Hot Water and Space Heating: Transitioning to Renewable Solutions

As a society, we have developed a strong dependence on burning gas and oil to provide hot water and space heating in our buildings. However, carbon emissions from fossil fuels are pushing us closer to the irreversible impacts of climate change.

At our practice, we are committed to renewable solutions. As part of this commitment, we will not work on projects that involve installing new gas boilers. Instead, our approach begins with the Fabric First principle, prioritising insulation and airtightness in the building envelope. This is the most effective way to reduce carbon emissions from heating. Once this foundation is established, we consider renewable, low-carbon heating solutions such as:

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
ASHPs use electricity to extract heat from external air, transferring it to water via a temperature differential between a refrigerant gas and the outside air. ASHPs are up to 300% more efficient than standard gas boilers. With the increasing share of renewable wind energy on the UK electricity grid, ASHPs have become a highly effective low-carbon solution for hot water and space heating.

Solar Panels
Solar panels can lower electricity costs while providing a renewable energy source. When paired with battery storage, they can offer a cost-effective solution for powering your home or charging electric vehicles.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
MVHR systems supply fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from stale, outgoing air to pre-warm the incoming air. This creates a healthy, comfortable indoor environment while reducing energy demand. Properly designed and installed systems are quiet, efficient, and virtually unnoticeable in operation, ensuring excellent air quality throughout the building.

Appropriate Application of Solutions
While renewable technologies offer significant benefits, they should only be implemented where appropriate. For instance, installing an ASHP and solar panels without first improving the building envelope through insulation and airtightness undermines their effectiveness and sustainability.

By adopting these principles and solutions, we aim to help reduce carbon emissions while promoting healthier, more energy-efficient buildings.