Greater Manchester Energy Efficiency Advice Centres. Using Less Heat. Diana Clayton Energy Efficiency Officer

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1 Using Less Heat Diana Clayton Energy Efficiency Officer

2 Aims of the session Introduction to the EEAC Heat Loss back to basics Efficient heating systems Manchester Eco house Energy hierarchy Contact details

3 Greater Manchester Introduction to the EEAC Government Initiative,managed by Manchester City Council in partnership with 10 Local Authorities Overall aim to promote energy efficiency in the domestic sector, reducing fuel bills and reducing fuel poverty Support Councils Strategic work on Energy Efficiency, Climate Change, Fuel Poverty etc

4 The EEAC Network Part of a National network of Advice Centres Provide free,impartial advice to householders on energy efficiency within the home Free-phone advice line Free Home Energy Checks

5 Greater Manchester Overall aim of the EEAC Overall aim is to reduce carbon emissions in the domestic sector through the take up of energy efficient measures and behavioural changes in energy consumption Support Local Authorities Statutory obligations on Energy Efficiency, Climate Change, Fuel Poverty and Affordable Warmth Strategies Sustainable Energy Centres offering advice and guidance on renewable micro generation technologies and available grants

6 back to basics The most important factor in using less heat is to reduce heat loss in the home. This is especially important in existing buildings but should also be a key consideration with new build Improving insulation levels is an essential activity prior to the installation of renewables.

7 back to basics Methods of wall Insulation Pre 1930 s solid wall property External render Insulated dry lining boards Flexible internal lining (Wallreform) (Kingspan) (Sempatap Thermal) Post 1930 s cavity wall property Cavity wall insulation (Mineral wool) (fibreglass)

8 back to basics Other areas for Insulation Loft Insulation 270mm Draught proofing Double glazing Floor Insulation Tank jacket Insulation

9 Greater Manchester Insulation in new build Ideal opportunity to maximise insulation levels by incorporating insulation within the building design and the use of construction materials with high thermal performance. Orientation of dwellings to allow for passive solar gain, larger south facing windows, designs which position the main living areas to the south, hallways etc, to the north facing elevations.

10 Part L Building Regs Incorporates a series of base line insulation levels Deals with individual elements of work for refurbishment, not a holistic approach. Part L needs to be interpreted as a minimum standard, thought should be given at the design stage of any refurbishment or new build project, to seek opportunities to surpass this base line. Decent homes most social housing providers took the opportunity to go beyond the minimum requirements.

11 other key factors Efficient Heating Systems Condensing boiler Condensing boilers are up to 90% efficient, compared with the 60% efficiency of a boiler 15 years or older Room Thermostat Turning the room thermostat down by 1 degree reduces heating bills by up to 10% Programmer or Timer Important that the programmer or timer is used to control the times the central heating is activated, to ensure efficient use of the heating and hot water system. It is essential that house holders fully understand how to operate their heating systems.

12 Greater Manchester Heating system continued Thermostatic radiator valves (TRV s) give flexibility and efficiency to the heating system by allowing individual room temperature settings. Hot water Cylinder thermostat should be set to no more than 60 degrees turn it down and use less heat.

13 practical advice Manchester Eco House demonstration project Provides a series of practical hands on displays of insulation, energy saving measures and an introduction to renewables. The house has been visited by Members of the Public, Community Groups, Tenant and Resident Groups, Schools, Registered Social Landlords, Private landlords, Developers, Local Authorities, Councillors and the then Environmental Minister David Milliband. We have received extremely positive feedback from visitors to the Eco house. Many comments have been about how inspirational and thought provoking their visit has been and that many will be taking away practical ideas for their own home or energy efficient projects.

14 practical advice

15 Energy Hierarchy energy hierarchy Insulation Efficient heating system Renewable Energy Once insulation and efficient heating systems have been addressed, the heating requirements of the dwelling will be substantially reduced. This creates the ideal opportunity for renewable energy technologies to further offset the consumption of fossil fuels to provide heat.

16 Greater Manchester Questions and Contact details Contact: Diana Clayton, Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 4 th Floor, Basil House 105/107 Portland Street Manchester M1 6DF eeac@manchester.gov.uk