Did you know that many Hastoe homes have renewable energy systems?
We install five different types of renewable energy systems in our properties and some of our houses even have more than one type of system. The main benefit of these renewable systems is that they only need a small amount of electrical energy to convert heat from a low temperature to a higher one, which can then be used to power radiators and heat water.
These types of systems are becoming more common as proposed changes in government legislation will likely see most new homes being fitted with these types of technology in an effort to move away from more traditional methods of heating homes and providing hot water, such as standard gas or electrical boilers.
Understanding your renewable energy system can not only save you money, but can also contribute to the good health of your family and the place you call home. If these heating and ventilation systems don't function properly or aren't utilised, then they can contribute to the development of damp and mould issues, so it's really important to make sure they're working. Below you can find out some useful information about these systems and how they work.
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Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) draw air in from outside, transferring heat by means of copper tubing formed into coils. The pump absorbs heat from the air outside into a liquid refrigerant at a low temperature. It then compresses the liquid to increase its temperature and condenses it back into a liquid to release its stored heat, sending heat to your heating system.
Air Source Heat Pump technology is very energy-efficient and can provide significant savings on energy bills, particularly where equipment is serviced regularly and kept in good working order.
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Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP), also referred to as Geothermal Heat Pumps use solar energy stored in the ground or water to heat the home. During construction of your home, heat pipes are laid into the earth to form the geothermal element of these systems. A mixture of water and anti-freeze is circulated through the pipes which absorb heat stored in the ground. This is then compressed, sent through a heat exchanger and transferred to the pump and on to your heating system.
One of the benefits of GSHP over other systems is that temperatures in the ground are usually more consistent. They offer a long-term, reliable source of heat but like Air Source technology, regular servicing and repairs are required in order for residents to take advantage of the potential savings available on energy bills.
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Solar Thermal Systems
Solar Thermal systems otherwise known as solar water heating uses the energy emitted from the sun to provide hot water for the home.
Energy from the sun warms solar collectors, usually placed on the roof of your home. The liquid inside these collectors is heated to a suitable temperature before being passed into a heat exchanger coil inside your hot water cylinder. Solar Thermal systems do not require direct sunlight to work and are still capable of providing a large amount of hot water, even on cloudy days.
These systems can help to reduce energy bills, especially where regular maintenance and service visits are undertaken.
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Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is usually designed into a home prior to construction and cuts out the majority of potential ventilation heat losses. They are primarily ventilation systems which re-use and distribute warmth from internal space heating systems.
Some of the benefits of this type of system are as follows:
- Rooms are provided with pre-warmed/cooled fresh air from the external with the use of fans and a heat exchanger:
- Wet rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens are extracted on a continual basis, removing excess moisture from the air;
- Airflow and filtering keeps mould, fungus and dust mite levels low;
- Extracted air is not re-introduced or recycled, thus germs and pathogens are less likely to spread through the system;
- Facilitates prevention of build-up of air pollution within the home and from external sources;
- Helps eliminate bad odours;
- Most systems come equipped with pollen filters to help reduce allergens.
MVHRs use very little energy compared to conventional air conditioning systems, which have a large impact on CO2 footprints and heating costs. As with all other renewable systems, it is important that regular servicing and repair is undertaken in order to keep these systems operating optimally.
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Rainwater Hartvesting Systems
These systems collect rainfall into a tank located either above or below ground. They are connected to the plumbing system of your home and can provide you with rainwater or ‘grey’ water to flush toilets.
This equipment has the potential to save money on mains water usage, which is particularly important for those residents who have a water meter fitted to their home. Even if you choose not to regularly use this system, it is important that you allow Hastoe access to service and maintain any equipment at least annually.
While we appreciate that moving into a home with any of the above types of renewable systems may take a while to get used to, we are very proud to be able to offer the benefits of renewable systems to our residents. In order for this equipment to function at its best, it is important that you allow our contractors regular access to undertake servicing (usually, at least annually) and that you inform us of any issues you may be experiencing as soon as possible.
As well as providing access, it is also important that heavy items and furniture do not block access to this equipment when an engineer comes to visit. Our specialist renewable energy contractor, Low Carbon Exchange, have been working hard with our residents to provide repairs and servicing to all those homes that have the benefit of these types of systems. Their friendly and professional customer service team and operatives are always happy to help.
If your annual service visit is due, you can contact them directly on 0345 457 3434 or by emailing them at jobs@lowcarbonexchange.com to book an appointment. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure when your next service is due; we will contact you directly with a reminder.
If you have a new or existing renewable energy system repair that you would like taken care of or require an update on, please continue to contact our customer services team in the first instance, in order that we can monitor the progress of your repair and respond to your query directly.
