Sir, – The vast majority of deep energy retrofits being carried out now, are to existing housing stock as part of major renovation works including extensions. It makes perfect sense to do this – even though it does add considerably to the cost.
But asking those not renovating or extending to go down the route of deep retrofit on houses generally in good condition with nearly respectable Ber ratings of C or even D will never ever make economic sense.
The SEAI, recognising this, introduced stand alone grants with the aim of at least incrementally adjusting Ber rates upwards.
These grants, however, are so restrictive as they insist other expensive items be carried out by approved contractors to bring external walls up to their minimum requirements before the small grants on offer for window replacement can be obtained – pure Catch 22.
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It’s simply not going to happen.
The insulation of attics is the simplest and most effective action any householder can take. It’s an easy DIY job.
But a Ber inspector will mark it down as a low default reading because it was not installed by an approved contractor.
The holy grail of A rating of the entire housing stock will never be achieved but with a little common sense definite improvements can be made. Better to redirect the money to new low energy housing provision. – Yours, etc,
RORY E MacFLYNN,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
