2008-05-20
As space heating costs reduce through better building techniques and accurate controls, the cost of water heating now accounts for a much higher proportion of consumers’ energy bills. With the cost of living rising and consumers wanting to economise, writes Chris Davis, head of renewables at Dimplex, renewable heating solutions offer low running costs as well as ticking the ‘low carbon’ box.
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Solar, so good
Household demand for water has dramatically increased with people using 55% more water now than in 1980, making it imperative that this sometimes overlooked running cost is tackled head on. Compared with other technologies, solar water heating offers a faster, lower-budget option, providing up to 60% of a property’s total water heating needs.
In the UK the sun provides between 900-1200 kWh of energy per metre2 per year. Even on overcast days, the solar thermal system will make a contribution to water heating, reducing the amount of energy used from other sources and therefore both running costs and carbon emissions.
What’s more, solar water heating can help projects to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations more easily. For example, for buildings containing multiple dwellings, such as flats, the ‘whole block’ methodology can be used. In these situations, flats within the block which have lower carbon dioxide emissions – for example, top floor flats fitted with solar water heating – can be used as a ‘trade off’ against those with higher emissions.
Something old, something new…
Solar water heating isn’t just for new build, though. With consumer attitudes ‘going green’ as environmental issues hit the headlines, retro fitting solar thermal is a good way to both reduce an existing home’s carbon footprint and slash energy bills. And with Home Information Packs now a requirement for every home up for sale, no matter what the size, consumers are looking for easy ways to make their home greener, to increase the chances of a sale.
Installing solar hot water is both relatively easy to do and cost effective for the user. The key to installing solar heating is ensuring the design and siting are correct, so look for a solar product which comes as a complete package – making life easier for you, the installer. Not all solar thermal kits are the same, however. For example, the Dimplex flat plate collectors actually outperform a number of the standard values assigned for solar within the SAP software used to calculate compliance with Part L and this, along with other minor adjustments, can make a real difference to how easily a project complies.
Pump it up
Heat pumps are an increasingly well-known renewable solution and, unlike solar, can provide the space heating for a property as well as the hot water requirements. Used in Europe for decades, when they were first introduced to the UK they were seen as more suitable for upmarket self-build projects, due to the capital outlay involved.
However, the drive toward low carbon buildings has opened up mainstream opportunities for heat pumps, both for the well established ground source technology and more recently a new generation of air source heat pumps able to use the ambient air as their source of heat even from air at temperatures as low as –20oC, making them cheaper and simple to install for both new build and retro-fit.
As there is no need for ground collectors, system design and installation is simpler and as a result, the training requirements are less specialised, opening up huge possibilities for professional installers looking to expand into renewable technologies.
Accredited heat pump installer training
Dimplex has introduced an Accredited Installer programme to help meet the demand for its air source heat pumps. The scheme, which includes a comprehensive two day training course, is open to experienced heating, plumbing, electrical and HVAC installers, giving them the opportunity to be approved to install the UK’s widest range of air source heat pumps - a new and profitable stream of business.
A short exam at the end of the course must be completed successfully before accreditation. Once accredited, the installer receives vouchers for cash back against their first purchase and free commissioning meaning that the £395 application fee is fully refunded.
A programme of courses is running country-wide, and Dimplex has even invested in a new training centre at its Southampton headquarters to cope with demand.
Local authorities throughout the UK are now requiring a minimum contribution from renewable energy for new developments, while increasing energy bills, easing of planning permission constraints and the new home Energy Performance Certificates will all help to raise awareness of ‘green’ energy technologies with consumers. So renewable water heating solutions are here to stay and astute installers wanting to be ahead of the game will include renewable options in their water heating portfolio now – your customers will be demanding them.
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Related contacts
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Dimplex UK Ltd
Millbrook House
Grange Drive
Hedge End
Southampton
Hampshire
SO30 2DF
Tel: 0845 600 5111
Fax: 01489 773050 |
Email link to Dimplex
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Source: dimplex |
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