![]() ![]() Radiatorsĭue to improvements in their construction and the materials they are made from, modern radiators are more efficient, using less water and heating up more quickly than their older counterparts. ‘A ground-based GPS system allows panels to track the sun, so that the energy output matches the power demands of the household,’ says Melissa Briggs, director of international business development at Heliomotion. ![]() ![]() There are also mobile designs that follow the sun as it moves through the sky. Solar panels need to be positioned for maximum exposure to the sun and you’ll need a heat battery to store excess energy captured at the sunniest times. The Solar Trade Association has a list of installers. Although government incentives are no longer applicable, you may find installation costs are less than you imagined. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are the most common renewableenergy system. Unlike ground- source heat pumps, which work well in all seasons, they are less effective in winter and you may need a back-up source of warmth during the colder months.īoth types are powered by electricity and a well-insulated, airtight home is required for optimum efficiency. They are often installed in conjunction with underfloor heating.Īir-source heat pumps are fitted outside at ground level or on brackets attached to an exterior wall. Ground source heat pumps lie beneath the ground, drawing warmth from the earth, which means digging a trench or borehole in your outside space. To be most effective, heat pumps require a very well-insulated building. Heat pumps work through a process of heat exchange, drawing warmth from an outside source and using this energy to heat the water in your home, which can then power heating systems or be stored in an insulated tank for later use. But with a reduction in the use of fossil fuels an ever-more important consideration, it’s worth thinking about renewable methods and hi-tech control as well as becoming your own energy supplier. A more space efficient combi boiler does not require hot-water storage, as the water is heated on demand, but this precludes it from being used with renewables.įor many, a boiler is the first choice. Referred to as a system boiler, this arrangement is ideal for bigger homes and those with high demand. When teamed with a well-insulated water tank they can be supplemented by solar thermal panels or an air source heat pump. Well-insulated water tanks operate under mains pressure to supply your taps and shower and, as with condensing boilers, can also work with low-volume wet heating systems.Įnergy efficient condensing boilers are compulsory for all new installations. Make sure you use a qualified Gas Safe installer and check their credentials on the Gas Safe website.Ĭondensing boilers recycle energy to reuse, so need less to heat water for a bath, shower or to warm your home via underfloor or in-wall heating systems. There are strict guidelines surrounding venting, including length and proximity to windows. They should, generally, be fitted inside the property, on an exterior wall and vented via a flue. Your property’s size, its level of insulation and the number of bathrooms will influence how powerful it needs to be. When weighing up product, installation and running costs, a mains gas boiler remains the cheapest fossil-fuel option for central heating. Image: Greenstar Style boiler, Worcester Bosch Maintaining your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the colder months is a matter of creating, storing and circulating heat, and whether you’re self-building or renovating, the summer months can be the perfect time to have these systems installed. Image: This new-build house by Proctor & Shaw achieves an extremely low carbon footprint thanks to an all-timber structure and highly efficient envelope, supported by a 3.2kW solar PV array and ground source heat pump Take these key considerations into account when deciding on your home’s heating mix. Modern technological advances make it easier than ever to stay stylishly cosy and energy efficient. ![]()
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