This property is a commercial holiday rental directly opposite the beach front. It is a contemporary style villa unit (one of three) in a resort complex that is almost 20 years old. The roofing is corrugated steel and external walls are brick and cladding.
The Owners' Aims
The owners are interested in making the unit more comfortable as well as lowering the energy costs. Typical of holiday rental properties, guests seem to be extravagant with power use. Some appliances were recently updated, including the installation of an energy-efficient split system reverse cycle air-conditioner, to cut power use and costs. The owners also want to explore the installation of solar power to this unit (and the others) to see if it is a viable option.
The Assessor's Findings
The assessor observed some key energy efficiency challenges. The combination of high vaulted ceilings and the absence of double-glazing made the unit difficult to heat and cool. Some exposed north-facing windows without eaves added to this problem.
Gas powered the unit's cook-top, instantaneous hot-water system and the laundry that operates for the whole resort. The spa bath that looks out to a beach view had huge hot water requirements, with a big gas bill to match. The assessor spent significant time with the owners discussing opportunities for solar and potential for action on these gas-powered appliances. Heating is provided by a fireplace and an electric space-heater.
Examination of the power-board identified the complex has a large electrical capacity with 3-phase power, suggesting potential for greater electrification of the property. The assessor identified draught leakages and the ineffectiveness of existing sealers. He also noted that the skylight in the spa/bathroom allowed significant leakage of warm air–and was also an ember risk.
The Assessor's Recommendations
The assessor recommended particular windows that should be double glazed and others that could be greatly improved with secondary glazing by Ecomaster or Magnetight. Fixed awnings on the exposed north-west windows were also suggested. One of the assessor's most significant advice was on using the property's large electrical power capacity to replace the instantaneous gas hot water with an instantaneous electric hotwater system.
Regarding solar power, the owners came to a better understanding of the number of ways available to take advantage of the site and 3-phase power to install a solar system to electrify the entire resort complex to yield a maximum gain.
From the Owner's Viewpoint
“The assessor recommended a number of actions we can take both immediately and in the longer term. We are particularly keen to take Richard’s advice to tackle the use of instantaneous gas hot water. Given what he assessed as the large power capacity on the property, we could install an instantaneous electric Hot WaterSystem (eg Siebel Eltron) that uses power for immediate demand not storage.”
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Thermal imaging camera illustrates heat loss around windows and wall framing