Decarbonising Homes
Solar Services Solutions • 14 July 2022
DECARBONISATION IN THE UK HOUSING SECTOR
Homeowners are responsible for reducing carbon emissions by replacing gas boilers to meet the UK government's Net Zero target by 2050 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy). Gas boilers emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is detrimental to the environment and causes climate change. The UK government's Net Zero target has made various local councils in England declare a climate and environment emergency (https://www.pledge2030.uk/councils-for-2030/).
The implication is that homeowners need to replace the existing gas boilers with heat pumps.
Heat pumps could be air source heat pumps (ASHP) and ground source heat pumps (GSHP).
Installation of heat pumps, be it ASHP or GSHP depends on several factors, so would require expert advice from accredited installers to correctly gauge the sizing and capacity of the heat pumps.
These are some fundamental factors homeowners should consider before installing ASHP or GSHP.
- Home insulation: Homeowners should ensure the insulation is adequate, with no roof damages or leaks that would cause heat loss after installation. Repair works must be carried out before installing ASHP or GSHP. The age of homes will indicate to homeowners to insulate before installing air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps.
- Windows should be double-glazed or triple-glazed to minimise heat loss.
- Examine your home EPC to establish the required energy efficiency measures to improve the property's energy efficiency. If there is no EPC, do not worry; discuss it with the renewable energy heat installers, and the heat pump installers will arrange to get it done.
- Efficiency of the ASHP or GSHP varies with technology and quality, measured as "coefficient of performance" (COP)
- Establishing whether to use ASHP or GSHP should be the remit of the accredited installers despite the differences in COP.
- The refrigerant global warming potential (GWP) should be within the Green House Gas protocol
- Data analysis of the building, such as heat loss calculation and electricity and gas consumption, are prerequisites for the ASHP or GSHP capacity and sizing of the property rooms.
- Installers are to ascertain if existing radiators are compatible with the proposed ASHP installations for the property.
- Engage with the expert ASHP or GSHP expert continually to avoid the wrong installation that may lose potential revenue.
- Most importantly, installer of heat pumps must be accredited and trained, and experienced in the particular heat pumps technologies.
- Always consider solar panels installation for your property to generate electricity for the proposed heat pumps because ASHP uses 1kW of electricity to generate 3kW of heating for your home.
- Installing ASHPs and GSHPs correctly gives homeowner adequate heating for the various rooms and peace of mind.
To find out more about making the switch and get an energy consumption evaluation today, get in touch.
Contact us to book your Site Suitability Survey.
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An innovative method to convert oil-heated homes
The energy crisis has become a major factor for those consuming gas and electricity consumption. As the cost-of-living increases, petrol and diesel prices and that of goods in shops grow unpredictable, consumers and homeowners should consider the best option for managing the uncertainties and take decisions to save money. Installation of Solar photovoltaic (panels), heat pumps and green hydrogen are increasingly viable renewable energy technologies for both domestic and commercial properties in the UK. Correctly integrating these technologies is where gains can be made. Navigating this complexity requires an expert site survey to establish the energy requirements hence find the most suitable efficient technologies for the customer. An expert site survey should consider a holistic approach to all installations, determining best insulation to minimise and eliminate any heat loss. The report primarily considers the customer’s estimated electricity and gas usage. LED Lighting upgrade would potentially save over 50% of electricity consumption and save consumers money. Typical considerations for solar photovoltaic and heat pumps: • Household electricity requirements throughout the day • Maximising solar panels installations on roof • Sun direction on roof, inclination and shading factors • Roof structural survey • Regulations for listed buildings • Solar panels optimisation and micro- inverter options • Integration of solar electricity to your water heating system • Battery storage system integration to solar panels installed • Battery and inverter location • DNO application • Three phase or single-phase electricity meter option • Smart meter requirement (COP10, COP11 and P375) • Transition to low carbon economy • Integration of electric vehicles to solar pv installed with EV charger • Management of surplus solar panel electricity generation • Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) • Solar canopy options based on space and consumer energy requirements • Loft and cavity wall insulation • Double glazing or triple glazing windows • Heat Loss calculation • Best type of heat pumps • Best location for installing heat pumps • Oversizing or under sizing of heat pumps • Heat pumps noise level • ASHP AND GSHP Planning application • LED lighting upgrade for your commercial or domestic properties • Solar panel integration to future green hydrogen To assist you in making the right decisions and protect your investment and give you peace of mind, book a site survey for unbiased expert analysis: get in touch . Contact us to book your Site Suitability Survey.
Discover how installing solar panels can help you reduce energy bills, gain energy independence, and protect yourself from the rising costs during the ongoing energy crisis. Learn about the benefits, installation process, and available incentives to maximize your savings.