New dwellings need to comply with the Building Regulations, one part of the regulations covers the energy efficiency of the dwelling. As well as the need for high levels of insulation and an energy efficient heating system, new dwellings are tested for air leakage on completion. Although most modern dwellings still include a gas boiler, alternative systems are available and are becoming more common such as:

• PV Solar panels
• Hot water solar panels
• Ground source heat pumps
• Air source heat pumps
• Electric boilers

WHVS

I have worked on several houses where whole house ventilation systems have been installed. These systems use a low powered energy efficient fan and ductwork to provide a continuous flow of air around a dwelling illuminating the need for extractor fans and trickle vents. These systems can recover the heat from the exhaust air to warm up the fresh air coming into the house.

SIPS

I have worked on both a new dwelling and an extension formed in “structurally insulated panels”. These load-bearing wall panels offer high levels of insulation and air leakage and mean the panels are formed off site and therefore can be erected quickly on site.

Solar Panels

Solar panels can be incorporated into both extensions and new dwellings to either produce electricity (photovoltaic panels) or hot water (evacuated tubes or flat panel).

Heat pumps

A heat pump captures heat from the ground or air and moves it into your home. It uses electricity to do this, however the quantity of heat delivered into your home is much greater than the quantity of electricity used to power the system.

As a heat pump captures heat that is already present in the environment, the system itself does not burn any fuel and therefore emits no carbon dioxide.