The full story of our work so far can be seen at www.gift-a-blog.net/search/label/sustainability
Over the last six years we have worked consistently to improve the thermal performance of our home. We have chosen the work to do and scheduled the work so as to maximise the thermal performance benefits within our budgetary capacity, but at the same time creating a few behavioural and financial stretch targets for ourselves.
The main features introduced include:
- Full draught proofing throughout on doors, windows as well as ceiling cavities (exhaust fans and the like), wall vents and regular gaps in construction in a twenty-eight year old home.
- Upgraded ceiling insulation to levels above R5.2 including changing exposed beam ceiling to plastered ceiling to allow for insertion of insulation.
- Full solar shading to all west, north and east facing windows
- Secondary glazing of all windows
- Replacement of original gas ducted heating systems with 5 star energy efficiency system and complete reducting to improve airflow and efficiency with R1.5 rated ducts.
- Replacement of 50% of internal window coverings in the home with heavy drapes.
- 5000 Litre above ground water tank fully plumbed to laundry and both toilets.
- 1kW PVC linked to grid and solar boosted gas hot water system
- The use of a third party to provide a home assessment was extremely helpful to allow us to scope andschedule the work – a relatively small upfront outlay to improve planning and action down the track!
- R2.5 rockwool wall insulation blown in.
(May 2011) (
