FXSTD – Alternative Energy Center

By: Central London Plumbers
Environment and climate change are the issues of today. We all have a duty to look at how we can reduce our carbon footprint and its effect on the environment. At Central London Plumbers we are committed to applying our understanding of energy efficient heating appliances and where possible advise on the use of renewable energy solutions.

Most homes in London use gas fired boilers for their space heating and water heating requirements. The need to generate the highest efficiencies has never been more important. The Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK (SEDBUK) is a rating system where a minimum of 90% efficiency is an "A Rating" and is now a requirement under Part L of the building regulations.

The payback period for energy use vs.capital cost can be as little as 7 years.

We also have a duty to suggest measures to minimise heat lost through air infiltration from outside and better insulation properties of building materials

Considerations and quick guide:

General

It is necessary to understand the requirements, expectations and limitations when endeavouring to find the right boiler for the system whether existing or a new boiler installation London. This can be achieved with discussions with a Gas Safe (Corgi) registered engineer about what may be appropriate.

Energy Efficiency

The recent advent of condensing boilers – which became mandatory since March 2005 within domestic dwellings has meant that the decision about whether or not to use a condensing boiler or a non condensing boiler is no longer an issue to consider.

Fuel Choices

There are some choices of fuel depending on your location as follows:-

Natural Gas - Towns

LPG (bottled gas) - Rural

Fuel Oil - Rural

Solid Fuel - Rural

Electricity - All

NB. This is only a quick guide and there will be exceptions to the above.

Heating

Consider which rooms or spaces are to be heated and to what temperature and when. It will also be necessary to consider how an existing system performs. The are systems that will suit some structures more than others. An example of this is large spaces, high ceilings and high natural ventilation rates may be suited to underfloor heating systems.

Boiler

Type of boilers:-

Conventional boiler (open vented)

System boiler (unvented)

Combination boiler (unvented)

The choice of a combination boiler not to be confused with a condensing boiler; therefore you are able to have a condensing combination boiler.

There are many manufactures that provide boilers at differing costs. Suggest using the one you can afford and remember the adage you get what you pay for.

Short list of manufactures:

Worcester-bosch boilers

Vaillant boilers

Potterton Boilers

Keston Boilers

Hot Water Storage

When a conventional boiler or system boiler is installed in addition a hot water storage tank or cylinder is required to provide the sanitary hot water. This is opposed to a combination boiler that provides hot water instantaneously without the need to store hot water.

Pipework

Conventionally the material utilised for the distribution of water services has been copper tube. There are now many types of plastic pipework that is suitable for hot water distribution.

Controls

Controls can assist in energy savings in addition to the condensing boiler by controlling the temperature of the rooms or spaces and when this is needed.