Will Your House Last 1,000 Years? - Heating and Our Environmental Responsibilities
February 7, 2009
Did you realise that Britain has the oldest housing stock in the developed world with 8.5 million properties over 60 years old?
Given the current rate of demolition, this will mean that the average house could realistically have to last for 1,000 years before it is replaced. I look at my own home and at times, I struggle to believe it could comfortably last a further 100 years without major refurbishment let alone 1,000 years.
Whilst this statistic is faintly absurd, what it does do is make us realise that yes, our homes have a long term purpose and therefore, we need to make sure that we seek ways of improving their environmental performance for the benefit of our own finances and the environment at large.
Part L of the Building Regulations "Conservation of Fuel and Power" governs amongst other things, heating system controls and boilers.
Did you realise that since April 2005, all new and replacement gas and oil fired domestic boilers must be condensing boilers of Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the United Kingdom (SEDBUK) band A or B ensuring a high efficiency rating. If you do live in a property where the pipework isn't compatible with a condensing system, then you are exempt from installing a condensing boiler if this can be demonstrated.
What is a Condensing Boiler?
A condensing boiler is quite literally a high efficiency boiler which works by recovering more heat from fuel burnt than a conventional boiler. By recovering and using heat that would otherwise be lost up the flue, the most efficient condensing boilers can operate at efficiency rates of greater than 90%.
How does a 90% efficiency rate compare to a conventional boiler?
Typically, a conventional boiler which is more than 15 years old for example, may only operate at an efficiency of 55% meaning that in some cases, they are 35% less efficient when compared to a modern condensing boiler. In real terms, quite substantial savings can be made by investing in a new boiler. You could be saving in the region of 35 pence in every £1 of fuel you use for heating and hot water or as much as £240 per annum.
The improvement to your heating system doesn't necessarily stop there. Part L of the Building Regulations also states that the controls operating the boiler should be improved (where necessary) by including a timer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves. Please remember that the installation of a new boiler will require building regulation approval - Please Refer to the Building Regulations section for More Information about this matter.
Is it time you thought about investing in a new boiler?
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