York Open Eco Homes: Victorian semi (Fishergate area)

Visit a home that is better for people and the planet: more comfortable, with lower energy bills and carbon emissions. Learn from the host's experiences and find inspiration for your own home. Please see this page for the list of all homes participating in this annual event - you're welcome to visit more than one!

The family's primary motivation for upgrading their home was the desire to reduce the impact of their house (and their use of it) on the environment. Having moved from a draughty, cold and damp listed property, they were also keen to avoid those issues in their new home. Since moving in in January 2022, they have carried out an impressive number of upgrades and joined our Champions network.

To improve the fabric of the house, they have insulated suspended timber floors with breathable insulation materials and added more insulation in the roof space. They've also upgraded old sash windows to triple-glazed units, insulated around them and replaced the front door with a high performance one.

The couple have installed a variety of energy management and generation systems - from solar PV panels with a battery and diverter for hot water to a smart electric car charger. A wastewater heat recovery unit helps save energy in the bathroom. They've also installed a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system to help improve the air quality and comfort. In December 20025 they also added a heat pump with full monitoring on the publicly available Heat Pump Monitor.

Booking is essential - you will be asked to choose a tour slot and receive the full home address later. Each tour will last between 30-60 minutes. If you're planning to visit other homes on the same day, please consider how you will travel between them before booking. For more info please contact Ivana via ivana@yorkcommunityenergy.org.uk.

Free entry, booking is required via this page or by leaving a message on 01904 922781. 

Accessibility: Visitors are welcome to make use of the toilet if needed. Unfortunately, the home is not wheelchair accessible.

This year's event is part of the Home Upgrade Champions partnership project and York Environment Festival - check out the programme for 100+ free events between 3rd October - 1st November.

The Home Upgrade Champions project is a partnership between York Community Energy, University of York, Stockholm Environment Institute and Abundance Investment; supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.