We have lived in our 1950’s ex-council house on the north edge of Martinstown for 11 years this year. It is brick built with cavity walls which we had filled with an insulating layer of polystyrene balls and waterproof glue to hold them together. This creates a waterproof barrier that stops any damp crossing into the inner skin of wall. As a house loses 35% of its heat through the walls, we felt this was an important first step to take. We then changed the windows to high spec double glazing- another source of heat loss.
In 2019 we had solar panels and battery fitted. There are 10 panels producing 3.9 kws. The battery is a 13.7 kw Tesla battery. One of the biggest capacity batteries on the market it is also very sleek and sits behind the kitchen door!
2 years ago we had a Mitsubishi Ecodan 8.5 kw air source heat pump installed. With all appliances now electric and the system functioning well we have only paid about £400 for any electricity in 2 years - any excess electricity we generate is sold back to the grid.
I have built a conservatory and porch on the back of the house largely from recycled and/or unused but destined for the dump materials. We are lucky to live next door to a neighbour who has a window fitting business! As these are both built onto the north side of the house they create extra insulation.
Towards the end of last year we had to buy a new car and decided to go electric. We have a Peugeot e208 and are very pleased with it. Now, with an electricity tariff of 9 pence a unit for 4 hours through the night – motoring is very cheap. We had a Zappi charger fitted in February.
We have an established organic garden with 10 raised beds for companion planted vegetables and a beautiful flower garden. 7 full sized water butts harvest enough rainwater for the garden. We have turned our front lawn and part of the back lawn into a wild flower meadow and have changed our outlook on ‘weeds’. We now leave many of them to grow and have realised that some can be eaten. What’s not to like!
What 3 words - thousands.minimums.lingering Plenty of parking in St Martinsfield.
Email dorsetgreenerhomes@gmail.com to book a visit all year round.