BUILDINGSUSTAINABLE Your guide to the latest low carbon, renewable or low waste product options for your building project. SEPTEMBER 2022
4 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS 8 CYLINDERS FOR ASHP SYSTEMS 9 HIGH RADIATORSEFFICIENCY 10 VENTILATION & EXTRACTION 11 AIR CONDITIONING 12 UNDER FLOOR HEATING 14 SMART CONTROLS 15 ELECTRIC CHARGINGVEHICLEPOINTS 16 SOLAR PV CONTENTS 2
Throughout, provided an indication of the kind of cost for these projects. This is intended as a guide, and you also need to take into account any installation costs. situation is different, and what is low cost for some may be high for others. bear in mind some of the higher priced items will have a payback that will save money in the long run. cost - likely to be under Medium£100 cost – more likely to be hundreds or low thousands. High cost - more likely to be thousands. if you’d like to find out more about what MKM is doing to tackle climate change, carbon emissions, and improving sustainability in general, visit mkm.com for more information.
With rising utility bills and the impact of global warming, we’re all more aware than ever of the impact that running a home makes on our planet, and our pocket. Find out more on our website at mkm.com or you can ask for help or advice at any of our branches nationwide.
SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? £ ££ £££ Low
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TRADITIONAL MONOBLOC AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
WHAT IS IT?
This uses an external unit to create lower temperature water; ideal if you’re installing a heating system from scratch and can specify wider bore pipes and high efficiency radiators. A traditional air source heat pump can heat water to 60deg c but are most efficient at 35-55°C.
A high temperature heat pump will go up to 70°C – the same temperature as a gas boiler, while still providing high performance efficiency even with external temperatures as low as -28°C.
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5 Use with existing radiators
By using a refrigerant that has a lower condensing temperature that the air around us the heat pump transfers the energy in the air through to the water used by the radiators and cylinder in the home.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? £££ SOURCE PUMPS
HIGH TEMPERATURE HEAT PUMPS
Fully compatible with older radiators that require a higher temperature You won’t need to change you heating habits as it can heat a system as quickly as a gas boiler
Great with hydronic underfloor heating Low temperature operation
HEAT
Air source heat pumps run off electricity and are more efficient than gas boilers. Air source heat pumps tend to produce around 3.2kWh of heat for 1kWh input, whereas gas boilers are around 0.7kWh heat per 1kWh produce no carbon emissions, air source heat pumps also qualify for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which gives homeowners £5,000 towards the purchase of an air source heat pump.
Quietmark certified at only 38dBA in standard mode and 35dBA in low sound Singlemode fan for high capacities
Heats as fast as a traditional gas system
Air Source Heat Pumps use the latent heat in the air, even at low external temperatures, to provide heating and hot water in homes or buildings.
Also bear in mind that to benefit most, the property should be well insulated to reduce the heat needed.
AIR
AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
More flexible installation as the outdoor unit can be placed away from the Thispropertyoutdoor units tend to be smaller than with monobloc units as some of the components are placed within the indoor unit
Split systems are slightly more efficient than monobloc systems Can be used with either radiators or fan coil units
operation
Smaller, more flexible outdoor unit
6 SPLIT SYSTEM AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP A split system has separate outdoor and indoor units with a refrigerant circuit running between the two. This system has some benefits:
Efficient
About the same as a fridge freezer. The noise range for modern fridge freezer is 32 to 47 decibels. 40dB is the noise level of a library.
HYBRID SYSTEMS
WHERE DOES IT GO?
A hybrid system is a combination of a boiler and an air source heat pump. Designed to provide maximum efficiency at the lowest cost. Ideal for those who want to give a heat pump a go but want the comfort of knowing that there is a back up heat source available to support. A hybrid can select the most efficient method of heating based on temperature and the cost of both gas and electricity. A hybrid system can be 35% more efficient that a traditional condensing boiler and it integrates into your existing piping and radiators meaning you don’t have to replace your entire heating system. Good for renovations More efficient than traditional boilers
There needs to be space outside for a unit with room for air to flow in and out freely. The unit is similar to an external air conditioning unit, this can be floor standing or could be wall mounted. Some models even allow this to be sited away from the building.
HOW LOUD IS IT?
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Some also have a boost function for extra peace of mind.
Corrosion resistant – so it will not rust CONVECTOR RADIATORS
8 CYLINDERS
Lower water content – because of the conductive properties of aluminium, the radiators need less water to provide the same heating output
££ HOW
EFFICIENT HOT WATER CYLINDERS
The perfect partner to a Heat Pump Sizes to suit every household Main pressure hot water from every tap in the Pre-insulatedhouse and more efficient than the old copper vented cylinders
– Aluminium is a lighter metal than steel, meaning the radiators weigh less and you have less issues in siting them
ALUMINIUM RADIATORS
These have several advantages over their more traditional steel versions: Better thermal performance –aluminium is more conductive than steel, this means they heat up quicker than steel radiators and so does the Lightroom
These perform in a similar way to an aluminium radiator with a higher output for the same size compared to steel panel radiators. They also have a lower water content and are lighter making them easier to install. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? MUCH DOES IT COST? RADIATORS
££ HIGH EFFICIENCY
FAN
By installing a hot water cylinder compatible with solar panels, it can really make a difference to a property’s bills – reducing energy costs by up to 70%. Look for a model with anti-bacterial protection built in.
Quick to heat up Small & light Easy to site & install Ideal with air source heat pumps
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WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
££
VENTILATION
Retains heat that would normally be lost reducing heating bills Filters and purifies air
Eliminates excess moisture from the building and Pairsfurnishingswellwith an air source heat pumpHOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
WHAT IS IT?
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There are several options for homes, whether new built, extensions or renovation. Whether you are looking for a single room option, or a whole-house solution that is Passive House certified and app controlled, there is an option for your project.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is a system that ensures there is minimal heat loss when ventilating a room. Improvements in insulation in homes makes them more efficient to heat, and less heat is lost through draughts, however as insulation becomes more efficient homes are effectively sealed. This reduced airflow makes homes more prone to retaining moisture, which can promote dampness. By removing stale air and moisture, but retaining the heat, MVHR provides ventilation and savings on heating bills. MVHR can also help with allergies and conditions related to exposure to air pollution.
CONDITIONINGAIR WHAT IS IT? Even in the UK, Summers are getting hotter with the first 40°c temperature recorded here in 2022, and so a cooler home is a huge benefit now for lots of people; those working from home, the elderly, shift workers needing to sleep during the day, small children and more. Historically air conditioning could be expensive and inefficient. However combined with Solar PV (ideal for hot sunny days) or Solar PV and battery air conditioning becomes much more affordable. They can also reduce emissions and even run from grid electricity making them more cost-effective. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? There are a wide range of options now available, from free standing units to wall mounted options in a range of colours to suit all decors, or in-wall systems ideal for a self or new build. Better air quality Comfort in hot weather Secure ventilation HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ££ 11
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For use on suspended timber floors, enabling installation into existing properties Overlay For use on existing floors Room Packs Ideal for single room systems, extensions or conservatories
StickyMat 3D Taking electric heating to the walls, works in the say way as Stickymat
Easy to install in one room Warms up quickly Ideal for existing small spaces
ELECTRIC HYDRONIC ELECTRIC RUNNING COST £££ HYDRONIC RUNNING COST ££ UNDERFLOOR INSTALLATION ££
StickyMat
A mesh backed wire heating system for rapid hassle-free installation, can be used on a variety of floor finishes
Heat Emitter Plates
HEATING CABLE OPTIONS
WHAT IS IT? Hydronic, underfloor heating works by circulating water through a network of sealed pipes. The heat radiates through the floor, warming the room to a pleasant ambient temperature. Wet underfloor heating systems are highly cost effective as they are designed to run at much lower temperatures than more traditional heat emitters. This means you save money on your energy bills and makes it particularly suitable for use with low temperature heating systems such as air source heat pumps. In Floor Suitable for new build screeded floors
A system that uses an aluminium foil mat with cable, most suitable for use with floating floor finishes
DCM-PRO Loose wire system with a membrane that helps prevent damage to the subfloor
13 UNDERFLOOR HEATING
Loose Wire Cable system secured with tap, particularly suitable for irregularly shaped rooms and can be used with almost all floor coverings
In-screed Cable Suitable for new build screeded floors and rooms which are in constant use
Electric Underfloor heating is easy to fit offering rapid installation times, particularly for smaller areas such as a bathrooms or en-suite. There are a variety of installation types for electric underfloor systems, catering for all budgets.
HEATING MAT OPTIONS
HYDRONIC OPTIONS
Good
WHAT IS IT?
Lower cost to run Low temperatures ideal with air source heat pumps for allergy sufferers
FoilHeater System
Smart controls can help save money on heating bills. They feature easy to use interfaces allowing users to check the status of their heating and hot water at a glance. They are also designed to work via the web on a mobile phone, meaning that no matter where the homeowner is, they have control over their heating system.
They also employ load compensation –modulating the boiler to maximise the time spent in condensing mode and minimising bills.
NEST Originally a pioneer in the Electric Underfloor Heating Market, Warmup now offers a range of smart controls suitable for use with both electric underfloor and wet heating systems. The 6iE is their flagship model featuring all of the latest features including Autoswitch and the look of a smartphone with a touchscreen interface.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ££
WARMUP Efficient - never heat an empty house Smart – take the guesswork out of timer setting
WHAT IS IT?
Now owned by Goole, Nest was a pioneer in the field of smart controls, combining advanced features with sleek design. The Nest smart thermostat still leads the field for innovation in smart controls and the wider smart product arena with additional products such as connected smoke alarms, house alarms, doorbells, cameras and more.
Convenient – control heating from a phone
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SMART CONTROLS
Smart systems mean that the work is done for the homeowner; it learns, adjusts and adapts automatically to the household’s requirements, tracks location so the system can activate only when someone is home or near home and links to the local network allowing the controller to take the local weather into account and influence timings.
EVCP WHAT IS IT? Everybody is going electric; the range of vehicles are bigger than ever with all manufacturers from Ford to Ferrari, domestic and commercial vehicles are all making introduction EVs a part of their core Therange.infrastructure is growing at the same pace with more accessibility to charge points across the UK and electric vehicle registrations are up 74% year on year. The drive to net zero is being championed by the UK Government which has introduced legislation to achieve this: Changes to English Building Regulations in June 2022 mean new build homes need an EV charging point By 2030 it will no longer be legal to sell new petrol and diesel cars and vans, and hybrid models from 2035 Conveniently charge vehicles at home Benefit from lower prices than public charging options Future proof the property 15
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ImmersionBatteryInverter
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Solar Electricity Panels, also known as photovoltaics or Solar PV, capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that can be used in the home or building. By installing Solar PV electricity can be generated, which produces zero carbon emissions, and reducing reliance on the national grid.
If there is a hot water cylinder, a Solar immersion controller can be installed, which uses any excess electricity generated to heat the hot water, saving more money on utility bills. Users can also ensure devices, appliances and other power-hungry items are run during the day while electricity is being generated – e.g. tumble drier, Getdishwasherpaidfor any unused electricity
The(MCS.size, pitch, direction and shading of your roof will all affect efficiency. Your installer will be able to guide you through this and let you know if your building is suitable. WILL I NEED? rising energy costs carbon emissions maintenance Solar PV panels controller
Reduce
You can buy panels designed for both onroof and in-roof installation and some panels are now designed to blend into actual roof tiles (subject to tile type) making them virtually invisible to the eye. Installation should be carried out by a reputable company – the easiest way to check this is to see if they are registered on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme
OPTIONS
IT
£££
Use all the electricity generated
Most solar panels should last 20-25 years without a significant loss of performance. Buying the best quality components ensures you maximise the lifespan of your system
WHAT EQUIPMENT
Control
The Smart Export Guarantee means the homeowner gets paid for any electricity exported to the grid, although the price paid is not the same as buy it for Store generated electricity to use later Installing a battery system means you can take full advantage of what you generate maximising the return on your investment – this is particularly useful if you have an electric car as it can contribute to charging your vehicle overnight when it’s likely you’re not using it
SOLAR IS &
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
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PHOTOVOLTAIC WHAT
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
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