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Summary

Peter and Anabelle Macfadyen have always had an ethos of wanting to live in a green home. Since the family moved into number 85 around 12 years ago, they have carried out extensive renovation and improvement work, including installation of additional insulation and secondary glazing. They had the photovoltaic and solar thermal systems put in, and have been net exporters of electricity since 2006.

The Cutting family moved in to number 83 in 2006, and a year later, they too fitted photovoltaic and solar thermal systems which they have been very pleased with. Their plans for further energy-saving measures include replacement of the gas boiler, either with a more efficient one, or perhaps a wood pellet boiler. The double glazed windows are also due for replacement as they are leaking heat.

Green features in number 83

• A 3 kilowatt photovoltaic system
• Solar hot water system
• Some cavity wall insulation in limited areas where walls are not solid
• Double glazing
• Water hippos in the toilets
• Low flow shower head
• Eco paints used in re-decoration
• Low energy lights fitted
• Low flow shower head

Green features in number 85

• Extensive insulation, with additional sheeps wool in the loft
• Secondary glazing in old windows and double glazing in new windows
• A 3 kilowatt photovoltaic system
• Solar thermal system with 20 tubes generating hot water
• Hippos in toilets to save water
• Floor wax instead of varnishing on extensive boarding
• Eco paints
• Low wattage lights throughout including LED spots
• Re-built garage, using recycled materials
• Passive solar sunroom extension

Green features outside

• Organic vegetable beds in both gardens, with polytunnel and fruit trees at number 85
• Composting in both gardens
• Wormery at number 85
• Water butts at number 83
• Wildlife areas
• Ponds in both gardens

Energy use

The central heating in both properties is powered by gas.
Number 83:
Electricity costs between January and December 2008: approximately £700
Gas and other energy costs for 2008: approximately £800
Number 85:
The PV panels are felt to be very effective and the Macfadyens have been exporters of electricity for 3 years.
Electricity costs for 2008: approximately £117
Gas and other energy costs for 2008: approximately £300

Suppliers used and recommended

Solar Sense installed the solar panels and photovoltaics at both properties and is recommended

To find out more

You can contact the owners of these properties directly by emailing Tim Cutting at tim@vibrantvisions.co.uk and Peter Macfadyen at petermac@gn.apc.org

Directions

The 267 bus stops outside the police station in Oakfield Road, which is a short walk from Nunney Road. Nunney Road is a turning off the main A362 which runs through Frome.