With thanks to Mike & Vicky Bush for sharing this case study with us.

Type of house: 1930’s Detached House

Improvements carried out: op up loft insulation; replacement triple glazed windows; Solar thermal water; solar PV; backup battery; wood burning stoves; solar diverter for water heating and heated towel rail; rainwater harvesting; passive solar extension; air source heat pump.

Future plans for improvements: None

What went right? What improvement have you seen or benefitted from as a result?:  Massive reduction in carbon emissions for space and water heating; massive energy cost savings; more comfortable house.

What went wrong? What would you do differently? Any barriers that were identified?: ASHP installer did not conduct a proper heat loss survey which would result in the lounge being cold if it were not for the wood burning stove. I would not bother with solar thermal water but install more PV panels instead.

My top tip for a Future Fit Home is: Loft and cavity wall insulation before you do anything else.