Below are the latest FAQs to be added to the SuperHomes resource library. You can search for FAQs or another specific type of resource on a particular subject by using the search filter on the right.
UK SuperHomers Judy and Charles Ainger have been rainwater harvesting since 1995. First they installed water butts. In 2008 they then added a pumped rainwater harvesting system with a 3,300 litre underground water tank. It was an interesting experiment. In this article they explain how life in their 1960s bungalow changed as a result.
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What elevates a green retrofit to passivhaus standard? And is it worth it? Tom Pakenham made the leap. What was the result? Net energy bills were just £189 in year one, the house is comfortable throughout and free of drafts, cold patches and condensation. In short, Tom now owns a Victorian terrace which, he says, is near perfect to live in…
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Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) takes the heat from the air leaving the building using a heat-exchanger in the roof. It then passes it to incoming fresh air which is pumped to the ground floor. MVHR is a must if you are achieving Passivhaus levels of airtightness. It can also be a blessing in an older home that has persistent issues with damp.
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Is sash window replacement the way forward? We investigated 4 different ways to improve on single glazing during the refurbishment of our Victorian house.
Heat loss though glazing typically accounts for approximately 10% of total heat losses from a domestic building. This means that improving the thermal performance of your windows has to be part of any eco refurbishment strategy (especially if you are aiming at reducing your carbon emissions by 60% or more as we did!).
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