Warning for AirBnB hosts in the UK

Renting out your home through AirBnB could be in breach of your mortgage or lease agreement.

Many mortgages do not allow you to sublet your home without your lenders consent.

If you are are a leaseholder, you might also be in breach of your lease.

The risks were highlighted in the Nemcova v Fairfield Rents Ltd Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber), which found an AirBnB host to be in breach of her lease.

House Saver's advice - The law is still catching up with the sharing economy so take precautions.  Let your mortgage lender know if you are intending to rent out your home through AirBnB.  If you are a leaseholder, also make sure that check the terms of your lease.

David
House-Saver

Keeping a lid on your bills this summer - and not a panama hat in sight

Is it possible to keep cool at home in a heatwave without spending money?

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long it is nice to be able to escape the heat.

Air conditioning is expensive to install and costly to run.  Air conditioning is also not necessary to stay cool in your home when the temperature soars.  Follow the tips below to stay comfortable in a heatwave without spending a fortunate.

Keeping cool at home during the day - quick wins:

• Stay downstairs: warm air rises so it will be cooler on the ground floor.
• Close your curtains: keep your curtains closed throughout the day to help block the sun's heat.
• While you are closing those curtains also shut your windows to keep the warm air out.
• Don't use the oven for cooking.  Use the microwave or BBQ when cooking your meals.
• Better still, stick to cold meals.
• Switch off and unplug heat generating household appliances such as TVs and computers.
• Still hot?  A great fix - take a cold bath or shower.

Keeping cool at home during the day - investments that will keep you cool and save you money:

• Insulate your home. A home that has well insulated walls and loft will also keep the heat out in the summer.
• Prevent solar heating gain by fitting solar window film. Solar film reflects infrared radiation (the heat) contained in the sun's rays whilst allowing the sunlight in. Its also cheap and easy to install.
• Alternatively, you can prevent solar heating of your home by installing awnings.
• Replace heat generating incandescent light bulbs with cooler, and more efficient, fluorescent or LED lights.

Keeping cool at night

If the heat is preventing you from sleeping at night, try these fixes:

• Place your pillows in plastic bags and store in your freezer for an hour before bedtime.
• Keep your bedding in the coolest room in the house during the day.
• Use silk or satin pillowcases. These fabrics feel cooler against your skin.
• Open windows and inside doors at night to get rid of the warm daytime air and to allow in the cooler night-time air.
• Late sleeper?  You may need to get up to close the windows when the sun rises to enable you to sleep comfortably for longer.

Tips for coping in hot weather whilst out and about

• Try to keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm).
• The morning and evening are usually cool enough to enable you to do your errands or to exercise.
• Wear light coloured and loose fitting clothing.  Clothes that are made of natural fabrics such as cotton work best.
• Go to the shops! Most shopping centres are air-conditioned.  But try not to spend money.
• Sip cold drinks regularly. This does not work with alcohol though - sorry.

Hope these tip help.

David
http://www.house-saver.co.uk/

What would happen if Mr Putin turned off the taps?

This blog explains the benefits of the Government's recently launched Domestic "Renewable Heat Incentive" or RHI.

By seeking to reduce the UK's reliance on gas to heat our homes, the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, is a landmark scheme for the UK domestic energy sector. 

... and its introduction is very timely.

Trouble on the other side of Europe
UK households are heavily dependent on gas to heat our homes.  

Up until the early 2000s the UK was a net exporter of gas. However, we are securing less and less of our gas supply from the North Sea. The UK is becoming much more reliant on the international gas markets and is now highly vulnerable to fluctuations in the world gas prices.

Ukraine may be on the other side of Europe but what is happening there could have major impact on our gas prices.

This is where the Renewable Heat Incentive comes in.

Government spin
The Domestic RHI was launched 9 April 2014 and is open to homeowners, private landlords, social landlords and self-builders.

The RHI is the main scheme of the Government's Heat Strategy.  The Government has hailed the RHI as "the world’s first long-term financial support programme for renewable heat."

How does the Renewable Heat Incentive work?
The RHI is a financial incentive scheme to encourage households to install renewable heating in their homes.

The RHI pays participants of the scheme that generate and use renewable energy to heat their homes. By increasing the generation of heat from renewable energy sources, the Government expects the RHI to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

How much will the Renewable Heat Incentive pay participants?
The RHI will pay you a "tariff" per unit of heat generated for the first seven years.

The tariffs are paid per kWh of renewable heat generated based on the following rates (typical annual payouts in brackets):
air source heat pumps 7.3p/kWh (£850)
biomass boilers and biomass pellet stoves with back burner 12.2p/kWh (£2,000)
ground source heat pumps 18.8p/kWh (£850)
water source heat pumps 18.8p/kWh (£850) and
solar thermal (hot water solar panels) 19.2p/kWh (£400)

The above rates will rise annually in line with inflation. The tariffs are paid quarterly.

If you opt for a metering and monitoring package, you will receive and additional payment of £230 per year for heat pumps or £200 per year for biomass boilers.

Does my home qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive?
If your heating system was installed after 15 July 2009 you may qualify.

You must use an approved system that has been fitted by an installer who is MCS certified or equivalent (for example, Solar Keymark) and a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).

The Ofgem website provides an up-to-date list of approved systems.

Before applying for the RHI you will have to have a Green Deal Assessment.  You will be expected to install loft and cavity wall insulation if this measure has been identified in your Green Deal assessment.

How do I apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive?
You can apply online at the Ofgem website. 

You will need the following documents to hand:

• the MCS certificate that comes with your new heating system (this will be given to you by your installer), and
• your Green Deal Assessment (including the Energy Performance Certificate that forms part of the Green Deal Assessment).

Is the Renewable Heat Incentive worth it?
Households that are off mains gas and that install any of the approved systems could save on their energy bills plus receive a quarterly payment under the scheme.

Households that use mains gas will benefit from greater energy security and will be protected from fluctuations in gas prices.

The cost of installing many of the approved systems is likely to be substantial (A good biomass boiler can cost in excess of £10k).  However, you may qualify for financing through the Green Deal to help cover the upfront costs. 

Where can I get further Renewable Heat Incentive Advice?
Check out the Ofgem domestic RHI factsheet which has been prepared for people considering or intending to apply.

David

www.house-saver.co.uk

Will growing your own food reduce your grocery bills?

Spring is here and the garden is beckoning. But maintaining a garden can be a chore. Could this toil be put to better use?

  

Have your ever considered creating a vegetable plot in your garden?  Will growing your own food save you any money?  Could you even make money? What fruit and veg should you grow?  This post seeks to answer these questions and more.

Will I save money by growing my own fruit and veg?
If you put the effort in - yes.

After costs, the typical household could save around £300 a year on their grocery bill by planting an allotment sized plot with a mix of veg.  That works out at £6 a week reduction in your weekly grocery bill.

According to the consumer body "Which?" the average UK household's weekly grocery bill is £77. Therefore a vegetable plot could deliver the typical UK household an 8% reduction on their grocery costs.   For those households that eat lots of vegetables, the savings will be higher.

However, focusing on the potential money saved misses the real point of growing your own food.  As explained below, the main benefits are non-financial.

What are the benefits of growing my own food?
There are many.  Here is just a starter for 10:

1. Garden fresh, home grown fruit and vegetables taste much better than the supermarket offer.
2. When you grow your own vegetables you will end up eating more vegetables.
3. You are in full control of the cultivation. You can cut out pesticides and artificial fertilisers.  You can even aim to grow a completely organic crop.
4. Tending a vegetable plot is good exercise.
5. A home vegetable plot is an eco-friendly pursuit, delivering a crop with zero "food miles".
6. No more overgrown garden, all that digging and hoeing will deliver a tidy looking plot. 
7. Growing food for the family is a wholesome past-time for children - it is educational and it gets your kids eating more fruit and veg.
8. There are few things more personally rewarding than growing your own food.
9. You can grow those unusual varieties that the supermarkets don't sell.
10. You could even make some money from your hobby.

But veg is already cheap in my local Aldi?
At 65 pence for a 1 Kg bag of carrots at Aldi it hardly seems financially worthwhile growing your own veg. But if you are comparing your home grown carrots with Aldi's offer, you are not comparing like with like. Whilst there is nothing wrong with Aldi carrots, (they are better than most), there is simply no comparison between the supermarket offer and garden fresh, home grown carrots.

I have not done it before - any advice for beginners?
It is very simple to get started.  Buy some packets of vegetable seed and plant them as per the packet instructions.

Lettuce, rocket, beetroot, spinach, runner beans, courgettes, carrots and potatoes are all easy to grow (with a little bit of tendering).

What about the start-up costs?
Seeds will set you back £1 - £2 a packet.

A bag of compost will put you back around £5, but you can also create your own compost for free.

You may also need to invest in slug pellets at around £6 a tin.  Make sure you go with a non-toxic variety. Better still; lay a "beer trap" to keep slugs at bay.

These are the basic start-up costs.  You may need to invest in new garden tools etc as your vegetable plot develops.

Is it possible to make money from growing my own food?
Locally sourced, in-season produce is in big demand thanks to trendy Scandinavian restaurants such a Noma. Make contact with restaurants in your area that have menus based on in-season food.

Set up a stall at your local market.  Charge a premium by selling gourmet vegetables or unusual fruit varieties that are not available in the supermarkets.

Alternatively, find a local buyer online using specialist local produce websites such as BigBarn 

Further Advice on growing food at home

Grow your own food advice is available at the Royal Horticultural Society website.

Conclusion
Fundamentally, you can devote lots of time to growing your own food for limited (financial) award.  Even so, you should give it a go.  Consider it as a wholesome and fulfilling hobby which may save you a little money.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Help! My house is freezing!

"My heating bills are sky high but my home is still freezing!?"

If this is you, don't panic. The following Guide provides fail-safe directions for creating a cosy home this winter (whilst keeping a lid on your heating bills). The Guide does this in 4 easy to follow steps.


Step 1:  Good housekeeping practices
Gran knew what she was doing with her good housekeeping practices. Keep those doors closed.  Wear a pair of slippers around the home.  Try on that onesie you received as a Christmas present. Below is a reminder of a few other golden oldie tips:

1. Hang thick curtains during winter months, which should be opened during the day to naturally heat your home and closed at night to keep the heat inside.
2. Try not to obstruct your radiators - give the heat a chance to circulate
3. Whilst we are on radiators, fit foil on the wall behind them.
4. If you have a ceiling fan, set it to spin clockwise to blow the rising hot air down.
5. Lay mats or rugs down on cold floors.

The above tips are all low cost or no cost.  However, if you struggle with a cold home, these measures are unlikely to be sufficient to create a warm home for the winter.  On to Step 2.

Step 2:  Plug those Gaps













UK homes can be very draughty.  Before considering any expensive upgrades to your central heating system, consider the following measures to plug the gaps in your property.


Your walls
33% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our walls.  Up until the 1920s the typical UK home was built to a solid wall construction.  If you live in an old property, installing insulation on your outside walls can drastically reduce the amount of heat lost from your home.

Since the 1920s cavity wall construction has been the standard. However, up until the 1990s, the gap between the two walls (the cavity) was rarely insulated. Filling this gap with insulation is a relatively inexpensive yet highly effective measure to reduce heat-loss from your home.

Your roof
26% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through the roof.  Bulking up your roof insulation to the full recommended depth of 270mm is easy to do and because hot air rises, properly insulating your loft will often be the single most cost-effective way to reduce heat loss from your home.

Your windows
18% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our windows.  Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazing.  Already have double glazing?  Double-glazed windows will deteriorate over time.  Have your windows inspected.  They may benefit from draught proofing or they may need replacing.

You can expect a double-glazed window to last for around 20 years. After this length of time, the window may need replacing to keep those draughts at bay.

Feeling brash? Follow the Scandinavians and have triple glazed windows fitted.

Your floors
8% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our floors. Insulate under the floorboards on your ground floor.  This will help keep the heat in and your toes warm.  Also, seal the gaps between your floors and skirting boards to further reduce draughts.

Your doors
3% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our doors.  Consider draft proofing your doors.

The heat loss figures quoted above are courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust and are based on an un-insulated home

That's Step 2 complete.  If you have applied the above measures and your home is still cold, its time to consider your central heating system.  We do this at Step 3 below.

Step 3: Upgrade your central heating system
Typical central heating systems comprise a boiler and radiators. The boiler heats water which is then distributed through pipes to your radiators.  The problem with your central heating could be with your boiler, your radiators, or with both.  Have a suitably qualified plumber inspect your system.  Your central heating problem may just be down to your boiler needing a service.

Whilst you are examining your boiler make sure that your hot water tank and visible pipes between the tank and boiler have been insulated.  Also consider installing thermostatic radiator valves to control individual room temperatures.  This will prevent unnecessary heating of any rooms not being used.

My boiler needs replacing.  What are my options?  
The plumber's verdict is that your boiler is on its last legs - what now?  Whilst expensive, modern condensing boilers are much more energy efficient than older models.  If your old boiler is not doing the job, do not delay, have a new boiler installed.  Fitting a new boiler will save you money in the long run, and will ensure that you have a central heating system that has the capability to properly heat your home.

The most common boiler systems are powered by gas or oil. Gas being the more cost effective of the two. Feeling brave?  There are alternative boiler technologies out there, such as CHP (combined heat and power) boilers and biomass boilers. These, are well worth considering if you are currently relying on an expensive-to-run oil fueled boiler.

Paying for a new Boiler
A new boiler, whilst saving you money in the long run, will have a high upfront cost.  The Government's Green Deal scheme may help you to pay the upfront costs.

Step 4: Create your own energy
This is an optional Step for the really keen.  There are lots of technologies out there that can help you generate your own energy.

The type of central heating system you have will be a key factor in informing which energy generating technology you should go for.  Therefore, for optimum results, the installation of an energy generating technology is best carried out in tandem with an upgrade to your central heating system.












Your energy generation options include:

• Solar Panels (Solar PV and Solar Thermal)
• wind turbines
• ground source heat pumps
• air source heat pumps
• water source heat pumps
• hydroelectric systems
• wood burning stoves

The above energy generating technologies, especially wind turbines and hydroelectric systems, do not come cheap. Fortunately, the UK Government is investing a great deal of money into enabling householders to install renewable energy generating installations. So now is a good time to check out the potential financial assistance available.

If the above measures don't deliver a toasty home I don't know what will.  There is off course a 'Plan B' - hide under your duvet and wait until Spring. Not such a bad option in the dreadful weather that we've been having.

Warmest wishes

David

www.house-saver.co.uk

Getting in Shape on a Budget

Is you New Year's Resolution to get in shape?  The starting point for many people is to join a gym.  Gym membership prices may seem competitive right now.  However, initial cheap gym membership fees will usually be offered on the basis that you sign up to a long term contract.

Our advice is don't sign up. Many people enter into long term gym membership contracts that they will end up not using. Instead, House-Saver would recommend an alternative, cheaper, more effective and more sustainable way of getting into shape (and keeping in shape).

Create your own gym at home
If you have the space, you could set up your own home gym in a spare room. The upfront costs of home gym equipment are a lot cheaper than you may think, especially if you shop in the second-hand market.

In next to no time, you’ll find that the money saved through not paying for gym membership will have covered the initial costs.

As well as saving money, you can also gain the convenience of having a personal gym on hand 24/7.  Plus, your own fitness suite means no more queuing to use certain pieces of equipment and no more driving to the gym.

If you source your equipment from the second-hand market, you can expect to get a decent treadmill for about £150 and a multi-gym or workout bench with weights for around £100.

Get in shape for free
Even better still, from a household budgeting point of view, is to get in shape without forking out for gym equipment.  Many compound workouts such as push-ups and crunches can be done with no equipment at all. To find out more, try Googling "resistance training without equipment”.

As for cardio, all you really need is a good pair of trainers and a safe route outdoors.  Don't let the nasty weather we are experiencing put you off, you'll soon warm up, and the combination of fresh air and exercise will leave you feeling invigorated.


My New Year's resolution is to end 2014 in better physical shape, and with more money in my pocket. Wish me luck.

Happy New Year from all at House-Saver.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Technical Guidance on Wood Burning Stoves

Wood Burning Stoves are growing in popularity.  People are looking for an alternative to the ever-rising energy bills being imposed on us by the UK's major energy suppliers.  Modern wood burners offer the warmth and homeliness of traditional log fires whilst providing greater control and requiring less effort to maintain.  Some technologies can even provide an alternative to a home's central heating system. It is no wonder that wood burners are now so popular.

However, many people do not realise just how complicated the installation of a modern wood burning stove can be.  A poorly fitted wood burner will not just lead to problems in its operation, it is also likely to be highly unsafe.

Last year the Energy Saving Trust published A Buyer's Guide to Domestic Wood Fuelled Heating.  This guide provided a useful introduction to wood burning stoves, but provided only limited advice on their installation.

Now, finally, we have an authoritative guide to the installation of wood burning stoves, courtesy of the gurus at Local Authority Building Control (LABC).

The LABC Guide to installing solid fuel stoves (Technical guidance for homeowners and trade) is aimed at trades people who intend to install a wood burning stove in an existing property.

The Guide highlights the following 10 key points for an installer to consider:

1. Check the existing chimney for condition and obstructions
2. Ensure components comply with the relevant British Standards
3. Where possible, adopt a minimum internal flue size of 150mm diameter
4. Check that the flue outlet is positioned sufficiently high above the roof surface?
5. Make sure you isolate the flue from any combustible material
6. Ensure the stove is positioned on a proper non-combustible hearth
7. Check you have a sufficient air supply for combustion
8. Provide carbon monoxide alarms
9. Provide proper permanent notices about the appliance in the property
10. Ensure you have all formal permissions before starting work

The Guide emphasises the importance of employing a trades person with sufficient skills to undertake the work. Although qualifications are not compulsory, any person fitting a solid fuel stove must be competent to do so. The Guide advises on 2 options for employing an installer:

Option 1: Employ a Competent Persons Scheme certified installer
Some installation companies are registered with the Government’s Competent Persons Scheme. This allows them to install and ‘self-certify’ the stove without having to make a formal application to the Council under the Building Regulations.  The largest Competent Persons Scheme provider is HETAS. Make sure the installer provides you with a certificate of compliance at the end of the job.  You will need this certificate should you come to sell your property.

Option 2:  Employ a knowledgeable trades person and have the job inspected by your Council's Building Control Service
If you appoint a trades person who is not part of a relevant Competent Persons Scheme, then you will need to submit a Building Regulations application to your local Council.  The Council's Building Control Officer will then come out and inspect the job to ensure that the wood burner has been installed safely. If satisfied with the work, the Council's Building Control Officer will issue a completion certificate. As with Option 1, you will need this certificate should you come to sell your property, so do not pay the final bill to your installer until you have this piece of paper in your hands.

Considering installing a wood burning stove?  We would suggest that you start by getting in touch with your local Building Control Service to make sure that your property is suitable.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk


                                                                       

Biomass Boilers

UK energy prices are very topical at the moment.  Independent experts expect further above inflation rises in energy prices this winter.  If you don't trust the politicians to sort it out the problem then a biomass boiler could be for you. Biomass boilers offer a potential way to reduce your reliance on big energy companies and of keeping a lid on your energy bills.

How do biomass boilers work?
Biomass boilers can be used in place of a standard gas or oil boiler to provide hot water and heating in your home. Biomass boilers work by burning the wood fuel and then storing the heated water produced, which then feeds into the central heating as required.

"Biomass" refers to living or recently living material such as logs, wood pellets or wood chips.  Some biomass boiler types are fuelled by logs but they are more typically fuelled by wood pellets.

How much energy will a biomass boiler generate?
A domestic biomass boiler generates around 15kW of energy.  This is easily enough energy to heat the water and provide central heating throughout a large home.

What are the advantages of biomass boilers?
A biomass boiler is an ideal technology if you do not have access to mains gas.  A biomass boiler can save you nearly £600 a year compared to electric heating.

Are there any constraints?
The main constraint is space.  Wood and wood pellets are cheaper if bought in bulk. However, you will need space to store the material.   Biomass boilers are typically larger than traditional boilers, so will also require more space.

Whist they may save you money on your energy bills, a good biomass boiler is much more expensive to buy than a conventional boiler.

The market for wood fuel is still in its infancy.  The cost and quality of wood and wood pellets can fluctuate greatly.

Biomass boilers need to be manually feed, log burning boilers in particular will require regular 'topping up'.

What consents will I need before fitting a biomass boiler?
Planning permission is not normally needed when installing a biomass boiler in a house if the work is all internal.

Biomass Boilers will have to comply with the Building Regulations.  Your installer should take into account factors such as ventilation, noise and general safety. The installer should be suitably qualified, preferably one who belongs to either the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or a relevant Competent Person Scheme.

How much does a biomass boiler cost?
Biomass boilers are more expensive than traditional boilers. Expect to pay around £10,000 to £12,000 for a good quality, automatic, wood pellet burning biomass boiler.  This price includes installation. Manually fed log boiler systems will usually be cheaper.

Are there any grants or other funding support available to help pay for a biomass boiler?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest, through your electricity bill.

Your new biomass boiler could earn you money under the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Summary
• If you do not have access to mains gas and have sufficient space, it is worth considering a biomass boiler.
• You could earn money from your new boiler through the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Further Information
The Energy Saving Trust website provides advice on finding an installer to meet your requirements.  The Energy Saving Trust recommends that a biomass boiler is installed by an MCS (The Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified installer.


David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Wood burning stoves with back boilers

Wood burning stoves cover a range of technologies, from old fashioned pot belly wood stoves through to state-of-the-art wood pellet burning stoves.   

This Blog focuses on stoves with back boilers, which provide heating and hot water to the home.  Are these systems just a fashionable new technology to show-off to your friends?  Or do they really stack up as a cost effective way of providing energy for your home? What are the pros and cons of the different types?  This Blog helps answer these questions.

How do wood burning stoves with back boilers work?
Wood burning stoves burn logs, wood pellets or wood chips to power central heating and hot water boilers.

The back boiler works in the same way as the traditional back boiler connected to an open fire.

Wood burners typically burn logs, but more sophisticated versions burn wood pellets and will usually feature automatic ignition and pellet feeding systems.

How much energy will a wood burning stove with back boiler generate?
Depending on type of system installed, wood burning stoves with back boilers can be used in support of your existing heating system or, in many cases, to fully power your heating and hot water.  The typical system can generate 10 - 15kW of energy, which is more than enough to provide hot water and heating throughout your home.

Log burners Vs pellet burners

The advantages of log burners:

• Log burning stoves provide a great way to dispose of (and recover energy from) surplus wood and timber.
• If you are lucky enough to have your own wood source you could become self-sufficient in providing heating and hot water to your home.
• Log burners require less maintenance than the more complicated pellet burners.
• Log burners tend to be less expensive than pellet burners. 
• Log burners can provide that special cosy feeling inside, just like the traditional open log fire.
• Contemporary ceramic wood burning stoves can provide an attractive feature in a living room.

The advantages of pellet burners:

• They are more efficient as the wood fuel is drier and denser.
• Wood-pellet stoves provide for greater convenience and control than a log burner, with the majority of pellet burners featuring automatic ignition.
• Pellet burners offer greater control over the temperature of the room in which the stove is situated.
• Pellets are denser than logs, which makes them easier to transport and reduces the amount of storage space needed.
• Pellet burners need to be topped up less often than log burners as they are denser and will usually have an integral hopper.
• Pellet burners are cleaner, produce less ash and are generally easier to look after than log burners.

Are there any constraints with wood burning stoves?

• You will need space to store the wood, logs or pellets.
• The market for wood fuel is still in its infancy in the UK.  The cost and quality of wood fuel can fluctuate greatly.
• Stoves need to be manually fed, log burners in particular will require regular 'topping up'.
• You will either need to upgrade your existing chimney for fume extraction or install a separate flue
• The chimney / flue will require regular cleaning.
• If you are using your own wood source, the wood will need to be "seasoned".  This means it needs to be stored to dry it out (Freshly cut trees have a high moisture content which makes them less suitable as a wood fuel).

What consents will I need before fitting a wood-fuelled heating system?
Planning permission is not normally needed when installing a wood-fuelled heating system in a house if the work is all internal. 

If the installation requires a flue outside it will not need planning permission if the conditions outlined below are met:

• Flues on the rear or side elevation of the building are allowed to a maximum of one metre above the highest part of the roof.
• If the building is listed or in a designated area it is advisable to check with your local planning authority before a flue is fitted. Listed Building Consent is also likely to be needed for internal alterations.
• In a conservation area or in a World Heritage site the flue should not be fitted on the principal or side elevation if it would be visible from a highway.

Wood burning stoves will have to comply with the Building Regulations.  Your installer should take into account factors such as ventilation, noise and general safety. The installer should be suitably qualified, preferably one who belongs to either the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or a relevant Competent Person Scheme.

How much does a wood burning stove with back boiler cost?
Expect to pay upwards of £4,000 for a good quality, pellet burning wood burner with back boiler. This typical cost includes installation and the cost of basic upgrades required to your existing chimney or the cost of installing a flue.

Wood pellets will cost up to £200 per tonne.  Expect to burn at least 10 tonnes of pellets a year.

For log burners, the price of logs fluctuates widely, but you may be in the fortunate position of being able to source your wood fuel for free.

Wood burners are viewed by many energy analysts as a smart long term investment.  Using local wood fuel to heat your home will reduce your reliance on oil, gas and electricity, prices of which are projected to continue to rise over the coming years.

Are there any grants or other funding support available to help pay for wood burning stoves with back boilers?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest,  through your electricity bill.

Your wood burning stove with back boiler could earn you money under the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Summary

• If you have a reliable, local log, wood chip or wood pellet supplier, or even better, if you have you own wood supply and space where the wood can be dried out, then a wood burning stove with back boiler could dramatically reduce your energy bills.
• Your wood burning stove with back boiler could earn you money through the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.
• A top tip from the Energy Saving Trust website is that a wood burning stove with back boiler and solar heating are a great combination as the stove can heat your home and provide hot water in winter and the solar can heat your hot water in the summer when no central heating is required.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Micro CHP (micro combined heat and power)

This week I will be reviewing micro CHP systems (also known as cogeneration systems or micro combined heat and power systems) as a cost effective way of providing energy for your home.

Whilst not strictly a renewable energy generation installation, these systems deserve attention as they are highly efficient and can substantially reduce your energy costs.  Industry experts expect micro-CHP systems to replace the humble domestic boiler and become the norm in our homes over the coming years.

How does micro CHP work?
Using gas or LPG as a fuel, micro CHP installations provide both heat and electricity for your home.  Micro CHP installations look just like normal boilers. However, unlike ordinary boilers they will generate electricity at the same time as heating the water.

How much energy will a micro CHP system generate?

The actual amount of electricity generated will depend on how long the installation is set to run.  Typical set-ups will generate up to 1kW of electricity.

What are the advantages of micro CHP?

• The installations will deliver both heat and electric power.
• You will be paid for the electricity you generate from the installation under the Government's Feed in Tariff Scheme.
• Any electricity you generate and do not use can also be sold back to the Grid through the Feed in Tariff Scheme.  
• Micro CHP systems are straight-forward and non-intrusive to install and do not take up much space (make sure you use an approved installer).

Are there any constraints?

• Micro CHP installations can be inefficient if they are only being used for short periods.
• There are a number of technologies on the market, some of which are unproven.

What consents will I need?
The installation of micro CHP is usually considered to be "permitted development", which means that planning permission is not required subject to certain conditions and exclusions.  However, if the installation requires an outside flue, depending on the size and location of the flue, it may require planning permission. Check out the Planning Portal Website for further advice.

Micro CHP systems will have to comply with the Building Regulations.

How much does a micro CHP system cost?
Expect to pay at least £5,000 to £6,000 (including installation costs).  Make sure you use an approved installer.

Are there any grants or other funding support available?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest, through your electricity bill.

Micro CHP systems qualify for 10 years of tariff payments from the Government under the Feed in Tariff (TIF) Scheme.  Find out the current tariff payment rates at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Summary

• If your old boiler is coming to the end of its life, it is worth considering replacing the boiler with a micro-CHP installation.  
• CHP systems are straight forward and non-intrusive to install (but make sure you use an approved installer)  
• You can earn money from your CHP installation for any unused electricity that is fed back into the Grid under the Government under the Feed in Tariff (TIF) Scheme.

Further Information
For further information and for details of approved installers check out www.microgenerationcertification.org


David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Water Source Heat Pumps (Water Source Heating)
In previous weeks I reviewed ground and air source heat pumps as a way to generate energy to heat your home.  Staying on the heat pump theme, this week I review water source heat pumps.  Whilst the least common of the heat pumps, provided that your property fits the bill (and you live close to a suitable water source), water source heat pumps are worth considering.

How do water source heat pumps work?
Water source heat pumps come in 2 types:

• Open loop systems: where the water is taken from the source (see below*) and then flows around a heat exchanger to generate heat.  The water is then released back to the water source.
• Closed loop systems: these work like ground source heat pumps, but instead of the pipes extracting heat energy from the ground, the pipes (or panels) are submerged in the water source to extract heat energy from the water.

*Water sources can be in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, large ponds, wells or boreholes.

How much energy will water source heat pump generate?
Most water source heat pump systems will deliver in excess of 4kW of heat energy (and will typically expend 1 kW of electricity to generate this heat energy).

What are the advantages of water source heat pumps?
Water source heat pumps are more efficient than other types of heat pump because the heat transfer rate from water is far higher than the heat transfer rate from the ground or air.  This is especially the case in the winter, when heat energy is most needed.

The installation of water source heat pumps will usually be much less expensive and much less intrusive than the installation of ground source heat pumps (you won't have to dig up your garden).

Water source heat pumps are an ideal option for heating domestic swimming pools.

Are there any constraints?
If the water source dries up then no heat can be created.

Open loop systems, whilst more efficient than closed loop systems, pose a number of challenges.  Open loop systems generally require greater maintenance, especially if the water quality is poor.  The pipes within open loop systems can freeze at very low temperatures. Plus there is the cost and red-tape associated with acquiring the Environment Agency extraction licence to consider (see below).

What consents will I need?
The installation of a water source heat pump is usually considered to be "permitted development", which means that planning permission is not required subject to certain conditions and exclusions.  Check out the Planning Portal Website for further advice.

Water source heat pumps will have to comply with the Building Regulations.

With respect to open loop systems, an Environmental Agency "extraction licence" is usually needed where water is being extracted at any scale.  A discharge consent will also be needed to release the water back into the water source.

Are there any grants or other funding support available?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest,  through your electricity bill.

You may qualify for payments from the Government under their Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Summary

• Given their greater efficiency, water source heat pumps are recommended over ground source heat pumps if you live close to a suitable water source.
• Water source heat pumps are an ideal option for supplying heated water to domestic swimming pools.
• You may qualify for payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Air Source Heat Pumps: The cheap to install and easy to maintain heat generator

Air Source Heat Pumps (Air Source Heating)
Last week I reviewed the merits of ground source heat pumps as a way to generate energy to heat your home.  Staying on the heat pump theme, this week I review home air source heat pumps.

In recent years many of our northern European cousins have been installing air source heat pumps in their homes.  Air source heat pumps have become a mature technology that have not yet made it into the mainstream here in the UK.  However, as our energy bills continue to rise, more and more UK households are turning to such technologies to help reduce their heating costs.

How do air source heat pumps work?
Air source heat pumps extract the heat from the outside air. Depending on the system, this heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating, heating fans or for certain systems to provide hot water.  They basically work like a fridge but in reverse.

There are two main types of air source heat pump system:

• air to air systems:  these produce warm air which is circulated by fans to heat the home.
• air to water systems: these provide heat via radiator or underfloor heating.

How much energy will an air source heat pump generate?
Air source heat pumps will deliver in excess of 4kW of heat energy (and will typically expend 1 kW of electricity to generate this heat energy).

What are the advantages of air source heating?
Air source heat pumps can significantly lower your heating bills.  They are relatively easy to install and require little maintenance.

Most manufacturers now offer air conditioners with heat pumps as standard.  Air to air heat pump systems can provide you with both heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.  They can also purify the air in your home, great for hay fever and other allergy sufferers.

Remarkably, air source heat pumps work all year round, even when outside temperatures are freezing.

Are there any constraints?
Air source heat pumps require electricity to operate.  

Whilst these systems will work all year round, their performance (efficiency) will dip at lower temperatures.

Air source heat pumps require space around them to allow for the flow of air.

Cheaper and badly fitted heat pumps will suffer from poor performance.

What consents will I need?
The installation of an air source heat pump is usually considered to be "permitted development", which means that planning permission is not required subject to certain conditions and exclusions.  Check out the Planning Portal Website for further advice.

If you live in a Listed Building or a Conservation Area it is recommended that you speak to your local Council before installing.

Air source heat pumps will have to comply with the Building Regulations.

How much does an air source heating system cost?
Expect to pay at least £3,000 for a good system.

Expect a payback period of around 10 years.  (The better heat pump technologies have a 20 - 25 year life span).

Air source heat pumps are cheaper to install compared to other renewable energy systems.  

Are there any grants or other funding support available?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest,  through your electricity bill.

You could get up to £1,300 through the Government's Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme to help with the cost of installing a heat pump.  Unlike the Green Deal financing, this money does not have to be paid back.  However, to qualify you will need to undertake a Green Deal Assessment before applying.

Your air source heat pump could earn you money under the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Conclusion

• Air source heat pumps are are relatively cheap and easy to install and maintain.  
• If you are considering installing an air source heat pump don't scrimp on the quality.  The better systems are much more efficient.  
• Air source heat pumps work best as part of a modern, integrated heating system.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Ground Source Heating

Ground Source Heat Pumps (or GSHPs)
Last week I reviewed the merits of hydroelectric systems as a way to generate your own energy.  The obvious conclusion reached is that whilst hydroelectric systems are potentially a great option if you have a river or stream running along the bottom of your garden, most of us do not have the benefit of living at such a property.

This week I review the merits of ground source heat pumps. Such systems have the potential to benefit many of the UK's more modern homes, especially if installed at the same time as delivering a home extension or major home renovation.

How do ground source heat pumps work?
Ground source heat pumps use a loop of pipe, which is typically laid under your garden, to obtain heat from the ground.  This heat is turned into hot water in a water cylinder. The hot water is then used to heat your home.

How much energy will a ground source heat pump generate?
The amount of water that can be heated by a ground source heat pump depends on the length of the ground loop. The longer the loop, the greater the amount of heat that can be recovered from the ground.

What are the advantages of ground source heating?
When installed as part of an integrated heating system in a modern home, ground source heating will reduce your heating bills.  

Heat pumps can be used in tandem with underfloor heating and other energy saving technologies to dramatically reduce your energy bills.

Whilst disruptive to install, once in place, ground source heat pumps are efficient and long lasting.

Another benefit of heat pumps is that they double up as cooling devices, and can be used to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home on warm summer days.  

Are there any constraints?
The longer the loop, the greater the amount of heat that can be recovered from the ground, but longer loops need more space to be buried in. However, there is the option to dig downwards where space is limited.

The biggest constraint is often the ability of accessing your garden with the digging equipment. Installation of the pipes involves digging trenches, which can make a mess of your garden.  Ideally, to limit the disruption and to reduce installation costs, ground source heat pumps should be installed when the home is being built, or alongside building a house extension or carrying out a major home renovation.

Heat pumps deliver heat at a lower temperature than a boiler.  So in winter expect to have the heating turned on for most of the time.  If you live in an older property without modern insulation, ground source heating may not deliver the level of heating needed. Ground source heat pumps are not recommended for such properties.

What consents will I need?
The installation of a ground source heat pump is usually considered to be "permitted development", which means that planning permission is not required.  However, if you live in a Listed Building or a Conservation Area it is recommended that you speak to your local Council before installing.

Ground source heat pumps will have to comply with the Building Regulations.

How much does a ground source heating system cost?
Expect to pay around around £10k to £15k for a typical system.

Subject to your property being suitable for a ground source heating system, expect a payback period of around 15 - 20 years.

Is there any grants or other funding support available?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest,  through your electricity bill.

Your ground source heat pump could earn you money under the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Where can I find further information?
For case studies and practical advice on siting ground source heating check out www.gshp.org.uk

Conclusion

• If you live in a draughty, older property we do not recommend installing a heat pump.  
• If you have a mature, well tendered garden that you don't want to dig up we do not recommend installing a heat pump.  
• If you already have a modern, gas fueled condensing boiler we do not recommend installing a heat pump.
• However, If you are planning a major renovation of you home, we do recommend that you consider installing a heat pump as part of an integrated heating system.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Home Hydroelectric Systems

Before I get onto this week's feature technology (hydroelectric systems for the home) I would like to return to the hot topic of the Government's Green Deal scheme.  So this week's blog is in 2 parts:

- Part 1:  The Green Deal Revisited
- Part 2:  Hydroelectric Systems for the Home

Part 1: The Green Deal Revisited

Success or Failure?
I discussed the Green Deal in my first blog 2 weeks ago.  Since then there has been a flurry of articles in the national press on the scheme, some positive and some negative.  So I thought I would offer my own opinion on why the Green Deal has not taken off yet.

The Government's Spin
The recent national press coverage has been in reaction to a Government press release which highlighted the impact of energy saving home improvements on home values:
"Making energy saving improvements to your property could increase its value by 14 per cent on average - and up to 38 per cent in some parts of England ... For an average home in the country, improving its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) from band G to E, or from band D to B, could mean adding more than £16,000 to the sale price of the property. In the North East, improved energy efficiency from band G to E could increase this value by over £25,000 and the average home in the North West could see £23,000 added to its value."

A recent Government commissioned survey of 900 homes provided further positive feedback about Green Deal assessments.  75% of households rated the usefulness of Green Deal assessments as being high.  77% of households also stated they had confidence in assessors’ recommendations.  So there has been some very positive news (spin?) on the Green Deal.

Outlook for the Green Deal
I continue to believe that the Green Deal scheme is good in concept, if a little more complicated than it should be. The main problem is that much of the British public is not quite ready for it. Our homes may be draughty, but just not draughty enough. Our energy bills may be high, but just not high enough. Remember that last year the big energy companies had a hard time even giving away free insulation!

The British public are concluding that the financial costs (plus the nuisance factor) of making their homes more energy efficient are not yet outweighed by the benefits of carrying out the Green Deal funded home improvements. This will change when our energy bills reach a level at which they can no longer be ignored.  This tipping point may be coming soon.  

Impact on House Prices

The recent change in tact from the Government in their Green Deal publicity, whereby they are now pushing the message that Green Deal home improvements will significantly push up the value of our homes, may just work. They are cleverly tapping into the British public's obsession with house prices. If there is some truth in the Government's statement, and energy efficient homes are starting to command a price premium, the Green Deal may be about to take-off.

This brings us nicely onto one of the technologies that the Green Deal may be able to assist householders in financing - Hydroelectric Systems for the home.

Part 2: Hydroelectric Systems for the Home

How do hydroelectric systems work?
Hydroelectric systems (also known as hydropower systems) convert running water, usually in the form of a nearby river or stream, into electricity.  

Hydroelectric systems can take the form of very small installations, designed to power a single home, or larger 'community' installations that can power several homes. 

How much power will a hydroelectric system generate?
The smallest domestic hydroelectric systems will typically generate around 5kW of power - more than enough electricity to power the typical home.

Larger 'community' Hydroelectric Systems can generate up to 50kW, which is enough electricity to power more than a dozen homes.

What are the advantages of hydroelectric systems?
Hydroelectric Systems are very reliable, and will normally generate electricity all year round.  The electricity generated is normally higher in the winter than in summer months, which mirrors actual electricity usage.

Where should hydroelectric systems be sited?
Hydroelectric systems need flowing water to work, usually in the form of a river or stream.  Not all rivers and streams will be suitable however. You should speak to a 'certified' installer about site suitability before committing.  

We also recommend that your site is capable of connecting to the national grid.  This is vital if you want to sell any surplus electricity back to the grid.

What consents will I need?
You will need planning permission from your local Council and permission from the Environment Agency before you install.

How much do hydroelectric systems cost?

Installation costs can be high (expect to pay £25,000 or upwards for a small domestic installation).  However, maintenance costs are low as hydro systems are highly reliable.  Most systems can continue to operate for at least 40 years!  

Expect a payback period of up to 20 years, but this can be significantly reduced in optimum locations.

Is there any grants or other funding support available?
The Green Deal scheme may be able to help you pay for the steep upfront costs of the installation through Green Deal financing.  The installation costs will then be paid back over time, with interest,  through your electricity bill.

Your electricity supplier may pay you a Feed-in Tariff (F.I.T.) for generating your own electricity by hydro power.  You can also sell extra units of electricity back to your electricity supplier for a tidy profit through an Export Tariff.  For the latest Feed-in-Tariff rates go to www.gov.uk/feed-in-tariffs.

In optimum locations (rivers or streams with either lots of flow or a high speed of flow) specialist companies may offer to install the equipment for free.  They will do this in return for income generated through the Export Tariff.  The benefit of these schemes is that households can tap into the free energy generated without paying the high upfront installation cost.

Where can I find further information?
For case studies and practical advice on siting a hydroelectric system, check out the Environment Agency publication:  Hydropower: A Guide for You and Your Community.

Conclusion

The obvious point to make is that most homes are not sited close to a suitable river or stream.   Therefore for most of us hydro power is simply not an option.  

However, if you do live close to a suitable water course, whilst the high upfront costs are rather daunting, it is still well worth considering hydro power given the reliability and longevity of these systems.  You will invariably recover your upfront costs over time, and could make a tidy profit through an Export Tariff.

Feedback

Is anyone aware of any cheaper domestic hydroelectric systems out there?  Has anyone had a hydroelectric systems installed?  We would be keen to hear from you.

David
http://www.house-saver.co.uk/