Eco Energy

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps are a popular and efficient way to reduce fossil fuel consumption, particularly when in place with underfloor heating.

The Heat Pumps work by extracting heat from the air to heat water. The heat they generate is approximately three times the energy used by the compressor and the fan. When Air Source Heat Pumps are specified correctly there is no requirement for additional heating sources, and they can supply both heating and hot water in most domestic dwellings.

Advantages

• Environmentally friendly
• Low running costs
• Low maintenance

Disadvantages

• Higher installation cost
• Outdoor unit can be considered unsightly when it is not disguised

Underfloor Heating

Installing underfloor heating is widely considered one of the most efficient heating systems while also be a value for money. The system also adds a touch of luxury to the home.

By installing pipes designed to carry warm water under the floor around your home leads to a more even room heat at a lower flow temperature. As well as this underfloor heating delivers heat in the bottom of the room, where it is actually needed, rather than directing it to the ceiling as traditional radiators do. Underfloor heating also makes room layouts more flexible as wall space isn’t lost to radiators.

Advantages

• Environmentally friendly
• Reduces energy bills
• Provides even heat

Disadvantages

• Installation costs can be higher than radiators on new builds
• Can be expensive to retrofit

Sustainable Insulation

Installing underfloor heating is widely considered one of the most efficient heating systems while also be a value for money. The system also adds a touch of luxury to the home.

By installing pipes designed to carry warm water under the floor around your home leads to a more even room heat at a lower flow temperature. As well as this underfloor heating delivers heat in the bottom of the room, where it is actually needed, rather than directing it to the ceiling as traditional radiators do. Underfloor heating also makes room layouts more flexible as wall space isn’t lost to radiators.

Advantages

• Environmentally friendly
• Reduces energy bills
• Provides even heat

Disadvantages

• Installation costs can be higher than radiators on new builds
• Can be expensive to retrofit

Solar Photovoltaic

Solar panel electricity systems also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the suns energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells do not need direct sunlight to work, they can generate some energy even on a cloudy day.

Generating electricity this way offers reduced energy bills and generous financial incentives from your energy company through export tariffs. They can be fitted to south, easy and west facing roofs as well as on flat roofs and on the ground.

The continuing advancement in solar panel technology has led to panels and inverters producing more electricity for less capital investment. Batteries are also often fitted to store the free electricity for use in the evening and at a night-time. It is possible for a property to be “off-grid” for most of the year.

Advantages

• Export tariff available
• Minimum maintenance
• Environmentally friendly

Disadvantages

• Can be considered unsightly
• High initial investment

Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery (MVHR)

It is important to keep the air fresh and healthy and to avoid condensation and damp in an airtight dwelling. An MVHR system will do this for you.

It works by extracting warm air from the kitchen and bathrooms and retaining that heat to distribute around the property. It can lead to reduced heating costs and a healthier air quality.

The vents on the system are connected to a central fan unity with a heat exchanger and is usually only fitted to new build properties, but it is possible to retrofit in some circumstances.

You can see a working display of an MVHR system in our Eco-Centre.

Advantages

• Reduces fuel bills
• Improves air quality

Disadvantages

• Complicated to fit

Heliomotion

The dual-axis solar trackers turn and tilt all day to optimally capture the sun's energy from sunrise to sunset. The lengthened hours of generation are why we state an uplift of between 40-45% in the UK. The trackers will reach their maximum turning angle of 180 degrees when the sun is far enough above the horizon for sufficient hours.