We're buying an old detached property in the country and want to make it a bit greener. We'll be fitting loft insulation to 250mm, but no wall insulation as it will either alter the external appearance or involve major building work.
Thinking about a grid-connected wind turbine and solar panels for dhw, although I have doubts about the cost-effectiveness of these. We'll add a conservatory for solar gain, get the original sash windows renovated with draught stripping etc. Wood stoves will be fitted to most of the fireplaces, but central heating will probably have to oil or lpg - lpg seems to offer lower capital cost, but slightly dearer running costs. Thought about a pellet boiler, but supplies of pellets seems problematic. (we'll be near Kyle of Lochalsh - we could burn midges!!)
Any comments, suggestions, criticisms etc welcome.
Tony
posted on 02-05-06
Shame you can't insulate the walls -- no cavities? What are the outside walls?
Graham
posted on 03-05-06
Stone walls, maybe a couple of feet thick. Lath and plaster internal. The house dates from Georgian times, 1760's, so I don't want to spoil the exterior or interior.
Biff
posted on 03-05-06
Kyle of Lochalsh has got to be about the most forested corner of Britain. Get a boiler that can burn logs. You don't have to have a pellet burner. The cost of oil and LNG can only go upwards so don't be fooled into thinking about today's prices.
Kyle of Lochalsh is also one of the windier places if you can find a site away from the trees. I didn't notice any sunshine last time I was around there but the Hydropnicum greenhouses at Achiltibui were really collecting a lot of warmth even on a dricht day.
Nigel
posted on 03-05-06
There is a supplier of pellets and boilers in West Lothian.
See www.nuergy.com
I have no connection with them but they appear to know what they are talking about.
Graham
posted on 05-05-06
Thanks - that's an interesting link. Lots of different wood products.
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