Featured Article
| Harp attack |
The HARP database allows Building Energy Rating assessors to enter real performance data for heating appliances when calculating Building Energy Ratings rather than low default scores - but few renewable appliances are listed, and the industry appears confused and deterred by the application process. Lenny Antonelli investigates.
|
|
Read More >>
|
Latest Blog Comments
Official magazine of Easca  |
|
Page 5 of 6
The Stillorgan renovation is Durkan Ecofix's first project. The company
- a subsidiary of developers Durkan Residential - was launched earlier
this year to service the growing demand for home energy upgrades. "This
was effectively our R&D job, it's being used as a sort of test
case," says company director Patrick Durkan, adding that the company
put considerable effort into researching different building materials.
"Effectively research took us four months of work."
Galway HRV manufacturer Pro Air supplied and installed their Pro Air 300 system. The unit is listed on SAP Appendix Q and boasts a heat recovery efficiency of 85 per cent
The company aims to offer a one-stop-shop service for householders
applying for Home Energy Saving scheme grants - including free initial
assessments, application processing, upgrade works and after-sales
service. Patrick Durkan says Ecofix avoids petroleum-based products
when possible, and pays close attention to the environmental impact of
manufacturing processes. The company says it’s giving preference to
Irish building systems, companies and products.
Home renovation is a different ballgame to new build, Durkan says. "For
example, we have a 25 minute training video for contractors regarding
conduct, attire, shoes, everything, because you're going to work in
someone else's home. We had to re-train contractors who would have been
new home builders. They have a code of conduct, ID cards, a uniform."
Grant says that there has been minimal disruption to her home during the renovation. She and her husband are tackling the upgrade on a phased basis rather than all at once, and Jay Stuart is a fan of this approach. "I think that's a valid approach for the whole of this refurb business," he says. "I think we're going to come across a lot of people who, maybe because they don't have the money right now, won't do everything at once. If you did nothing else but two rooms in each house, I think that's valid."
Fresh pre-heated air is delivered throughout the house by the Pro Air system. "You could immediately feel the difference in the quality of the air just a day after getting it [the HRV] in," Danielle Grant says
Grant says her first gas bill since the renovation was 50 per cent lower than the previous one. Though she acknowledges a direct comparison isn't accurate, she points out that her latest bill covered the cold snap in February and March. Providing quality double glazing is installed and a well insulated rear extension built, Stuart has calculated the BER should jump from an F to a B.
|
|
Issue 1, Vol 5 Out Now
The new look issue of Construct Ireland is available now. Click here to subscribe online and have the latest issue delivered to your doorstep
|
