Words Louise Higgins
Deal with draughts
Draught proofing is a very effective way of heating your home and making it more comfortable and energy-efficient. Fixing seals on windows and doors or adding a chimney balloon will shut out draughts while also preserving heat. Draught excluders are a great way to stop cold air from sweeping through gaps and come in an array of fabric choices to match the existing interior. Interlined curtains will act as another layer of insulation and will keep a room warm and cosy. If unsure where the heat is escaping, it is possible to have an airtight test to identify the source of a draft.
Fireplaces
A fireplace can act as a stunning focal point, and with so many styles available it is important to consider the style/period of the room. In addition, the fuel source to be used must be decided on. The traditional wood-burning fireplace will probably never go out of fashion, but electricity and gas are also options. The size will also be a consideration as the size of the existing opening, chimney breast and flue will have to be taken into account. However, it may be worth making the structural alterations necessary to achieve the preferred fireplace style. Traditional and classic fireplaces are perfect for most homes. Some materials to consider are granite, limestone, marble, wood and cast iron. Visiting architectural salvage and reclamation yards can be productive for unique finds. Contemporary fires and fireplaces whether gas, gel or electric can offer flexibility in terms of size and style to add a sleek contemporary finish to modern interiors.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating in your home is highly energy-efficient and a good choice for new builds, offering ultimate comfort with limited maintenance and of course a thermostat to control the temperature in each room.
Thermal Energy Storage
Integration of thermal energy storage can increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is compatible with many types of heating systems and renewable sources of energy: whether it’s gas or oil boilers, solar panels, heat pumps, biomass boilers or wood-pellet stoves. The basic principle is that energy is supplied to a storage system to use at a later time.
Heat Pump Systems
The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which works by using a compressor to draw heat from the air outside, converting it to vapour which is compressed at high temperatures to produce heat. It can be a great way to reduce carbon footprint and save on energy costs, working best in well-insulated homes.
A geothermal heat pump exchanges heat with the earth instead of the outdoor air. It works by tapping into the renewable solar energy stored in the ground and can greatly reduce energy costs.
Solar Panels
Considered the most attractive source of renewable energy, there are two different types of solar panels:
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) captures the sun’s heat and converts it into mechanical energy and in turn electricity, using various mirror configurations. They are more commonly found in countries with year-round sunshine.
Solar Photovoltaics (Solar PV) use the sun’s light which is converted directly into electricity using panels made of semiconductor cells. These are the most common solar technologies worldwide and will function better than CSP panels in cloudy weather or where there is limited direct sunlight.
Wood Pellet Boilers / Biomass Boilers
Other sustainable home heating systems worth considering include wood pellet or biomass boilers. Stoves can be used as standalone room heaters but they can also be connected to a boiler to harness the stove’s energy to provide heat and hot water to the rest of the house. One of the biggest attractions of this eco-friendly system is its ease of use and sense of simplicity. It’s really going back to basics, burning a sustainable/renewable fuel to generate heat and energy.
Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems (HRV Systems)
The main principle behind the HRV system is to continuously change the air in the house and to use recovered heat to warm the incoming air. It extracts heat through a ventilation system from the air that evaporates from hot water in bathrooms and kitchens. The system will recover up to 95% of the heat normally lost through open windows, vents and other breakout points.
Use Smart Technology
Optimise energy usage with the use of smart technology by programming central heating and water to come on at specific times to suit requirements and of course, to save energy. Some devices to consider are Nest, Climote and Hive which can be connected to an app via a smartphone. Some of the devices are so clever that they can pick up an individual’s energy consumption pattern and create a personalised schedule making it convenient to rein in energy use and therefore reduce energy bills.
- ‘Home heating solutions’ is published in Anthology Volume 16. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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