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Do French energy ratings overlook natural features of older homes?
Reader questions whether energy assessments are effective for older homes and technology
To the Editor,
I refer to your recent article regarding the assessment of cooling for a property in the summer.
I would like to know how the system assesses the qualities for an older building to regulate temperature.
We live in a 400-year-old colombage and this summer we noticed that the property remained cool despite high external temperatures.
Similarly, the internal temperatures are noticeably warmer than external cooler temperatures during the cooler months.
Our property also has shutters which are very effective in controlling hot and colder extremes. What assessment is conducted regarding shutters, for example, or conducted for older technologies such as torchis?
We know there is an agenda to encourage all manner of modern solutions to tackle the perception of man-made climate change.
Questions of effectiveness
Like many people we are sceptical about reports that may be designed to suit political agendas and to promote uncertain technologies that often rely on flexible and variable inputs.
The wind does not always blow, the sun does not always shine and the earth does not always retain heat at a common rate.
What I find is that the payback to install and operate these uncertain technologies is never discussed.
I personally have seen little evidence of a return on investment analysis considering the capital and servicing/repair outlay.
When you operate on a budget all factors have to be accounted for.
These unproven technologies are expensive and have limited shelf life.
My woodburner will last for about 20 years. It cost €1500 when new and we burn about €400 worth of wood annually.
It heats the leisure areas which are used commonly.
The woodburner depreciates at about €75 per year. So overall at today's prices about €500 per year to provide heating that is guaranteed, cost-efficient and independent.
I do think people need to be shown the full picture demonstrating true costs and effectiveness.
Kind Regards,
P.M., via email
