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That's a good point, but really how few people care when buying a new home? For me, the main driver was 1) to get the FIT before it collapsed and b) to get the Ecology mge discount for the next year. Nothing in the SAP scheme influenced me to do anything different than I was already planning - it was just a question of getting credit for decisions already taken. That said, if I ever come to sell, I'll get a 4m high sticker made up of my SAP rating and apply it to the side of the house like a new fridge...

Hi Guys, I finally have my heating up and running this past 7 days. Gradually lifting it 0.5 degrees everyday and now sitting at 17.5 degrees. I have to say it is a great feeling and the free wall space is great but worried about oil. Just gauging thoughts on underfloor heating from those of you that have installed it and how you are finding oil consumption?

I spoke to planners AGAIN today and made it clear that the objections raised by Heritage Are not mentioned on the original passed application and see little point in adding restrictions at this late But will take on board all that Heritage have highlighted My application went back to committee today and was approved with no amendments Happy relieved Perhaps a bit of both Great end to a very difficult week Gary

An uvc can be used, but a buffer will also be required. Pointless fitting two cylinders when one will do. Also, a TS will give continuous DHW where an uvc will eventually run cold. Feel free to ask if / when required .

Now you're just showing off Jack Agree that the modelling could be improved, we were in a similar position trying to get any kind of EPC ahead of the FIT cliff last Jan. Still, no-one's beat Jeremy's 106 rating yet!

Speaking of squeaking in: Having 8.5kW of PV didn't hurt, and the shower waste water recovery probably helped a bit too. From memory, we'd have done slightly better if we'd had full modelling of the wall and roof structures, and the 3G windows. We were in a tearing hurry to get our FITs application submitted before the rate dropped again, so couldn't wait to figure out better values and had to use default ones instead. I think our electricity bill will be of the order of £800-900 for the first year. Not bad for a large family home, especially given I made absolutely no effort during this year to optimise anything. Not sure about the FITs payment, but it must come close to rendering us cash neutral over the year. The very experienced guy who did it said he'd never had a higher number, which was lovely to hear!

Currently no plans for cold water storage. A lot depends on your supply of course! Our last new build I installed 32mm MDPE pipe and insisted on a 22mm water meter. That house had over 6 bar pressure which I regulated down. We could run four showers simultaneously at around 8 lpm. For our current build we have also stipulated 32mm MDPE for the incoming feed. In a new build you will always distribute water both hot and cold around the house in 22mm pipe using 15mm take offs for showers and baths and probably 10mm takeoffs for taps other than baths. If you dont have the possibility of decent flow from your mains then you have to go to cold water storage and a fully pumped system. Previous house I have had I always installed a fully pumped system due to inadequate flow. Its not a big issue with the latest negative head pumps as you can store the cold water anywhere suitable in the house. Cheers Roger