Redfords is the leading provider of energy efficient solutions in Munster.

We can help you save money on Energy Costs, Waste Bills, Carbon Taxes, Water Charges and by availing of grants for insulation, heating systems, renewable energy products, etc.

We give you independent advice and information so you can make the right decision going forward.

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

1. Building Energy Rating (BER)                                            From €99
2. Home Energy Audit
3. Home Eco Audit
4. Air Tightness Testing
5. Thermal Imaging
6. Pre New Build Eco-Energy Advice and Guidance for One-Off Builds, Developments & Extensions
7. Renewable Energy Report
8. Grant Report

1.  Building Energy Rating (BER)

With fines up to €5,000 on conviction, it is work getting a BER, and remember, it's valid for a period of 10 years (provided there is no material change to the dwelling).

From 1st January 2009, a BER is compulsory under Irish Law, for all homes and commercial properties being sold or rented.

We can provide this service at a very competitive rate.

A BER is an energy label on a scale of A - G.

A-rated being the most energy efficient and G being the least.

We provide:

*  Highly trained assessors, trained under the National Framework of Qualifications.

*  Registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI)

*  Approved Code of Conduct.

*  FETAC approved and fully insured.

Our accessors will survey the property to record information such as:

*  Size (walls, roof and floor dimensions, windows and door sizes)

*  Orientation of house (windows and doors)

*  Construction type

*  Levels of insulation

*  Air tightness features

*  Ventilation

*  Type of lighting

*  Heating system (distribution and control)

*  Hot water system, etc

This information will then be used to calculate the energy performance and energy rating of your building.  We will also provide you with an advisory report which will outline recommendations on how to improve the energy performance of your building.  Note:  There are no legal requirements on you to carry out these improvements, the choice is yours.

A BER makes the energy performance of a home visible to prospective buyers and tenants and enables them to take energy performance into consideration in their next house purchase or rental decision.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000

2.  Home Energy Audit (Energy Is Money!)

We can identify how much energy (money) your property consumes, where energy is lost and where you can save energy by using improved and innovated products, etc.

We can also monitor your electrical usage and compare it to your bills to see if there are any discepancies.

What we check:

*  Electrical usage

*  Fuel usage (gas, oil, etc.)

*  Heating systems, boilers and controls

*  Home energy management

*  Space and water heating systems

*  Room by room survey

Attic/Bathroom/Hot-Press/Bedrooms/Kitchen/Dining/Utility/Living Room/Hall & Hallways/Stairs & Landing/Others i.e. Sun-Room, Playroom, etc.

In each of the rooms we survey the following:

Insulation                       Drafting

Energy Savers                 Heat insulators   

Energy Controls               Types of Appliances

Position of Appliances      Electrical Products

Time Controls                 Heat Sensor Controls

Window Type                  Construction Type

Glazing Covers                Water Heating

Space Heating                 Lighting         

Each of the above areas is examined and analysed.

You will know in detail:

-  How much energy you use.

-  Where this energy is used.

-  When you use this energy.

-  Where you are losing energy.

-  How much energy you can save and how you can save it.

-  Is your electrical supplier billing you correctly?

As they say information is power and with this information you can now make informed decisions.

We will also make suggested improvements designed to meet with both your budget and long term objectives.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.

3.  Home Eco Audit

A green home is an earth and people friendly home, protecting the health of your family and the environment.  It is a more comfortable, durable and a higher quality home.  It is easier and more economical to live in because it is low maintenance, and energy and water efficient.

What we check:

*  Recycling

*  Water usage

*  CO2 emissions

*  Flooring, etc.

*  Appliances

*  Household products

*  Mould check

*  Energy usage

*  Carbon monoxide poisonous gas check

*  Home eco management

*  Room by room survey

Attic/Bathroom/Hot-Press/Bedrooms/Kitchen/Dining/Utility/Living Room/Hall & Hallways/Stairs & Landing/Others - Sun-Room, Playroom, etc.

Each of the above areas is examined and analysed.

We then give you suggestions on where you can improve.  The truth is that everything we do daily has an impact on our planet.  By embracing a greener lifestyle you can improve your planet.  It can also mean improving your health, padding your bank account, and ultimately, improving your overall quality of life.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.

4.  Air Tightness Testing

Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of your building.  The only satisfactory way to measure this is using blower door test equipment.  We will also recommend ways in which weaknesses can be rectified.

Your home could be losing up to 30% of your main heating bills through draughts.  Our service of draught detection includes a report which, if followed, will reduce your heating cost and will improve the comfort of your home.

The revised building regulations (24th January 2008) introduced mandatory air pressure testing for all new single dwellings from 1st July 2008.  Guidelines have also been set out in relation to developments.

Air tightness testing, highlights areas of heat loss.  These areas are increasing your energy consumption and, with it, the amount of money your property is wasting.  We can locate these areas and therefore allow you to make the necessary changes to increase the energy efficiency of your home and save money.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.

5.  Thermal Imaging

The latest thermal imaging technology identifies weaknesses not visible to the naked eye, such as, hot air escaping, cold air entering or where insulation is weak.  Once identified, problems can be addressed and solutions found.

Thermal imaging is conducted using a high tech infrared camera.  This camera is able to determine the pattern of heat loss through the fabric of the building and heating systems.

Thermal imaging can find defects:

*  Insulation defects in walls and roofs

*  Air leakage around service pipes

*  Heat loss through un-insulated pipe work

*  Defects in radiators and under-floor heating

*  Energy wastage in electrical appliances

*  Problems with ventilation and air conditioning

*  Electrical problems

Once these have been identified, solutions can be decided upon that will increase the energy efficiency of your home, and save you money over time.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.

6.  Pre New Build Eco-Energy Reports for One-Off Builds, Developments and Extensions

When building your new home, extension or development, you need to consider how eco-energy efficient and sustainable your house is going to be.  Making the right choices now will save you money for decades to come.

Every development is different (size, location, orientation, etc.) and it is extremely important to use the products best suited to your home.  We will research and investigate solutions which will be tailored with your house in mind.

Our report will include:

*  Analysing all areas of your house and surroundings.

*  Discovering what exactly your energy needs for the house are.

*  Calculating the provisional energy ratings for your home using Dwelling Energy/Assessment Procedure, the national methodology used by Sustainable Energy Ireland to issue a BER.

*  Researching new products and technologies that are available and suitable for your home.

*  Looking at the possibility of achieving grant funding for the technologies you plan to use.

*  Investigating improvements and products relating to the building fabric.

*  Re-calculating the building energy rating based on different products and technologies.

*  Providing a list of different products and outlining their effects on the energy rating of your home.

With this independent professional advice and can now make informed decisions on both cost and effectiveness for your new home, extension or development.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.

7.  Renewable Energy

What people want when looking at different renewable energy products is independent advice, and that is what we offer.  We will research the best products to suit your home and research the best return for your investment.

Many opportunities exist for you to make use of renewable energy resources.  Using renewable energy can bring many benefits, such as reducing energy costs, our reliance on fossil fuels and our impact on the environment.

For homeowners, the most practical renewable energy options relate to space heating and domestic hot water which account for over 70% of household energy consumption.

The following renewable energy options are available:

*  Passive Design:  Anyone building a new home should make use of passive design principles, which can bring sustainable energy savings and comfort.

*  Wood Fuel:  Wood is 'CO2 neutral'; it absorbs as much CO2 when it grows as is released when it burns.  In contrast, burning fossil fuels releases the global warming gas carbon dioxide, as well as other damaging pollutants.  Modern, highly efficient stoves and boilers make wood fuel a far more practical option for today's lifestyle.

*  Geothermal/Ground Source Heat Pumps:  These collect heat from solar energy stored in the ground and are ideal for the Irish climate.  Installation costs are more expensive than a conventional heating system but running costs are much lower.

*  Heat Pumps/Air Source:  These collect heat from the external ambient air using the heat pumps internal evaporator coil.  This energy is then transferred as high grade heat into the building.  Installation costs are similar to those of a conventional heating system but running costs are much lower.

*  Solar Panels:  Active solar heating systems can provide economical hot water and space heating.  In Ireland, solar panels can provide around 60% of the annual hot water requirements for homes and buildings.

*  Wind:  Wind energy provides a clean, sustainable solution to our energy problems.  It can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in generating electricity, without the emissions of greenhouse gases.  And there will always be wind; it is inexhaustible and renewable.

A shift towards using renewable energy would mean:

-  Reduced fuel bills.

-  Reduced CO2 emissions.

-  Secure and stable energy supply for the long term.

-  Reduced reliance on expensive fuel imports.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.

8.  Grants

What grants are available?

Do I qualify?

How do I qualify?

What should I apply for?

These are some of the questions people want to know, and we can help.

Our report is eligible for grant aid, thus reducing your costs by €200.

Our report can assist you to identify and apply for grant aid to purchase energy efficient solutions that will be ideally suited to your property.

Domestic Grants

*  Greener Homes Scheme:  Objectives - To provide assistance to householders who wish to invest in renewable technologies, solar heating, heat pumps, wood chip or pellet stoves, wood chip or pellet boilers.

*  Home Energy Saving Scheme:  Objectives - To provide assistance to householders who wish to invest in an insulation programme for their home.

*  Warmer Homes Scheme:  Objectives - To improve energy efficiency and comfort condition of homes occupied by low income householders.

Our report will give you the information to choose the right improvements to suit your home and give greater energy efficiency, reduced energy use and costs, and CO2 emissions.

Our report includes:

-  A Building Energy Rating (BER) for your home.

-  An advisory report outlining recommended improvements relating to the insulation programme.

-  Details on what grants are available relating to the suggested improvements.

-  Specifics on how each recommendation will impact on the Building Energy Rating (BER).

-  A follow up Building Energy Rating (BER) once the improvements have been made.

Self diagnosing problems in your home can lead to money being spent in the wrong areas.  Our report will give you the confidence that the improvements you make will have the maximum impact possible, thus ensuring value for money.  You can then expect to improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce energy use and costs, and CO2 emissions.

For more information please contact us on (021) 427 2000.