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As the UK marches towards a low carbon economy, we start to look at electric heating solutions with fresh eyes. It is clear we are on the cusp of a renaissance for the sector with particular benefits for social housing, says director Kelly Butler, director of BEAMA group TEHVA (The Electric Heating and Ventilation Association).
The Government gave a strong nod to an electric future in its 2007 Energy White Paper, indicating that ‘heating from low carbon electricity’ is a key policy option for the future.
No surprises there, as we face legally binding EU targets for renewables, Government endorsement for new nuclear power stations, and continued commitment to lead the world in demonstrating the viability of carbon capture and storage.
Lower carbon electricity matched to 100% efficient electric heating appliances, and very high efficiency electric hot water stores, leads to substantial carbon savings. If Government thinking is straight in contemplating the link between energy and housing strategy, expect future building regulations and social housing related policy programmes to reflect this ‘low carbon electric’ position.
Contribution
Now we can start reaping the carbon saving rewards of innovation in traditional electric heating products, which have made great leaps in efficiency. The high accuracy of modern heating controls has made a significant contribution in reducing energy consumption.
Quicker increase/reduction in localised heater outputs ensures the important consistent temperature profile on which customers rely, but without excessive energy use. Alongside control, we have seen better performing storage heating products, and even a combination of storage and direct acting elements. All give greater energy efficiency.
Carbon is not the only ‘currency’ when weighing up the attractiveness of electric heating. Financial benefits have made electric the real winner in the social housing sector. Low capital costs appeal to social landlords as do reduced costs and less hassle by not having to access properties for annual gas safety checks. Also, electric heating appliances last 50% longer than their gas equivalents - a significant impact on lifetime costs.
In addition, it’s easy to plan for electric heating. It is flexible for mid-project design changes and quick to install. Swift installation for new-build and refurbishment further drives down costs, as does reduced ‘shrinkage’ on-site as products are not left un-installed for long periods.
TEHVA analysis (2006) clearly demonstrated how, overall, electric heating is far more cost effective than the equivalent gas option. This table provides a relative representation of the true ‘lifetime’ running costs of electric heating compared to gas in a typical two bedroom flat.
- Electric Gas
Installation cost1 £1500 £3000
Annual Fuel Cost2 £264 £138
Annual Safety Check3 £0 £75
Service / Maintenance4 £0 £117
Lifetime (years)5 15 10
Annual running cost £264 £330
Lifetime cost per annum6 £364 £630
1. Typical electric storage / panel heater installation vs condensing gas boiler c / w 6 radiators and controls. Excludes hot water cylinder .
2. Annual fuel costs for heating and hot water, BRE GPG345.
3. Source: National Landlords Association.
4. British Gas Central Heating Care, less cost of annual safety check.
5. Industry estimates.
6. Annual running cost + installation cost / lifetime.
The cost analysis does not consider all variables. For example, constant low-heat provision from storage heating can prevent damp condensation, helping to protect the building fabric, and reduce overall building maintenance costs.
Reduced radiator pipe-work means systems are less prone to leak, saving the associated costs of emergency remedial work to maintain tenant standards. Running costs are subject to the vagaries of fuel pricing, which experience shows indicates sharper rises in gas prices than electric (already in 2008, npower has added an average 17.2% to gas bills versus 12.7% for electric).
New generation What about the new generation of electric heating? Heat pumps are making an impact in the social housing sector. With a performance of between 250-400% energy efficiency, it’s understandable.
Producing up to 75% of their useful heating energy from the environment (ground/air/water) there are clear carbon and financial benefits as every kW of heat input produces a greater amount of heat energy.
Air and ground source heat pumps are experiencing growth in the social housing sector. Ground source particularly has been well utilised by housing associations, probably fuelled by the availability of 35% grants under Phase 2 of The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP2). Additionally, due to the constant reliability of the input temperature from the energy source (ground), performance rating tends to be higher.
This is not to limit the case for air source heat pumps. Average UK temperatures are sufficiently high to deliver energy-efficient performance. Manufacturers are working hard to launch small, hot water optimised air source heat pumps for multi-residential developments, which call more for hot water energy than heat load.
Innovation Social housing lends itself to demonstrating technology and forging ahead with innovation. Against this background we may well see the true potential of electric heating of all types - linked to Smart metering.
The Government is due to launch its roll-out plan for Smart metering in the UK. It is committed to every household having a Smart meter in the next 10 years - exciting times for industry, social housing providers and tenants.
Real Smart metering enables dynamic tariffing to electricity customers (considerable potential for electric heating applications requiring profile-driven off peak tariffs), energy efficiency advice, and real-time displays encouraging energy-efficient behaviour.
For the future, our members see growth in all types of electric heating solutions based on carbon and financial benefit. We foresee an enhanced customer service and energy efficiency platform from Smart metering. Significantly, we see social housing providers innovating and using their considerable specifying power to drive forward the market for both.
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Note to editors
About TEHVA
Part of BEAMA, aim is highlighting key benefits of electric heating and ventilation products within buildings, and their significant contribution to future developments and energy savings.
As UK’s energy policy develops, it is vital the roles of electric heating, hot water and mechanical ventilation are recognised and play a full, future part.
TEHVA has been active with contributions made to the revision of Part L of the Building Regulations on controls for electric heating.
Features the leading industry product manufacturers, association members comprise: ACV UK, Applied Energy Products, Baxi Fires Division, Chatsworth Heating, Consort Claudgen, Devi Electroheat, Glen-Dimplex, Greenwood Airvac, Heatrae-Sadia, Horstmann Controls, Nuaire, Robinson Willey, Tour-Atlantic, Vent-Axia, Zip Heaters.
About BEAMA
The BEAMA Association has been established for over 100 years, covering a range of industries in the electrical, energy, water and power related sectors.
The association still retains its prime purpose – serving members and the national industrial base as the recognised electrotechnical industry association.
BEAMA represents members’ interests in generic and specific areas within both European and UK Government/Governmental organisations, UK, European and international standards, industry and supply chain partners.
BEAMA members are active in many market sectors including commercial and residential buildings and energy networks. BEAMA is a proactive trade association advising its members on relevant technology and market developments, particularly relating to the areas of product safety and sustainability.
For more BEAMA information visit: www.beama.org.uk
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