When we started Victorian house renovation It was tempting to jump right into advanced energy technologies. We considered installing heat pumps, solar panels and all kinds of smart home systems.
As a journalist who writes about such technologies I wanted to practice what I preached. However, our budget was very limited, so we made a conscious decision to take a different approach: fabric first, technology second.
We prioritized insulation, airtightness and new timber windows as these were basic measures that would reduce heat loss. But, there are always compromises with old houses. These are the energy upgrades we’ve deliberately chosen to leave out, and why.
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1. Why we decided against a heat pump
Heat pumps are often considered the future of domestic heating, and there is no doubt that they can be extremely efficient when installed in the right conditions. But time and practicality didn’t quite match for us.
A Ground source heat pumps That was never an option as we have a very small garden – a common feature of Victorian houses – so we didn’t have room for ground loops or boreholes.
N Air source heat pump There was a more realistic option, but it still came with challenges. At the time of our renovation we had already committed significant funding new window, therefore Installing an air source heat pump Just wasn’t financially viable.
Instead, we chose that Condensing gas-boiler At a much lower upfront cost. Because heat pumps are powered by electricity, with energy prices fluctuating, there were also concerns about running costs – particularly in the context of global volatility. So we weren’t entirely confident that the long-term savings would justify the initial investment in our particular situation.
However we installed larger radiators to give us the option of installing a heat pump at a later date. However we will almost certainly need to add more heat emitters To enable the heat pump. But it is worrying for the future!
2. Solar power is also not an option now
Solar PV panels There were other upgrades that we seriously considered, and like the heat pump, it’s something we may come back to in the future.
Solar makes a lot of sense because generating your own electricity can help offset and reduce dependence on the grid. Increase in energy costs. But again, for us, time, Cost of solar panels And practical concerns were the deciding factors in choosing not to install solar.
Once again, budget was the biggest influence and with adding solar, the associated electrical work, pipework and integrating the system felt like a lot to take on at once. Anyone renovating a home is best advised to plan for you renovation costs Stick to a careful, realistic budget and take a step-by-step approach, which will make the renovation more sustainable in the long run.
We were also worried about the state roofBecause, like many older properties, we weren’t entirely sure of its condition. The thought of installers working on it, adding weight and fixing panels filled us with dread, so we put the whole idea to the back of our minds. Fortunately the roof has held up well so far.
3. Underfloor heating was simply not practical
Underfloor heating would have been lovely, though Installing a complete underfloor heating system The whole house was not practical. Has ground floor Suspended wooden floorsWhich makes installation complicated compared to solid floors.
Upstairs, we considered underfloor heating in the bathroom. In isolation, that would be a relatively easy thing to do. But, since we were so focused on making the house livable as quickly as possible, this list got pushed down.
In hindsight, low profile Overlay underfloor heating systemsOne that sits on top of the subfloor with minimal height build-up, can be a viable option.
4. Intermediate floor insulation was counter-intuitive
We decided not to insulated Between the ground and the first floor because we had Installed log burners. We want the heat from the ground floor to rise naturally to the bedrooms above, helping to warm those spaces. A strategy that works very well.
In addition, there were also concerns about Condensation Problems, especially in kitchens where warm, moist air can potentially lead to problems if trapped under an insulated floor.
5. The MVHR retrofit was out of budget
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) To help maintain, highly airtight homes are often recommended air quality while retaining heat. But in a Victorian property like ours, Retrofitting of complete MVHR system will be difficult.
Even with the improvements we have made, it is very difficult to make a Victorian house airtight. Installing ductwork throughout the house would have meant even more disruption, which would have been virtually impossible while trying to preserve the original features.
6. A complete technology overhaul was not appropriate
Some technical systems would not have worked with our house, especially since we wanted to carefully restore the house as sympathetically as possible.
That said, we certainly haven’t completely avoided technology. We have added some smart home Devices throughout the home, including NEST Smart heating System, a Smart video doorbelland in sensor-driven lighting Pantry And Utility room To make access to these areas more convenient.
Shop for the right smart products for home renovations
the hive
Hive Smart Thermostat Mini for Combi Boilers
Suitable for use with combi boilers, the Hive Smart Thermostat gives you extra control over your heating and energy consumption.
wink
Blink Video Doorbell System
Battery-powered video doorbells are ideal for renovations because they require no wiring
Smart plugs are an easy way to add extra control over how much energy you use in your home
Renovating an old home is difficult, it’s always about balancing your ambitions with your budget and the practical concerns of doing the work yourself and/or finding a reliable tradesman, which is never easy to do.
I love sustainable systems and there is no shortage of technology that can be installed in homes but you should only install what makes sense for you and your home. For us it wasn’t about ignoring certain upgrades, rejecting them altogether, we might integrate some of them at a later date when the budget allows.
This We have prioritized energy upgradessuch as Internal wall insulation, Loft insulation And new windows have made a significant difference in our comfort and energy consumption. This First fabric The approach has successfully moved the house from an EPC rating of F33 to around C72.
