring you get an accurate picture of the financial outlay involved.
Call back request
If you're looking to cut costs, improve your home's comfort levels, reduce heat loss, get rid of damp or discuss insurance claims, drop us a line and one of our expert team will be in touch.