{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Behind The Walls","title":"Behind The Walls | #8 with Eric Donovan","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2259,"description":"Welcome to Episode 8 of Behind The Walls with Pete and Ferg!\nIn this episode, we're joined by the one and only Eric Donovan - former European boxing champion, psychotherapist, counselor, father, husband, and homeowner currently completing his retrofit journey.Eric shares his incredible experience transforming an old, energy-inefficient house (F/G BER rating) into a modern, comfortable forever home for his family. From navigating the vacant homes grant to achieving a A+ BER rating, Eric gives an honest account of the entire process.\nTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Eric Donovan01:12 - Eric's journey to homeownership at 4002:08 - The decision to retrofit vs. buy and move in immediately03:52 - Meeting on Hell Week & the bromance begins05:42 - The Vacant Homes Grant game changer07:42 - Combining grants for maximum benefit09:06 - Getting contractors and starting the work10:14 - External vs. internal wall insulation decision11:24 - The one-stop shop approach with Via Vibed13:14 - Air-to-water heat pumps explained16:14 - Adding solar panels to the system17:10 - The investment and long-term benefits19:13 - How stressful was the process?20:09 - Eric's message about retrofitting22:01 - League of Ireland passion (Drogheda United!)24:00 - Life after boxing & mental health work26:01 - The importance of asking for help28:36 - Looking forward to Christmas in the new home31:09 - Final advice for anyone considering retrofit34:44 - Shout outs & where to find Eric36:40 - The Hell Week story & wrap up\nWhat we cover:✅ Combining the Vacant Homes Grant with SEAI grants for maximum benefit✅ Why external wall insulation was the right choice for Eric's home✅ The game-changing benefits of air-to-water heat pumps✅ Solar panels and creating a fully energy-efficient home✅ Working with Via Vibed and project management throughout the retrofit✅ The reality of moving from cramped living to a spacious family home✅ Eric's advice for anyone considering a retrofit\nKey Takeaways:External wall...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/VEQQ0VKM0rVsdMdGciuyYn3pSysa5DME8otovok-UvY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNWEy/MmUyYWJlY2FkZThj/YzI5YjhjNTg0NDZj/NDlmOS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}