Sir, – Further to Kathy Sheridan’s “Saying goodbye to the Aga was just the start of my retrofitting problems” (Opinion & Analysis, August 2nd), I’m a retired GP and remember well the advice often given by older, experienced colleagues: don’t be the first and don’t be the last to prescribe a particular medication, or advise a new surgical technique or new medical intervention.
Perhaps retrofitting will become practicable, cost efficient and less of a “pain in the arse”, in time, with new, more innovative ideas! – Yours, etc,
BRIAN JORDAN,
Midleton,
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Co Cork.
Sir, – Kathy Sheridan has highlighted the shortcomings in the current National Retrofitting Scheme. Citing the upgrading of her own home, she points out that in order for a heat pump to be efficient, the fabric of the house would have to be remade. Even with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants available, such a deep retrofitting upgrade could cost as much as €60,000, according to the SEAI itself.
This underlines the inadequacy of the Government’s current approach to decarbonising older homes in Ireland. This is characterised by a “one size fits all” approach of heat pumps as the only solution. Heat pumps work, but they are not suitable for many homeowners, and certainly beyond the reach of many due to the very significant costs required for the necessary retrofitting. The Government needs to broaden its scope and extend supports to homeowners seeking to move from oil and other high carbon emitting fuels.
There is much merit in implementing a “mixed technology” approach to the decarbonisation of existing homes. This can be done by encouraging the installation of renewable ready gas boilers, that use lower carbon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and renewable BioLPG, This technology can be installed at a fraction of the cost and requires only minor retrofitting. In terms of energy efficiency, such an approach can increase BER ratings as significantly as the installation of a heat pump.
This “mixed technology” approach merits support from the Government and would give better choice, with less disruption and less cost to homeowners like Kathy Sheridan looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. – Yours, etc,
PHILIP HANNON,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
The Aga (invented by a blind Swedish physicist, hence no switches or dials) is an outstanding multifunctioning, efficient energy store. It carries out all the chores mentioned by Kathy Sheridan and many more besides. Costly and energy-hungry cookery and laundry appliances may replicate some of these functions, but will do little for the household’s carbon footprint!
This heart of cast iron may not have an A1 energy rating, but instead it has the ability to be a grade A friend. It oozes comfort, steadily transferring its heat, easing the aches, pains and upsets of all who nestle up, while waiting for the kettle to boil and the bread to toast .
If only the AGA could talk. – Yours, etc,
DOLORES MEADE,
Mallow,
Co Cork.