Beginners Guide: Ground Source Heat Pumps, an untapped domestic resource

Ground source heat pumps use pipes which are buried in the garden to extract natural heat from  underground by pumping water through it. The heat pump then increases in temperature, and heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.

"How do these fandangled contraptions work?!"

Don't worry technophobes its quite simple! A ground source heat pump needs electricity to run, but the idea is that it uses less electrical energy than the heat it produce. It circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe – called a ground loop – which is buried in your garden. The water and anti-freeze is pumped around the ground loop and absorbs the naturally occurring heat stored in the ground. The pump itself consists of 3 essential components; the evaporator, a compressor and a condenser - together these take the heat from the water mixture, transfers it to your domestic heating system i.e. your radiators and increases the temperature in the process. A ground source heat pump increases the temperature from the ground by between one and a half and four times – if the ground temperature is 12°C, the output would be between 18 and 48°C so you can say good-bye to those chilly winter mornings! And the best thing is the ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, so the heat pump can be used throughout the year – even in the middle of those harsh winters.

Will they ruin your garden?

No, not intentionally, unless the machines rise and have a thing against your flower garden! Joking aside; The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need. You'll need sufficient space for installation of the system, generally with a garden that's accessible for digging machinery. Longer loops can draw more heat from the ground, but need more space to be buried in. If space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled instead.

Other Things to Consider when installing Ground Source Heat Pumps

• Is your home well insulated? Since ground source heat pumps work best when producing heat at a lower temperature than traditional boilers, it's essential that your home is well insulated and draught-proofed for the heating system to be effective.
• What type of heating system will you use? Ground source heat pumps can perform better with underfloor heating systems or warm air heating than with radiator-based systems because of the lower water temperatures required.
• Is the system intended for a new development? Combining the installation with other building work can reduce the cost of installing the system
• Your existing fuel system. Savings will be greater if you replace an old or expensive heating system (like oil, LPG or electric heating) than if you are connected to the mains gas grid.
• Water heating. You may need a separate electric immersion heater.

Lets get down to the important stuff, MONEY

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) differ in size and complexity, so pinpointing a typical cost is tricky. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates it can range between £11,000 and £15,000 to install one in your home. 

The payback period (the time it takes for the initial cost of the system to be recouped in energy savings) is also difficult to predict, as it depends on how efficiently your system works, the type of system you're replacing, whether you can get financial support with the Renewable Heat Incentive and how you'll be using the heat generated from the pump. Things to consider are:

• A new build property will be generally more suited to a GSHP for retrofitting and RHI etc. 
• How well insulated your home is.
•  What you will be using the GSHP for as it is more suited for lower heat temperatures like radiators and underfloor heating
• Running costs can be higher if you're also using the system for your hot water supply, and you may require a supplementary electric immersion heater to keep up with your heating needs.

The EST estimates that an average performing ground source heat pump could save you:

• between £650 and £1,035 a year to replace oil-fired heating

• between £1,265 and £2,000 a year to replace electric heating 

Financial help is also available. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government scheme and the EST estimated it could provide an additional £2,325 to £3,690 a year which is big money.

What RHI can do for you

Pros of ground source heat pumps

• Ground source heat pumps generate less CO2 than conventional heating systems which means they are eco friendly, no protesters outside your door!
• The Energy Saving Trust (EST) says that a 'typical' ground source heat pump could save you between £395 and £2,000 a year depending which existing heating system you are replacing, either way it is a considerable amount of money worth taking back from those dastardly evil energy companies 
• You can get financial help towards the cost of a ground source heat pump. The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme provides payments to householders who have a heat pump, estimated to be between £2,325 and £3,690 a year for an average four-bedroom detached home.
• You need to use electricity to power the pump which circulates the liquid in the ground loop, but for every unit of electricity used by the pump, you get between two and four units of heat – making this an efficient way to heat a building.
• Cheaper Economy 7 electricity tariffs can be used to lower the cost of electricity to power the heat pump, and special heat pump tariffs may be available from some electricity suppliers – alternatively consider solar photovoltaic panels or a wind turbine (if you live in a suitable area) for a greener source of electricity.
  

Cons of ground source heat pumps

• Installing a ground source heat pump is expensive – typically £11,000-£15,000, depending on the size of the system (not including the cost of fitting under-floor heating, if required) BUT, don't forget that you can make your money back, all that money is an investment
• Ground source heat pumps are generally not suitable for properties with existing gas-fired central heating as the technology works at lower temperatures, making it better suited to homes with underfloor heating.
• The groundworks required to dig the trench can be expensive and disruptive – planning permission may be required if space is at a premium and you need a borehole. Ground source heat pumps tend to be better suited to new-build homes as they can be planned as part of the construction process.
• You still need to use electricity to drive the pump, so a ground source heat pump can’t be considered completely zero-carbon unless this is provided by a renewable source, such as solar power or a wind turbine.

Will you be doing your bit in saving the environment?

A Ground Source Heat Pump can help in lowering your CO2 emissions, reducing your carbon footprint by a considerable amount, helping you go down a few shoe sizes! According to the EST, a heat pump with mid-range efficiency uses a third of the energy needed in an average gas or oil boiler to produce the same amount of heat. Added up over a number of years this a significant amount so yes, you will be saving the environment you nice lovely people.

Its in our hands

Are you considering Ground Source Heat Pumps? Visit our website here to get a FREE reliable quote. Its quick and easy and based on our database we can give you the top 3 companies in your area that can do it for you http://www.heatpumpquoter.co.uk

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Beginners Guide: Garage Conversions

The current financial climate is proving to be very problematic for many families. You may want to move into a new home to gain the extra space that you need, but a stagnant property market can make this an impossible scenario. Instead, many people are choosing to make improvements to their current homes – extending into their lofts, cellars and garages to obtain additional space.

The Garage - An un-used space

Often, when people are undertaking extensions to their properties, garages are not taken into consideration – but as per any other space, garages can be renovated to provide an additional living area. If you have a growing family, or you simply need extra room, a garage conversion can be a very cost-effective and practical exercise – providing you with a tailored solution to meet your exact needs and requirements.

Let's face it – what do you actually use your garage for at the moment? It's a fact that in recent years, cars are generally getting much bigger and houses a lot smaller. Years ago, the family car had to protected from the harsh elements, however, as technology has advanced, cars are routinely galvanised, negating the need for garage parking. Car ports are also becoming very popular – allowing for easier parking outside of the door and protection from the weather.

As a result, garages tend to turn into unused spaces or they get filled up with junk or un-used gardening equipment. The majority of households will have fitness equipment, toys or memorabilia stored in their garages – quite often, it will take some effort to dispose of these items, so they tend to sit in garages for years or even decades. In the meantime, we are struggling to find the space that we need in our homes. To this I say, Bah! BAH I say! Make use of this space. Even with the things the garage is currently storing! Turn that memorabilia into a room dedicated to your prized possessions. The Fitness equipment into a personal gym. In the long run it'll save you money instead of paying £60 for gym membership you can't be bothered to go to  every week! The room can be anything you want it to be, a games room, a mini-bar, a Batcave! (I'm talking to you Bruce Wayne) My point is it can be ANYTHING (within reason) your garage is what you make of it. 

 If you have millions of pounds, I recommend you get a Batcave!

Why convert your garage?

Garage conversions can be a very cost-effective way to provide the additional space that you require. By converting your garage, you could actually add extra value to your home – the value of your conversion will rise in tandem with the price of your home. Obviously, in very uncertain financial times, it's vital to add value to your home wherever possible. Also, if your garage is attached to your house, you can expect to 'brighten up' your home, using glazed doors for access and letting more light into the adjoining room.

Clearly, garage conversions can provide us with a number of key benefits – so why aren't more people getting them done? Perhaps cost is one factor – any job, be it a do it yourself project or a 'call in the professionals' task, is going to incur costs. However, it could be that your garage is more suited to conversion than you think – clearly, the kind of garage that you own will dictate the conversion costs, but many key aspects may already be in place.

Getting past the red tape

Rules and regulations can also be a worry – you may be thinking about converting your garage but really have no idea about planning permissions, building regulations and other key requirements. Contacting an architect and builders can also be a daunting process, you may have concerns about choosing the best people for the job, or if you intend to take the conversion on yourself, lack the inspiration or ideas to get the project off the ground.

All in all, the process of converting a garage can seem like an impossible task – but it doesn't have to be that way. With the correct help and guidance, you can easily start a garage conversion project and can look forward to obtaining the extra space that you need. With expert advice, hints and tips, you can get your garage conversion designed and completed quickly, efficiently and with minimal disruption to your family's day-to-day schedules.

The questions that you need to ask

If you are considering a garage conversion, there are a number of important questions that you will need to ask. Try to think of it as a fact-finding mission, by establishing a few key points now, you could avoid a lot of hassle further down the line. Many expensive mistakes are a direct result of miss-information or not asking the right questions at the start of a project.

Here are examples of the kind of questions that you will need to ask before you start your garage conversion project;

• What kind of garage do I have – and what can I do with it?
• How do I go about creating my garage conversion plans?
• How can I create a budget for my garage conversion?
• What are the best ways of ensuring that I add value to my home?
• Do I need planning permission – and how do I obtain it?
• Are there any building regulations that I need to adhere to?
• What flooring/roofing/insulation and wall changes are needed?
• Are there any specific electrical requirements?
• What kind of windows and doors can I use?
• How do I choose the right builder/architect for the job?

Before you commence with your garage conversion, it's vital to get answers to all of the above questions. By arming yourself with the information that you need, you will be fully prepared for any eventuality and can potentially avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes.

Getting started with your conversion

If you have performed a little research – and have decided that a garage conversion will be of benefit to you – it's time to get started with your project. It's true that planning really is the key to a successful conversion – by taking sufficient time to plan your design, identify any building requirements, establish the materials that you would like to use and cover any legal requirements, you can make the project go much smoother and with minimal hassle.

The most important decision has already been made – now it's time to iron out the smaller details and get the work started. If you are unsure about creating your own plans, or any aspects of the initial planning or building phases, you can refer to our helpful guides for further tips and advice.

If you are interested in or want a garage conversion visit our website here to get a FREE reliable quote. Its quick and easy and based on our database we can give you the top 3 companies in your area to give you their personal quote. http://www.garageconversionquoter.co.uk

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Beginner's guide to double glazing

Beginner’s guide: Five Good Reasons to get New Windows

We all probably think we know the arguments for double glazing – but do we? Glazing and window technology has moved on, there are green issues to take into account and security issues to consider. Here are five great reasons to replace your windows with double glazing – a low cost investment with many benefits:

1 – Energy savings mean money for being green
Investing in double glazing will save you roughly a quarter of your heating bills, potentially hundreds of pounds a year. Houses with single-glazed windows lose about two thirds of the heat they generate during a day through their windows. Double glazing can significantly cut this heat loss, sometimes by as much as 50 per cent. And for those of us who are concerned about the environment, reducing domestic energy consumption is going to play a major part in cutting down the greenhouse gas emissions we produce. With the government’s new home information pack (HIPs) regulations coming into force in August, people with properties with four or more bedrooms will need to make sure they are as energy efficient as possible. Getting double glazing means you will use less energy to generate heat for your home, and play a part in reducing the total power demands of our society.

2 – First-rate security
As any cat burglar will tell you, the easiest entry points for intruders into people’s homes are the windows and doors. Old windows often utilise primitive locks, and are easy for criminals to force their way through. There have been many advances in window locking mechanisms in recent years, and modern double glazed windows come with built in multi-point locking systems as standard. This is, as well as high grade toughened glass, so an upgrade might be the best way to secure your home. It’s also possible to install simple fire-exit windows if you require.

3 – Add some style to your home
Getting new double glazing is a great opportunity to kit your home out with the latest frame designs – adding a touch of class to your property, as well as increasing its value. Most double glazing companies will offer you a good variety of styles, from diamond and square lead patterns, to coloured glass and bevel effects. Frame finishes include softwood, hardwood, timber and even aluminium, and don’t forget it’s not just square windows you can get – specialties such as French windows and patio doors look great too. Fitting in stylish new windows is a great way to complement other home improvement work you’re doing.

4 – Reduced noise pollution
If you live near a busy road or near an airport, you’ll know all about the stress of noise pollution. Double glazing can significantly reduce the sound that comes through your windows, and turn your home into a much more peaceful environment. If reducing noise pollution is your main motivation for getting new windows, your best bet is to get aluminium frames installed as they provided the most rigidity of the different options available.

5 – Low maintenance
Modern double glazing firms install and deliver ready-made windows into your home, which require minimal effort to maintain for many years. Most companies offer high quality PVCu frames that will not rot or discolour, and never need painting – unlike their old wooden counterparts.

When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! www.windowquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.