HVAC Contractors in 87123

The British government is keen to enhance its green credentials and has recently set stretching targets for CO2 emissions reduction. Within this plan the government has introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes which, among other issues, has important implications on the plumbing and heating industry in the UK, both for new build projects and re-developments of existing housing stock.

According to the Code for Sustainable Homes, a new property will be scored against a carbon emissions target. The property has to show that once built the real emissions from it would be equal to or below this target. This is the currently enforced procedure, based on Part L1A of the building regulations.

Launched in 2005, Part L1A set a target of 20% reduction in carbon emissions for new housing developments. The new Code for Sustainable Homes further builds on that to set a six-level basis of evaluation. Level one demands at least 10% carbon emissions reduction, with level six demanding 'Zero Carbon' buildings. By 2016, the government has set a target of 100% reduction in carbon emissions which is equal to level five.

The scoring for the dwellings is done according to a points system, in which every component of the home is scored based on its energy efficiency and carbon emissions. A score of 57 points is required for level three, while level six requires a score of 90 points.

Currently available water heating systems are already capable of scoring well on the points system. However, experts say that in order to reach the top levels, there would be a need for further efforts to improve the efficiency of the systems.

One way of meeting the demand is by using renewable energy sources. For example, a level four in the Code requires a high ratio of such sustainable energy systems. Solar thermal systems are highly effective and emit virtually no carbon. Winter heating (when the days are short), will be supplemented by a gas boiler or a hot water tank with an immersion heater.

Although currently the code mainly talks about new build projects, experts urge the government to apply the code in retrofits as well. Replacing an old boiler with a new high efficiency boiler will reduce the carbon emissions but also will help the home owners reduce their heating bills. An A rated boiler, such as a modern condensing boiler will reduce the emissions and cut the heating bills by around 30%. Similarly, a well insulated hot water cylinder will cut the heat loss and reduce heating bills further, compared with an old inefficient cylinder.

It is likely that the Code for Sustainable Homes will influence the building regulations that are planned to be launched in 2010. As such, it is crucial that the Code is carefully worked out and that the UK heating industry is fully prepared for it well in advance to ensure a successful roll out.

In general, the UK industry is well positioned to benefit from technological developments and the introduction of renewable energy systems. Local manufacturers and engineers are at the cutting edge of technology and will ensure successful uptake and introduction of such technologies to the public.

HVAC Contractors in 87123

HVAC Contractors in 87123

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, publishes articles about new boilers, Epsom plumbers, central heating, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating

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