Read how Rikus is making his home in a listed village more energy-efficient step by step, making use of the insulation grant and advice from the local council.
This is how Rikus went about it
“Two years ago, I received a thermal scan of my house through Dorpsbelangen. It showed that heat was escaping in several places, particularly on the north and west sides. Some walls had never been insulated; they were just studs covered in plaster. That’s how the idea came about to tackle that at some point.”
Insulation grant – doing it yourself
“I read about the council’s insulation grant in a leaflet left through my letterbox. It said you were allowed to carry out the work yourself. That was music to my ears. I got in touch with Christy at the council. Together, we looked at what was needed and what insulation values had to be achieved. The entire wall is now stripped bare. The wall is nice and dry and the PIR panels have been ordered.”
Glass and additional grants
“I also have five window frames with single glazing. I’ve requested a quote for those as well, and I might be eligible for extra grants from the county council and central government. Christy really helps me think through it all. I don’t have a computer, but she prints everything out neatly for me and helps with the applications. That’s worth its weight in gold…"
New central heating boiler
“I’d also like underfloor heating. My boiler is on its last legs. My house, built in 1928, is located in a conservation area. Solar panels and a heat pump aren’t an option, but with insulation, double glazing, underfloor heating and a new central heating boiler, I can still make significant progress.”
Tip if you want to save energy too
“My tip to other residents: start by talking to the council’s advisors. They’re incredibly helpful.”!