I read recently another rock star is to give up his car. A common reaction is, huh that will make no difference. My reaction, well it’s more than I have done.
Truth is however we need structural change, a real desire from large companies and our government to want to do it.
Ineos is a global chemical firm who have recently promised a further £1bn pound investment in their plant just over the water in Grangemouth. This after an already £500m spent. Why? To cut greenhouse emissions. So there is one large company.
What about the government and our own personal responsibility?
From 2025 every new home in Scotland will have electric heating. So a determined move on gas. To stop the popular, it has to be said, use of gas boilers.
PUMPING IT UP
What are the alternatives?
Heat pumps work by taking heat from the outside and boosting it by use of compressor. Think of a refrigerator in reverse!
So the theory is if we use only electricity from a renewable source we avoid burning fossil fuels such as is the case with gas or even oil boilers. The gains here are we reduce carbon footprint and USE LESS ELECTRICAL ENERGY THAN THE HEAT THEY PRODUCE.
The pump absorbs the heat from the outside air converting into a liquid refrigerant at a low temperature. With the use of electricity the pump compresses the liquid to increase its temperature. This heat that is produced condenses back into water which is sent to the radiators. Any remaining heat is stored in the hot water cylinder.
So there’s the theory;
Another theory, but hopeful truth, is the Government through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will help with payments towards the cost of installing the air to water pumps. We believe applications for this close however March 2022. We believe also it will not apply to to air to air systems that use fans to circulate the warm air.
At time of writing an air to water pump is not cheap. £11,000 to install. That before you upgrade pipework and install large radiators to allow sufficient volumes of air to generate and circulate to provide warmth required.
You will also need an EXTERNAL FAN to get sufficient volumes of external air.
Lastly to ensure this work you will need a very well insulated home.
The gains are according to the Energy Saving Trust a saving of up to £1,000 against current storage heating and up to £400 against a G rated gas boiler. This on a 4 bedroomed home for a calendar year.
The bad news is however that bills will most probably increase by up to £100 per annum against an A rated boiler.