A Beginner's Guide to Heating a Self Build Home

ProAktive www.selfbuildinsure.co.uk A Beginner's Guide to Heating a Self Build Home If you are planning a self build project, it is important that you choose the right heating system at the beginning of the build process. The decision you make will determine the experience of living in your self build home and the running costs for the future. It is advised that you calculate the amount of heat your self build will require. A thorough calculation should be carried out by a qualified heating engineer. Howa Simple Heating System Works Heat is generally required for: Keeping people warm in the house and for hot water. The system is made up of: Boiler: Power is used to heat up the water. Pipes: Emitter: To move warm Example: water throughout the house. radiators emit the heat around your home. Hot Water Cylinder: Unless you have a 'combi'boiler, a hot water cylinder is used to store hot water for use as required. Choosing Your Heating Emitter There are three basic types of heating emitter: 1. Under Floor Heating: A popular choice for self builders, mainly for efficiency and the extra space of the build. 2. Radiators: Generally cheaper than under floor heating, chosen in favour of heat needed over visual appeal of a home. 3. Skirting Board Heaters: Almost a cross between under floor heating and radiators. These are useful for retrofit projects. Alternative Methods to Heating Your Self Build Home If you are seeking an eco-heating solution, here are some alternative options for heating your self build home: 1. Ground Source Heat Pumps An environmentally friendly way to heat your home, heat pumps extract heat from the earth and will use it to heat your home or water. 2. Biomass Boilers Another eco-friendly alternative option to heating your home, these boilers can burn wood chips, pellets and logs. You could save up to £360 a year if you replace an old gas heating system with a biomass system. 3. Solar Panels Solar thermal panels are worth investing in. Solar power is a natural and renewable source of energy created by natural sunlight. As you are relying on power generated by your home's solar power system, your energy bills could be reduced by 60-80%. If you are thinking about taking ona Self Build project, be sure to protect your investment with Self Build insurance. ProAktive Self Build developed the first UK Self Build insurance policy in 1984. ProAktive are the industry leaders, with specialists available to discuss your project build, and insurance requirements. ProAktive Doncaster: 01302 346 831 | Follow us 000 www.selfbuildinsure.co.uk