The essential
home heating guide
Build ItBROUGHT TO YOU BY
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charnwood
Exceptional British made wood stoves
01983 537780 • www.charnwood.com
03
WELCOME Getting started 5
6
Whether you’re tackling a self-build, Home heating: The basics 11
renovation or conversion project, it’s likely 13
that you’re keen to establish a comfortable, Controls: How smart is your heating?
low-maintenance home that’s pleasant to
live in all year round. An effective heating Case study: Smart control
system that’s efficient, user-friendly and system by Worcester Bosch
keeps your energy bills low should be at the
heart of your strategy. That’s why we’ve put Heat sources & renewables 15
together this handy guide, which aims to 16
provide you with a clear understanding of Getting the most out of an
the wealth of options available. air source heat pump 19
To help you navigate the array of choices, Case study: Air source heat pump by 21
we’ve divided this resource into three user- Global Energy Systems 23
friendly segments, each packed with key
information, expert tips and real-life case Ground source heat pumps 24
studies. The first section covers the basics, 26
from how to pick the right engineer to the Case study: Ground source 28
ins-and-outs of heating control systems. heat pump by NIBE 30
Next, we look at heat sources, focussing 32
on conventional appliances and renewable Beginner’s guide to boilers
solutions. Finally, from underfloor heating 34
to woodburning stoves, we’ve got emitters How to choose the right boiler
covered. Plus, don’t miss the directory
on p54, which provides details of all the Will biomass heating suit your home?
companies featured throughout the guide.
Solar hot water heating
Rebecca
Case study: Solar thermal
Build It panels by Viessmann
Supplement editor Rebecca Foster Mechanical ventilation & heat recovery
Editor Chris Bates
Deputy editor Emily Smith Emitters 37
Contributor Nigel Griffiths 38
Digital assistant editor Andrew Hobbs 10 things you need to know about
Art editor David Flint wet underfloor heating 40
Advertising manager Case study: Water-based underfloor 42
Nick Gillam 020 3627 3245 heating by Nu-Heat 44
Display sales 46
Jonny Hart 020 3553 2378 Electric underfloor heating
Classified sales 48
Sophie Gardiner 020 3627 3263 Stoves: The essentials 49
Richelle Rimmer 020 3627 3251
Case study: Woodburning 50
Managing director Calum Taylor stove by Contura 52
Finance director Katherine Taylor 54
Marketing director Claire Drakeford Fires
Accounts Sinead Charles 020 3627 3253
Case study: Wood
All the content in Build It is governed by copyright and may fire by Stovax
not be reproduced without the editor’s written permission.
Every effort is made to feature only reputable companies 10 of the best fires & stoves
and products, but readers should make their own enquiries.
Information published in Build It is intended to provide general Quick guide to radiators
guidance only, and the publishers do not accept liability for any
loss or damage arising from use of this information. Directory
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Getting started
If you’re tackling a self-build or renovation project,
establishing a sustainable home with low running costs is
likely to be at the top of your priority list. In this section of the
The Essential Home Heating Guide we get to grips with the
basics, covering the key industry lingo you’ll need to know
before starting your scheme, plus the essential considerations
involved in specifying your central heating setup
LAWRENSON & GREBBY
Above and right: As part of their renovation of
this former gatehouse, Tania and Donald Stewart
were keen to upgrade the property’s thermal
performance and install an efficient heating
system. The dwelling is now packed with
insulation and features a mechanical ventilation
and heat recovery system that extracts stale air
from the house, and allows fresh air to come in
www.self-build.co.uk
06 DOUGLAS GIBB to assess the efficiency of the property’s
thermal envelope. Prioritising insulation and
Home heating: airtightness is the most cost-effective way
to minimise the amount of warmth your
the basics central heating system needs to generate,
thus reducing your energy bills.
There’s a variety of factors to take into
account if you want to plan an efficient Creating an airtight shell
heating scheme, says Rebecca Foster If you’re self-building, this aspect of your
project is likely to be a key part of your
If you’re tackling a self-build, renovation strategy, and your property will need to
or conversion, establishing a sustainable achieve a certain level to meet Building
dwelling with low running costs is Regulations. If you’re refurbishing an
likely to be somewhere near the top of existing dwelling, packing an extra layer
your wish list. However, before investing of insulation into the loft, walls and floors
in the heating system – which could will help to improve your home’s thermal
represent quite a large chunk of your performance. You should also address weak
project budget – the first step should be points such as letter boxes and cat flaps.
Alistair and Jayne Lewis took a fabric-first approach to their In addition to taking a fabric first
self-build (above). The house incorporates plenty of insulation. approach, consider how your house can
This glazed atrium has been oriented to maximise solar gain make the most of the sun’s free heat –
it’s worth discussing this aspect with your
architect or designer right at the outset
of your project. Glazed elements, for
instance, can be positioned on south-facing
elevations to maximise passive solar heat
gain. A professional may also be able to
incorporate shading devices and features
that’ll help to ventilate the house, minimising
the risk of over-heating in summer.
Bear in mind that you’ll need to carry
out a Standard Assessment Procedure
(SAP) at the design stage to assess the
overall energy performance of your home.
This will take into account elements such
as the glazing and insulation, as well as
the proposed central heating system. All
new builds and many major renovations
are required to undergo this evaluation to
meet Part L of Building Regulations. At
the end of your project, the SAP test will
be carried out again to ensure the finished
dwelling meets the required values.
Specifying your setup
Every central heating arrangement needs
a fuel source, heat-generating appliance
www.self-build.co.uk
07
and an emitter system. The first factor to it’s worth bringing an experienced engineer Above: The
influence this aspect of your scheme will on board from the outset of your project. 11.5kW
be whether or not your house has access They’ll be able to carry out the heat loss Hergom
to mains gas, which remains an affordable and output assessments to calculate your Craftsbury
option to install and run. Electricity and dwelling’s unique requirements. woodburning
oil are conventional alternatives, but you stove,
may want to boost your home’s green As well as offering advice on whether available from
credentials by choosing renewable tech to the arrangement you’ve been contemplating Eurostove,
power the heating. Installing products like is suitable, the tradesperson will be able is priced
biomass boilers (p28), solar thermal panels to give an idea of what the works will cost, from £1,840
(p30) and heat pumps (p16) could cut and suggest alternative methods that you per unit
bills and allow you to take advantage might not have considered. As part of their
of payments from the government’s service, your chosen professional should
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme also provide a schedule of works, a list
– see the box below for more information. of the required materials and a floorplan
with the schematics for the pipework,
While self-builders have the luxury generator and emitters.
to plan their system right from scratch,
renovators might be more limited in terms Closer look: The Renewable Heat Incentive
of the options – so it’s vital to assess the Introduced in 2014, the RHI is a stream of payments made
condition of the existing structure from the directly to homeowners with eligible installations, including
outset of your project, to determine what air and ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and
is and isn’t suitable. That’s not to say that solar thermal panels. Administered by Ofgem, the RHI aims
anything other than a traditional gas or oil- to lower the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels by encouraging
fired boiler won’t work in an older property. domestic consumers to turn to renewable solutions instead.
Modern, renewable pieces of kit all come
with their own set of advantages – but it’s The scheme provides a payment for each kilowatt-hour
worth considering that some of these units (kWh) of heat generated. In order to qualify, you must have a
are easier to retrofit than others. MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation
on the installation and an EPC (Energy Performance
Once you have established the device Certificate) on your property. The cashback is constant for
that will power your setup, you’ll need to seven years from the point at which you’re accepted into the
specify the system that will emit warmth scheme, and is payable quarterly. As a rule, new entrants tend
throughout your property. Self-builders to get a lower tariff year-on-year to reflect the technology
have the luxury to put together a totally becoming cheaper (a process known as degression).
bespoke arrangement based on their Visit www.ofgem.gov.uk for further information
unique lifestyle requirements. For example, and details on current tariff rates.
underfloor heating (p38) downstairs could
be combined with radiators (p52) upstairs,
with the latter providing short bursts of
warmth for rooms that aren’t used as
often. Renovators may be more restricted
in this aspect, particularly if they are
working with components that have been
retained from an existing heating setup.
Bring in the pros
To ensure your heating system functions
efficiently and meets all your expectations,
For contact details, see p54
08
Recommendations from friends and JARGON BUSTER
family can often be the best way to find
a reputable professional for your scheme, It’s worth getting your head around the
although online resources such as www. lingo used throughout the industry before
ratedpeople.com can also be a useful starting your scheme. Our list covers
source of information. Always check some of the terms you’re likely to hear
that the individual you choose to bring
on board is registered with the appropriate COP Coefficient of performance is one of the methods
trade body – several of which are listed used to assess heat pump efficiency. It indicates the number
within our handy jargon buster (see right). of energy units used to power the appliance, compared
to how many units of energy are produced. So if it takes
Worcester Bosch’s Greenskies Solar Lifestyle 1kW of electricity to power the appliance and three units
panels sit flush with this property’s roof tiles of heat output are achieved, the COP is three.
EPC The Energy Performance Certificate provides details
Managing your system on the energy performance of a property, plus measures
If you’ve invested in a modern, highly- that you can take to improve it.
efficient heating setup, you’ll want to get the ErP The Energy-related Products directive is legislation
most out of it – and that means running that came into force in 2015, concerning the labelling of
it in a way that’s both efficient and cost- appliances. It asserts the minimum performance specifications
effective. While some homeowners are relating to energy and CO2 emissions for various devices.
happy to manage the heating by manually Gas Safe Register The list of businesses and engineers
adjusting individual thermostats and who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas-powered
TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves), others appliances including boilers, cookers and fires.
prefer to use a smart system that can be HETAS The competent person scheme for installers of solid
operated via one user-friendly platform. fuel devices, including biomass boilers and stoves.
OFTEC The Oil Firing Technical Association is a trade
Advances in digital controls mean body that represents the interests of oil storage, appliances
the heating can be adapted to suit your and supply equipment manufacturers. Its register comprises
requirements, cutting down on wastage a list of professionals who are fully-qualified to install and
and running costs. Modern programmes maintain oil-fired units and some solid fuel appliances.
allow you to create bespoke setups for MCS The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a
each day of the week and for different quality assurance programme concerned with the installation
zones in the house. Many arrangements of renewable products. To be eligible for the Renewable
can be linked up to a free app on your Heat Incentive (RHI), your appliance must be MCS-
smartphone or tablet, allowing you to approved and fitted by an MCS-registered professional.
run your home’s heating from anywhere SAP Every new build and some major renovations undergo
in the world. Find out more about the a Standard Assessment Procedure to determine the energy
various options for controls on p11. performance of the planned house. The test takes elements
such as glazing, insulation and heating system into account.
SEDBUK The Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler
in the UK is a percentage rating based on how effectively
boilers convert fuel into heat. According to Building Regs,
all new appliances should be at least 90% efficient.
TRV Thermostatic radiator valves can be fitted to your
emitters, allowing you to set individual heating levels for
that particular unit. These devices can be used to refine
the overall energy output your home’s heating setup is
required to deliver, so you’re not wasting energy heating
up radiators in rooms that aren’t being used.
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11
How smart is If you want a comfortable, efficient
your heating? home that’s cost-effective to run, it
might be time to switch to smart
The more control you have over heating controls, says Chris Bates
your heating and hot water
setup, the greater the potential to can use the default programmes and Above:
really tailor it to your needs and extract temperature settings, or create your own Moss
maximum efficiency. “There are many and save profiles under different names Technical’s
homes in the UK without even basic to easily switch between them. Nico home
controls,” explains Nigel Griffiths, Build It’s control
sustainability expert. “Putting in a standard “If you want the room at 15°C, you works
programmable timer gets you 75% of the just type that in and the room sensor across a
way there in terms of the potential savings. will stop calling for heat when that range of
The other 25% is about getting clever with temperature is reached,” says David Hilton, smart
zoning and temperature control.” And that’s an independent sustainability advisor and systems,
where the latest whizz-bang tech comes in. eco expert at the National Self Build & offering
Renovation Centre. The ability to fine-tune graphical
What is smart heating? each room or zone’s heating means you feedback
You may have a basic programmable can easily achieve exactly the right climate on usage
timer and perhaps even a couple of throughout your home, and potentially statistics
heating zones already – but unless you’re save money in doing so.
constantly in the property and actively
changing settings several times during the How does it work?
day, you’re probably not getting maximum Some systems manage a single zone, with
value for money out of your system. the thermostat usually placed in a central
location, such as a hallway. They call for
A heating loop that covers the whole the boiler to provide enough warmth to
ground floor could, for instance, be reach the desired temperature in their
supplying a living room in the morning
that simply doesn’t get used because
the family prefers to take breakfast in
the kitchen-diner. What’s more, if you’re
unexpectedly out of the house, you’ll be
warming rooms unnecessarily.
Using smart controls means you can
oversee everything with the push of a
button, via digital wall thermostats and
apps that can be run from your tablet or
smartphone. This allows you to monitor
what your heating is doing at any given
time, whether you’re at home or away, and
react accordingly for best performance.
You will also be able to set detailed
schedules for each day of the week – with
varying levels of flexibility within this. You
For contact details, see p54
12
Netatmo’s smart TRVs give you The most intelligent versions come with
unrivalled control over every learning functionality. They monitor your
room’s heating cycle usage, take account of how long it takes
zones to reach the desired temperature
and use this information to deliver
efficient heating. Some offer weather
compensation, adjusting outputs and
cycles according to external conditions,
while bells-and-whistles options from the
likes of Loxone can work alongside other
smart tech to auto-detect when you’re in
the house – or even on your way home.
vicinity, and therefore rely on thermostatic What will it cost?
radiator valves (TRVs) to manage This will vary depending on the level
conditions in individual rooms. of interaction you want and how many
zones/rooms there are. Worcester’s
If your home features multiple heating single-zone Wave learning thermostat
circuits, then you’ll need to use a product costs around £250 when installed by a
that can link several thermostats. These qualified heating engineer, for instance.
can be combined with smart thermostatic
radiator valves (STRVs) that are linked You could easily spend much more
back to the app via a special hub and than this, depending on the scenario.
boiler controller. This kind of setup, To get multi-zone control with Hive, for
available through the likes of Heat Genius example, you’ll need to buy the starter kit
and Netatmo, allows you to programme for £179 (comprising a hub, boiler control
timings into individual zones and emitters. and thermostat) plus another thermostat
for each zone (at £99 a pop).
Installing smart controls
For a top-end system that includes
Many smart heating systems are straightforward for a all the main kit along with smart TRVs
competent DIYer to fit. The trickiest bit is usually hooking up (typically £50 each) and sensors for every
the new boiler control box. But most providers offer a cost- room in the house, meanwhile, you could
effective supply-and-fix service that tends to be worth the spend over £1,300 – and significantly
extra outlay for peace of mind. If you go down this route, more if you want to add in oversight
take the chance to get them to demonstrate how everything of lighting, audio and other tech.
works and, ideally, put a basic programme in place.
Of course, the pay-off is more control
You can install smart tech on pretty much any central and lower energy bills, but the returns will
heating system – including those powered by renewables – depend on how you interact with your
but it’s worth double-checking with the manufacturer that it heating. “If you’re used to running around
will suit your setup before you buy. Some smart tech firms the house all day, every day adjusting
offer handy online compatibility checkers. the radiator valves to give you optimum
performance, you won’t get big savings
One major decision will be between wired and wireless – but what you will find is that, now it’s all
setups. The former can be cost-effective if you’re simply automated, your life is a lot easier,” says
upgrading an existing thermostat and are happy with its David. On the other hand, if you haven’t
location, but bear in mind that going wireless will give you been engaging fully with your central
more flexibility. “It also means you don’t have to cut chases heating, you can be confident your
in walls or anything like that just to get a little more zone running costs will drop significantly.
control into the house,” says David Hilton.
www.self-build.co.uk
00
Smart heating controls This ensures that the boiler only CSTAUSDEY
maximise bill savings fires up at the power needed to
reach the desired temperature. Owner
When Richard Griffiths purchased Research has shown that this Richard
his first home, he knew that functionality can deliver extra Griffiths
replacing the existing combi- savings of 4% per year.
boiler needed to be top of his renovation “Previously, the amount of energy I Location
list. A professional heating engineer by used to heat my home and hot water was Darlington
trade, Richard knew something of a mystery,” says Richard.
that he’d be wasting “With the Wave in place I’ve been able to Project
energy and money monitor my energy usage more closely Renovation
if he continued to via the app and cut-out unnecessary
use the 15-year- waste. Now I can personally recommend House size
old gas-fired boiler. these products to my customers – and it’s Three-
extremely handy to be able to show them bedroom
With years of how easy the app is to use on my phone.” terraced
installing these The sleek look of the unit fits neatly townhouse
appliances under with the contemporary scheme Richard
his belt, Richard has planned for the property. “Now I’ve Product
was able to do the moved on to renovating and redecorating Greenstar
work himself – and fitted a new combi other areas of my house, it’s reassuring to CDi Classic,
boiler, controller, radiators and pipework. have a reliable system to provide heating Greenstar
With experience of many different brands, and hot water – even if the rest of the System Filter
he decided on Worcester, Bosch Group’s place is still a building site,” says Richard. and Wave
CDi classic for its reliable space heating Smart Control
and hot water performance.
Supplier
Advanced controls were a must-have to Worcester,
help maximise the system’s effectiveness, Bosch Group
and Worcester’s Wave Smart Control was
the natural choice. The easy-to-use app Worcester, Bosch Group offers a variety of controls compatible
gives Richard, who owns Orchard Heating with its boilers to provide ease of use for the homeowner and
and Plumbing, the ability to run the system improve efficiency. You can expect to pay around £250 for
from his smartphone. It also increased the Worcester’s Wave internet-connected control when installed
warranty period on his new boiler. by a qualified heating engineer. For more information call
0330 123 9339 or visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk.
The Wave Smart Control allows Richard
complete freedom to monitor and adjust
his heating and hot water on the go. “I am
often in and out of the house at different
times so being able to turn the heating on
exactly when I need it is invaluable,” says
Richard. “It has also allowed me to save
money on my energy bills by ensuring the
system is not on when it is not needed.”
What’s more, the setup offers load
and weather compensating features that
measure the internal and external climate.
For contact details, see p54
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Heat sources
& renewables
Once you’ve got the key ingredients of good insulation and
airtightness levels in place, you can start to think about how to
power your central heating system. Whether you specify
a renewable solution or a conventional boiler, this appliance will
form the beating heart of your home’s central heating system
Above: The F1145 ground source heat pump unit,
supplied by NIBE, has an integrated immersion heater
as a backup for your heating and hot water supply
Right: Baxi’s compact 200 24kW combi boiler
is small enough to fit into a kitchen cupboard
www.self-build.co.uk
16
How to get the liquid that absorbs heat. “The energy is
most out of an then condensed by an electrically-powered
compressor to increase the temperature,
air source heat pump before being passed to a heat exchanger
so it can warm the water in your central
Find out whether this renewable tech heating system,” says Brian Horne,
could help give you a comfortable living domestic energy expert at the Energy
environment with low running costs Saving Trust (EST).
Above: One of the most popular renewable The productivity of both ASHPs
The A-Class energy solutions for self-builders and their ground source cousins is
air source and renovators is to fit an air measured according to their coefficient
heat pump source heat pump (ASHP). Compared of performance (COP); which is basically
from Dimplex to some sustainable options for primary the ratio of energy used to power the
is available heat sources, this tech is straightforward pump versus the amount of useful heat
in outputs and relatively affordable to install. Properly generated. Many manufacturers are
of 8kW up specified, it could help you make significant moving towards quoting a seasonal COP,
to 12kW savings on household bills, especially when which reflects the changing performance
combined with cashback payments from of the appliance throughout the year. Air
the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). But source appliances, for instance, don’t
is it right for your project? operate as efficiently in freezing conditions.
Research conducted by the EST from
How it works 2010-2013 suggests an average sCOP
With air-to-water heat pumps, you’re of 2.45 for ASHPs in use – although with
converting energy in the surrounding good specification via a reputable installer,
environment into useful warmth – which you should be able to improve on this.
gets fed into the hot water cylinder for
redistribution into space heating or to taps Design & installation
and other outlets. To achieve this, a fan- As with any renewable tech, it’s vital to have
powered unit is fitted outside. This blows your heat pump fitted and programmed by
air over a collecting coil, filled with a special an experienced MSC-certified professional,
who will take account of all the usual
considerations (how well insulated your
home is, size and type of emitter, hot water
demand etc). Using a suitably-qualified
engineer means you can access the
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) cashback
payments, and also gives you peace of
mind that the behind-the-scenes setup
has been properly completed.
Installing the appliance itself should
be fairly straightforward – whether on a
new build or a renovation project. Unlike
ground source heat pumps, ASHPs don’t
require loops of underground pipework
– so there’s much less disruption. What’s
more, the majority of the components are
contained in the external unit, so you won’t
www.self-build.co.uk
17
need to worry about taking up too much tandem with underfloor heating (although
internal floorspace. And you shouldn’t large-format radiators are an option). So if
require planning permission to fit an ASHP, you’re renovating, you may need to factor
unless you live in a listed building or your in the price of upgrading the emitters.
property is affected by a similar designation
(such as conservation area status). When it comes to running costs, if your
plot has access to mains gas – or your
In addition to the usual thermostats property already has a modern condensing
and programmable timers, the unit needs gas boiler – then you probably won’t save
to be configured with a range of critical much on fuel bills by opting for an ASHP.
commissioning data. This includes factors But factor in annual payments of around
such as setting a lag time for an immersion £900-£1,300 over the seven-year lifespan
(or other backup heat source) and a of the RHI (via a tariff of 10.18p per kWh),
regular legionella sanitation cycle. and things start to look a lot rosier. And
Thermal store schematic
Showers Taps
Plate heat
exchanger
Three-
port
valve
Radiators UFH
It might be tempting to play with these on top of that, you’ll be making significant Above: This
settings, but you need to know what you’re inroads into your carbon footprint. diagram from
doing – if the sanitation cycle runs too Mitsubishi
often, for example, efficiencies will drop If you can’t access mains gas, or you’re Electric shows
and you’ll pay more to run the pump. So replacing an old and inefficient heating a basic
make sure that, on handover, your engineer system, things get even better. The EST schematic of
has explained everything clearly. reckons you can save £455-£485 per year how an ASHP
versus a G-rated gas boiler, for instance. hooks up to a
What will it cost? This could slash payback periods to as little thermal store,
The exact spec of an ASHP – and the as three or four years in some cases. heat emitters
price to fit it – varies from project to project. and outlets
But as a guide, the EST puts the installed
price of a typical air-to-water system at Top tips: Maximising your ASHP’s efficiency
around £7,000 to £11,000. This works out
significantly cheaper than ground source, G Make sure your home is well-insulated and airtight.
but ASHPs are not quite as efficient in use. G Consider switching to underfloor heating (low-profile
Generally, air source pumps work best versions are available for renovations).
if they’re left to run near-constantly and G Have a professional, MCS-qualified engineer conduct the
slowly, steadily deliver on your heating
requirements at a low flow temperature heat loss calculations and commission the installation.
– hence they perform especially well in G ASHPs are best suited to the provision of constant
background heat; so set your programmer accordingly
and resist the temptation to override it.
G Keep up with basic maintenance, such as removing
leaves or snow and ice from the intakes.
For contact details, see p54
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00
Air source heat pump controlled by Global Energy Systems’ SCTAUSDEY
maximises efficiency software to help ensure ultimate
and bill savings optimisation all year round. Owner
Paul
With a growing family demand The ASHP was installed in spring Biddlecombe
for space heating and hot water, 2016 and has already transformed running
and no access to mains gas, costs. “The savings have been incredible Location
the owners of this recently-renovated and the heat pump’s performance is Lancashire
exceeding our expectations,” says Paul.
As it turns out, the appliance has met all Project
the family’s requirements – and there’s Renovation
Product
Caernarfon
8-18kW
air source
heat pump
Supplier
Global Energy
Systems
Lancashire manor house were spending been no need to operate
in excess of £4,000 a year on running the oil-fired boiler.
their standalone oil-fired boiler and electric
immersion. With oil prices fluctuating, too, In the first year since the
it was time to look for a more sustainable heat pump was fitted, Paul
and cost-effective solution. and his family have saved
over 60% (£2,400) on bills
After comparing the installation costs compared to what they were
and savings for various microgeneration spending on oil. On top of
products, owner Paul Biddlecombe felt that, the unit is eligible for RHI
that adding an air source heat pump payments – which net the family a
(ASHP) into the current heating system – further £1,300 in cashback per annum
alongside the boiler – would be the best (or £9,100 over the seven-year life of
course. He selected a Caernarfon 8-18kW the RHI). This huge payback means they
model from Global Energy Systems. should get a return on their investment
within two-and-a-half years.
This type of bivalent system means
the ASHP meets most of the household’s Global Energy Systems is a British, MCS-accredited
heating and hot water demand (even manufacturer and installer of heat pumps, offering a full
when the temperature is as low as -3.2°C assessment, specification and fitting service to ensure your
outside). In colder periods, or times of renewable energy solution is tailored to your needs. For
extreme weather, the original oil-fired more information call 0333 344 4414 or log on to
boiler provides additional input – thus www.globalenergysystems.co.uk.
doing away with the need for a backup
electric immersion. The whole setup is
www.self-build.co.uk
For reliability and service you can trust,
contact us today on 01297 35700
21
Ground source
heat pumps
Find out whether this renewable
solution is the right fit for your
central heating system
Ground source heat pumps
(GSHPs) operate in a similar
way to fridges – but in reverse.
This renewable setup harnesses warmth
from the earth and channels it into space
heating and hot water for use throughout
the home. “Our earth’s surface manages
to absorb 50% of the solar radiation that
hits it daily,” says Luke Harry from Hero
Renewables. “A GSHP taps into this
otherwise dormant energy.”
How it works underfloor heating (UFH) will need to Above: This
All GSHPs are formed of two core be designed accordingly.” slinky setup,
components: the loops of piping that are supplied
laid underground to collect the earth’s UFH is a natural fit as it operates at by Hero
warmth; and the unit (situated inside the a similar flow temperature. To get good Renewables,
house) that concentrates the heat for use results from radiators, you’ll need to shows how
around the home. A mixture of water and specify large-format, low-temp models. the collector
antifreeze is circulated throughout the loops are
collector loops, picking up heat as it Measuring performance buried
goes. This energy is then concentrated A heat pump’s efficiency is measured via underground
in the heat exchanger and transferred its coefficient of performance (COP) – in a large
to your dwelling’s central heating system. this is essentially the amount of useful horizontal
warmth the appliance generates, in trench
Because the earth remains at a similar kWh, compared to the amount of
level of warmth throughout the year, at electricity used to power the system.
around 8°C-12°C, GSHPs tend to offer Typically, a ground source appliance will
a more predictable performance than offer a COP of around four – for every
their air source cousins, which are more unit of electricity required to power the
likely to be affected by the fluctuations system, four units of heat are produced.
in outdoor temperature.
There are several factors that can affect
It’s important to match the pump with the performance of your system, including
an appropriate emitter. “GSHPs operate ground temperature, the unit itself and
at lower flow temperature than traditional the arrangement of emitters. “It’s in your
boilers, running at their most efficient best interests to maximise the efficiency
between 35°C and 45°C,” says Phil Hurley of your system, as this will influence the
from NIBE. “Therefore, radiators and running costs you’re paying out,” says
For contact details, see p54
22
Luke. “Keep should cover twice the area of the floor
an eye on your space to be heated. “If there isn’t enough
energy bills. land available, drilling boreholes to run the
Your installer will collectors vertically is an alternative,” says
always predict Phil from NIBE. However, this option tends
the day-to-day to be more expensive and you’ll need to
costs involved in allow for access for a borehole rig.
operating your
home’s setup, Typically, ground source heat pumps
and if you feel require very little maintenance beyond
that your bills an annual service, during which the filters
are too high this will be checked to ensure they’re clear.
could indicate Some manufacturers will require a yearly
a problem.” check-up to maintain the validity of
the warranty, so this is something you’ll
Installation & want to make sure of, too.
maintenance How much does it cost
to fit a GSHP?
Determining The initial outlay to install this type of
tech will vary from project to project,
the heat output depending largely on the total heat output
required for your property. “For a new four-
your appliance bedroom detached home, with horizontal
collectors fully-installed, you’d be looking
needs to deliver at something in the region of £20,000-
£25,000,” says Luke. Borehole setups may
will depend on be more expensive due to the complex
excavation works required.
the size of your
Bear in mind that your GSHP installation
house and how may also be eligible for cashback payments
from the government’s Renewable Heat
Above: NIBE’s F1145 and F1245 GSHP well insulated it Incentive (RHI), which could help to offset
heat pump units are both approved under is. Your heating some of the installation and running costs.
the Microgeneration Certification Scheme engineer will be Payments for applications submitted after
(MCS) – a necessary stamp of approval able to calculate 20th September 2017 are set to receive
for homeowners who are keen to take this for you. 19.86p per kWh generated.
advantage of RHI payments
When it comes to laying the collector
coils, there are two options. Usually, the
pipes are buried beneath the topsoil at a
depth of 1m-2m; in a continuous loop over
a large area of space. In the industry, this
is known as a ‘slinky’ setup. As a general
rule of thumb, these horizontal trenches
Closer look: Is a GSHP right for me? collector loop. Such works can be expensive, and
As heat pumps – both air and ground source – run you will need to consider access for the excavation
at a low flow temperature, it’s vital to ensure that your machinery and reinstatement of planting.
home is adequately insulated so the warmth
generated isn’t lost via the structural fabric. “If you’re On the other hand, if you’re self-building, the
renovating an older building, this is an especially collector loops can be installed fairly affordably
important consideration,” says Phil from NIBE. at the groundworks phase of your project. “That’s
why it’s so important to factor in your heating system
Bear in mind that if you are retrofitting a heat at the earliest design phase of the build,” says Luke
pump as part of your renovation, the outdoor space Harry from Hero Renewables.
will need to be dug out to install the underground
www.self-build.co.uk
00
Rural new build couple also benefitted from a seven year CSTAUSDEY
benefits from GSHP warranty on the setup.
Owners
When Mark and Melanie Goldman Straightforward installation Mark &
tackled their first self-build Thanks to the large amount of land Melanie
project, they were keen to available, the Goldmans opted to fit the Goldman
create a contemporary, energy-efficient heat pump’s ground collector loops in a
home they could enjoy for years to come. horizontal trench to draw in heat. Another Location
“When we designed our new house we reason the couple were attracted to this Devon
were determined not to be held to ransom particular setup was because the ground
by fuel prices, and this is what sparked the remains at a constant temperature all year Project
idea of creating an energy efficient abode,” round, and doesn’t fluctuate with inclement Self-build
says Mark. Situated within five acres of weather conditions. This means they can
enjoy consistent performance and results. Product
remote woodland, the couple’s plot was Ground
off grid, so incorporating renewable In this particular project a NIBE source heat
technologies – including a NIBE ground VPBS300 solar cylinder was also installed pump
source heat pump (GSHP) – was a major to store hot water for the dwelling, which
part of their sustainable strategy. allowed for a solar thermal array to be Supplier
included. Solar PV generates electricity NIBE
The block and render property is home to complement the rest of the tech. A
to four bedrooms, ensuite facilities, a large mechanical ventilation and heat recovery
kitchen-diner, living area, study and utility system (MVHR) was also incorporated
room. Its design is such that two huge to remove humid air from kitchens and
floor-to-apex windows flood the dwelling bathrooms, and bring in fresh air from
with natural light, giving the impression outside. The heating setup specified by
that the upper storey of the house, a the Goldmans highlights how versatile
mezzanine level, is floating. GSHPs can be, giving homeowners the
flexibility to source heat and hot water for
During the planning stage of the project, their dwellings in a variety of ways.
the Goldmans worked with sustainability
experts RES (Devon) to specify products. An excellent result
They advised on all elements of its Mark and Melanie are delighted by the
renewable energy installation, including performance of their new home’s heating
the GSHP, solar photovoltaic (PV) and setup. “I would definitely recommend
solar thermal panels, high efficiency a NIBE GSHP as the key component
cylinder and heat recovery system. Due to in achieving reliable and cost-effective
RES’s status as a NIBE VIP installer, the energy,” says Mark. The pair have also
been able to take advantage of cashback
payments from the government’s
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
NIBE Energy Systems Ltd is a leading European manufacturer in
the heating sector. The company is committed to sustainable
construction and specialises in providing high-tech energy-
saving solutions for heating, ventilation, cooling and heat
recovery. For more information, call 0845 095 1200
or visit www.nibe.co.uk.
For contact details, see p54
24
Beginner’s guide Whether you’re setting up a brand
new boiler-fired central heating system
to boilers or replacing an existing setup, Building
Regulations Part L states that you must
install an appliance that’s at least 90%
efficient. This means you’ll need to specify
a modern condensing model, which offers
improved performance over older versions
because it extracts and reuses exhaust
gases. “There are exemptions that can be
applied for in exceptional circumstances,
but these are rare,” says Martyn Bridges
from Worcester, Bosch Group.
What are the choices?
There are three options when it comes to
choosing your gas boiler: regular, system
and combi. Each model is designed to cater
to the demand of occupants’ lifestyles, plus
the type and size of the house.
We uncover what you need to know Regular: This kind of boiler is well-suited
when it comes to selecting a suitable to larger homes. “It provides central
appliance for your property heating and hot water, but requires a cold
water storage tank to feed the hot water
Above: The boiler is the beating heart of cylinder, an expansion vessel to maintain
Worcester’s mainly homeowners’ central heating the water level of the heating system and
Greenstar systems. While a growing number a separate pump,” says Jon Phillips from
iSystem boiler of self-builders and renovators are turning Baxi. Regular units are able to supply
is available to renewable solutions, this conventional more than one outlet at once, making
with a heat appliance remains the preferred way them a good fit for homes with multiple
output ranging to heat most dwellings. Not only is it a bathrooms. The downside is that you’ll
from 9kW familiar, user-friendly option, but modern need room for the cylinder and will
to 24kW versions can be super-efficient and cost- lose some loft space to accommodate
effective, too. So how do you know what the expansion vessel – so they tend
kind of unit is right for you? to be selected for like-for-like swaps
rather than new builds. You’ll also need
Choosing your boiler an electric immersion backup.
Selecting the right appliance for your abode
comes down to your domestic hot water System: This kind of appliance
(DHW) and space heating demands, plus represents a modern alternative to regular
the size and thermal efficiency of the boilers. It operates in a similar way, using
house. A range of outputs are available – stored water to supply several outlets
turn to p26 for advice on specifying the simultaneously. “System boilers have most
correct size unit for your home. of the major components of the heating
and DHW system built in, making them
less space consuming as there’s no need
www.self-build.co.uk
25
for a feed or expansion vessel in the loft,” CLOSER LOOK:
says Martyn. This can make installation FUELLING YOUR BOILER
quicker and easier, although the appliance
itself will be more expensive. This is a vital consideration, and one likely to be dictated
by your circumstances and your site’s location. If you can
Combi: If space in your home is limited, hook up to the mains supply, gas is the cheapest option both
this type of unit could be ideal as it doesn’t to install and run – even compared to some renewables.
require a storage cylinder. Instead, these
appliances heat water on demand directly LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is only slightly more expensive,
from the mains supply. Rather than being but is also marginally higher in terms of emissions (due to
stored, the hot water is sent straight to transport impact). In many rural areas, oil is still the most
the outlet or heat emitter. The bonus common option for powering boilers. However, this fossil
is that it means you only pay for what fuel is a finite and diminishing resource and is relatively
you use – but there are drawbacks. For high in CO2 emissions. It will be more expensive to run
example, larger homes with more than than a mains gas-powered version, too.
one bathroom may have a higher demand
than this appliance can cater for. Bear in mind that both of these alternatives will require
space for some form of storage vessel in the garden,
Installation & maintenance which could be buried underground if you wish.
If your appliance is more than 15 years
old, it should probably be replaced thermostat at the same time will boost Left: Baxi’s
with a more energy-efficient version. A the efficiency of your arrangement, as the compact 200
straightforward swap could take as little boiler can be set up to provide hot water 24kW combi
as a day – depending on the type of boiler. and central heating only when it’s needed. boiler is small
“Certain models are available with features Bear in mind that all installations should enough to fit
that make replacement easier, such be carried out by a suitably-qualified into a kitchen
as wall-mounting engineer (eg a Gas Safe registered cupboard,
brackets. Others will installer for gas appliances). making it ideal
be more complex for properties
to retrofit,” says In terms of upkeep, it’s worth getting where space
Jon. “It’s important your boiler serviced on is limited
to discuss the new an annual basis to
system with your ensure it’s running
heating engineer, as efficiently and to check
a like-for-like swap for any issues. In
might not be the fact, a yearly check-
best option.” up is required by
most manufacturers
The installation in order to keep your
of a completely appliance’s warranty
new setup should valid. There are also
take approximately simple maintenance
three to five days, tasks that you can carry
depending on out to preserve the
the complexity performance of your
of the system. boiler. “Things such
Incorporating as adjusting system
a programmable pressure and bleeding
radiators can help
to keep your unit
running at optimum
level,” says Jon.
For contact details, see p54
26
How to choose
the right boiler
Martyn Bridges from Worcester, Bosch water storage cylinder. The resulting figure
Group, looks at how to specify the is increased by roughly 20% to cover any
best boiler output for your house other conditions, such as abnormally cold
weather. The amount of power required
The size of your property and its to re-heat the hot water storage cylinder
requirements for heating and hot varies, depending on how quickly the unit
water are amongst the main factors needs to reach the desired temperature
that will determine the size of boiler you of 60°C or more. Usually, it’s a minimum
need. But when fitting a new setup, the output of 3kW, although sometimes up
entire arrangement – from the boiler output to 20kW if you require rapid re-heating.
through to the size of the radiators and hot
water cylinder – needs to be considered. What size appliance is
All components must be specified to meet right for my home?
demand as efficiently and cost-effectively Due to the high number of variables within
as possible. Get this part of the process a heating system, it’s important for each
wrong and you risk suffering high bills due property’s individual characteristics to be
to an ineffective system – or even running considered. However, these scenarios give
out of hot water when you need it. a rough idea of what to expect:
Above: The specification process Q I’m self-building an energy-efficient four-
Worcester’s Boilers, hot water cylinders and radiators bedroom home for me, my partner and our
Greenstar are available in a range of sizes, and the two children. There’ll be three bathrooms,
Ri (12kW combination that’s best-suited varies including the downstairs toilet, main family
− 24kW) between properties. Bringing in the bathroom and an ensuite. What size/type
regular boiler professionals early on is an essential of boiler would suit our house and why?
is a compact, part of planning your project, as they are A As you have multiple bathrooms you’ll
wall-mounted best-placed to size each element to your be looking at a stored water setup to cater
appliance house’s needs. Heat loss calculations for these comfortably. An unvented system
that is will be performed based on the size, boiler would be ideal as it’ll ensure you
designed construction and fabric of the dwelling. have the water pressure you need to run
to fit into Generally, the bigger the house, the the shower and bath at the same time. The
a standard greater the level of warmth that’s lost, so exact output of the appliance would need
kitchen the larger the boiler output will need to be. to be calculated based on the number of
cupboard radiators and their total output, plus the size
A home constructed to meet the
minimum standards under Building Regs
would need around 70 watts of heat for
every m3. When it comes to selecting
the boiler’s size, you start by calculating
the total combined heat output of all the
radiators. This number is added to the
output requirement for re-heating the hot
www.self-build.co.uk
27
and output of the cylinder. Gas is the most Renovation project CASE
cost-effective option if you have access to benefits from compact STUDY
it, otherwise Worcester has a range of oil- new combi boiler
fired boilers that offer a similar outcome. Owner
When Linda Parker
Q I’m refurbishing a large three-bedroom, Linda
brick-built Victorian terraced house for my Parker Location
partner and me. While we will upgrade the tackled the Shrewsbury
insulation, the property won’t be super-eco. renovation of
There’s only one bathroom. What kind and her three- Project
size of appliance would you recommend? bedroom, Renovation
A A combi boiler would be perfect, as it’ll two-bathroom
comfortably meet your needs for heating property, making Type of
and hot water. I’d suggest a 30kW model, the most of property
which should output between 20kW and every inch of Large 1960s
25kW for space heating, plus 11-12L of space was at detached
water per minute to for hot water. the top of her house
priority list.
Q I’m converting the loft in my two- Installation
bedroom, one-bathroom 1960s flat, where As Linda Greenstar
I live alone. This means I’m losing space in often has Highflow
the roof for the existing boiler’s expansion friends and family round to stay, installing an 440 CD1
tank. What should I replace it with? efficient heating system was an important
A A combi boiler would be the ideal part of the scheme. With the help of her Supplier
choice for your conversion and would building and plumbing team, she specified Worcester,
negate the need for the expansion tank. the Greenstar Highflow 440CDi combi Bosch Group
You may be able to work with a 25kW from Worcester, Bosch Group. This meant
appliance, which is the smallest available. the existing hot water cylinder could be
However, it could be worth opting for a removed, freeing up more space. The combi
30kW option to give a better flow rate. boiler fits neatly into an airing cupboard in
the guest bathroom, which has also been
Q My wife and I live in a simple two-up, kitted out with a new suite from Utopia.
two-down cottage. We have a 15-year- The initial plan was to fit a secondary
old oil-fired model and hot water storage source of heating in the main living area,
tank, and we’re looking to update it with such as a fire or woodburning stove. Once
a modern appliance. What type of boiler the boiler was installed, however, the team
would you recommend? found it was more than capable of providing
A Worcester’s latest oil-fired models have heating and hot water to the whole house,
an efficiency of around 90%, so you’d see so there was no need for a temperature
benefits from upgrading. A 12-18kW unit boost downstairs. “It’s able to cater for all
should be ample for your home, if you want eventualities, from a normal day with just me
to keep the hot water tank and boiler setup. and my partner, to a full house of guests on
An oil-fired combi appliance, again in the a busy weekend,” says Linda. “It’s extremely
12-18kW range, would mean you don’t efficient and we’ve been pleased to see the
need a separate cylinder. You can even result reflected in lower monthly bills.”
site some options outside, which would
free up even more space in the cottage. Martyn Bridges began his career as a plumbing and heating
apprentice and has a strong technical knowledge of boilers and
renewable heating systems. He is now the director of technical
communication and product management at Worcester, Bosch
Group. For further information on Worcester, Bosch Group
call 0330 123 9339 or visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk
For contact details, see p54
28 fit. Typically, the compacted pellets are
around 20mm long and 8mm in diameter.
Will biomass heating They have a higher energy density
suit your home? than logs or chips, so you’ll need fewer
deliveries and less space to store the fuel.
Nigel Griffiths investigates the pros
and cons of biomass boilers The consistency of pellets’ size and
moisture content makes them perfect for
automated feeding and controlled delivery
of heating on demand. They can be
Above: Burning wood to heat your home may delivered loose, direct into an automated
Windhager’s seem like a pretty old-fashioned hopper or supplied in sacks that need
BioWin 2 idea but today’s biomass boilers to be manually handled. This means the
biomass can rival gas in terms of running costs appliance can be controlled in a similar
boiler, with – and potentially deliver a sustainable, way to a conventional gas or oil boiler.
manually-fed low-carbon solution for your project.
pellet hopper By contrast, log boilers must be
How do biomass boilers work? manually batch-fed, which means they’re
Biomass is basically any form of plant fired at a high temperature for a relatively
matter that can be burned to produce heat. short period of time, and the heat is put
In practice, it’s normally wood. This could into a buffer tank. This avoids the need
be logs or it might be a waste product for 24/7 operation but still requires
(such as chips or pellets) suited to fueling a significant time commitment. Wood
boilers. If it is taken from sustainably- chip models are normally used for large
managed sources, wood is a carbon installations and commercial applications,
neutral fuel, as the CO2 emitted from as the storage bin and feed mechanism
burning it is slightly less than the amount take up a lot of space (with associated
the tree absorbs in its lifetime. Ideally, it capital costs when they’re installed).
should be grown as close as possible to
where it’s used to minimise transportation. What size do I need?
Calculating the right output and buffer
In most domestic scenarios, a biomass tank capacity is a professional job –
boiler fuelled by wood pellets is the best although there are ready reckoners
www.self-build.co.uk
29
available online. In retrofit scenarios, majority of the fuel price will be covered in
the appliance is often sized below the the quarterly payments, and you can start
maximum system load, with the peaks to make inroads on the capital costs.
being handled by the original fossil fuel
boiler. This prevents the biomass unit Is it right for me?
running at less than full capacity (which Biomass makes most sense – both
would make it burn less efficiently). financially and in terms of reducing carbon
emissions – for large properties both new
When it comes to the maintenance and existing; but especially for homes
side of things, all biomass appliances will that are off the mains gas grid.
need more attention than gas or oil boilers.
They will produce a small quantity of ash – For self-builders creating ultra-efficient
but the efficiency of modern units helps properties, it may be possible to attain
to ensure this is less than 1% of the
volume of what’s being burnt. Quick guide: Biomass & the RHI
You’ll need to clean the boiler At the time of publication, the subsidy for a small biomass
periodically, as well as regularly check installation (up to 45kW) was 3.85p/kWh. However, this is
the feed system for blockages and build- set to rise to 6.54p/kWh on 20th September 2017, subject
ups. Some units are largely self-cleaning, to parliamentary ratification, which is a significant uplift.
simply requiring you to empty the ash bin
as and when it becomes full. You’ll also The same legislation also proposes to cap payments
need to have the chimney professionally for biomass boilers at 25,000kWh per annum. So if your
swept, commission an annual service and installation was deemed for that level or greater, at the new
ensure that the area where the fuel is 6.54p rate you’d receive £1,635 each year. Over the seven
stored is dry and well-kept. years the Renewable Heat Incentive lasts, that would net
you a total of £11,445 – which would effectively negate
What will it cost? the cost of installing the appliance in the first place.
Prices vary according to fuel type,
spec, size and manufacturer. Domestic However, many newly built homes are so efficient that
appliances can exceed £10,000 including they don’t have this level of heat demand – therefore your
installation – many times higher than the actual payments could be significantly lower. To stay up to
price of an equivalent gas boiler – so it date with what the latest tariffs are, check out the Ofgem
becomes a question of running costs or Energy Saving Trust websites.
and sustainability priorities.
the desired comfort levels with just
Logs can sometimes be had for free a woodburning stove (see page 44)
(if you have woodland on your site, for supplemented by a ventilation system that
instance). Pellets and chips are more can redistribute the warmth effectively.
expensive (both per tonne and per kWh
of heat) as they’re processed products. You’ll need sufficient room to store the
Bagged pellets will cost approximately fuel and, if you’re not using an automated
6p per kWh; the alternative is a blown system, you need to be fit enough to
delivery, where a pipe attached to a tanker handle it. Some appliances – especially
will blow the material straight into your log-fired batch boilers – also require an
storage area (a small delivery works out intermediate heat storage tank.
at around 5p per kWh). This compares
to approximately 4p per kWh for gas. If you’re adding a flue or a storage silo
then you may have to apply for planning
If your installation is supported by the permission or other approvals, such as
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) then the listed building consent. You also need
to be confident of having a long-term
supply of whatever fuel you choose.
Visit www.nef.org.uk/logpile for a list
of suppliers in your area.
For contact details, see p54
30
Solar thermal Well-designed and efficiently operated
systems can provide 50% of the energy
hot water heating required to meet a household’s annual
DHW demand (depending on location).
Harnessing free energy via solar thermal This is known as the solar fraction.
panels could slash your heating bills – Another source (usually a fossil fuel boiler)
but will it suit your project? will be required during winter in order to
act as a backup across the rest of the year.
Above: Solar Even in the UK, daylight is fairly
water heating constant and predictable – so it’s How solar thermal works
can fulfill up no surprise solar hot water panels The vast majority of these systems heat
to 50% of a are among the most reliable renewable water indirectly. The liquid that circulates
household’s options for self-builders and renovators. through the solar collectors is contained
domestic in a sealed loop and the heat is then
hot water These arrays collect energy from the transferred to a storage cylinder by
requirement sun and repurpose it to warm water for means of an exchanger coil.
everyday washing and bathing. They’re
rarely used to contribute to space heating Mains water enters the cylinder at
– partly because the Renewable Heat the base, where it’s warmed by the solar-
Incentive (RHI) cashback scheme only linked exchanger and a second coil, which
pays out if the energy is solely put into runs off the boiler (or another appliance).
domestic hot water (DHW). The heated water exits at the top of the
vessel to feed baths, showers and taps.
Much of the work in heating water is
needed to take it from cold to a lukewarm As it has two sources of energy, the
temperature – so even on dull days, a storage vessel is known as a twin-coil
solar thermal array can be of benefit. cylinder. Heat rises, so the base of the
tank is normally cooler than the top.
An electric immersion backup is often
fitted, but this shouldn’t be needed if the
controls are set effectively. If you’re really
keen to go green, then the backup heat
source could be a woodburning stove or
a biomass boiler. Combining solar and
biomass-fuelled appliances delivers
almost zero-carbon hot water.
You’ll need a good controller in order to
maximise the solar yield. This will switch
on the pump when the temperature at
the collectors rises above that of the heat
exchanger within the cylinder. To get the
very best from a system, however, it may
be necessary to adapt your lifestyle to
make full use of the resource when it is
available (eg showering in the evening).
Siting the collectors
Ideally, your solar panels should be
mounted facing south, although south-
www.self-build.co.uk
31
east to south-west will still work. The There’s a range of variables – from Above: This
best angle in the UK is around 35° to the the exact upfront cost to the type of heat Megaflo Eco
horizontal – which is consistent with many source an array is replacing, the panels’ SolaReady
of our pitched roofs – but collectors can orientation, whether it qualifies for the twin-coil
be installed on flat roofs or even on the RHI and what rate you’re getting. Each cylinder, from
ground with a suitable mounting bracket. household will have its own usage patterns, Heatrae
too, but let’s do some example calculations Sadia, is
Two main types of solar thermal to get a sense of what you might expect. being
panel are in common use: flat plate and installed
evacuated tube. The former normally An array deemed to produce 2,000kWh alongside
features a Perspex cover mounted over per year would cost around £4,000 to a thermal
an absorptive panel, through which a heat install (including a new controller,
transfer fluid is pumped. The whole unit is cylinder). Assuming it’s pump,
insulated at the bottom and sides to retain eligible for the RHI, it would and two
as much warmth as possible. be supported by a subsidy expansion
of 20.06p per kWh of heat vessels
Evacuated tube versions are made up generated. For context, gas
of a series of individual collectors. Each costs around 4p/kWh.
comprises one tube inside another, with a
vacuum between the two. This allows the At the current rate, this
radiation from the sun to pass through to setup would receive a
the inner vessel (containing the collection total annual RHI payment
fluid) whilst minimising any heat loss. (20.06p tariff multiplied by
the estimated 2,000kWh
Generally, evacuated tubes are slightly annual generation figure)
more efficient than flat plate designs, but of £401.20. Over the seven
they’re more expensive for the same yield. years of the RHI, that would
Both types are usually self-cleaning, as net a total of £2,808.40.
the pitch and the UK’s consistent rainfall
should do the job for you. Don’t forget you’ll also
be reducing the hot water
You won’t normally need full planning portion of your bill. A small
consent to install solar panels, as they’re family might pay £160 in
considered permitted development. But water heating per year – and the panels
a change in roof appearance may be could potentially save half of this. Over the
particularly significant on older buildings – RHI period, this would be a further £560
and in some cases, such as if your home off, taking the total savings to £3,368.40.
is listed or in a conservation area, you may
need to apply for planning permission. Flat That leaves you just £631.60 of the
plate collectors can sit flush with the roof upfront installation cost left to recoup
tiles, achieving a similar look to rooflights, once the seven-year RHI has expired.
which can help in some cases. With savings of £80 per annum, this would
take just under eight years – so the total
Will it save me money? payback period would be 15 years.
The length of time it would take for the
cost of the panels and their installation If you’re working on a new build, you’ll
to be repaid via savings is known as the be able to design the system in from
payback period. In the right circumstances, the start – so the collector and cylinder
thanks largely to the Renewable Heat locations can be optimised and pipework
Incentive, solar thermal can be one of laid as the project proceeds. This should
the most appealing options here. reduce the overall costs of installing your
solar array and improve payback.
For contact details, see p54
00
SCTUADSYE Solar thermal & GSHP CO2 production by three tonnes annually.
offer low-cost heating In the first year of living in his new house,
Owner Iain spent 45% less heating his home in
Iain Rennie On approaching retirement, comparison to what his previous oil-fired
Reverend Iain Rennie decided central heating system was costing. At the
Location to reduce his long-term carbon time of installation, he was able to receive
Rugby, footprint by replacing his fossil fuel payments from the Renewable Heat
Warwickshire guzzling, 1940s three-bedroom property Incentive (RHI), which helped towards
with a new home powered by renewable recouping the cost of fitting the tech.
Project technology. The rebuild saw the house size
Self-build increase substantially, so Iain consulted “Domestic installations where multiple
with experts GreenACT to come up with renewable technologies work in tandem
Heating a suitable central heating setup. are rare, but we foresee such projects
system becoming more common. We find
Solar thermal A Viessmann ground source heat pump Viessmann’s products offer the best
& PV, ground (GSHP) system was chosen for its low solution as its range covers every heating
source heat operating costs; the unit supplies warm fuel and application, so you know they’re
pump & water to underfloor heating throughout going to work together” says Peter Leith,
underfloor managing director at GreenACT. “As well
heating the property. If as fitting the system which best suited
there are any drops Iain’s needs, we also provided the controls
Supplier in temperature, he needs to adjust the setup. Viessmann’s
Veissmann a buffer cylinder Vitotronic operating platform ties the
ensures there is whole installation together and means that
always sufficient customers only use the energy they need.”
heat energy
available – and Viessmann offers various renewable energy
an auxiliary in-line systems: solar thermal arrays to heat domestic
electric heater is hot water and provide central heating backup
there as a back-up. and cooling; special boilers for logs,
woodchips and pellets; heat pumps that exploit
The intelligent heat from the ground, groundwater or ambient
integrated control air; and photovoltaic setups. The company also
system can supplies a comprehensive range of boilers.
switch between 01952 675000 www.viessmann.co.uk
collecting from the heat pump and the
solar thermal panels, which are positioned
on the roof. This setup means energy is
generated from the most low-cost source
at any given time. The arrangement is
accompanied by solar PV panels, which
generate electricity for the house or the
grid if there’s surplus energy.
The GSHP harvests 25,720kWh of free
energy from the ground a year, running at
a seasonal coefficient performance (COP)
of 3.4. The solar PV panels generate
3.3kW of electricity, working alongside
the thermal array to reduce the property’s
www.self-build.co.uk
Resourcefulness
is in our nature
Nature is our greatest source of energy. With a NIBE ground source heat
pump, you can harvest the power stored in the ground to heat your home and
create the perfect indoor climate. And by using local natural power, together
we can build a more sustainable future.
IT’S IN OUR NATURE WWW.NIBE.CO.UK
34
Mechanical ventilation can be filtered to reduce dust and
& heat recovery allergens, which is useful for people
with asthma and other conditions.
This technology can help maintain a
healthy, comfortable living environment Going mechanical
– while also reducing your energy bills As buildings get more airtight, then, so
ventilation needs to be properly addressed.
Above: This As self-builders and renovators One way to get the balance right is to
diagram from strive towards greater standards use a mechanical system that can extract
Total Home of energy performance in their stale air and replace it with a fresh supply.
Environment projects, they’re investing ever more in A common way to do this in an energy-
shows the insulation and airtightness measures. efficient domestic property is to invest in
basics of how a whole-house mechanical ventilation
an MVHR It’s a solid strategy: get the fabric right, and heat recovery (MVHR) setup.
system works and you can minimise heat demand and
maximise the chances of your heat source With MVHR, as well as controlled
performing as well as possible. What’s ventilation, you also get the benefit that
more, by keeping gaps in the structural heat from outgoing stale air can be
envelope to a minimum, you can reduce recycled into the fresh incoming supply.
draughts and improve comfort levels. This is achieved via a network of insulated
ducts and extract/supply terminals within
The issue is that every home needs the relevant rooms. These run back to
fresh air to support the health of the the main fan-powered MVHR unit, which
building and its occupants. Good ventilation extracts stale, moist air from the wet zones
wards off humidity and condensation inside your property (kitchens, bathrooms,
(which can lead to mould growth), deals ensuites etc) and passes it via a heat
with odours (from cooking smells and exchanger before expelling it outdoors.
the like) and removes pollutants such as
excess CO2. In addition, the air supply While this process goes on, a second
fan brings in fresh air to replace what’s
been extracted. As it flows across the
exchanger, it’s pre-warmed. Up to 90%
of this heat can be recovered, essentially
giving your living environment an element
of free background warmth.
The unit runs on a continuous trickle,
with boost options when higher rates of
ventilation are required, such as when
you’re taking a shower or cooking. In
some systems, this can be automated via
sensors that detect humidity and CO2
levels. A summer bypass mode turns off
the heat recovery when it’s not needed.
Installation & costs
It’s vital the structure is reasonably tightly
sealed to ensure MVHR works effectively,
which is pretty much a given on a house
constructed to today’s Building Regs.
www.self-build.co.uk
35
The system – including the duct sizing – won’t necessarily feel all Above: A
must be properly matched to your property, the savings in your wallet – Rega MVHR
so it’s best to hire a specialist consultant but according to the Green unit installed
to design and install the setup for you. If Building Store, the running in a utility
it’s poorly planned or badly fitted, it won’t cost could be as little as 10 room. The
deliver the performance you need in terms pence per day (£36.50 per insulated
of either ventilation or heat recovery. year). Plus, you’ll be cutting ducts prevent
your carbon emissions. condensation.
You can choose from rigid, semi-rigid, Left: An
rectangular or circular conduits, according MVHR’s performance installer
to which is easiest to run through your relies on proper design uses an
building. It’s best to avoid flexible versions and installation – as well anemometer
(the kind you might see hanging out as effective usage by the to detect and
the back of your tumble dryer). When a occupants. You can open balance the
100mm tube of this type goes around supply and
bends, it can easily concertina to a windows, for example, with the MVHR extra airflows
diameter more like 80mm, which will continuing to run in the background – in a Beam
compromise performance. but its efficiency will be slightly reduced MVHR system
in terms of keeping the building cool in
Ducting is relatively easy to install in summer and warm in winter.
a new-build context, especially if you’re
using an open floor structure (such as In terms of maintenance, the filters
metal-web joists). As a guide, a fully- that keep the air clean of dust, pollen and
installed MVHR system for a three other allergens also need replacing every
bedroom, 160m2 self-build home would three to six months. The kitchen extract
cost around £4,500. Retrofitting is trickier filter is likely to need more attention than
– particularly if you’re dealing with solid others – but this is also the case with
joists – but if you’re gutting the house standard extraction techniques.
completely and overhauling the insulation
and airtightness it can still be viable. Another area MVHR has its detractors
is in the noise stakes, but products have
Need to know moved on significantly in recent years –
MVHR puts you in full control of your to the point where they’re virtually silent. “A
home’s ventilation, so you can enjoy a standard system will give out around 25dB
predictable, pleasant climate and reduce to 30dB – which is about the same as the
the load on your boiler or other appliance target for a recording studio,” says Andrew.
(such as an air source heat pump).
As it’s not a standalone energy source,
MVHR isn’t eligible for the Renewable
Heat Incentive. But it can still deliver bill
savings. “You can cut fuel consumption by
up to seven times the amount of electricity
needed to power the MVHR,” says Andrew
Hamilton, managing director at Rega
Ventilation. “So if the fans draw 50 watts
per hour, you’ll reduce energy usage by
around 350 watts per hour.”
Electricity is typically priced at around
three times the price of mains gas, so you
For contact details, see p54
Firing imaginations for over 35 years
The UK’s most comprehensive range of high quality stoves and fireplaces
WOODBURNING | GAS | | MULTI-FUEL | ELECTRIC
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37
Heat emitters
From cosy stoves and fires through to sleek radiators and
hidden underfloor heating systems, there’s a plethora of choices
when it comes to specifying this aspect of your scheme. The
trick to creating a tailored setup is to choose the products that
best meet the requirements of your home and central heating
system. Practical and aesthetic considerations will come into
play, plus you’ll need to select a solution that works effectively
with the appliance powering the whole arrangement
Above: Featuring a three-sided window, this
contemporary fire from DRU Global creates
a striking focal point. Prices start at £3,030
Right: The Camino double horizontal model,
from The Radiator Company, starts at £839
www.self-build.co.uk
38
things you need to know
10 about wet underfloor heating
A thermostat can be used to control the
We reveal the essential facts about level of warmth in each individual area,
this highly-efficient heating system resulting in excellent efficiency as you can
programme the settings to suit your needs.
Above: Whether you’re self-building a new
Polypipe’s house or tackling a major project 2 The output your system needs to
lightweight in an existing dwelling, water- deliver will depend largely on the
plastic floor based underfloor heating (UFH) offers a thermal performance of the building itself,
panels are versatile solution. It works by transforming with factors such as the heat source, level
quick and the surface of your home’s floors into of insulation and the amount of glazing in
easy to cut a radiant, low-temperature heat emitter. each zone coming into play. A professional
to size. Once Occupants benefit from a clutter-free living heating engineer should conduct a room-
the UFH arrangement thanks to the invisible heat by-room heat loss survey before designing
piping is source underfoot, as well as a cosy, even your UFH setup, to calculate how much
clipped into spread of warmth. We’ve rounded up warmth leaks out via the walls, floors,
place on the the essential facts to help you decide ceiling and doors. The closer the tubes are
underlay, whether this system is right for you. placed to one another, the greater the heat
screed is output that can be achieved.
poured over 1 Wet UFH systems comprise a
the top network of pipes that is integrated 3 There are two types of water-based
before the into the floor structure, beneath its surface. UFH system – screeded (wet) and
floor covering Warm water (approximately 30°C -35°C) unscreeded (dry – not to be confused
is laid is pumped through the tubes to heat with electrically-powered arrangements,
the space. Most setups are split up into which are sometimes referred to by the
separate zones, which are hooked up to same term). Dry setups comprise boards
a manifold that regulates the flow of water or panels which are laid over the top of the
from the boiler or other heat source. existing floor or between joists, with the
tubes clipped into place within the overlay.
On the other hand, with a wet system
pipes will typically be affixed to a special
underlay that’s positioned directly above
the insulation. A screed is then poured
on top and left to dry, at which point the
floor covering is laid. The layer of screed,
which might comprise sand and cement
or a self-levelling compound, aids the
conduction of heat from the tubes up to
the floor’s surface, helping to produce
an even spread of warmth. This kind of
arrangement generates a greater heat
output than a dry, overlay solution.
www.self-build.co.uk
4 If you’re installing a screed-based Roberts from Nu-Heat. “In a renovation 39
system, you’ll need to wait for the project, such as an average Victorian Above:
cement/sand compound to dry out before terraced house with a downstairs floor Nu-Heat’s
the floor covering is laid. Self-levelling liquid area of 60m2, our slimline, bespoke self-levelling
screeds can take as little as 72 hours, while LoPro 10 system would cost within screed
thicker mixtures or traditional screeds can the region of £75 per m2.” compound
take months. It’s vital that the UFH isn’t is poured
turned on to accelerate the drying process, 9 When installed correctly and used over the
as this is likely to cause cracks. efficiently, water-based UFH top of the
can provide a cost-effective means of underfloor
5 Provided it’s correctly specified, UFH heating the home. Because this kind heating
works with a range of coverings, of setup has a slower response time than tubes, adding
including timber, vinyl and carpet. Harder a conventional radiator system, it will need no more than
surfaces such as ceramic tiles and slate to be switched on for longer to achieve 22mm to the
offer better conductivity, and therefore a the same heat output. However, as a total height
greater heat output. If your heart is set on lower flow temperature is required, less of the floor
wooden flooring, an engineered product energy is used to warm the space to the structure
will be most suitable because the boards required level and you should therefore
are less prone to thermal expansion and make some savings on your energy bills.
contraction than solid planks.
6 Whatever finish you go for, the floor
should be well-insulated beneath the
UFH to prevent warmth from being lost
downwards, instead of travelling upwards
into the room it’s supposed to be heating.
7In addition to working well with most 10If you’re installing underfloor
conventional gas and oil boilers, water- heating as part of a major
based UFH arrangements are also great renovation project, bear in mind that laying
partners for renewable heat generators. the pipework and layer of screed atop an
For example, air and ground source existing floor will build up the height of
heat pumps function most efficiently when the surface. Standard screeds are at least
supplying water at a low flow temperature 65mm deep, at which point you’re looking
of around 35°C, making them an excellent at altering doors, thresholds and stairs.
fit for emitters with larger surface areas –
like underfloor heating. To overcome this headache, suppliers
have significantly advanced their low-
8The cost of water-based UFH depends profile offerings and a range of innovative
on a variety of factors. For example, overlay systems are now available, and are
the scale of the project, the floor structure designed to be laid directly on top of the
and the number of zones it’s being fitted subfloor. For example, Nu-Heat’s LoPro
in will all influence the overall outlay. “In Max adds just 22m to floor heights.
a typical self-build with a 100m2 floor
area, a tailor-made Nu-Heat screeded
system would be approximately £30 per
m2 for the UFH components,” says Rachel
For contact details, see p54
00
SCTUADSYE Underfloor heating and fits neatly into the build schedule.
installed in unique Once the UFH pipes are covered with
Owners subterranean home the screed, a highly conductive surface
James & is formed that warms the rooms evenly.
Corina Barrett When James and Corina Barrett It’s also efficient and matches the Barretts’
set out to build their new family needs perfectly.” The setup works well with
Location home, they knew they wanted a wide range of floor coverings, too.
Oxfordshire to incorporate a water-based underfloor
heating (UFH) system. The topography “To create a bespoke design, we look
Project of the couple’s plot meant the new house at the fabric of the property – factors such
Self-build needed to blend into its surroundings as insulation and glazing, plus the floor
as much as possible. The solution was coverings. These can all have an impact
House size to create a contemporary, single-storey on the output required,” says Adrian. The
212m2 dwelling built into the hillside, to be clad in glass frontage of this house could result
sweet chestnut and local Cotswold stone. in greater heat losses, so a well thought-
Product out and detailed design ensured the UFH
Water-based would keep it warm through winter.
underfloor
heating
Supplier
Nu-Heat
James, who runs his own property The installation stage
development company, Ashbrook Homes, Thanks to the couple’s experience in the
had a modern, energy-efficient abode with house building sector, they were able to
low running costs in mind. Warm water install the UFH themselves. “It integrates
UFH was central to this plan, providing perfectly with our new build property, with
the house with an effective heating a minimum loss of head height – which is
system that is affordable to run. “This important when you’re living underground.”
type of emitter is the perfect fit,” he
says. “We didn’t need to worry about the For the Barretts, an added bonus is
location of radiators – which would have how easily the Nu-Heat setup links to
been difficult to accommodate as much their home automation system. “This
of the front of the house is glazed.” means that we don’t need to worry about
schedules or performance, as they simply
Bespoke setup take care of themselves,” says James.
The couple enlisted Nu-Heat to design
a tailored solution for their property. After Nu-Heat is a leading supplier of warm water
discussing their plans with the firm, a underfloor heating systems. Each design is
screeded system was specified. “This is bespoke and the company works alongside
a great choice for anyone building their you to provide an energy efficient, cost
own home,” says Adrian Pyle, a Nu-Heat effective system that matches your exact
designer. “It’s quick and simple to install requirements. For further information call
01404 540650 or visit www.nu-heat.co.uk
www.self-build.co.uk
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42
Electric The options
underfloor heating There’s an array of choices in terms
of how the cables are laid, and a lot
Could this easy-to-install setup provide will depend on your property’s floor
the right solution for your project? construction. The wiring can be embedded
into the screed, although for ease of
Above: In Like wet underfloor heating (UFH), installation it’s typically laid on top. If you
this setup, electrically-powered (dry) setups turn have suspended timber floors, insulation
supplied your floor into a radiant heat emitter. can be fitted between the joists and the
by Myson, This type comprises a network of looped heating system laid on top. Alternatively,
a carefully cables, laid directly onto the subfloor just if you are working with a uniform floor
looped beneath the floor covering. Electricity is space, an electric mat can be rolled out
network passed through the wires for an even over the subfloor. Whatever arrangement
of cables is dispersal of warmth across the zone. you go for, it’s important to install a
laid out to thermally protective layer beneath the
create an “The chief plus of this system is that it heating components to ensure the warmth
even spread doesn’t require new pipework, and can you create travels upwards into the room,
of heat across therefore be retrofitted quite easily,” says rather than being lost via the subfloor.
the room Kelly Smith from Myson. Swift response
times are another bonus. The slim profile Installation
of electric UFH also means there’s little Electric UFH is relatively straightforward
height build-up, so installation causes to fit for competent DIYers, although
less disruption throughout the rest of the the work will still need to be signed off
property. As a result, dry setups tend to be by a Part P-qualified electrician to adhere
popular in renovations and extensions. to Building Regulations. However, for
a tailored arrangement you may prefer
Closer look: Costs to work with a heating engineer, who
Dry UFH tends to be cheaper to install than its water-based will be able to calculate the total output
cousin. The outlay for a loose cable system is around £16 of warmth that is required for the space
per m2, while mat-based arrangements cost roughly £20 and can design your setup accordingly.
per m2. However, it’s important to bear in mind that as this It is also worth getting your chosen
type of UFH is powered directly by mains electricity, it will professional to test that the system works
be more expensive to run. For this reason, it’s often specified correctly before the floor covering is laid.
in small one-off zones where short bursts of heat are
required, such as bathrooms and conservatories. Floor surfaces
Ceramic tiles and stone surfaces are the
best partners for dry UFH because of
their excellent thermal conductivity. Wood
can also work well, although engineered
products are the most structurally sound,
as they’re less prone to thermal expansion
and contraction than solid planks. Carpet
can also be paired with UFH, providing
that the tog value (with underlay included)
doesn’t exceed 2.5 and the system is
specified to suit (you’ll need a higher
output than with tiles or wood).
www.self-build.co.uk
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Inspirational ideas 30 readers’ homes readers’ homes 31
to add space and value
Fast track THE MARWOOD FILE
to your home
Chris and Sheila Marwood’s new NAMES Chris & Sheila Marwood
N prefabricated German kit home took OCCUPATIONS Retired
just twelve weeks to build, despite LOCATION Cornwall
Includes 2 Free tickets their sloping Cornish site TYPE OF BUILD Self build
to Build It Live STYLE Contemporary
worth £24 WORDS DEBBIE JEFFERY PHOTOS JAMES FRENCH CONSTRUCTION METHOD
Timber frame with insulating concrete
Visit: Build It February 2017 formwork (ICF) lower ground floor
PLOT SIZE 1.4 acres
self-build.co.uk/offer LAND COST £480,000 (bungalow
or call 01442 820580 on site later sold for £280,000)
BOUGHT 2009
quoting ‘SPLMT’ HOUSE SIZE 340m2
PROJECT COST £550,000
PROJECT COST PER M2 £1,618
TOTAL COST £750,000
VAT RECLAIM £3,500
BUILDING WORK COMMENCED
August 2012
BUILDING WORK TOOK
12 weeks (for shell & main fit-out)
CURRENT VALUE
£900,000
W hen retired couple
Chris and Sheila
Marwood began their
search for a house with
plenty of sun and views in Cornwall, they
struggled to find something that fitted the
bill. “Eventually we decided to look for a plot
of land instead,” says Sheila. Although they
had never built a house from scratch before,
they weren’t complete newcomers to the
process. “We’ve altered every property we’ve
ever owned and always lived in them while
the work was completed,” she adds.
e couple registered online to receive
plot alerts and spotted a 1960s bungalow
on 1.4 acres of land in Lostwithiel – a
familiar location, as they had holidayed
there before. is ancient stannary town
is located in a beautiful wooded valley
right in the centre of the county, positioned
between the coast and the moors. “We took
our retired architect friend, Peter, along to
view the bungalow with us,” Chris explains.
“ e property sat in one corner of a field,
overlooking the small town and down
towards the river Fowey. As soon as we
witnessed the south-facing views from the
site, we knew we’d found something special.”
New project
Chris and Sheila briefly considered the idea
of upgrading the bungalow, but their friend
intervened. He explained that the outdated
www.self-build.co.uk
62 renovation & building renovation & building 63
Asbeeglinfnebr’suguiidledto CASE STUDY: Cheshire package build on a brownfield plot
Every year, more people embark on a project
to create their perfect home from scratch.
If you want to become one of them, Mike
Hardwick’s advice will answer all your
questions about what to expect
So, you’ve watched Grand Designs on TV; seen In search of a better life in a more rural setting, Sam and Stuart
the beautiful properties created by others in Honour went down a fairly traditional route with their Cheshire
Build It magazine; compared them with the self build. Browsing a plot-finding website, they spotted an ideal
uninspiring schemes on offer from the mass- opportunity, a brownfield site that had once had an old scout hut
market house builders; and thought to yourself, “I wonder on it, which was being sold with planning permission for a one-
if I could build my own dream home?” Well, around 13,000 and-a-half-storey dwelling. They snapped it up and, keen to
projects every year are successfully completed and the build something that would blend in with the countryside setting,
number is rising, so the answer would be a resounding approached Welsh Oak Frame to design their home.
“yes” from anyone already living in a bespoke house.
The proposed traditional green oak house went through
The big question is where to start. In this month’s article, planning without any issues, and the build took 10 months from
I’m looking at the basics of self and custom build, with a start to finish. As well as designing, making and erecting the
beginner’s guide that will tell you whether they are right for structural shell, Welsh Oak Frame supplied and fitted the internal
you – and if they are, how to set off in the right direction. joinery, windows and external doors. The total build cost was
£165,000 (of which the main frame accounted for £55,000).
Why should I do it?
Above right: Self The reasons for self building are many, but chief among raised via a mortgage. The total is key, because it dictates
build homes, like them is a desire to create a house that is tailored to your everything that follows, and setting off with grand ideas
this example from lifestyle. The big developers work to a price, throwing up and an inadequate budget is playing with fire.
Baufritz, tend to be homes that are often small, characterless and of marginal
of a far higher spec quality. Self building, meanwhile, offers the chance to get A simple design, using very basic materials and located
than something a exactly what you want. It is possible to create a dwelling on a straightforward plot, can cost as little as £1,000 per
volume developer that costs less to construct than the retail value of mass- m2 using a general builder. But if I were planning a new
would create – as market properties. But rather than looking at this route as build around where I live in Wiltshire, I’d be starting with a
well as being tailor- a way to get a cheap home, it’s better to think of it as an figure of at least £1,300m2 and probably expect to pay
made to your opportunity to achieve a much better house for less than more like £1,500 per m2 to get the good standard of
lifestyle. Right: what you’d pay for a similar one on the open market. build I would require using a main contractor.
Design & Materials
provided the plans What does it cost? What if I’m on a limited budget?
for this bespoke This is the question I get asked the most, and I reply with You won’t be alone. The figures I’ve given above reflect
Rectory-style another question: “What does it cost to buy a new car?” the risk that a general builder is taking on. They will factor
new home in The answers are broadly similar: you can spend very little
Hampshire, before on a basic spec, popular mass-market version; or scale up
delivering all the to a less common model crammed with luxury gadgets –
key elements of but the latter is going to cost much more than the former.
the build for the
owners’ main The first thing to do when contemplating a self build is
contractor to to calculate how much money you can raise for the project,
assemble on site so you know whereabouts on the scale you are. This could
be through equity in your existing home, savings or capital
Build It February 2017 www.self-build.co.uk
74 renovation & building renovation & building 75
CASE STUDY: SEAMLESS UPGRADE Left: New tiles can
give a kitchen a
This kitchen is an inspiring example facelift without
of one that has been thoughtfully replacing any of the
updated for new owners, rather cabinetry. These
than ripped out and replaced. The Laura Ashley
homeowners knew that they had Artisan units cost
inherited a good-quality Harvey Jones £82.67 per m2
kitchen, and turned to designer John from Tile Giant
Gillah in their local Tunbridge Wells
showroom to make it better suit their
needs. “The base and wall cupboards
stayed, but they didn’t want to rely
solely on the Aga, so a window was
bricked up and some new tall housing
put in to accept standard ovens,” says
John. The island was extended, with
a modern circular worktop added at
the end, and a hob installed (the island
already had electrics in place). John
suggested using contrasting black
granite worktops for the main units,
because it would have been tricky to
find an exact match for the island’s
white ones. Finally, a new coat of paint
turned the units from country cream
and oak to a uniform crisp white.
Kitfcohr reennodveastiogrns
Whether you’re completely replacing tired units and worktops or
simply making a few well-chosen updates, a new kitchen should be
both beautiful and functional, says Emily Brooks
Above: Using Arenovation project is in some ways easier than “If you have a floating floor you might be able to take A high-gloss kitchen from Biography, featuring a luxurious “The working triangle is a good starting point, but it’s
a richer mix of a blank slate when it comes to kitchen design: it up and run the services underneath, but if it’s concrete Strata oyster pearl granite on the worksurface and rippled only a guideline. What’s more important is that the space
materials creates if you’ve lived for a while with an existing setup, then you’re going to have to chisel into it,” says Graeme mink granite for the splashback. Strata’s bespoke granite fits with your lifestyle,” says Graeme. Arranging the layout
more of a focal then you’ll soon find out where its faults are, Smith, senior designer at 1909, Biography and Second worktops cost from £400 per linear metre in terms of tasks is an alternative way to think about space:
point. This space from the wrong kind of storage to a fridge that’s miles Nature. “It’s not impossible, but it will cost more.” The breakfast or baking cupboards are now popular, where all
contrasts Zeluso away from the food prep area. Inefficient kitchens are not waste is probably the biggest challenge: water pipes are the ingredients and equipment are in one place, but they
Olive Light wood- just annoying: impractical layouts and poor lighting can pressurised, but waste pipes rely on gravity to work, so can be shut away – so you don’t have to look at countertop
effect cabinetry for cause accidents, too. No wonder, then, that we all want they should be as close to the outside drain as possible. clutter such as coffee machines or mixers all the time.
the island with to get it right when it comes to upgrading or replacing one.
oyster gloss units; So the first question to ask is whether the basic layout, If space allows, island units can resolve a multitude of
it’s from Crown Layout changes and the arrangement of the sink, hob, oven and fridge, are issues, including creating shorter distances between the
Imperial, whose With a renovation project, you are going to be working all working for you. “Good flow is important – positioning elements of the working triangle. “These statement pieces
kitchens start at to some restrictions, even if you’ve decided to rip out your cooking, refrigeration and sink with easy reach offer the benefit of a multifunctional storage, cooking and
around £10,000 everything in the zone. Your services – water, waste, ensures you achieve an ergonomic balance,” says Crown preparation area at the heart of the action,” says Tony. Hub
electricity and perhaps gas – will be placed at existing Imperial’s Tony McCarthy. The so-called ‘working triangle’ Kitchens’ co-founder Daniele Brutto adds: “An island with
fixed points in the kitchen, and while switching things is the cornerstone of kitchen design, ensuring everything’s a hob and a dedicated breakfast bar area is really popular
around is feasible, it’s not always easy to achieve. within easy reach, but it’s not always possible to achieve, – but consider offsetting the two functions to ensure they
especially with trickier layouts such as narrow galleys. don’t clash when in use. It’s important to have clearly
defined areas for food prep, cooking and social activities.”
Build It February 2017
www.self-build.co.uk
*Direct debit offer only. Terms and conditions apply – see website for details.
44
STOVES numbers represent the proportion of
warmth filtering into the room – a higher
the essentials figure equals better efficiency. Look out for
units with additional technologies designed
Emily Smith presents everything you to boost performance. Convection stoves
need to know when it comes to fuel, spread warmth throughout the whole
style, efficiency and price space instead of just its direct vicinity.
Airwash technology helps to keep the
glass clean, enabling a clear view of the
flames. Cleanburn systems purify the air
released into the flue – perfect for low
emission zones in built up environments.
“The best modern stoves can reduce
emissions by 80% compared to older
models and open fires, but your unit is only
as good as the fuel you burn,” says Bruce
Allen, Chairman of Woodsure. “Burning
wet wood demands masses of heat to boil
off the water before the appliance can
give out the proper level of warmth. It also
creates a lot of smoke which damages the
chimney, blackens the unit and contributes
to air pollution.” Look for low-moisture
products with the Ready to Burn logo.
Above: An attractive focal feature and What’s right for you?
ACR Heat efficient heat source that offers Each stove is designed to work with a
Product’s a cosy ambience, a stove is a specific type of fuel, and the right option
Neo model desirable home addition for many self- for you will depend on what’s available
is a wall- builders and renovators. A huge boon locally and what kind of performance
hanging for this heating option is the range of you’re hoping to achieve. Regardless of
multifuel products available – there’s something the power source, it’s important to have a
stove with a to meet every style, fuel, budget or stove fitted by a suitably qualified engineer
5kW output, heat output requirement. – but be aware that installation fees vary
which costs depending on your requirements.
£850 Measuring efficiency Woodburners: Timber is a sustainable
This aspect of a stove’s performance is fuel, especially if sourced locally, and
calculated in percentages, where the makes for fantastic flames. The logs
themselves are often used as a decorative
Dual purpose stoves mean longer installation times and higher costs, but
you’ll be investing in your own self-sourced fuel.
Some products are specially designed to warm the Range stoves are both cooker and heat emitter
home while also fuelling another domestic need. in one attractive unit. You’ll benefit from views and
Boiler stoves provide hot water via a back boiler, warmth of the flickering fire and can utilise the fuel
which feeds into the cylinder and/or radiators. to prepare dinner in the adjacent oven and hotplates.
Connecting with the central heating system could
www.self-build.co.uk
45
detail, stacked in an alcove or stored within FAQ Woodburning stoves
a part of the stove itself – the only rule is
that they must be kept dry. Efficiency is Martyn Bridges, director of technical
generally at least 70% and prices start communication at Worcester, Bosch Group
from around £750 for a 5kW model, but answers your questions about this type of stove
can go up significantly depending on style, Q What are the main benefits of these units?
material and any add-ons, such as stands. Woodburning stoves are an effective and visually-appealing
Multi-fuel: These models offer the way to heat any space. Even after the fire has gone out they
flexibility to burn wood, smokeless fuel retain heat and continue to provide warmth for some time.
and coal, meaning you can change your These appliances are also a great way to bring interest into a
power source according to what’s available room, from eye-catching features in dining and entertaining
at the best price. While you’re looking at a zones through to a warming fireplace in a cosy snug.
similar level of efficiency as a woodburner, Q How does a woodburning stove perform
the additional components needed to in comparison to other fuel options?
burn solid fuels on a grate means you’ll The price of installing a log-fuelled appliance will depend
probably pay a bit more in comparison. on where and how it’s fitted, as it requires a flue to safely
Gas: Fuel is fed into the stove through remove smoke, hot gases and other by-products created
piping to ignite a flame, meaning you don’t when logs burn. However, once fitted, they are very efficient.
need to manually fill the unit. Prices start For instance, Worcester Bosch’s stoves are between 74%
from around £900; gas is generally the and 86% efficient. These units are also environmentally
cheapest fuel per kW of heat produced friendly as they have low CO2 emissions.
and these stoves are low maintenance. Q What are the heat output options and how
Expect an efficiency of 75% - 80%. can I calculate what my home needs?
Electric: These units can look surprisingly Your installer will be able to advise on the best stove and
authentic and come with the added bonus correct output by measuring how much warmth is required
of not needing to pay out for a flue or for the room size and factoring in your property’s insulation
professional installation – you simply plug levels. Outputs from 4kW up to 8kW are available, making
the appliance into the electricity socket. woodburners suitable for various sized rooms, from a typical
These stoves generally offer a lower heat 20m² lounge through to open-plan living spaces.
output, but impressive efficiency rates of Q What style options are there for woodburners?
about 99%. Prices start at around £700. There are a variety of different-looking stoves available on
the market, so there’s something for everyone. For period
homes with original features such as large chimney places,
traditional woodburners with legs can add to the original
character. If you have a modern house or a large open-plan
living zone, a contemporary design might be better suited.
Style options The Greenstyle Stoves range of woodburners from Worcester,
Models don’t just vary between traditional Bosch Group includes both a traditional and contemporary design
neat black boxes on four legs and sleek
contemporary units. Colour, material, size, wall-mounted or inset unit will free up space
shape and where the appliance is placed below the stove, but bear in mind you’ll still
are all considerations, as are the potential need a hearth and careful consideration is
additions, from flues and hearths through needed for the surrounding wall covering.
to log stores and stands.
Dual-aspect designs with glass in the
sides as well as the front will allow you
to see the warm fire glow from different
points in the room. Some units even rotate
on an axis, meaning you can swivel the
stove to face wherever you are in the
room – great for open-plan layouts. A
For contact details, see p54
CASE Energy efficient stove chose to insulate the roof sections himself,
STUDY which he says was a fiddly and time-
After living in a traditional cottage consuming job. Storing the material for
Owners for 12 years, Dennis and Maureen this was tricky, too, as it had to be kept
Dennis & Stephens felt that it was time dry and took up a lot of space. With the
Maureen for a change. They wanted to self-build shell of their house complete, it was up
Stephens a contemporary home with low running to the couple to finish the build.
costs in the village where they currently
Location lived; however, this was in a conservation When it came to deciding on a suitable
Hampshire area with nearly 50 listed buildings nearby. heating system, Dennis and Maureen
After 18 months of discussions with the chose to install a modern pillar-mounted
Project owner of a suitable patch of farmland and Contura woodburning stove in the lounge.
Self-build the local planning authority, they finally They also fitted water-based underfloor
secured permission and bought the plot. heating downstairs and radiators upstairs,
House size running off a Mitsubishi Ecodan air source
184m2 They decided to employ package home heat pump (ASHP), which also supplies
supplier, Potton, to deliver the project up the hot water. “We get a quarterly rebate
Heating to weathertight shell stage. Keen to be for the ASHP via the Renewable Heat
system hands on, recently retired Dennis was able Incentive (RHI), which reduces our running
Woodburner, to project manage full time. “I needed to costs,” says Dennis. “The whole setup was
air source be there every day – there’s no way I could expensive to install but we like the fact
heat pump have worked at the same time,” he says. that we’re using green energy and the
underfloor annual bills are very low.”
heating & Construction went smoothly. The
radiators foundations and the beam and block Dennis and Maureen are particularly
ground floor structure were fitted, ready delighted with their woodburner, as it’s
Suppliers for the timber frame to be erected. The easy to light and incredibly effective. “The
Contura & structural shell was made, delivered and house is so well insulated that we rarely
Mitsubishi raised by Potton – with the wall panels use the underfloor heating, even in winter,”
Electric arriving on site pre-insulated. Dennis says Maureen. “The stove has proven
more than adequate as a heat source. An
added bonus is that the wood comes from
the trees that had to be removed from the
site at the beginning of the project.”
After a remarkably efficient build,
the couple have achieved the stylish,
low-maintenance home they set out to
create. “I would never live in a period
house again,” says Maureen. “This is much
more comfortable, cheaper to run, has no
draughts and needs almost no upkeep.”
Contura designs and manufactures a range
of woodburning stoves, from freestanding
tiled and cast iron units through to masonry
fireplace inserts. The Swedish firm is a
leading supplier in Scandinavia and
throughout Europe. www.contura.eu
www.self-build.co.uk
HIGH QUALITY I ELEGANT I AFFORDABLE
One of the leading UK suppliers of Fireplaces, Fires and Stoves.
Locate your nearest stockist at www.capitalfireplaces.co.uk
48
Fireplaces basics Have a professional check the chimney
is in good working order and suitably lined.
Here’s what you need to know to enjoy A new flue may be required in order to
a stylish centrepiece in your living space safely remove the gases resulting from the
combustion process. The chimney will also
need to be swept before use – a job that
should be undertaken at least twice a year.
Open fires must sit on a hearth to
protect any nearby combustible materials.
This must extend at least 300mm in front
of the fire and 150mm to each side. It
should be of a material such as granite,
stone or precast concrete and typically
at least 250mm thick (or 125mm with a
50mm air gap beneath it). The fire will
also need sufficient air to burn safely and
efficiently, so new vents may be required.
Above: This The days when fires provided the Solutions for homes
English primary heat source for our dwellings without chimneys
Fireplaces are long gone, but many of us still Open fires lose around 70% of the heat
Bolection covet this kind of focal point. So how can they generate up the chimney. Plus, as
marble you achieve the look in your home? you’re punching a big hole in the building
surround (from fabric, warmth will escape, reducing overall
£1,525) is a Open fires energy efficiency. As a result, many self-
Queen Anne If you’re taking on a renovation project, you builders opt for sealed woodburning stoves
design, may be lucky enough to have a chimney (see page 44) to suit their highly airtight
pictured with and fireplace already. Sprucing this up (or homes. If you prefer the look of a fire, there
a Universal restoring a lost example) could add value are several options (many of which can be
basket, slate and visual appeal to your property. fitted into chimneys, too) including:
hearth and Gas If you’re on mains gas, this could be
slips, manually Wood and solid fuel open fires have an a straightforward option. Glass-fronted
operated gas irresistible charm. They can be as simple models can be fitted with a balanced flue,
fire and as a fire basket tucked into an impressive which vents outside via a twin-wall flue
fireboard inglenook for a cottage or manor-house that can run through an external wall or the
chamber look; with the hole-in-the-wall a popular roof. Alternatively, powered flues allow you
lining, all contemporary update. For homes of the to place the unit in more unusual locations.
available Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, Electric Can be fitted in almost any zone
from The you might opt for an all-in-one design that where there’s a power outlet, so they offer
Old Cinema includes the basket, fireback and mantel. great flexibility – although they cost more
to run than gas versions. If you only want
Did you know? a view of the flames, without the warmth,
If you’re having a fire fitted, it’s vital to ensure the work is safe. opt for a version without a heater. Some
The best way to do this is to use an engineer who can self- models offer colour change effects.
certify the work, such as a HETAS or OFTEC installer for solid Bioethanol These appliances don’t need a
fuels or a Gas Safe registered fitter for gas appliances. flue, so can be placed pretty much anywhere
– though they do require ventilation.
www.self-build.co.uk
00
New wood-burning half before we put the replacement fire in SCTAUSDEY
fire infuses home – and we’re so glad we did, it” says Lizzie.
with cosy appeal Owners
The couple visited a local retailer who Lizzie Burgess
helped advise on models to suit their home. & Pete Sinclair
He recommended Stovax’s Studio 1 Glass
5kW fire as it suited the contemporary Location
aesthetic the pair were keen to create. It Hampshire
also provided an appropriate heat output
for the size of the room. “The unit is an Project
inset woodburner with a door, which means Renovation
less mess for us to clean up. The integrated
finish also fits in beautifully with our decor House size
scheme,” says Lizzie. “We visited lots of 185m2
other showrooms, but in the end decided
the appearance and high efficiency of the Product
Studio 1 ticked all the boxes.” Stovax Studio
1 woodburning
fire
Supplier
Stovax
On the lookout for a property ripe Superb outcome
with renovation potential, Lizzie Lizzie and Pete are delighted with their
Burgess and Pete Sinclair were new fire, which features a log store
drawn to this house in a semi-rural town in beneath the unit. Including installation, the
Hampshire. “Our main goal was to create cost of the setup came to £4,873. In terms
a warm and inviting home that we could of running costs, the couple are spending
be proud of, and enjoy with friends and approximately £250 per year on logs to
family,” says Lizzie. The previous owners fuel the appliance. “We’ve found that it
had constructed the dwelling some 40 heats the majority of the house, so our gas
years beforehand, leaving plenty of scope bills are lower, too,” says Lizzie. “Ultimately,
for the couple’s refurbishment scheme. the system we’ve chosen supports
our lifestyle and saves us money, not to
All change mention making our home cosy and warm.”
The pair’s initial goal was to establish a
cosy, uncluttered living space, plus they The Stovax Heating Group is one of the UK’s leading stove
wanted to upgrade the bedroom and and fireplace manufacturers, offering a huge range of solid
bathroom facilities, too. “In the end we fuel, gas and electric products and exporting to over 50
decided to strip each room back and start countries worldwide. For more information call 01392
again,” says Lizzie. “Originally there were 474000 or visit stovax.com
two staircases, and we’ve taken one out.
We’ve also put new ceilings in the dining
and living rooms as part of the project.”
At the outset of the works, Lizzie and
Pete had intended to retain the existing
fireplace for a couple of years. But the pair
soon realised that the plaster was cracking
every time they lit it, so they decided to
start their search for a new inset design
early. “We had the house for a year and a
For contact details, see p54
50 5
of the best
10fires & stoves
Be inspired by our hand-picked selection
of attractive heating appliances
1
4
2
3 6
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