www.heatingandventilating.net Softline Deco Vertical HR
RENEWABLES
boilingpoint Fuel poverty in the UK
T
there is no power supply for the electrical connection, installers can use deeper, triple-panel radiators. They have a high heat dispersion but take up less wall space. And of course, stylish vertical feature radiators can enable homeowners to balance aesthetics with radiator requirements. Where radiators do need replacing, it’s important to apply the manufacturer’s
Delta T correction factors to calculate the correct size. This is a simple equation that tells you how much bigger the radiator needs to be. For example, to obtain a 75°C flow temperature, a typical 600mm H x 700mm L Single Panel Single Convector radiator will give approximately 0.656kW of output. If we put 45°C flow through the same radiator, a correction factor of 0.365 needs to be used. Installers need to multiply 0.656 by 0.365 to reach 0.251kW output. To achieve the same output, the radiator would need to be replaced with a bigger size. In the example above, a 600mm H x 1100mm L Double Panel Double Convector radiator would need to be installed, providing approximately 0.696kW.
Careful consideration
Even with Government grants or loans available, heat pumps are still a big investment for a homeowner. You might get some push back from the customer about additional spend on new radiators. If this happens, there is a third option: high-temperature heat pumps. This technology can operate at temperatures up to 75°C, equivalent to gas boilers, making them more compatible with existing radiators. Whatever pump you install, remember that the unit must be located as close to the building as possible and with one-metre clearance on all sides. Also, remember not to mount the pump on a north-facing wall. Either or both scenarios will put more strain on the system and impact its efficiency. There are further considerations which don’t impact performance but help with customer satisfaction. Firstly, do not install the pump close to bedroom windows. The unit does emit some noise, and this might disturb residents at night when ambient noise levels are low. Secondly, a pump requires the space for additional equipment. When choosing a location, remember to account for a heat-pump-ready cylinder, buffer tank of between 20 and 50 litres, a volumizer, and control system. As always, we at City Plumbing on hand to help you through this process.
he rise in energy and fuel prices comes with worries that more people will be plunged into fuel poverty. In 2020 it was estimated that around 13% of households in England and 12% of households in Wales were considered fuel poor. It has since been estimated by National Energy Action that the rise in fuel prices earlier this year will lead to an increase in the number of households in fuel poverty of more than 50%. Fuel poverty occurs when a household is spending a high percentage of their household income on heating their home. Three factors can have an effect on households including: energy consumption/energy efficiency of the home, fuel costs and household income. In England, fuel poverty is measure using the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency (LILEE) indicator. A household is considered to be fuel poor if the household has a fuel poverty energy efficiency rating of band D or below and once they have paid their energy bills they are left with a disposable income amount that is below the official poverty line. If a household has an energy rating of C or above then it cannot be defined as being in fuel poverty, even if the household income is low and energy prices are high. Since the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen hardship for many households, this, coupled with the increase in energy prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have resulted in a cost-of-living crisis that has pushed people further into fuel poverty. To make matters worse, Ofgem are also predicting a further 30-50% price cap increase in October 2022 There has been pressure for the Government to do more to help those
who are in fuel poverty and those who are the worst affected by the cost- of-living crisis. There are wider benefits for improving fuel poverty such as the decarbonisation from having more energy efficient homes and the improved health of those living in fuel poor homes. In 2014 a new fuel poverty target was put in place for England, it aims to
ensure that all fuel poor homes reach a minimum efficiency rating of band C by 2030 with an interim target of band B by 2025. There have been various policies set out this year that intend to help households with financial support for their fuel costs, all domestic electricity customers in Great Britain will receive a £400 discount on their bill this Autumn. In addition to this, households in council tax bands A-D in England will get a £150 non-repayable council tax rebate this year. It appears like steps are being taken to support those in fuel poverty but
with costs set to rise again later this year the support from the Government may fall short. Each year, around 10,000 people die as a result of living in a cold home which highlights the importance of this issue and implementing support that can tackle this problem with immediate effect. We need to look at accelerating plans to improve efficiency ratings on households, reviewing the use of pre-paid metres for those on the lowest incomes and putting in place targeted support for households who cannot afford to switch to renewable fuel sources in their homes.
www.aphc.co.uk
DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW
July 2022 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
