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Nothing stands still, not least the construction indusrty and the regualtins that bind it. Furthermore, homeowners are quite rightly taking an increasingly active interest in the perfomance of their homes.
Home Energy Model 2025 (HEMs)
The Home Energy Model (HEM) is a new calculation methodology being developed by the UK government to replace the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for assessing the energy performance of homes. It is part of the Future Homes Standard, which aims to ensure that new homes built from 2025 onwards are highly energy-efficient and contribute to the UK's net-zero carbon targets.
Key Features of the Home Energy Model:
Improved Accuracy: The HEM is designed to provide a more accurate assessment of a home's energy performance by considering factors such as thermal bridging, ventilation, and renewable energy technologies.
Future Homes Standard Compliance: The HEM will be used to demonstrate compliance with the Future Homes Standard, which sets stringent energy efficiency requirements for new homes.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): While the HEM will not change the EPC itself, it will improve the metrics and data used in EPCs to provide a clearer picture of a home's energy performance.
Impact of the Home Energy Model:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Homes built to meet the Future Homes Standard will be significantly more energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Lower Energy Bills: Improved energy efficiency will lead to lower energy bills for homeowners, making homes more affordable to run.
Environmental Benefits: Reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions will contribute to the UK's efforts to combat climate change and achieve net-zero targets.
Industry Adaptation: The introduction of the HEM will require builders, architects, and energy assessors to adapt to the new methodology, which may involve training and updates to software and practices.
Would you like more details on how the Home Energy Model will be implemented or its implications for specific stakeholders?
Too air tight?
Yes, a home can be too airtight. While making a home more airtight can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and preventing drafts, it can also lead to potential issues if not properly managed:
Poor Indoor Air Quality: Without adequate ventilation, pollutants, moisture, and odors can accumulate indoors, leading to health issues like respiratory problems and allergies.
Mold Growth: Excess moisture from activities like cooking and showering can get trapped inside an airtight home, creating an environment conducive to mold growth.
Negative Pressure: Overly airtight homes can create negative pressure, causing backdrafting of combustion appliances like gas stoves and fireplaces, which can release harmful gases like carbon monoxide into the home.
Lack of Fresh Air: Without proper ventilation, the air inside the home can become stale and uncomfortable, affecting overall comfort and well-being.
To address these issues, it's essential to incorporate mechanical ventilation systems, such as Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV), which provide fresh air while recovering energy from the outgoing stale air.
Would you like more information on how to balance airtightness and ventilation in your home?
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