HOME IMPROVEMENT MONTH, APRIL

GAA/25.03.10                                                                                      CONSIDER 1/2

CONSIDER RENEWABLES AS PART OF YOUR NEW HEATING PACKAGE

Microgeneration measures, known as renewables, should be considered as part of the package when you are installing a new heating system – as they all help to hold down the running costs.

            The benefits of renewable energy are universally acknowledged, given the inevitability of rising oil, gas, electricity and coal prices – forecasted by some to rocket fourfold by the end of the decade.

In the context of cutting carbon emissions through embracing renewable energy, forward looking heating installers are now opting for conventional heating measures to work alongside renewables. This is particularly applicable to members of the Grant Aided Heating Installers Network (GAIN), who provide the latest heating technology. Microgeneration measures are advancing so fast that choosing the products that are right for a particular situation can be difficult. This is why it is important to consult the experts. GAIN installers can advise you of the measures that will provide the best results for your property – and suit your budget.

Renewable energy measures installed by GAIN members include solar panels, wind turbines, ground source heat pumps and energy catchers.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems use energy from the sun to convert solar radiation into electricity, which can be used directly to run appliances and lighting, sold back to the national grid, or stored in batteries in off-grid locations. Solar hot water panels can be fitted onto or integrated into a building’s roof. They use the sun’s energy to heat water directly, or a heat-transfer fluid, which passes through the panel. Wind turbines harness energy from the wind to produce electricity. The blades drive a generator either directly or via a gearbox (generally for larger machines) to produce heating (or both).

Air source heat pumps can be used effectively for either space or water heating (or both). Air pumps take heat energy from the air outside and transfer it to the building. The heat is upgraded by using a pump and compressor which removes heat from one side of the circuit and ejects it to the other side. Ground source heating pumps use a buried ground loop, which transfers heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating. Energy catcher is a new system that extracts virtually all the heat from gas boiler fumes, whenever the boiler is operating, with a net result of 5% extra saving on gas and a reduction in bills.

In renewing central heating systems, householders should really be aiming to obtain a boiler to the SEDBUK A-rated standard. These are condensing boilers available in many types, such as combination boilers, standard wall mounted boilers and free standing boilers. The latter should be run in conjunction with a fully pumped system. They should have foam lagged cylinders incorporated to ensure that the minimum of heat is lost from the cylinder. All radiators need thermostatic valves, except in the main living room. Here a room thermostat should monitor the required temperature, and thus control the boiler.

The Grant Aided Heating Installers Network (GAIN) comprises heating installers who have attained high technical and professional standards. They need to be technically competent in order to undertake government and other grant work, which they do. Under GAIN criteria, they are also committed to attaining a quality award. Whether you are eligible for a grant or not, heating installations are highly skilled work and should be the responsibility of experts. Many GAIN members also offer insulation and install solar panels and wind turbines, the latter items being subject to grants from the government DTI Low Carbon Building Programme to help provide hot water and electricity.

For heating and insulation, Warm Front is the government grant available in England, which provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures for homeowners or those who privately rent their home, provided they meet the Warm Front eligibility criteria. Other schemes operate in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland.

Energy suppliers provide grants under the Government’s Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme. Suppliers must encourage and assist their customers to make energy savings, through installing measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation and energy efficient boilers, appliances and light bulbs. As well as cutting greenhouse gas emission, CERT is also designed to cut fuel poverty: at least 40 per cent of the energy savings must be focussed on low-income households. Offers can be taken up from any of the energy companies, regardless of who supplies the gas and electricity.

Depending on the individual local authority, grants and offers for homeowners or private tenants to install heating improvements according to their income, are available. Your local GAIN member will advise you regarding the grants they can access in your area.

The Grant Aided Heating Installers Network currently has contractor members throughout England and Wales, with grant scheme managers also covering the rest of the UK. Contact GAIN for your nearest installer at P O Box 12, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3AH; tel: 01428 654011; fax: 01428 651401; e-mail: info@gainassociation.org.uk; web: www.gainassociation.org.uk.

 ●                                  ●                                  ●

For further information contact Gillian or Leonie on 01428 654011.

DOWNLOADABLE IMAGES:

 

	Images File Names:	Credits: In using these images, please credit:
	7_Ground_source_heat_pump,_water_tank_and_underfloor.ai	'Ground source heat pump: illustration Fernox'.
	Greenskies_solar_panels_from_Worcester_Bosch_Group1.jpg	‘Greenskies solar panels: illustration Worcester Bosch'.
	239030_pg_myson.jpg	‘Radiator: illustration Plumb Center’.
	Solar_house	‘Solar thermal installation’: illustration Fernox'.
	VT117(NO_RED_BUTTON)-_TRV-lo_res	‘Thermostatic radiator valve’: illustration Honeywell Control Systems'.
	ecoTEC plus 937 with VRC 430	‘Vaillant EcoTec boiler’.