Before/ After: A Kilkenny Homeowner’s Transformation Journey

 Final Call for Kilkenny Homeowners to apply for Home Energy Upgrade Grant

A grant of up to 35 per cent is available to homeowners in Kilkenny, to upgrade their home energy. 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) is calling on people to act now to ensure homes are completed by the mid – October deadline.

To ensure homeowners in the Southeast receive grant funding from this year’s scheme, they should register with 3cea as soon as possible to avail of grant support of up to 35 per cent. Those wishing to begin the journey towards a warmer and more comfortable home can fill in a simple form on https://3cea.ie/home-energy-upgrade/

 

Helen’s Kilkenny City Home

A homeowner, Helen Carroll upgraded her home in Kilkenny City under the Deep Retrofit programme in 2019. The old 1950s built house was in need of major renovation. The original property was sold with an extremely low BER energy rating of G, however, with the help of 3cea, it was upgraded to a BER A2 rating.

Helen describes the standard of her home when she purchased it. “The house was almost uninhabitable. Windows were rotten, no insulation, a decrepit heating system. But the structure of the house was good.”

A home of this calibre required several energy upgrades to ensure the home reached the necessary energy standard. The house was externally insulated, triple glazed windows and doors were installed, and an extension was added to the back of the house, underfloor heating, floor insulation, a heat pump, and an MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) system were fitted.

Helen noticed a significant difference in the home. “The house went from being uninhabitable to a warm, comfortable, and cosy home all year round that’s very economical to run. We increased the BER energy rating from a G to an A2.”

All of this work came under the SEAI’s Deep Retrofit Programme (known this year as the National Home Retrofit Scheme) and qualified for grant assistance. 3 Counties Energy Agency who specialises in project managing home-energy upgrades, from the initial home assessment right through to the completion of works, oversaw every aspect of the renovation. They aim to give the homeowner a hassle-free journey towards a warmer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient home.

Helen and her family were delighted with their new home. Since moving in, Helen highlights the benefits of living in an energy-efficient building. “We moved in in February 2020 and considering the fact that the entire family has been living, working, and at times, homeschooling here since then, our energy bills are surprisingly low. We love our new home. We’ve never lived somewhere like this before. With a constant, warm temperature all year round. No matter how cold it is outside, every single room is cosy every single day.”

Helen provides an interesting perspective on the importance of indoor air quality. “Another thing we’re very happy with is the MVHR system. This ensures fresh, but not cold, air is circulated around our home constantly without having to open a window. It gives us great reassurance regarding air quality and ventilation in light of the current pandemic.”

A home energy upgrade can increase the energy rating in a home and reduce the cost of heating it. These measures can include upgrading insulation, installing ventilation systems, replacing windows or doors, and using renewable technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps. 3cea offers homeowners a one-stop-shop service. The energy agency will guide homeowners every step of the way, from initial home assessment right through to the completion of the project. 3cea is listed as a trusted project coordinator to deliver SEAI ‘s National Home Retrofit Scheme and assist homeowners by applying for grant funding of up to 35 per cent on their behalf.

 

Colin Simpson, Housing Team Lead with 3cea, commented,

“With rising fuel prices, planned increases in carbon taxes in the medium to long term, and low-interest rates currently available now is the time to take the next step in your home improvement journey. Just like in Helen’s home an energy retrofit can deliver real savings and adds to your comfort levels. The 3cea one-stop-shop can help you achieve this.”

For homeowners considering a home energy upgrade project of their own, Helen has these words of encouragement. “I’d highly recommend an energy upgrade. Particularly if renovating an old house. You get all the character of an older house with all the benefits of a brand new build.”

 

To learn more visit https://3cea.ie/home-energy-upgrade/.

 

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