Net zero makeover: our reader’s ancient home received a disastrous EPC rating – is a fresh score possible?
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Making Paul Bennett’s home go green is a tall order. At first glance is a shining example of why Britain’s green revolution has stalled when confronted with such old housing stock.
Mr Bennett’s home in Colchester was built in 1882. It has high ceilings, single-glazed sash windows and attic rooms. Taken together they give the property a classic feel, but the home’s ability to retain heat is – by Mr Bennett’s own admission – very poor indeed.
The 52-year-old, who runs a travel agency and tour operator, lives with his wife, 51, and two teenage children. He says that the family uses vast quantities of hot water, which explains the property’s 300-litre tank. As for its heating, Mr Bennett says that the property’s four-year-old gas boiler barely gets the house to a reasonable temperature.