Upgrade your Heating System this Summer
- Do you need a new boiler?
- Do you have a self build project?
- Are you renovating your property?
- Have you decided to install renewable technology?
- Do you want to upgrade your heating system to save energy use?
What ever your reason the choice of energy sources is wider than ever before. Properties can now be heated using mains gas, oil, wood, LPG and electricity, as well as renewables such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar PV, solar hot water systems and biomass boilers.
The heating systems themselves have advanced significantly too. Now there are not just traditional radiators and electric storage heaters to consider, but underfloor heating and low surface temperature radiators and mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems too!
Renewable technology can incur high installation costs, but can reduce energy use and be much kinder to the planet. With the Net Zero targets for 2050, these are becoming ever more popular.
Decisions
The key thing to remember when choosing, and then specifying, the best heating system for a new build property is that it always requires an individual, yet holistic ‘Fabric First’ approach. You can’t make such an important decision without having a full understanding both about the nature of your new property and your own individual needs and situation.
So, before you rush into any decision it’s important to think about:-
1. What are the design and construction details of your property?
- How is it to be constructed, and how energy efficient and air tight will it be? Have you considered all your options?
- How large is it and what is the proposed internal layout?
- Could any improvements be made to boost energy efficiency?
- What amount and types of windows and doors are you installing, and what is their orientation? Will you get solar gain?
2. What is the location and orientation of your building plot?
- Are you in a sheltered urban setting, or an exposed rural location?
- Do you have access to a mains gas supply?
- What size is your plot? Is it large or small? Is it clear and level?
- Is your plot heavily shaded by trees or does it have an open aspect?
- What direction will your property’s roofs face?
3. What is the makeup of your household?
- How many people will live in your home, and how will the property be occupied throughout the week?
- Do you have children, elderly relatives or people with limited mobility living with you?
- Will your home be empty during the day?
- What will be the peaks and troughs of your heating and hot water requirements?
4. What is your financial position?
- Are you planning to live in your home for a number of years, or is it a short-term investment?
- Do you have a very limited budget for your heating system?
- Would you be able to invest in more expensive infrastructure upfront, to then benefit from grants and save on running costs in the long run?
5. What is your attitude to the environment?
- Are you keen to reduce your carbon footprint?
- Do you have an interest in renewable technologies?
These questions will probably give you a lot to think about! Then you need to consider when!
The Summer is a great time to undertake the works.
The obvious reasons are that you are using your system less if the weather has improved, and there can be an added benefit of greater engineer availability.
You may even find that there are good deals to be had with certain products – so it will be worth shopping around for a bargain.
What to do next.
We can help! Here at CLPM our experts regularly carry out heating system reviews of this nature for our new build clients and their architects.
Bespoke Heating System Advice
We take a personal approach to every client brief, and take time to get to understand your situation. Our team help you review your architectural plans. They will suggest improvements and point out any energy efficiency opportunities to be had. The team will then run through all of the options available for heating your new home. Of course we will highlight the pros and cons of each choice. Our report will include an estimate of the potential running costs, and we’ll help give you valuable tips on how to reduce your heating bills too.
We’re industry experts – both on the energy performance of buildings, and on heating systems of all types, so our approach is always fully integrated. And as we’re not a manufacturer nor an installer you can always be assured that the advice we’ll give you is 100% independent and is always in your best interests.
If you’d like to understand more about how we can help you choose the best heating system for a new build then do get in touch.
Call 01923 896550, email info@cl-pm.com or complete a contact form.
