Energy Efficient Heating Systems

Green heating is just the ticket for Christian centre

2011-08-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Putting energy efficiency at the top of its agenda, a prominent London based Christian organisation decided to invest in a modern heating system. After examining a range of options, it selected an advanced, and highly economical, solution from the UK’s leading supplier of gas fired warm-air technologies to commerce and industry.

Alongside the environmental advantages of investing in a state of the art heating system, the religious centre was also hoping to reduce expenditure as its existing system consumed a great deal of energy. It also required climate protection for the retail literature contained in its onsite warehouse.

Reznor provides full engineering support to clients and liaised with the centre’s retained operatives to design and deliver a bespoke solution for the project. The final model was based around UESA continually condensing gas heaters and four heat recycling destratification fans.

As gas fired unit heaters qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA), a government scheme aimed at stimulating the growth of energy efficient technology, the centre was able to claim 100% first year capital allowance on the heaters and their installation costs. This granted the organisation an improved cash flow and made the payback periods of the energy efficient technology even quicker.

Providing an output of 55kw, the two gas fired unit heaters have a net fuel efficiency of 103%. This is due to the use of highly advanced heat transfer technology and a Macro Channel heat exchanger made from extremely conductive aluminium. The system is so effective that it not only meets ECA requirements, but exceeds them by almost 13%.

Installed internally, condensing gas units offer further advantages for building owners. Its non-welded design and corrosion resistant construction grant it extended longevity. Advanced self-aligning burner technology with multi-try ignition results in reliability and reduces the need for maintenance. Controlled at the touch of a button and easily programmable, gas units ensure outstanding climate control for users of the building.

Fans were suspended from the roof to recycle the warm air provided by the gas fired units throughout the varied structure. Providing additional air movement, they ensure the circulation of warmth for excellent comfort. Thermostatically controlled, the fans offer energy savings of up to 15% and are quiet in operation.

The extensive line up of energy efficient heating systems proves a consistently popular choice with architects, installers and specifiers throughout the UK. Specially designed for use in commercial and industrial buildings, they provide comfortable, controlled environments in a range of structures, including sporting facilities, retail outlets, warehouses and other large enclosed spaces.

With leading technology installed, the Christian centre benefits from the very best in gas fired heating systems. Reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint and energy bills simultaneously, the units also offer easily managed comfort to users combined with frost and condensation protection for the valuable retail literature stored in the centre’s warehouse.

Heating an Aircraft Hangar has its own problems

2011-08-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

Heating aircraft hangars has been a problem since...well, the dawn of the airplane: for good reason indeed. Airplane hangars are typically high bay open-air structures with one large hangar door on one end to accommodate the sheer wingspan of an aircraft. When the large hangar doors are opened, heat is quickly displaced with cold outside air. When the doors are closed, the heating cycle must start all over again, in a quick time so the passengers are comfortably warm.

In addition, hanger doors are not always well insulated and they allow a lot of cold air infiltration through gaps around the door's perimeter. The process of regenerating that lost heat energy can take considerable time and uses up a ton of heat energy.

So what is the solution to this?

Infrared is electromagnetic wave energy that travels at the speed of light until it strikes an object. Upon striking an object, that energy converts to heat. Think of our own sun. The sun is a giant infrared heat emitter. Contrary to conventional thinking, the sun does not heat the air directly. The sun heats the earth and the earth heats the air.

In airplane hangars, ceiling suspended high intensity infrared heaters or infrared tube heaters emit infrared energy downward to the floor level, just like the sun. Floors and other objects, including aircraft, people, tools, workbenches, etc. absorb the infrared rays, which re-radiate to warm the surrounding air. Unlike the sun, however, infrared heaters emit only comfortable radiant heat energy - no harmful ultraviolet rays.

Over the past half-century or so, infrared heaters have been proven to be the most effective way to heat large airplane hangars. Nearly all new hangars in cold climates use some form of infrared heating system. Nevertheless, we're surprised to see many older hangar facilities still using outdated and worn out forced air unit heaters, steam heating systems, old boiler systems and even oil fired and electric steam heating systems. Many of these systems are not only ineffective, especially as they age, but are extremely expensive to operate.

Numerous case studies have been conducted on large maintenance hangars using old heating methods. In one study, a 400' x 800' hangar was retrofitted with an infrared tube heating system, replacing an old oil-fired boiler system that cost nearly $700,000 per year to operate. Amazingly, the infrared heating system that replaced it is currently costing around $150,000 per year. At a savings of over a half million dollars per year, the new infrared system retro-fit easily paid for itself during the first heating season in use.

This kind of energy savings should cause all building owners to pause and think, "how much money can infrared save me"? "What could I do with that extra cash saved"?

In addition to dramatic energy reduction and savings, infrared heating systems provide users with unmatched comfort. With forced air systems, hot air rises and collects at the ceiling, which must stratify from the ceiling downward until it reaches the people zone (that's a daunting task when ceilings are 30 plus feet high). We call this "hot air stacking". In structures that are 25' to 50' tall, even if the convective heat gets down to the "people" zone, floors remain cold. Cold floors equates to cold feet and unhappy people. By contrast, infrared warms the floors first, not the ceiling. Hot air stacking from the ceiling downward is replaced by warm floors convecting upwards.

Other benefits of infrared include quiet operation and quicker heat recovery. Hangar heating systems are inherently quiet because they don't blow air, as do forced air systems. Also, since infrared heats objects, heat is recovered quicker after hangar doors are closed. That's because objects in the path of the infrared emitters (floors, aircraft, etc.) act as a heat sink, literally absorbing and storing heat in their surfaces. Once doors are closed, the stored heat energy helps re-heat the surrounding air more rapidly.

Many large open-air structures have the same characteristics of aircraft hangar. Warehouses, manufacturing facilities and auto service garages are perfect applications for a gas infrared radiant tube heating system or high intensity infrared system. An infrared heating professional can provide a no obligation cost analysis to determine what kind of energy savings and benefits infrared can provide for you.

Under-floor heating: the warm truth

2011-08-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that our energy use has to shrink by 2020, due to government concerns and strict construction issues now being enforced.

The rising cost of supply, combined with global warming, makes energy-efficient technologies essential today. Floor heating – which uses 30% less energy than warm water heating and over 10% less than ceiling radiation plates – is well placed to reduce energy consumption, cutting carbon emissions and slashing energy bills.

Despite the clear advantages of floor heating, building owners have traditionally been resistant to it. This is the result of myths that have been spread about the technology and a lack of knowledge about what modern floor heating systems are capable of in both commercial properties and residential housing.

Perhaps the largest myth about floor heating is that it simply cannot work for large scale structures. This is fortunately not the case. For example, so enamoured was one major German supermarket chain, a familiar face on the UK high street for its superb value. They installed under floor heating at 15 of its main distribution warehouses – covering 500,000m², which is equal to five Wembley Stadiums.

The heating that rises from the substrate is the source of many myths about floor heating. First amongst them is the belief that it creates flooring that is uncomfortably hot. This is untrue. As heat rises from the entire floor, it need only be a couple of degrees hotter than the desired air temperature.

It has also been said that providing heating from the substrate affects its strength. Some systems, which are laid under the substrate in fact, have no negative effect on its load bearing properties. Some commentators have even argued that as floor heating provides a stable temperature, it combats thermal shrinking and expanding and as such protects concrete substrates. Tough piping ensures the longevity of underfloor heating.

Laid under the substrate, floor heating does not restrict ability to insert fittings into the floor. This is because the drilling depth for fixings is limited by the depth of the substrate. Ceiling fittings however may prove an inconvenience if the purpose of a commercial structure changes.

Another major misconception about under-floor heating is that it proves difficult to control. Again, this is not the case. Fed from a single feed, the hard wearing piping that runs under the substrate can be arranged to ensure that buildings are heated uniformly and thoroughly. Operated by digital controls and automatic thermostats in the same way as home systems, it ensures comfort for users.

It can also be localised. Some under-floor heating allows heating pipes to be laid in greater or lesser concentrations. This allows individual comfort zones to be implemented, such as under drafty windows or doors.

Lately, sustainability has rightfully become a key concern to the construction industry, due to new construction laws.

Specifiers have a duty to implement environmentally beneficial technology wherever possible, whether it is energy saving light bulbs or recycled ply-boarding. Combining the best in performance with immense carbon – and cost – reduction, under-floorheating systems are the prime choice for large scale heating.

Reznor is ASOS.com’s hottest new line

2011-07-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Specialist Reznor contractor, County Plumbing & Heating, has successfully completed a challenging project using Reznor equipment, where it installed a large and complex heating system within limited space for a new 52,000sq ft warehouse in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. It was a project made possible by the companies’ combined technical expertise.

The new facility for online clothing giant, ASOS.com, was fit out and is also now operated by Unipart Logistics. And thanks to the unique heating system, all staff are guaranteed a consistently comfortable working environment throughout the day.

A multi level mezzanine with four floors was constructed inside the warehouse to increase the picking faces available. With low ceiling heights, a dense population and an increased number of picking aisles space was at a premium. However, experienced in heating and ventilation systems CPH – using the innovative Reznor Air Mixing system – was more than capable of providing a solution.

As with all multi level mezzanine systems of this type, there were concerns that heat from the bottom level would rise to the top. This would cause the top level to be too warm, whilst the bottom was left under-heated.

Additionally, with such a vast volume of air to be heated, combined with minimal headroom it took careful planning to fit all the equipment in. This included four UDSA heaters, 14 Maximizor 9000 de-stratification fans for the loading and marshalling area and 16 T2000 heaters and almost a kilometre of Air Mixing for the mezzanine area.

A highly innovative concept, the Air Mixing works by providing an evenly diffused distribution of warm air. Installed within the mezzanine levels, it makes sure that each level is provided with the best conditions, with no level either left too hot or too cold.

As headroom and space was limited in this area, Reznor’s Air Mixing system was ideal. Using the half round ducts meant it was able to deliver the best results without compromising the design air volumes or taking up valuable headroom and space.

Serving each run of Air mixing duct within these four mezzanine levels are Reznor’s T2095HB35 gas-fired unit heaters. The ‘Hybrid’ units were used for efficiency as a smaller burner is fitted when the system has a large fresh air requirement relevant to a small heatloss. Four heaters per level were used, spread evenly to allow duct runs down each main aisle. With a high thermal efficiency of up to 91%, energy loss is minimal. This ensures the site’s energy costs are kept down.

Equally important, the heaters ensure that workers are not only supplied with warm air, but also fresh air. It does this by introducing air from outside the building using the damper arrangement on the heaters, which modulate from recirculated to fresh air depending on the internal conditions.

With four of its UDSA units – Reznor’s advanced, cost-effective industrial heaters – warming air within the larger, open spaces, ASOS.com’s new warehouse has all it needs to ensure its workers are kept within the best conditions all year round.

Radiant Heating- The perfect fit

2011-07-18T06:34:00.001-07:00

In the UK, educational establishments spend more than £400 million every year on heating costs alone. The most challenging, and often most costly, area to heat is the sports hall. However, with the correct heating system in place, even the most complex requirements can be met at a cost that won’t break the bank.

AmbiRad’s Nick Winton explains why radiant heating is so far ahead of the competition.

In schools, colleges and universities, the sports hall is used for a number of purposes from examinations to events and performances. When heating the modern sports hall, the system must address the needs of stationary users as well as those involved in sporting activity. This is where many conventional heating systems come up short.

Fundamentally very different to all other rooms within the facility, the vast open space proves a challenge to heat adequately whilst ensuring sufficient heat coverage. To achieve the universal comfort required and deliver low energy consumption, the heating system must:

rapidly respond to changing conditions
offer energy economy
provide ‘zonal’ heating for areas in use
operate at low noise levels
complement, and not compromise, the fabric of the building

Traditional boiler and radiator systems do not offer the flexibility or speed of response needed for use in contemporary sports halls. In these large cavernous spaces the possibility of waste is also much higher. So the need for an efficient, economical heating solution is even more evident.

Efficiency and economy doesn’t have to mean a reduction in performance or comfort levels however. The ideal solution would be to strike the perfect balance between cost cutting and providing optimum conditions for every circumstance. With EU and UK legislation becoming more stringent, modern heating systems also need to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency and greatly reduced gas emissions.

So what is the solution?

For energy efficiency, radiant tube heating meets the challenge. Working in the same way as the sun, the emitted infrared rays will heat only people and objects – not space – to ensure no energy is wasted. This is ideal for providing a comfortable environment for active and stationary occupants, whilst delivering exceptional fuel economy.

By burning fuel at the point of use, radiant tube heaters also prevent heat distribution losses and remove the need for a separate plant area. Radiant tubes are effective shortly after being switched on, providing a warm and welcoming environment in just a few minutes so as well as reduced energy losses, time wasted is also kept to a minimum.

As they are mounted at height, the heaters are kept away from the use of sports equipment and are kept a suitable distance from physical contact. For additional peace of mind, they can be fitted with protective grilles to prevent any damage caused by balls or other flying objects.

Sports halls, or any halls of a large scale, can greatly reduce energy consumption without negatively affecting comfort with the simple addition of a radiant tube heating system. As well as the short term benefit, the system also represents significant savings in both fuel and cost savings.

Sport halls champion radiant heating

Students are taking advantage of the £2 million state of the art sports centre at St. John’s Beaumont School in Old Windsor, equipped with a Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating system from AmbiRad. The system is proving extremely successful at educational facilities and has now been installed in more than 800 sports facilities throughout the UK.

For multi-purpose sports halls, such as those in schools and colleges, the Nor-Ray-Vac system is the ideal solution. In fact, the advanced system can warm different areas according to need; keeping spectators warm and sports teams cool during athletic fixtures.

To control the heating provision so accurately, the system relies on a SmartCom3 controller. The specialised microprocessor lets users control heating provision precisely, ensuring that the sports hall can be flexibly heated to meet any need, from sporting events to concerts and school balls.

The heating at St John’s Beaumont was based around two radiant branches of the Nor-Ray-Vac system. Each branch comprised a 32LR and 24LR burner. Capable of delivering excellent fuel savings of up to 60% on alternative methods, they burn the fuel at point of use to eliminate wasteful heat distribution.

The radiant tube heating has met the challenge of heating the large sports hall and provides the school with an energy efficient, cost effective and highly usable climate control system that is proving to be the top choice with specifiers across the UK.

Radiant tube heating, is not just taking schools by storm, but is also proving very effective in terms of warehouse heating where they too fall short with standard heating technologies.

Free power for schools

2011-07-15T03:28:00.001-07:00

A new programme has arisen which enables schools the chance to receive new solar panels for free.

The Eco-schools solar programme free power for schools plans to give every school in the country the opportunity to generate power from a renewable source at no cost while also giving access to a teaching platform which will inspire learning.

As a first phase, 100 schools will be selected for the programme and applications will be process on a first come, first served basis. The closing date for applications is the 1^st July 2011.

What is free?

The panels are free

· Site visits and installations are free

· Planning approval, if need is free

· Maintenance is free

· Insurance of the panels is free

· Removal and disposal of panels, once the 25-year contract is up, is free

As a school you gain:

· Free renewable electricity- generated from the solar panels which can be used by the school or sold back to the grid in the school holidays.

· A bespoke nationwide education package- focusing on the issues and benefits of green technologies, climate change and environmental resources that fits into your eco-schools award programme.

· a free display energy certificate (DEC) for 5 years, worth up to £3000

· A display system- worth £150 showing the power generated and carbon saved to both staff and pupils.

· An opportunity to qualify- for a department of energy & climate change (DECC) energy award by achieving reductions in carbon emission above 10%

· An opportunity to enhance your profile with Ofsted- by having a learner-centred development strategy and implementation plan based around solar panels.

The programme, which is being co-ordinated by Eco-schools and winch energy, is supported by the department for the environment, food and rural affairs and the ampere equity fund which is managed by triodos bank, a leader in ethical banking.

Eco-schools are an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable journey. It provides a framework to help embed sustainable principles into the heart of school life so that students gain a greater understanding of the issues they will need in the future life. It is the largest sustainable schools programme in England with over 15,000 schools actively involved.

Its ambition is to give every school the opportunity of generating power from a renewable source at no cost and to offer students an opportunity to learn about the latest green technologies and their benefits.

Schools benefit from the free electricity generated by the thermal solar panels for 25 years. This reduces the schools use of electricity from traditional carbon-sources which helps reduce the schools carbon footprint. A free monitor, worth £150, will help schools see the amount of energy generated and carbon saved.

Solar Panels are not as straight forward as they appear

2011-07-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

The installation of solar panels on roofs is a growing market. Anyone who attended the recent Ecobuild exhibition at London’s Excel Centre and saw the number of solar exhibitions there will be in no doubt about that. However, solar renewables are a relatively new market in the UK, and the real scope of the application of planning regulations to the installation of solar systems is not fully established.

Both roof and ground based schemes are affected in many respects by the same points of planning law. Any large commercial solar scheme requires planning permission.

Solar installations which may fall outside the planning system include domestic-scale roof based schemes. These may, in certain circumstances, benefit from permitted development rights under the amended general permitted development order 1995.

The problems facing many people waiting to install roof based systems is that, in reality, many local authorities are themselves unsure about the extent to which planning permission will be required.

Householders, anxious for the very sensible reasons to avoid running afoul of any legal issues, are often therefore seeking written approval for their plans from local authority planning offices. In many cases the resulting exchange of correspondence ends up in planning applications being submitted even for the smallest schemes. Not all of these are successful, and it can often be wise to seek professional help with an application. Applicants who do seek professional help should seek certainly about costs through agreeing fixed fees for at least the early stages of any application.

Overall the planning system is geared favourably towards renewable energy schemes, but there still exists various means by which a planning authority can refuse permission.

Any scheme which is the subject of a planning application will be considered in the context of: (i) the policies of the council’s development plan: (ii) Government planning policy guidance and advice: and (iii) what are euphemistically termed other “material considerations”

Policies within development plans form the cornerstone of the planning process. Section 38 (6) of the planning and compulsory purchase act 2004 provides that any planning decision “must be made in accordance with the plans unless material considerations indicate otherwise”.

Planning permission is a slippery slope, and once an application is made it can take time and patience to reach the end result. However in the back of your mind, do not forget that in the long run you are investing in solar panels that will cut your energy bills, earn you money and last up to 50 years. The dedication is worth it.

VeloPark- meeting the needs of the community

2011-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

VeloPark with play host for cyclists in London's 2012 Olympic Games, however that is not all VeloPark has to offer, instead the future holds exciting plans.

The VeloPark will include a 6,000-seat velodrome to host the cycling events as well as a BMX circuit.

The VeloPark designs have been developed following consultation with British Cycling and local cycling groups.

After the games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added, so the park can be used by everyone.

The VeloPark will be a world-class cycling facility, meeting the recreational, training and competition needs of cyclists, and supporting the continued development of competitive and non-competitive cycling across the UK.

The VeloPark will have the capacity to host the full range of cycling events, including a World Championships. The British Cycling Federation will use the Velodrome to train athletes with international potential, although its main high performance centre will continue to be Manchester. The facility will be available for hire by schools, clubs, and community groups as well as available for casual pay and play usage.

After the games, the park will be linked into cycle routes across London, connecting the whole of the city with the new facilities. The BMX track will remain, but be reconfigured, and a road cycle circuit and mountain bike courses will be added.

Key facts

Dedicated high performance 250m indoor Velodrome and infield with 6,000 seat capacity
Four fully accessible changing rooms and officials changing rooms
Strength and conditioning gym (restricted to high-performance athletes) with sports medicine space
Dedicated bike workshop, secure bike storage, bike hire facilities and bike retail space
Offices (including space for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and British Cycling Federation)
Multi-purpose rooms for meetings, seminars, conference facilities
Café, concession areas and toilets
Owned, operated and funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

VeloPark will also play host to an external BMX course, external 1 mile road cycle circuit and an external 6Km mountain bike trail masking it versatile to both the public and the strong athletes.

After the Games, the permanent 6,000 seat velodrome will need very little transformation and will become the hub of the VeloPark. It will be used by high performance athletes who will train alongside the local and regional community.

The £4.5m facility, which includes everything from sports arena heating systems to a variety of meeting rooms, was built by the London Development Agency (LDA) for community and competition use to replace the former Eastway Cycle Circuit which made way for the site of the London 2012 VeloPark.

Thermal Solar Heating- How can it affect you?

2011-07-12T01:23:00.000-07:00

Using the sun's energy to heat water is one of the oldest ways to generate hot water. It is a widely used technology in sunny climates, but recent technological progress makes it a viable and cost effective solution even for northern European markets. Solar thermal collectors are the most eco-friendly way to heat your domestic water for your shower, bath or your kitchen.

Solar thermal systems have been in operations around the world for decades, and other countries have made solar thermal system compulsory for new buildings (recently Spain joined the list).

There are many manufacturers of solar thermal systems, most of which are from Europe. In broad terms the European manufacturers produce good quality solar panels. It is important to check that the solar thermal panels are tested to European standard EN12975 and certified by a reputable institution.

Despite common belief, the UK receives slightly more than half of the solar energy received at the equator and around 65-70% of the sun that Spain gets. This is enough to operate a solar heating system.

A well designed solar water heating system can provide 50% - 60% of your annual domestic hot water requirements (e.g. shower, bath, and kitchen). This means that in the summer the solar system will provide 90-100% of your hot water needs, and in the winter it will save energy by primarily pre-heating your water and giving the boiler less “work” to do, thus conserving energy, prolonging the life of the boiler and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

Quality systems work by absorbing diffused light and converting it into heat. In other words, even on a cloudy winter day the diffused light will preheat the water in the cylinder and provide major savings.

If necessary, your backup systems (e.g. your boiler) will up-heat the water from the already warm temperature to your preferred temperature.

On long summer days, the length of exposure to the diffused light is a major advantage. Even if the sky is overcast, the fact that the days are so long helps heat the water to very good levels.

Typically a installing a solar thermal system lasts approximately 2 days. This, naturally, will vary depending on the type of property, the type of roof etc.

During the installation the engineer takes special care to ensure that there is minimum disruption and the supply of hot water is typically up and running within a few hours, to that the normal household routine is not disturbed.

As explained above, installations vary in price due to different circumstances such as roof complexity, loft access etc. As a general guide, a typical installation for an existing 3-4 bedroom house should cost £3,500-5,000.

solar panels: The myths

2011-06-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

Deceptive stories and information on solar panels have left people undoubtedly confused whether this alternative renewable energy resource is the way forward, or just another money grabbing scheme we get sucked into through scare tactics.

There are certainly a great deal of myths that are misleading, that have steamed from a lack of understanding of solar panels. Forget everything you have been told about solar energy and you will begin to understand it better, than listening to the tell-tale information you are fed. Some websites will display frequently asked questions, along with the answers, so you don’t make the same presumptions others have made.

Although Solar panels are said to produce their energy from the heat of the sun, most of the energy produced is from the UV rays generated by the sun. The UV rays strike the cells and subsequently a certain portion of it is absorbed. The energy absorbed knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely, providing you with energy.

Even during the bitter winter weather there is still UV rays. Although some days will have more UV rays then others. All the unused energy is stored in the battery, which can be used when there is less energy produced, therefore giving your household energy all year round. The only time your solar panels will not be able to absorb the UV rays is when snow covers the panels, but this is easily solved. All you have to do is wipe it off and it will start producing energy again immediately.

‘Solar power will not work where I live’ is again a tell-tale lie. All you need is UV light, and the solar panels will produce you energy. One example of this is in Germany, which we do not really associate with sunny skies and warm climate, and yet they respectively use solar panels.

Make no mistake, this substitute energy source has no exhaust or toxic materials to leak out, this system is entirely natural and comes clean and ‘green’. Solar cells are predominantly silicon which is the primary component of sand. The electricity produced by solar panels is just the same as the electricity coming from your normal household wall sockets, and therefore the same safety precautions should be used.

The biggest myth about thermal solar panels is that it is too expensive; yet again this has steamed from Chinese whispers and is nonsense. The price for solar panels has been cut in half recently. Plus there are government incentives available which will not only benefit your household but benefit your pocket as well.

For those you of who are looking to invest in renewable energy sources, it is well worth looking into properly and not listening to others biased opinions. At the end of the day you pay the bills, so you need the right information before making a decision, not partial information from others.

Solar Panels: Are they worth the money?

2011-06-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

Diminishing natural resources have left us trying out new, renewable and cleaner energy sources. Solar energy panels is just one alternative, but with our current economy hitting a recession every few years, is it really worth us throwing our money up in the air?

Solar panels are a packaged, interconnected assembly of solar cells, which are also known as photovoltaic cells, (photo meaning “light” and voltaic meaning “electricity”) which are also used on calculators. Generally solar panels will be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications.

A solar panel by itself will only produce a limited amount of power, consequently when it comes to installation, several solar panels are used. There are other components that are used when it comes to installation, which include an array of solar panels, an inverter, batteries and interconnection wiring.

This Alternative energy source just sounds all too confusing and no one really tells you what you should expect energy wise, or even what you truly need for your home to become ‘green’. Experts either talk complete gibberish and leave you lost, or try and sell you everything so they can reap the benefits.

Once you read into how solar panels can help your home and your bills, you might be a bit more persuaded into it. Every home has various incomes and this alternative energy source might not suit every budget but it might be worth looking into, you just need to know where to look.

There are disadvantages for everything and solar panels have a few. The most influential hindrance for most of us is the initial expense; the initial cost of installing Thermal solar panels can be quite high, and leave us empty pocketed for a while whilst we battle the current recession.

Solar panels have numerous advantages but they are mainly down to personalised circumstances. None the less there are three advantages to name a few that apply to everyone.

Solar panels allow you to obtain energy from an alternative source rather than the main power grid. This eliminates the need of having power lines running to your home. This could particularly benefit those who live in far off areas.

In addition once installed, solar panels can make up for their initial installation expenditures, as they solely rely on natural resources, and rarely need a penny spent on them. This means that you can rely completely on solar panels and see a return on their investment instantly, with no more electric bills. More over Solar panels also require very little maintenance.

Furthermore there are renewable heating incentives available that are offered to those who plan to install solar panels on their homes. This is available in the form of tax credits for homes and businesses. Solar panels can even increase the value of a home or business.

If you are interested in looking for renewable energy resources, rather than tightening your belts, it may be worth looking into solar panels, and understanding how it will benefit you and your household before the demand for solar panels rises, along with the prices.

Climate change: inevitable, predicted and destroying our planet

2011-06-30T04:03:00.000-07:00

‘Carbon dioxide emissions are those stemming from the burning of fossil fuels and the manufacture of cement. They include carbon dioxide produced during consumption of solid, liquid, and gas fuels and gas flaring’

With only 8.8 metric tonnes per capita of carbon emissions, we are not the worst country when it comes to reusing and recycling, however we are not rightly the best either. Even though we are producing remarkably less carbon footprints in comparison to previous years, we are still providing a substantial quantity of pollutants that are sluggishly destroying earth.

Daunting as it sounds, everything has consequences and technology is gradually overwhelming our atmospheres. Conversely it was inevitable that climate change and global warming was going to occur, fuels such as coal, oil and gas has only sped up the predicted.

There are though simple steps that people can take in order to attain a greener lifestyle, and you have undoubtedly heard of them already.

Completely changing your useful regular boiler to a condensing boiler, is a job for the dedicated, no one wants to throw money at a new boiler, when their existing boiler is already doing the trick. However having a valuable cause allows consumers committed to such necessary precautions, such as environmentalists, they would blissfully either go without heating, or produce their own alternative energy source.

Considering climate change from an environmentalists point of view, merely changing to an energy efficient boiler, is only a simple step towards saving our planet. Is it as straightforward as people imply though? From the money aspect of switching boilers, the beginning investment is steep, however after barely 3 months; your wallet will see a return of money that was recently absent, plus a respectable profit.

Unfortunately not everyone has the financial services to buy a pristine boiler straight away. Recycling is an easy way to contribute to the reducing carbon emissions, and it is free: what can be easier? Instead of throwing food and plastic into your regular bin, construct a compost heap and put food in there instead.

Plastic and cardboard can either be reused or put into certain bin bags…. it takes the same amount of time for you, but takes less time to sort.

Next time a bulb blows at home, don’t purchase the standard cheap and useless bulbs, buy the energy efficient light bulbs, which trim down your electric bill and last considerably longer.

Travelling to work uses the utmost carbon throughout your day; traffic causes cars to make more stops then those travelling an hour or two later, therefore catch a lift with someone who works with you or use public transport. Public transport can take you there faster during peak times, then suffering through frustrating traffic.

When you truly think about it, not only will you be saving the environment with these effortless steps, but you will also see more money in return, for a good cause. Although changing to a condensing boiler are not steps to be followed by everyone: other simple actions are not challenging to follow, and I am certain in time these steps are going to be just the norm. Make your statement, do your part, and money will soon return home.

Underfloor heating… are they really going to warm our hearts?

2011-06-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Under-floor Heating is revelling in such popularity these days; however do they really warm our hearts, or do they just burn a hole in our pockets?

Under floor heating is a luxury that many of us would love to have. It not only gives us bragging rights, but it also is a wonderful addition to any home. After all, who wouldn’t want to jump out of bed in the morning and not have to put on slippers? All over the globe people are taking off their socks and switching to under floor heating.

It is certainly becoming a ‘must have’ heating alternative: as well as having the assets of being clear-cut, efficient and a comfortable heat source, it purely avoids the need for all those unsightly wall hung radiators.

Under-floor heating has been around since the Romans, and yet we are only just grasping on to the idea…. whilst the Romans relied solely on the circulation of warm air beneath the floor, these days the options are a bit more sumptuous with either electric or wet systems.

Certain rooms, benefit further from under-floor heating in comparison to others, such as kitchens and bathroom, as this heat source are more efficient living beneath ceramic tiles, vinyl and linoleum. Conversely they still are effective crouching underneath timber and carpet, despite the myths.

Wet systems use pipes that link directly to a central boiler, and mean that the majority of users are home owners, that have recently constructed a new build, compared to existing buildings. The disadvantage to having this ideal luxury is that the installation requires a skill that not one trade can solely achieve, but rather two, which allows for a greater money loss as well as time.

Whereas electric under-floor heating systems possess the advantages of needing a far lower skill base for installation then the wet heating systems. Electric systems are suitable for installation for almost every type of floor, from concrete or timber. The key benefit of electric systems is the minute height of the all system: which accounts for only 10 to 15mm, including the floor covering.

The electric under-floor heating system seems a little more tempting then the wet system, but that is not everything you need to know about it. There are in fact two types of electric heating available: cable and foil.
Foil under-floor heating systems have the edge of being the considerably thinner out of the two, however are less flexible since the foil sheets are only available in either a square or rectangular format, unable to be cut into awkward shapes.

Conversely cable mat systems are specifically designed for a speedy installation, bend, cut and fit around items and can even accommodate peculiar room sizes. Additionally finding a fault is effortless, and can a break in the cable can be isolated to within 20mm2 tile areas, meaning a swift effective repair can be made.

In all under-flooring heating systems control is by electronic thermostats, thus conserving energy, minimising running costs and providing the user with exactly the required temperature.

It may sound all too pricey, however can we really price tag something that we need, want and all love? It is a must have for the rich, a need for the working class, and a luxury for the middle class… and yet we can all have it for a small investment. The big question now is, are you ready to revolutionise your home?

Making the world a little greener

2011-06-30T03:58:00.001-07:00

Air source heat pump uses outside air as a heat source, by using a compressor, condensing and a refrigerant system to absorb heat from one place and release it at another.

Outside air, when above absolute zero is essentially a heat container. An air-source heating pump moves some of this heat to provide either hot water or household heating. Air-source heat pumps can either heat a household or conversely be used as a cooling system.

The energy efficiency of air source pumps can be measured by Coefficient of performance (COP), which simply means that a COP of 3 means the heat pump produces 3 units of energy for every 1 unit of electricity it consumes. A good air-source heat pump can measure up to a COP of 4, which means that it would cut energy bills dramatically. However on a relatively colder day, it takes more work to move the same amount of heat, than on a milder day.

The benefits of using an air-source heat pumps is that it only uses a fraction of the electricity of a resistance heater, but still produces the same amount of heating; therefore drastically reducing energy bills.
Very little maintenance is needed for the heat pump, in comparison to other heating systems available today; the only maintenance that needs to be carried out, is merely checking that the heat exchanger and fan are kept free from leaves and debris.

Fortunately no flammable or potentially asphyxiating fuel is used at the point of heating, therefore reducing the potential dangers to homeowners, thus removing the need to obtain gas or fuel the supplies, but rather electricity.

The air pump can be used for both air conditioning during the sunny summer, as well as a heating system during the bitter winter. When compared to traditional electrical heaters, the air source pump has lower running cost, due to the compressor being the source that uses the most power.

Although the air source pump is extremely energy efficient, it does still require electricity, which accounts for a significant amount of emission pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Awkwardly the air pump needs external space for the outside condenser unit, which is somewhat noisy and can be unsightly.

The initial cost for this alternative heat source can be quite costly though in the long run, it considerably saves you money, therefore making it a worthy investment.

While the air pump is considered efficient, it becomes less effective when the external temperatures fall below 5 degrees Celsius. In spite of this, in colder climates the systems can be installed with an auxiliary source of heat, consequently providing heat at lower temperatures.

The benefits of installing an air-source heat pump outweighs the drawbacks, however it all depends on whether you believe the initial investment is worth having a money saving heating system.

Renewable Heating Incentives: The Facts

2011-06-30T03:56:00.000-07:00

The renewable heat incentive, also known as RHI, is a government scheme which has been designed to encourage the installation of low-carbon heating systems. Originally a labour policy, the RHI’s full details were instead published by the coalition government in March 2011.

So why did the government introduce this incentive?

The UK has a set number of targets for reducing its overall contribution to global warming, which includes a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, so the heating incentive will persuade more UK residents to complete this goal.

Burning fossil fuels to provide heating and hot water in buildings accounts for the largest slice of current emissions in UK; therefore the RHI is the government’s strategy to kick-start a move towards renewable energy sources and producing fewer emissions.
Does the RHI, relate to the feed-in-tariffs?
The UK, like many countries, has a feed-in tariff which provides financial payments to residents for each unit of electricity they produce using small-scale renewable technologies, which could be solar panels and wind turbines. The RHI finances an identical set of incentives for such heating systems, yet it is the first policy of its kind anywhere in the world.

When can we expect the RHI?

The large-scale heating systems suitable for commercial buildings are being focused on primarily, as they would typically churn out more carbon emissions then residential homes. Unfortunately it is not yet made clear exactly when the first payments are likely to be made, or even how they will be processed, however the government has promised that all renewable heating systems installed since July 2009 will be eligible for such future payments.

So how does the RHI affect home owners?

A domestic version of the RHI has been introduced though it will not launched in full until October 2012, which will coincide with the green deal- a government policy supporting energy efficiency in homes.
For now though, £15million has been budgeted for grants, known as renewable heat premium payments, which will fund the initial cost of installing a domestic-scale renewable heating system. In May 2011, the government is aiming to announce the details of such grants, and make them available as from July 2011.
These grants vary depending on the heating system installed, for instance the solar thermal will earn you £300, whereas air-source heat pumps can warrant up to £850, the most expensive grant is for the ground-source heat pumps, which merits £1250.

How will the government know how much to pay?

The renewable heating incentive will use meters to track the amount heat being produced by the larger heating systems. The completed detailed are yet to be confirmed for household systems, but it appears likely that payments will be based on expected use in comparison to metering.

Keeping it cool in the workplace

2011-06-30T03:55:00.000-07:00

In workspaces, it is a comfort, or in certain cases a luxury to have heating such as radiators and boilers, whilst ventilation is considered a compulsory health issue, yet offices never arrive to the conclusion of getting an all in one heat pump.

The initial cost of installing such a novelty can be quite difficult to grasp for all those penny pinching bosses, but weighed up with the general money qualities that it possesses, it seems a no brainer. It simply begs the question: why is no one joining this revolutionary idea?

As mentioned above, the initial installation investment can be difficult to fund, however a renewable heating incentive introduced by the coalition government has answered this problem, giving grants to those residents who comply with the energy reducing targets for 2050. Along with these heating incentives, feed-in-tariffs give you money back on every kilowatt produced by energy efficient heating systems.

Air source heat pumps convert outside bitter temperatures into comfortable warmth for office spaces, whether using the heat pump as a heating aid or cooled conditioning. By attaining a heat pump, you can earn up to £850 back, just from the installation, and a further 3-4.3p for each kilowatt produced.

The benefits of using an air-source heat pumps is that it only uses a fraction of the electricity of a resistance heater, but still produces the same amount of heating; therefore drastically reducing energy bills.

Plus very little maintenance is needed for the heat pump, in comparison to other heating systems available today; the only maintenance that needs to be carried out, is merely checking that the heat exchanger and fan are kept free from leaves and debris.

The benefits of installing an air-source heat pump outweighs the drawbacks, however it all depends on whether you believe the initial investment is worth having a money saving heating system. Don’t forget that employees work better when they are more comfortable.

Are all ideas for the present, or are they destined for the future?

2011-06-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

Technology these days is so advanced that sometimes I wonder how the human mind was capable of producing such magnificence, however some technologies that are popular these days, have surprisingly been around since the early nineteenth century, and yet we have only just realised their true potential.

For example the air source heat pump was invented in 1800, but the refrigerator which uses the same system only backwards was produced five year after this. The refrigerator is in almost every home and what was once considered a luxury, how now become a simply necessity to all.

Air source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular, with the threat of global warming looming over our heads, and every news channel broadcasting natural disasters, pin pointing the blame to every change in weather conditions. However is it all just too little too late? Why if it was invented over 200 years ago, did we not attach them to every new house being built then? That way we might have had possibly a greater chance of protecting our dying planet.

Generally we have survived on the process of problems reaching the corners of our mind, and then stealth fully creating a solution, which could have inevitably been created years beforehand, therefore eliminating the overall problem occurring. For instance, we have been consuming natural energy resources for centuries, and yet we have only just drummed solutions into society now that the natural resources are nearing an end. Surely if we are capable of masterminding such inspirational inventions, then at least one person would have thought to have proposed the question: what are we going to do when the oil runs out?

The simplicity of the question makes it more difficult to understand the ignorance: curiosity may have killed the cat, and yet lack of curiosity in this case will eventually kill us.

Although air source heat pumps may have only just been commercialised for us to see, perhaps it is safer and more reliable to use now than in comparison to the nineteenth century. The original refrigerator involved using poisonous ammonia gas as the coolant, which would seem extremely dangerous and considerably reckless these days, but in 1805, it was just a problem to an otherwise ingenious invention.

“Perfection takes time” this is what my parents have ingrained in me since I was old enough to understand what was meant by it. Like other small children, patience was not my strongest point back then.

It is this phrase which sums up my theories nonetheless; it has taken almost 200 years for heat pumps to become popular but back then we did not want or perhaps even need the air source heat pump. Like a patient snake, it has waited in the grass for 200 years in order to be successful now. In order for this heating system to be considered desirable and even needed, we had to continue to use up natural resources as if they were never going to end.

Air source heat pumps will no doubt follow in its cousins footsteps, like the refrigerator, it may appear a luxury for now, but give it a mere 10 years and it will certainly become the norm.

New energy saving label ratings are to be placed onto products

2011-06-30T03:47:00.001-07:00

With every product implying they are the ‘best’ energy efficient product you should invest in, is it any wonder that consumers are somewhat perplexed.

However there good news: a new energy saving label rating is going to be introduced and placed on all white goods, and even TV’s as from June 20^th, which with any luck will simplify all the technology jargon, just giving us the facts and the information we need to know.

It is hoped that the labels will help consumers choose more energy efficient appliances and reduce both their carbon emissions, and their homes carbon footprints, when it comes to using washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers.

Energy labels have been used on white goods for some time now, rating products from A to G, but the new European Energy Label will introduce A+ and A++ ratings, giving credit to appliances that are extra efficient.
The labels will keep their coloured bar indicator, but will see the addition of the amount of energy the products consume, which will enable us to separate the energy efficient, with the money grabbing schemes.

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman commented: “Consumers want to make the right decisions when buying new goods that use less energy and bring down household bills.

“These new energy saving ratings will help people make the right choice when out shopping for TVs and white goods by choosing those which are rated the darkest green on the labels.”

Future plans will also see boilers and vacuum cleaners also carrying these labels, while ratings will be shown in adverts for products.

However will it be as successful as we believe it will be? It may carry the ratings for how efficient it is as a product, however how can we really tell whether it will be the most useful product for our individual requirements. For instance, gas condensing boilers may be extremely efficient for a family of three, but will it be just as efficient for a family of 6?

With today’s financial crisis, not everyone wants to be paying out for merchandise that in the long term save them the slightest bit of money, when for the same price they could have bought themselves a different product with the potential to save them hundreds of pounds.

Perhaps the labels may be useful for determining which products drink up the most energy, but when it comes down to picking the best product for your home, maybe we should get a second opinion and ask the experts.

Oil, Gas, Solar or electric: Which one are you going to pick?

2011-06-30T03:46:00.000-07:00

There is certainly no shortage of alternative home heating methods to choose from these days, however do not be foolish and purchasing a system which is neither suited to you lifestyle or your budget.

All heating systems have benefits and drawbacks, some more than others, and it is the experts’ job to advise you one which systems you would benefit most from, and which to steer well clear of. Home design, installation requirements, fuel costs and personal preferences all needed to be taken into account before a heating system can be purchased and installed.

Some of the most popular choices for home heating solutions include gas furnaces, oil burning furnaces, solar heating and electric heat.

Gas Furnace:

Most gas furnaces are equipped to burn either propane or natural gas; both are cleaner than fuel oil and provide odourless heat. In terms of cost, natural gas prices have risen in recent years and propane gas can be fairly expensive when used for extensive heating, such as that required for a home, as opposed to heating something small such as an outdoor grill. You can easily determine the energy efficiency of a gas furnace by looking at its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating; the higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace.

Oil-Burning Furnace:
Fuel oil provides good energy content, also known as heating value. A central system requires ductwork, piping and a Heating oil storage tank. In general, oil furnaces are less expensive and longer lasting than gas furnaces. However oil prices are unpredictable, therefore an oil furnace may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a heating method that offers stable energy costs. In addition, heating with oil is not considered a “green’ solution as it involves the burning of a non-renewable resource, yet some boilers are being installed with biogenic components, therefore allowing them to consume bio-oil which is a renewable material.
Solar Heating:

There’s a reason why solar heating is often overlooked as a home heating method: When used as the sole source of heat, solar alternatives are not as cost effective as other fuel sources unless other fuel costs have risen to excessive levels. Solar heating is a good choice when used as a complement to other heating methods. Homes that use solar heating techniques in conjunction with other heating methods are called passive solar homes. This type of home is designed to attract and store the sun’s heat when you need it and keep it out when you want the house to be cooler. Therefore Thermal solar systems services are becoming increasingly popular.

Electric Heat:

Electricity is 100 % efficient; all of the power generated is turned into heat. However, if you’re looking for a “green” heating method, electricity isn’t necessarily a better choice than gas, oil or propane, and it may actually be generated from a coal-burning plant. Due to dramatic increases in electric costs over the years, heating with electricity has become less popular and may be an economical solution only if you have access to inexpensive or free electricity.

The benefits of switching to Under Floor Heating

2011-06-30T03:42:00.000-07:00

Under floor heating systems are becoming a must have these days, however are they really as good as they first appear, or are they just another concept waiting to spiral into the drains?

Walking barefoot, feeling he warmth of the floor beneath your feet, does sound delightful, however so does a 10 bedroom mansion: but we all know that such things are for the better off. Instead we need to put our thinking caps on, and have a serious think about how much we want under floor heating, and how much it will truly benefit us.

So what are the benefits of having such a luxurious heating system installed into our homes?

Now easy to install and easy to maintain, it’s a great way of bringing a sense of style into your property:
Unsightly radiators no longer have to ruin your stylish interiors, unless you have a period property with fabulous radiators already hanging from the pristine walls. Although you can build radiator covers around these unattractive systems, the covers sometimes reduce the heat your radiators are emitting out.

Say good bye to those unpleasant contraptions and the tedious maintenance works that surround them.
Once the radiators have been removed, you will be left with more flexible space to toy around with, which the radiators would normally occupy.

That extra sofa in the front room you wanted can finally be purchased: the one you couldn’t get because you were too scared to place next to the radiator in case it was to get damaged. You couldn’t build furniture onto a wall where there was a radiator and put some furniture in front of them or have curtains hanging over the top of them because it would have reduced the benefit you get from the heat.

Under floor heating has solved that unfortunate problem, your walls are now free to do as you please and you may just be amazed at what additionally flexibility you have as far as decorating and arranging your room is concerned.

More surprisingly your wallet will also feel the benefits, as many home owners who have installed under floor heating not only feel the advantage on the soles of their feet, but also see them on their energy bills.

This is because the control you have over your under floor heating can make it a more efficient heating system. Your energy use and your bills could go down, helping you to do your bit for the environment – and your bank balance.

These are just some of the reasons that more and more home owners are switching to this modern heating solution. Perhaps in a few months your might have your very own under floor heating installation service.

The Myths Surrounding Condensing Boilers

2011-06-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

Myth: They are only efficient when fully condensing

Response: Due to its larger heat exchanger, a condensing boiler does not have to condense in order to be more efficient. Typically a new gas condensing boiler will have a seasonal efficiency of between 84% and 92% compared with a new non-condensing boiler at 78% or an older boiler at 55-65%.

The SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) rating is the average annual efficiency achieved in typical domestic conditions and is quoted in a series of bands (from ‘A’ at 90% or over, to ‘G’ at below 70%).The SEDBUK is linked to current Building Regulations in England, Wales and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland and some boilers which are rated A-B are suggested as ‘Energy Efficiency Recommended’.

Myth: They are too expensive

Response: In the past, condensing boilers were more expensive, mainly due to the materials used in the construction of the heat exchanger. However, as with all new things, the cost of technology reduces over time, and some regular condensing boilers can now be obtained for no more than a regular non-condensing boiler.
In some cases, the difference can be offset by grants that are available from local authorities, energy companies or via Energy Efficiency Advice Centres (EEACs).

Myth: They need larger radiators

Response: No change necessary. In most systems, radiators are already oversized for all but the severest weather. A marginal benefit of approximately 3% may be obtained from oversizing radiators for a new system, as this will allow slightly cooler return water to the boiler and maximise time spent in condensing mode, but this is usually uneconomic and impractical.

Myth: They are less reliable

Response:. This was true with the early models of condensing boilers, but through improvements introduced as a result of this early experience, the components in modern condensing boilers are as reliable as those in the equivalent non-condensing models.

Myth: They are difficult to install

Response: The only difference in comparison with non-condensing boilers is the requirement for a condensate drain. A competent installer will have no problem in deciding on a suitable location for the drain and fitting a normal, plastic overflow pipe.

Myth: They are harder to maintain

Response: The only minor difference is the need to ensure that the condensate drain is clear when servicing.

Myth: They cannot be fitted to existing systems

Response: Condensing boilers are suitable for replacing most existing boilers. As with any replacement boiler, the effectiveness of the control system and type of hot water cylinder should be assessed when conducting a site survey. Consideration should also be given to cleaning and flushing the system before fitting a new boiler. Wall hung condensing boilers are readily available, with extended fluing options if required.

Myth: They have limited availability

Response: The number of manufacturers offering both regular and combination condensing boilers is increasing all the time, with major players offering dozens of different models.

A valuable lesson in reducing carbon footprints

2011-06-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

School heating and cooling systems need to precisely follow the health and safety laws, as well as creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for all students. Too hot, and the students become lethargic and unwilling to learn, whereas too cold, the students will be slower to work, therefore schools need to concoct a balanced optimum temperature.

However leaving the boiler on in the winter and conditioning on in the summer is no cost-friendly system, therefore searching for a cost-efficient heating system providing the same heat output is a strong agenda.

Smithers Secondary School is removing their current heating systems, in order to replace them with new environmentally friendly, cost-efficient boilers.

The new boiler upgrades scheduled for Smithers Secondary School should go a long way in helping the school become more energy efficient with a substantial estimated savings of 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The schools two existing boilers are said to be removed this summer, whilst the weather is warm, with three new boilers replacing them. Two of these new boilers are to be condensing boilers, whilst the third is to a typical atmospheric boiler.

Due to the condensing boilers running at lower temperatures, the third boiler will kick in when the outdoor temperature suddenly drops. Altogether these three heating systems combined will provide the school with one unique, environmentally friendly heating system.

“That’s where your big savings come from, especially on your shoulder seasons like in fall and spring,” Hildebrandt explains. “We used to just have everything on high fire and always running on full temperature, these will ramp everything down just to meet the now demand.”

The Houston Secondary School boiler that was installed last summer already looks like it will save the school up to 40 per cent savings annually.

“Forty per cent is huge for us, that’s just been a wonderful project,” Hildebrandt said.
The Smithers Secondary School system is expected to generate annual savings of up to 35 per cent. Those savings should be even more in shoulder seasons, almost at 50 per cent, Hildebrandt continued.

The project was funded half by the province of B.C. and half by SD54, with a total cost of around $465,000.
The district chose to contribute a larger portion of their funds to do some additional work while in the boiler room. There were some further upgrades that were necessary, Hildebrandt said, and it’s much cheaper to do these when all the boilers have been taken out and starting fresh.

The Smithers Secondary School has taken a forward step to reducing carbon footprints, and is a good example to the students studying at their school. The condensing boiler will no doubt prove a success story for this school. Perhaps this is one valuable lesson that we can all learn from.

Renewable Heating Incentives

2011-06-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

Scotland’s efforts for a ‘greener’ society are now being put into process, with plans being materialised before our eyes, and finally actions are being made to prevent our well established economy from collapsing under the strain of global warming.

Scottish firms are being urged to burn wood for heating as part of attempts to reduce energy bills, cut greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately support rural businesses.

A campaign launched today aims to promote demand for renewable timber resources and wood fuel heating systems, which from later this year will be eligible for payments under the UK government’s £860m renewable heat incentive scheme.

Forestry Commission Scotland said that the Scottish economy brings in more than £25m a year from producing and using wood fuel from existing forestry, new plantings or by-products from the timber industry.
It also claims that burning logs, woodchips, pellets or briquettes saves around 500,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, which in comparison to other natural resources makes it one of the greenest solutions around.

Rebecca Carr, renewables advisor for Forestry Commission Scotland, said that demand for wood fuel north of the border has increased 300 per cent over the past four years, the commercial and industrial sectors alone accounting for 450,000 oven-dried tonnes of wood fuel each year.

“Burning wood for heat benefits the environment and supports rural economies. It gives users and suppliers a true ‘fuel good’ factor, with more and more businesses and individuals recognising that switching to wood fuel can save operating costs,” she said.

The campaign is led by Usewoodfuel Scotland, an EU-funded partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Forest Research’s Biomass Energy Centre. Its web site lists information on wood fuel sources, suppliers, funding and incentives for businesses.

A wave of new biomass power plants is currently being planned across Scotland and the rest of UK, although it has faced opposition from some environmental groups which have warned that the plants could be largely reliant on imported timber that undermines the carbon savings delivered by the technology.

However, the sector hopes that the expansion of the UK biomass industry could deliver a steady supply of domestic and sustainably certified timber.

Renewable heating incentives are not just for large companies, or firms, even the homeowners can benefit from converting to a ‘greener’ lifestyle.

Installing a Heat Pump, solar system or a gas condensing boiler in your property has never been so easy, as you will now be eligible for the RHI scheme. The government estimates how much renewable energy your system produces and a fixed amount is paid each year – up to 18p for every kWh of energy.

The renewable heat incentive will ultimately last between 10 and 23 years, and is coming into effect as of spring 2011, though back payments will be made to today. Reducing carbon emissions and stimulating the UK’s green economy is what this heating incentive is aiming for. The renewable heating incentive is a replica of the successful Feed-In-Tariff scheme which paid property owners for producing renewable electricity.

Innovative Heating Systems: They are not just for the home

2011-06-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

GML Construction, one of the UK’s leading contractors and developers of turnkey construction packages, has completed a flagship £1.8 million sustainable nursery complex in Farnham, Surrey. This marks the start of a roll out of similar new facilities across the Home Counties.

The Childcare Corporation, sought after a contractor that could environmentally develop their existing building to house the nursery complex, whilst also ensuring it was a fully sustainable building.

As the first in the planned series, Westchester House Nursery School has been described as a ‘totally new concept’ in nursery care and offers places for 100 children aged 0-5 years, providing longer opening hours, improved staff to child ratios and organic food sourced locally.

Appointed to complete the full design and build of the new facility, GML Construction created a two-storey timber framed hexagonal structure on the 650m² site. Chosen for its renewable credentials, the use of timber also allowed the introduction of off-site construction techniques with the frame constructed and then delivered to site for fast and efficient fabrication; this helped to speed up the construction process whilst minimising waste and causing minimal disruption to surrounding residents.

Once structural work was complete, external walls were clad in a natural brick and finished with an ashlar grooved render. To ensure the new building matched existing local architecture, a series of aesthetic horizontal recesses were carefully cut into the render to provide a stunning finish.

To meet The Childcare Corporation’s desire for the building to be as sustainable as possible, GML installed a range of energy saving technologies – including solar panels, a heat pipe solar collector and under floor heating.

To provide the nursery with free electricity and hot water – whilst reducing its running costs and carbon footprint – a series of solar photovoltaic panels and a solar thermal system were installed.

To complete the energy-saving roof installation, a heat pipe solar collector was installed. Consisting of a row of 20 solar tubes and an insulated water manifold, the system transforms direct and diffuse solar radiation into useable heat. Its estimated annual output of 2595KW will help to provide free hot water for the nursery’s entire life cycle.

As well as solar systems and the use of a timber frame, GML Construction also installed a comprehensive under floor heating system to the ground floor and air source heat pumps on the first floor. Studies have shown that this will create possible savings of 10-20% when compared with traditional heating.

Now completed, GML Construction and The Childcare Corporation have created a prestigious new-build nursery that is a shining example of modern childcare and building sustainability. With a stunning appearance and innovative use of sustainable elements, the Westchester House Nursery will continue to set the standard for childcare facilities for many years to come.

With an estimated hottest summer since records began, this project will no doubt produce enough solar energy to last them up to Christmas witth their new thermal solar system. All in all-the nursery has set a new benchmark for local competitors, and is a testament to the innovative heating systems on the market today

Finding the best Solar panels around

2011-06-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

If you’re searching for cheap solar panels you have reached the right place. I have tried my hardest to attract visitors to a website that I think offers the whole package but at a fraction of a price, because as you may have already know a lot of big companies dominated the industry.

The reality is that if you ever actually need cheap solar power panels you should not go with one of these big firms simply because they’re going to charge you 5 figures for something you can easily get for 3 figures.

The big companies invest a lot of money to dominate the search engines, which makes it nearly impossible for small business with better deals to get a word in edge ways. This will make it more challenging to get the word out concerning your other options to really get cheap solar energy panels.

Should you want to shell out up to thousands of pounds to set up your own domestic solar energy then this is not the place for you, you can easily find solar franchise all over the net. These companies are on an upswing. Solar technology is definitely the completely new gold rush on everyone’s agenda and everybody is leaping in with their pans and pick-axes.

The cheapest way to get solar panels for your home is to purchase a set, or perhaps the separate components, and make them yourself. If you do not have the tools, devices or just simply wouldn’t like to do the work, you possibly can still get cheap solar panels completed by hiring an electrician, electrical engineer or handyman to match the parts collectively and install them.

Except if you could get someone knowledgeable you’ll need to grab yourself good help guide to demonstrate precisely what you must do in order to build your own solar panel system. These kinds of manuals are extremely well-liked, but they also regrettably keep on being under the radar for most of us since they just don’t possess the money and sources to compete with the big boys.

This idea may be the cheapest solution to purchasing solar panels for your home, but it is certainly not guaranteed, and when problems occur, there is no place to return such items in comparison to purchasing it from a small company.

Small companies that sell cheap solar panels is like finding a needle in a hay stack, you need a rough idea where to go, and unfortunately they get left unknown until a friend or family member recommends them.
The benefits of choosing to buy from a small business, is that your service is generally valued, no matter how big or small the profit on their behalf. They do the utmost possible for you to have a good experience, and either recommend them or return for other products. Most importantly the products are significantly cheaper than the big companies, making them the most appealing to do business with.

solar panels for home are very beneficial to reducing your energy bills and could be the best investment you can make these days, as long as you get it for a low price and the product works as efficiently as possible without having problems as soon as a little bit of snow falls.