A 1980s semi detached home in Pontnewynydd became void and we used the opportunity to retrofit it for the next residents. The property was cavity wall construction and pointed brickwork. The pitched roof had concrete tiles and was supported by timber trusses. There was a gas combi boiler installed that was fully depreciated and needed replacing. The property was an EPC rating 70 C. We decided to use this to trial the combination of NEXGEN for the heating and SUNAMP Thermino for the hot water. We also installed solar panels these will provide energy to run the Sunamp and also reduce the need for energy from the Grid. With these measures we are looking to improve the energy efficiency of the property. While ceilings were down following asbestos removal, we carried out a rewire and installed a new consumer unit. We thought it more efficient to carry these works out while the property was void and accessible. We also installed Aico monitoring system. After the installation we achieved a good EPC B rating.
Project learning:
Due to developments in the Nexgen Heating system this project was used as a further training opportunity for the contractor appointed the works who had previous experience of installation. Asbestos was found at the property which delayed the start of the works whilst we considered the best course of installation. Now that the contractor is upskilled and the process for asbestos is clear then we would anticipate that further projects of a similar nature would be turned around in a quicker timescale.
Project innovation:
NexGen is an Electric Wallpaper Infra-red radiator, delivering a unique heat combination of 50% Far Infra-red radiant heating & 50% conductive heating. The innovative product is an ultra-safe, low voltage, low surface temperature system with zero risk of any human injury. NexGen is a ‘zoned’ system room-by-room, applied to 70%-90% of the ceiling, heating from the top down to optimise thermal efficiency; our large area coverage ensures there is no temperature gradient across the room, the Far Infra-Red reaches you like gentle sunlight, warming you first. When removing the gas combi boiler, we not only had to sort the heating but also find a hot water solution. For the hot water solution, we have decided to trial the SUNAMP THERMINO ePlus. SUNAMP Thermino ePlus is an alternative to direct hot water cylinders. The hot water batteries maximise the use of renewable energy and can be charged by air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, grid electricity, boilers, and are also future-proofed for solar PV. It can be used for retrofitting to existing hot water systems as well as specifying for use in new build projects. The compact design means they can free-up valuable storage space.
Challenges:
Due to developments in the Nexgen Heating system this project was used as a further training opportunity for the contractor appointed the works who had previous experience of installation. Asbestos was found at the property which delayed the start of the works whilst we considered the best course of installation. Now that the contractor is upskilled and the process for asbestos is clear then we would anticipate that further projects of a similar nature would be turned around in a quicker timescale.
