Two empty council houses in York are getting a green makeover and turned into temporary showhomes to demonstrate how older properties can be made more energy efficient.
The first home renovated is a Victorian mid-terrace property in the Clementhorpe district. The next one will be a 1950s semi-detached house in Clifton. The city council says both are representative of many of York’s housing.
Both homes will eventually be re-let to new tenants, who are expected to benefit from a warm, healthy home with reduced heating bills.
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, executive member for Housing at City of York Council, said: “With concerns about rising energy costs and climate change, it’s important that we understand the options available to improve the quality homes in York. Investing in these energy efficient measures is repaid in better and healthier homes which is good for everyone: homeowners, tenants and landlords.”
York’s YorEnergy partnership is behind both retrofits and aims to give residents ideas and advice to make their homes more comfortable, energy-efficient and lower their carbon footprint.
The scheme is delivered by a consortium of partners that are collaborating in the Retrofit One Stop Shop York project. Its key focus is on taking a local approach to achieving net zero in the city, and offers an all-in-one service to guide residents through the process of making energy-efficient changes to their own homes.
Staff from the partnership’s contractor Wrapt Homes, will show and discuss how a property’s original features can be kept or restored during the improvement process. These include the latest insulation materials for internal or external walls, underfloor or lofts, alongside new insulating-quality plaster, double glazing and a heat recovery ventilation system.
The wall insulation used in the Clementhorpe terrace is much thinner than might be imagined, and is made from natural wood fibre to ensure the breathability of traditionally-built, older homes. By increasing its warmth while maintaining good air flow and ventilation, the right insulation will reduce the risk of condensation and mould growing which can cause health problems for the household.
A low-noise air source heat pump (ASHP) has been fitted in a corner of the back garden in Clementhorpe. The ASHP transfers heat from the outside air to water in the central heating system and the hot water cylinder hidden in the understairs cupboard. In addition to cutting carbon, the ASHP will be three times more efficient, than the gas boiler it has replaced. Supplying free electricity to the ASHP will be solar photovoltaic panels which will to help keep the tenant’s electricity bills low.
Councillor Jenny Kent, executive member for environment at City of York Council, said: “Visiting the house in Clementhorpe was an eye-opener; a traditional York terraced house can be future proofed. It shows that being well-insulated doesn’t mean having to compromise the look of your home or give up lots of room; it’s about improving the space you have and making it quieter, more comfortable and affordable to run – whatever the weather.”
Jamie Keats, director at Wrapt Homes, added: “It’s really exciting to work on this showcase project and demonstrate that any home, no matter its age, can achieve energy efficiency. Work will soon begin on the semi-detached council house in Clifton.”
Main image: Councillor Jenny Kent at the house in Clementhorpe, York
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