HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES INTERIORS WORTH THE COST?


costs is becoming priceless. Maintenance costs, too, are minimal; a good fuel cell system will only require servicing every five years


NEW FUNDING However, with units costing slightly more than air source heat pumps, fuel cell technology can be seen as prohibitively expensive for many homeowners and self-builders. But that could be about to change, thans to significant alterations to the Ofgem-run Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.


SBH Website PR_Layout 1 25/05/2018 11:08 Page 1 Selfbuilder & Homemaker website


The Selfbuilder & Homemaker website is an online provider of past and present products and news items for all those involved in and working on a self-build project. www.sbhonline.co.uk is a one-stop source for all the latest press releases, providing visitors with access to information about products and services that they may require. From the website, you can find links to digital issues that have live links to advertisers’ sites, as well as daily email alerts to keep you as informed as possible. You


can also subcribe to receive regular copies of the printed and digital versions of the magazine, or sign up to the monthly Selfbuilder & Homemaker newsletter.


www.sbhonline.co.uk


ECO is designed to help low income, fuel-poor and vulnerable households access home improvements that will reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. Under the latest revisions to the scheme, funding will be allocated according to the difference a new heating system makes to a property’s EPC rating, instead of anticipated fuel savings. As a fuel cell micro-CHP can thrust a building up several EPC bands in one go, that equates to a very substantial grant – potentially enough to cover the entire installation cost.


But what about higher-income households that are not eligible for ECO unding How does the financial case for a fuel cell stack up for them? While ECO funding may go a long way to catapulting fuel cell micro-CHPs into the mainstream, it is likely to be some time before that translates into lowering the purchase price for everyone. The good news is that until 31 March 2027, micro CHPs are zero-VAT rated. Furthermore, if electricity prices continue to rise as predicted, then homeowners could save in the region of £800-900 per year with a fuel cell, based on average annual consumption of 4,500 kWh. In this scenario, the cost to generate a kWh of electricity for self-consumption is half the cost of purchasing from the grid. A fuel cell micro-CHP offers a big


on a par with renewables – a long-term investment that will future-proof your home both financially and ecologically


Christian Engelke is technical director at Viessmann and also chairman of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Micro CHP (MCHP) Working Group


Keller launches Cottage Life kitchen


Natural materials are trending and rapidly growing in popularity, especially in styles that are charming and simplistic without feeling dated or old-fashioned. With this in mind, Keller is thrilled to announce the development of Cottage Life, the premier country style kitchen. Utilising stoic stain dark grey oak and trendy Bronx linen, the colours and materials in this uncomplicated design prioritise clean, pristine living, unblemished by the rigours of modern life. The interior is cloaked in colour ‘mist’, a


series of white, grey, and black shades that create a remarkably striking veneer. The worktop and back wall are comprised of composite materials, giving the appearance of elegant marble and bold stone respectively.


www.kellerkitchens.com


improvement on traditional gas heating products and should be regarded as an alternative low-carbon, low-NOx


solution


Divide and conquer with Door Superstore SBH09_Keller_Interiors - Kitchens_Edit.indd 1


Although open plan living continues to be popular, the increase in people working from home has led to a growing desire to create separate areas for work and relaxation – and room divider doors are providing the perfect solution. Leading online builders merchant Door Superstore has seen a surge in interest for its bi-folding, sliding and swing door room divider frames and doorsets as more people look to improve rather than move. By allowing rooms to be opened up or closed off as needed, room dividers oer a  eible and costeective solution to oning areas o their homes without compromising on light or space. Ideal for home improvement projects or for creating more clearly defi ning spaces such as home ofi ces, playrooms, and itchen and dining areas, room dividers allow an eisting room to have a dual purpose oor Superstores range o glaed timber internal room dividing doors not only allow the  ow o natural light but also mae it easier to eep an eye on children or pets whilst creating more clearly defi ned and oned spaces Room dividing doors are also a popular choice for screening off conservatories to contribute to the prevention of heat loss in the winter or overheating in the summer A truly  eible solution, divider doors can be fi tted with obscure glass to give an extra level of privacy without blocking out any daylight and choosing solid core doors can also bring some soundproofi ng benefi ts  perect or home ofi ce schemes


01752 422 501 www.doorsuperstore.co.uk


SBH09_CMO Stores / Door Superstore_Interiors - Doors & Partitions_DPR.indd 1 62 www.sbhonline.co.uk


13/09/2022 13:51 sep/oct 2022


06/09/2022 08:53


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