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Read our article publised in Listed Heritage about renewables in listed properties.

Listed properties come in a vast array of shapes, ages and sizes. The one thing they often have in common is that they are generally considered hard-to-heat. Simply the number of different options available to owners of listed properties is often enough to cause decision atrophy. Isoenergy’s Nigel Jefferson helps by explaining the process through which you can get a clearer idea on what is right for your home.

First, stop the draughts.

If you have a draughty house this will prove any heating system to be ineffectual. Stopping draughts, as far as possible, is vital.

Consider your current heating system.

Does your property already have some form of central heating system? Is all the house heated adequately? Are there cold areas/rooms? Are there radiators or heat emitters in every room and most importantly, what would you like to achieve?

Consider the fuel you have on site.

The fuel you have on site can have a big impact on the cost of heating your property in the short and longer term. If you are served by the National Gas Grid, then you are already likely to be on the cheapest form of traditional heating fuel. However, if your property is heated by fuel oil or LPG then your bills are likely to be considerably higher and much more susceptible to fluctuating prices and longer term uncertainty of supply.

How do you operate your heating?

Older listed properties tend to have solid walls and whilst these buildings may not be the most thermally efficient they have a large thermal mass and hold the heat well. The traditional on in a morning, off in the middle of the day and back on at night will always make an older building harder to heat. If we change our strategy and run the heating all day and use a setback temperature in periods of zero occupation and night time, this will turn the building into a thermal energy store, keeping the building and more importantly its occupants warm.

What options do you have, have you considered renewables?

The options available are greater than you think. On top of the standard fossil fuel options there is an array of renewable technologies that could provide heating and domestic hot water to your property. Biomass can provide a replacement for a traditional high temperature heating system but heat pumps, both ground source and air source, can provide your heating and hot water requirements extremely efficiently. Other renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal are available and can also provide additional add-ons to boost the system efficiency.

Can I reduce my running costs?

Yes, look at the technology you use. If you operate a traditional fossil fuel boiler then you could consider changing this for a more modern, condensing unit with better control. This will be the cheapest short term option. If you want to look mid to long-term and negate rising fuel prices and market volatility then renewables are a good solution to consider.

What are your local resources?

If you have land readily available, or perhaps a water course on your property then heat pumps can provide you with an excellent long term, highly efficient cost effective solution to heating your property. Perhaps you have acres of managed woodland, in which case a biomass boiler may be the best solution for you.

Whatever your situation there is a solution to help increase efficiency, reduce bills and more importantly keep you warm.

 

(Article published in the September/October edition of Listed Heritage)

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