Advise on best ways to use renewable energy

Nameloc

Hi all,
So I have a bungalow in the sticks which was built way back in 1961 which means all interior walls are built with massive blocks!

So we are nearing 2 years in our home but now winter is kicking in, I am trying to think of ways to improve our efficiency. We have already had new central heating installed, the loft already has fibreglass on the floor and the previous owner had the beading put into the external walls.
our heating is covered by an old Stanley Oil cooker.

I went the to the mallow home event earlier this year and saw loads of people pushing the air to heat pumps but I dont know if they have enough of an ROI. They avoided the question alot and sold it on what it can do!

I suppose, I am looking at ways to keep heat in the house but also avoid using too much oil for heating as during winter, it can cost as much as E200 a month. but also during the summer, when cooking, I dont really want the heating coming on as well!

I would be interested as to what options are out there you think I should be looking at.

Thanks in advance

MicktheMan

Concentrate on the building fabric thermal envelope first. If you get this right then you will reduce heat loss to a trickle and supplying this heat is then simples.

Areas to understand / address are:
Airtightness
Ventilation
Thermal bridging
Thermal mass
Window / door performance
Insulation

If you are looking at this longterm (i.e you won't be moving again for the foreseeable future), I recommend to fully understand all of the above and how it relates to your house before carrying out any improvements as you may be able kill a few birds with the one stone if a number of improvements are undertaken together. Also, there is no point, imo, in spending money on something now only to rip it out in a few years when you want to do a better job. You also need to consider your needs now and in the future.