Future Fit Home Energy Plan
Introduction
Nottingham Energy Partnership’s Home Energy Advice Team Hub provides advice and guidance to residents across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire with the aim of helping to improve the energy performance of homes which are categorised as hard-to-treat i.e., not connected to the gas network, or with an EPC rated D-G or in a Conservation Area. Whether you are looking for advice on how to improve your home or need help implementing upgrades, we hope your Future Fit Home Energy Plan will prove useful.
Your Future-Fit Plan
This document focusses on the heat and power aspects of your home. It considers your home’s energy consumption and environmental footprint. It specifically highlights the role of renewable technologies; heat pumps and solar power, in boosting household energy efficiency.
This plan has been developed based on the future-fit home assessment; information provided by a Retrofit Survey, yourself and publicly available data, such as EPC data and historic maps. Cost estimates and energy and carbon savings are calculated using industry approved calculation and modelling techniques.
Assumptions
As far as possible, the information provided here is based upon the home assessment that we carried out. Where it was not possible to determine exact characteristics, we have made assumptions based on the age and type of the property.
We have based energy costs and consumption upon the house itself rather than on your own energy use. This is so that the plan remains valid if there are any changes in the occupancy of your home, changes in your energy tariff, etc.
The cost of all measures is estimated, based on the assumptions we have made about the building and prices that we have received recently for similar work. They are not quotations. Should you wish to go ahead with any of the measures suggested, you should get a minimum of three quotes from accredited tradespeople.
Illustrations: The drawings in this document illustrate general principles, are not to scale or specific to your property. They are not intended to be used directly for purposes of construction. Works to older buildings inevitably involve some level of risk, and require tailored solutions. It is important to consult a specialist before undertaking any work, to prevent damage to your home.
Your Home Now
Your Property
is a traditional detached bungalow estimated to have been built between 1950-1966 and located within Gedling village. It is similar to adjacent buildings in terms of walls and roof covering i.e. brick wall construction and roof with slates or tiles. This particular property has brick cavity walls, a solid ground floor and a pitched roof with access to the loft. Wall cavities have been filled with insulation and so has the loft which has been insulated to 200mm at the joists. All windows are double glazed with PVC frames. The house has four rooms in total - heated by a condensing boiler, emitted via radiators and controlled by a programmer, room thermostat and TRVs. Ventilation is by means of 1. opening windows and doors, 2. intermittent extractor fans in the bathroom and 3. a positive input ventilation system. Additionally, there is a solar panel array on the South facing roof - covering 17% of the total roof area. All light bulbs are low energy LEDs.
Condition
Externally, the property appears to be in good condition, with no obvious defects requiring attention. The brickwork shows no signs of spalling, cracks or erosion to mortar. The roof also appears structurally sound with no signs of dipping, sagging, cracked or slipped tiles. Internally, the property is undergoing refurbishment after experiencing a long term leak that caused damp issues across various rooms. There is potential to avoid reoccurrence of such issues through retrofit.
Airtightness & Ventilation
An airtightness test of the property was not carried out, therefore an assumption has been made based on an average for this house type. As there were no instances of condensation, mould or damp revealed by the assessment, it can be deduced that the current ventilation system is sufficient for air circulation. However, if/when insulation and airtightness levels are improved, it will be necessary to upgrade the ventilation system to a continuous background ventilation system (i.e. extract fans in the kitchen and bathrooms and trickle vents in the living areas and bedrooms) to avoid occurrence of such issues in the future.
Your Home Now
C
Estimated EPC score
73 C Environmental Impact Rating EIR
(out of 100 - higher is better, average is 59)
16,203 kWh
Estimated Annual Energy Use (based on average occupancy)
£1,145 Estimated Fuel Bills (based on average tariff and occupancy)
2.96 CO2 Emissions (CO2e tonnes/year, average is 3.9)
Estimated Energy Use
The chart above gives a breakdown of the main ways that energy is used and lost in your home. It shows that most energy is lost at junctions between the fabric elements, through the water heating system. as well as the space heating system. The figures given also provide an overview of your household energy use and environmental impact. While the house is occupied by one resident, an average number of occupants for this house type would be three people based on its floor area. Therefore the actual bill costs and fuel consumption are likely to be lower than those modelled.
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
What it is: Air source heat pumps are a lower-carbon electric source of heating for your home. They work by extracting heat from the external air and transferring it inside where it is used for space and water heating. Some models can also be used for space cooling in the summer period.
ASHPs are an excellent choice for home heating. They are upto three times more efficient than gas boilers and do not rely on fossil fuels thus significantly reducing household carbon emissions. This sustainable approach aligns with the government de-carbonisation plans aimed at promoting clean energy and sets them as one of the main heating systems for the future. Additionally, air source heat pumps provide increased comfort by maintaining steady indoor temperatures for longer periods, making them a superior alternative to traditional gas boilers.
Key Considerations
» Insulation and airtightness: There are now ASHPs for every situation. However, all heat pumps run more efficiently at low temperatures than boilers. A well insulated and air-tight home will allow the heat pump to maintain comfortable temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
» Location: The air source heat pump includes an outdoor unit which needs to be positioned with 300m clear space behind it and 1m in front. They are now much quieter than previous models. Indoors, a hot water cylinder is required, which is usually no bigger than 700mm in diameter. Note that for properties in conservation areas or historic buildings, planning permission for the outdoor unit may be required.
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
Costs
Air source heat pumps have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional heating systems, considering installation expenses are at an average of £13,500. However, they also offer much lower running and maintenance costs, ranging between £500 and £1,500 annually in comparison to older heating systems such as old LPG or gas boilers.
Payback Period
The typical payback period determines how long it will take for you to see a return on your investment inclusive of both running and maintenance costs. Despite the initial installation costs, it is evident that the air source heat pump typically pays for itself in about 13 years - which is shorter in comparison to other new heating options like coal systems or electric storage heaters which may take over 30 years to break even.
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
Energy Bill Savings
Depending on the existing heating system in your property, the size of the dwelling and the type of fuel being replaced, you can expect to save between £65 - £1000 per year on your energy bills with the install of an ASHP. However, where a new gas boiler is being switched out for an ASHP, it is less likely that you will accrue any savings especially as the cost of electricity per kWh is currently at least 4 times more expensive than that of natural gas. We anticipate that there will be an increase in gas prices over time though as the government introduces stricter environmental regulations in accordance with their de-carbonisation plan.
Carbon Savings
Similarly, the rate of carbon reduction for a given property upon installation of an air source heat pump differs depending on the existing system. Generally, the ASHP produces a fraction of the emissions generated by gas or oil boilers meaning it offers a significant reduction to your household carbon footprint, thus making it one of the most sustainable choices for household heating needs.
Specification
Air source heat pumps are sized according to the heating demand of an individual property. The following is an example of a suitable system for your house, from one of the worlds’ leading manufacturers’, Daikin.
Model: Daikin Altherma 3 Low & High Capacity Monobloc (4-16) with domestic hot water cylinder (R32) Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) 4.4
Highlights
» Perfect fit for lower energy homes
» All in one outdoor unit with all key hydraulic components
» Easy installation: only water connections required
» Perfect for applications where indoor space is limited
» Guaranteed operation, even at -25°C
» Combination with separate stainless steel tank for domestic hot water preparation
Description
Outdoor unit:
» Captures the heat of the outside air, even at low ambient temperatures
» High efficiency thanks to inverter compressor
» R32 refrigerant
» Resistant to cold weather conditions
» All-in-one monobloc with integrated hydraulical parts: circulation pump, filter, expansion vessel
» Only water connections, no external refrigerant connections
Domestic hot water cylinder:
» Stainless steel tank 150L
» Integrated booster heater 3 kW
Additional Considerations
» Radiator sizes: Radiators may need to be re-sized because heat pumps function at a lower flow temperature so, they require larger radiators to provide an efficient heat ouput needed to adequately warm the space. However, if the current radiators meet the household heating demand, resizing may not be needed.
» Temperature Controls: It may be worthwhile to upgrade temperature controls to match the heating system. To further optimise energy use, smart heating controls may also be considered.
» Compatibility: Consider pairing the heat pump with underfloor heating or solar panels to maximise benefits of the renewable systems, further improve comfort and reduce energy bills.
Your Future-Fit Home
B
Estimated EPC score (improved from C)
82 B
Environmental
Impact Rating EIR (improved from 73 C)
4,728 kWh
Estimated Annual Energy Use (down from 16,203 kWh)
£1,385 Estimated Fuel Bills (Up from £1,145)
2.00 CO2 Emissions (improved from 2.96)
Projected Energy Use
The chart above gives a rough comparison of how the energy used and lost in your home could change following installation of clean heat and power technologies. The figures also show their impact on your home’s annual energy use and CO2 emissions. We have estimated a figure for the fuel bill according to current prices. Note that these tend to fluctuate every 3 months so they are likely to vary according to season and period depending on price caps set by Ofgem.
Maintenance & Improvements
The following measures, as explained above, would be beneficial in reducing your carbon emissions and energy bills, increasing the resale value of your home as well as improving the health and comfort of the occupants. They have also been simulated to assess the possible improvement to your home.
» Air Source Heat Pump
» Solar Panels
Currently, the estimated energy performance rating of your house is a C, primarily due to the presence of cavity wall and loft insulation, which significantly enhance the overall efficiency for the property. By installing renewable technologies, you could potentially save 14,611 kWh annually.
For immediate and affordable solutions to improving your home energy efficiency, start by optimising your boiler. This will ensure it operates more efficiently during the heating season and will give you an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the system in reducing your energy bills and carbon emissions before switching to an air source heat pump.
Finally, consider solar panels on the South and West facing roof of the house to further reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.
Health and Safety Risks
Also important is ensuring that any work carried out observes the health and safety regulations which can be found on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/
Asbestos
Any building constructed or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos. When asbestos is disturbed or damaged it releases asbestos fibres into the air which can cause serious diseases and this can be fatal.
Before undertaking works we would recommend obtaining an Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Survey which will provide you with information on the location, amount and condition of any known or presumed asbestos.
Some examples of asbestos in building materials are: paint finishes, old pipework, corrugated roofing panels, insulation boards and fire retardant coatings.
Once the appropriate surveys have been undertaken, this should be passed on to any site operatives so that they can take the necessary precautions.
A suitable professional will be able to identify the asbestos safely and advise on the removal of and/ or necessary precautions. We would recommend that a specialist contractor should be engaged who is registered with the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA).
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Replace your fossil fuel system with low carbon heating
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-funded initiative designed to incentivise the deployment of low-carbon heating technologies, particularly heat pumps, by providing support to installers. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure that nearly all heating systems are low-carbon by 2050 in the effort to achieve target net zero emissions.
The scheme offers grants towards the upfront cost of installation. These are broken down as follows:
£7500 for Air Source Heat Pumps
£7500 for Ground Source Heat Pumps
£5000 for Biomass Boilers
Eligibility
Homeowners, landlords and owners of small business properties in England and Wales
Households with a valid EPC (generated within the last 10 years)
Households replacing fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, gas, electric or liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
Households in urban and rural areas
*For a biomass boiler, the property should be located in a rural area and not connected to the gas grid.
Process
Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme by calling us on 0115 985 3000.
After receiving your approval, we will refer you on to our list of trusted MCS installers who will be in contact with you regarding your application and eventual heat pump install. The installer will need your consent to apply for a voucher/grant on your behalf. You will be contacted by Ofgem to confirm your eligibility and identity with reference to this voucher application.
Once adequate evidence is provided, Ofgem will approve the voucher. You will then be required to pay the remainder of the fee to the installer, who is expected to fit and commission the heat pump onto your property within 120 days from date of approval.
Closing date March 2028
Next Steps
1. Review your options
Consider your priorities and how these correspond with the suggested home improvement measures. Take a look through your Home Energy Plan with a member of the Future-Fit team, who can offer explanations and answer any questions that you may have. We can also identify any grants or funding (available now or in the future) to help you make improvements.
2. Plan repairs and maintenance tasks
Before integrating new building services or renewable systems, consider maintenance and home improvements. Refer to the condition of your property on page 4 to identify any necessary repairs and ventilation upgrades.
Generally speaking, you must ensure that insulation in the walls and loft is sufficient. For instance, for pre 1919 properties, insulation applied to solid external walls should range between 50mm-80mm thickness. Loft insulation should also measure at least 270mm thick to ensure efficiency. All windows and doors should be double or triple glazed to prevent further heat loss from these elements. For cavity walls, it may be necessary to contact a specialist to conduct a technical survey to confirm that the insulation is still adequate. In this case, a filled cavity of 50-80mm width is most appropriate.
If you are interested in undertaking any of the work yourself, our Future-Fit Skills workshops could be ideal for you. We offer free, hands-on, and online training to help you do the job right.
3. Get some quotes
If you are looking for a professional to carry out the work, we can help. We will request quotes from our list of trusted contractors and suppliers, can help you to review the quotes and decide the best route to take.
4. Get Future-Fit!
When you are happy to proceed, we can offer further services to help you to manage your project from start to finish. NEP are a registered Home Improvement Agency, offering personalised packages of support to help with everything from sorting out contracts to signing off works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What determines the efficiency and performance of the heat pump?
A: The Coefficient of Performance (COP), Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) and Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) will each indicate the performance of a heat pump. To ensure better energy efficiency and lower operating costs, consider a system with a high SCOP (above 3.0) and high SPF (above 3.5).
Q: How much noise does an air source heat pump make?
A: Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate quietly. The outdoor unit typically produces a noise level between 40 to 60 decibels, which is comparable to a domestic refrigerator or background noise in a library. Proper placement of the unit away from bedroom windows and property lines can further minimize any noise disturbance for both owner-occupiers and neighbours, respectively.
Q: Is it necessary to change the hot water cylinder with the install of an ASHP?
A: It is not always mandatory to upgrade your hot water cylinder when installing an ASHP but doing so can significantly improve the efficiency and performance of your heating system. Your installer should assess your current system to determine whether your existing cylinder is compatible or if an upgrade is advisable.
Q: Should the air source heat pump run all the time?
A: Generally, it is considered more energy-efficient to let the system run consistently rather than turning it on and off frequently. There is therefore no need to adjust the settings of the heat pump after installation. By setting the desired temperature on your thermostat, you will be able to adjust the output and maintain comfortable temperature.
Q: What maintenance issues should I be aware of with an air source heat pump?
A: Air source heat pumps require little to no maintenance but it is important to keep the outdoor unit free of debris and ensure that the drainage system is clear. It is recommended that you check the filters and schedule an annual service to keep the system running efficiently. By doing so, you can prevent issues like reduced efficiency or system breakdowns.
Q: How does an air source heat pump deal with frost during winter?
A: Frost detection and prevention is designed into the air source heat pump system such that it can avoid accumulation and allow for melt off during the cold weather. When frost is detected, the system temporarily reverses its operation to ensure efficient operation. This process is automatic and does not require user intervention.
Q: How long does it take to install an air source heat pump?
A: The installation of an air source heat pump typically takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of the system and the size of your property. A more accurate time-frame is provided by the installer after
Frequently Asked Questions
home assessment.
Q: Can a gas heating engineer install the heat pump?
A: The installer must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) because only MCS certified installers can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The MCS is a nationally recognised standards organisation that assures the competence of installers, the quality of their products and their installation.
Q: Will the grant cover the full cost of replacing my existing boiler with a low carbon alternative?
The grant is not expected to cover the full cost of installation. It is sufficient to cover the cost of the equipment and a small proportion of the labour. With this reduction, you are bound to pay a remainder of £2,500-£4,500 which is comparable to the cost of replacing a new gas boiler.
Note that the typical cost of installing heat pumps is between £10,000-£12,000 for an air source heat pump and between £14,000-£16,000 for a ground source heat pump.
Q: I have applied for a government grant for an air source heat pump or biomass boiler before, can I get a new one through this scheme?
You can still apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if you’ve had separate funding for energy efficiency upgrades. This includes insulation or energy efficient doors and windows. However, properties that have already received government funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler (for example from the Green Homes Grants Scheme) aren’t eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Q: Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme applicable if I am replacing an existing low carbon heating system?
Funding is not available for the replacement of existing low carbon heating systems. For example, you can’t replace an existing air source heat pump with a new ground source heat pump. Only properties that are fully replacing existing fossil fuel systems (such as oil, gas or direct electric) will be eligible for support under the scheme.
Q: I applied for a voucher before the rates increased (pre-October 23rd 2023) from £5000 to £7,500, will I be eligible for the new higher rate?
If your installer has not fitted your heat pump, you can contact them to cancel the voucher and reapply under the higher amount.
Q: Is there specific criteria regarding the capacity of the heat pump to qualify for the grant?
The grant can only be used to install a heat pump that can meet the space and hot water heating demands of the property. It must also have a capacity of no more that 45kWth (kilowatt thermal) and a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of at least 2.8.
Glossary
Air leakage: the unintentional movement of air through gaps, cracks and openings in the building fabric.
Airtightness: an airtight building is one where there is little unintentional air movement through the building fabric.
Building Fabric: the elements that separate the interior of a building, i.e. the roof, external walls, lowest floor, windows and doors.
Building Services: mechanical systems installed in your home, for example heating systems and ventilation.
Carbon emissions: the carbon dioxide (or equivalent greenhouse gas) released into the atmosphere as a result of a given activity or process.
Energy Efficiency: indicates how much energy you benefit from per unit of energy supplied e.g. an ‘inefficient’ property would require far more energy to be used to provide the same level of comfort as an ‘energy efficient’ property.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): a certificate issued to a property reflecting its energy performance on a scale from A-G where G is the worst and A is excellent. It also determines the energy demand of the property, estimated fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Environmental Impact Rating: a measure of a home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment. This rating is based on the performance of the building and its fixed services (such as heating and lighting).
Heat Demand: the amount of heat energy needed to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
kWh (kilo-watt hour): a unit of energy, equivalent to the energy transferred or expended in one hour by one kilowatt of power.
kWth (kilo-watt thermal): the maximum output in kilowatts that your heat pump system can produce.
Lifetime cost: the cost of a measure over its predicted (minimum) lifespan, taking into account the initial installation cost and subsequent annual savings.
Low Temperature Heating: a heating system which operates at a temperature less than 55°.
MCS: Micro-generation Certification Scheme, is an industry-led quality assurance scheme, which demonstrates the quality and reliability of approved products and installation companies.
Seasonal Co-efficient of Performance (SCOP): measures the performance of the heat pump in varying seasons and temperatures.
Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF): measures the performance of the specific heat pump installed on the property in varying seasons and temperatures, also accounting for performance of associated equipment such as the hot water cylinder.
Thermal Performance: a measure of how well a building retains heat.
