Repair to central heating boiler leads to sustainability advice for home in Almere
Harry lives with his partner in a detached house in Almere. As a former ICT worker, Harry is at home a lot while his partner works during the day as a location manager in healthcare. Home enjoyment is a high priority for both of them. During the regular maintenance of the central heating system, there turned out to be a tiny hole in the boiler's heat exchanger. Unfortunately, the guarantee could no longer be claimed. All in all, enough reason to think about a sustainable solution to replace the boiler.
Overall advice on saving energy costs
The house was built 1989 and purchased by Harry and his partner in 2007. A number of major renovations and adaptations followed. Preservation and energy-saving measures did not play a major role. Harry: ‘It wasn't very topical at the time, but times have changed. Hence, the tiny hole in the heat exchanger got us thinking. Should we focus on investing in a new boiler, or are there other things that could reduce our energy costs. While walking the dog, I came into contact with René, sustainability adviser at Woondokter based out of Almere. He pointed me to Woondokter's Housing Plan. A comprehensive, objective advice on making a home more sustainable.’
WoningPlan offered surprising results on energy saving
According to Harry, the decision was quick: ‘We invited Woondokter to prepare a sustainability advice for us. The results were surprising. In six steps, our entire house was scrutinised. Wall, roof, floor and glass insulation were assessed, as were ventilation and how our house and tap water were heated. As a final step, the findings were measured against the possibilities of applying renewable energy. As we had opted for a WoningPlan+ aspects that could improve living comfort were also considered. Issues such as condensation, ventilation, air quality and ambient noise were carefully mapped. The process was concluded with a summary interview and a week later a clearly elaborated report was on the mat, written in understandable language.’
WoningPlan proved concrete and practical advice
The small hole in the heat exchanger led to a complete independent sustainability advice for Harry and his partner's home. Harry: ‘I am allergic to companies where I am treated as a number. Woondokter's advisers work in a customer-oriented way and deliver tailor-made solutions. That creates a bond and builds trust. What surprised me was the detailed elaboration and surprising conclusions. We didn't expect that there would be much to save by improving floor, glass and roof insulation. But the choice of a particular type of hybrid heat pump was also thoroughly substantiated. Furthermore, it was striking that not only the points of sustainability and savings were addressed. The advice indicated how to realise them. So it is not theoretical advice, but practical advice that also indicates the best way to implement it. A nice piece of work that we can get started with in concrete terms.’
