THE REALITY OF HEATING OUR HOMES IN THE FUTURE

On the heating front, things have never been more interesting in the UK heating industry. Renewables are becoming more important by the day. The decision to ban the use of fossil-fuel heating systems in new-build homes from 2025 was the first serious change that made us all sit up and take notice. The possibility of fossil-fuelled heating being banned even in replacement heating systems from 2035 seems likely, if not earlier, says Peter Spurway, National Sales Manager, Heating Projects at LG Electronics. LG

It seems hugely sensible that in the circumstances we move towards a proven technology that uses renewable energy and which is already being installed extensively in mainland Europe, Scandinavia and in Canada. Heat pumps use latent heat from the air or the ground or from water – available in huge quantities and won’t run out.

B ut at least we have workable and practical products to install. Air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) systems –monoblocs or splits – present a variety of proven energysaving options for a home’s heating and hot water system.

The terms ‘split’ and ‘monobloc’ refer to how the system is required to be set up in a home. A monobloc is a bit like a combi boiler and is literally a ‘single-block’ system, where the heat pump has all of its components – apart from the hot water cylinder, which is installed inside the property –located inside a heat pump unit situated outside the home.

A split heat pump unit has both an outside unit, which incorporates the heat exchanger and refrigerant and an internal unit, which sits inside the property, usually in a utility or boiler room.

Most homes in the UK are ideal for a monobloc air-towater heat pump. A split system is an option generally for more complex installations, and it can be installed up to 30m away from the home, which gives far more installation flexibility.

T hese ASHP systems don’t produce water as hot as a traditional boiler will, as they generally only reach around 50°C at a maximum. But partner.lge.com/uk unlike the hot water produced by boilers, they don’t need anything like as much cold water added to cool down the hot water for safe bathing and showering. And, of course, many washing machines and dishwashers now operate effectively using colder water supplies. Air-source heat pumps are perfectly suited to new-build and existing homes that are well insulated. To be at their most effective, they operate well with either larger capacity – possibly K3 design – radiators or a higher number of radiators and or underfloor heating.

A COP of 3 can be relatively easily achieved by an AWHP and 4 or above is possible for very well-designed systems. It’s possible to achieve a COP of around 4.5 from an LG Therma V system. We know that when heat pumps underperform below these levels, it is often the result of poor design, installation and maintenance. Heat pump technology is tried and tested and proven. Combined with other renewable technologies, such as solar, the genuine opportunities to switch from fossil-fuelled homes to renewable-driven systems are becoming a reality.

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Smart Innovations In Focus At Futurebuild

Smart Architectural Aluminium will display a wide range of new products and systems at this year’s Futurebuild exhibition. With innovative solutions across its three core product areas, visitors will have a chance to see both completely new products and product evolutions in each of the company’s Internal, External and Outdoor Living collections.

The impressive 170m2 stand will also feature displays of many of the company’s established systems, including the proven Alitherm Heritage windows and doors, Visofold Heritage slide/fold doors, Designer Doors and Smart Wall framing systems.

I nnovative new additions to Smart’s External collection will feature prominently on the stand, including the all-new Signature Door range, a double Designer Door option, two new Visoglide patio doors, an opening vent for the Aliver rooflight and additions to the Alitherm 400 window and door system. The Signature Door range brings a completely new collection of entrance and back doors to sit alongside the company’s Designer Door range, opening up an even broader audience for these high-quality, high-security doors. The Visoglide slide/fold door additions include a new bonded system, which will provide enhanced security and extremely slim profiles, as well as a highly energy-efficient option that benefits from low U-values.

Smart’s AluSpace system will be the focus of the Internal collection display, which will showcase the system’s ability to elegantly divide or delineate interior spaces while retaining a light and airy environment.

Finally, the display of the company’s expanding Outdoor Living range will feature previews of the new aluminium SolDeck decking and SolUmbra pergola systems.

BURG-WÄCHTER OFFERS CUTTINGEDGE HOME SMART LOCKING SYSTEM

BURG-WÄCHTER uk.burg.biz 01274 395333 ukcs@burg.biz

Burg-Wächter is offering the ultimate in convenience with its secuENTRY 5000 Home system, a smart door lock that provides the convenience of keyless freedom for homes and peace of mind for homeowners. The secuENTRY 5000 Home system is the convenient and smart way to unlock front doors. Users no longer have to worry about losing their keys or fiddling around searching for them when they have their hands full – they can simply use their smartphones to unlock their doors. Fully battery operated, the secuENTRY 5000 Home system is quick and easy to set up and is a direct replacement for standard Euro cylinder locks, meaning it can be fitted to most doors that have this lock. The system can also be self-installed by the user; all they need is the electronic locking cylinder and the free secuENTRY KeyApp on their phones. Users can also opt for a keypad that will allow them to programme a six-digit code of their choosing through the KeyApp.

SOPREMA, AN EXPERT IN WATERPROOFING AND INSULATION

SOPREMA

SOPREMA is firmly established as a global leader in waterproofing and insulation, offering high-quality products and technical expertise. With system solutions for flat roofs, functional roofs, such as green and blue roofs, balconies and terraces, as well as systems to work with photovoltaic panels through its portfolio of waterproofing products, including bituminous, liquid, single ply and hot melt. In addition, the company provides a range of insulation solutions from XPS, PIR and recycled cotton insulation through to its high-performance natural wood fibre Pavatex insulation, as well as a range of acoustic soundproofing products. The SOPREMA technical team provide a range of calculations, CAD support and onsite surveys, and its products are backed by a range of warranty schemes and BBA certification. With over 100 years’ experience in all construction areas, more than 9200 employees globally and 81 manufacturing facilities, SOPREMA is on hand to assist from design through to installation.

0330 058 0668 www.soprema.co.uk techsupport@soprema.co.uk