Renewable heating and hot water systems have been installed within a property due for refurbishment, and at their main offices in Darlington, by Darfield Heating Services Ltd.

The first property had solid walls, and due to the wall insulation that would have been required, an air source heat pump was not regarded as a cost effective option. Instead, as the property required re-roofing, they opted for in-line solar roof collectors, fitted in line with the slate roof. They also installed a new solar unvented hot water storage tank and an A-rated condensing boiler fitted for under-floor heating.

The Company's offices had a 12 kW electric boiler, a very costly way to supply all their heating and hot water. They decided that an air source heat pump would reduce their carbon footprint. A potential 400% efficiency was available, creating a possible 8kW from every 2kW used, with the result that all office heating and hot water is more than covered. The compact pump was fitted at first floor level to reduce interference with vehicles entering the car park. The existing system was also upgraded with an unvented hot water storage tank, as the hot water supply and original electric boiler were left installed as back-up.

As a future project the company is also considering fitting photovoltaic cells to work alongside the pump to make the system totally self sufficient. Darfield Heating Services Ltd are at Unit 2, Endeavour Court, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4JW, 01325 285555 info@darfieldheating.co.uk. 

(End)