RENEWABLE ENERGY
Have you thought about the prospect of cleaner energy? If you want a heating or ventilation system that is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, SDB can help. We install solar panels and air source heat pumps, as well as Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems.
GOING GREEN
Climate change is sadly a major issue in our world today. Consequently, the Government has introduced several initiatives in an attempt to minimise the effects of climate change. Not least the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Offering financial support, it certainly encourages homeowners and business owners to install renewable energy technologies.
So by generating your own heat, via solar thermal panels or an air source heat pump, you may become eligible for RHI or similar. Thus, the relatively high installation costs could possibly be recouped.
Why choose SDB to install your renewable energy?
Our skilled engineers are fully qualified renewable energy installers. Above all, we know the type of system that will work best for you and maximise the clean energy potential in your home or workplace. As the effects of climate change widen, renewable energy will become much more of a ‘norm’. SDB is here to advise on how it can work for you.
Before you decide whether renewable energy is right for your home or your business, first look at the pros and cons. Below is our short list of considerations for solar panels and air source source heat pumps.
Advantages of solar energy
- Going solar will help protect the environment, reduce your carbon footprint and inhibit climate change.
- It’s a truly renewable source of energy. We’re never going to run out of sunlight.
- It’s versatile because you can generate heat (solar thermal) or electricity (photovoltaic).
- You can massively reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills.
- Solar energy systems tend to increase the value of your property.
- Maintenance costs are low. Cleaning your solar energy system biannually should be sufficient.
Disadvantages of solar energy
- Solar energy isn’t suitable for everyone. Because it’s difficult – or sometimes impossible – to install on certain types of roof.
- It can be expensive to install due to the initial costs of the solar panels, the batteries, the inverter and the wiring.
- Solar power is still largely weather dependant. A spate of bad weather could take its toll on the effectiveness of the system.
- It’s not cheap to store. Solar batteries with a higher capacity can be expensive.
- Solar panels take up a large space because of the amount you need to create sufficient electricity. Hence they’re more suited to larger properties.
Advantages of air source heat pumps
- Switching to an air source heat pump will drastically reduce your carbon emissions and, therefore, reduce your carbon footprint.
- Air source heat pumps use the outside air for both heating and cooling. So they help reduce your energy bills.
- They’re not seasonally affected. In fact, they’ve been proven to work equally efficiently in Summer and Winter.
- Maintenance costs are low. An annual service by a qualified technician should suffice.
- You won’t need to store fuel. Because the only fuel they need is the outside air.
- They’re built to last. With a regular service, an air source heat pump should run for at least 20 years.
Disadvantages of air source heat pumps
- Initial outlay can be quite high. This is because air source heat pumps tend to work in harmony with underfloor heating. So if you don’t already have underfloor heating installed, the total cost of installation can be expensive.
- You still need electricity (unless you also have a solar or wind energy system). Because electricity drives the pump.
- Outdoor space may be an issue. An air source heat pump is comparable to an air conditioning unit so you need room to accommodate it.
- They can be noisy due to the function of the fan and the compressor. 40-60 decibels on average.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy, sometimes referred to as green or clean energy is energy that is constantly replenished. In contrast, fossil fuels, such as natural gas, coal and oil are non-renewable energy sources. This means that once they are gone, they are gone. Moreover, when we burn them, they release carbon dioxide into our atmosphere and, therefore, contribute massively to climate change.
The most common types of renewable energy are solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass energy.
What is Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)?
Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems provide fresh filtered air to a property. They extract air from ‘polluted’ rooms such as toilets, bathrooms and kitchens which may have putrid or pungent air. Then – via a heat exchanger – supply fresh air to your other rooms.
They can be used in both domestic and commercial buildings and are a good way to make your building more energy efficient.
THE SDB DIFFERENCE
SDB Plumbing & Heating is built on trust, honesty and an exceptional knowledge of the industry. We listen to what you want – so we know that our heating solutions are right for you and within your budget. Moreover, we’re committed to the highest standards of workmanship and customer service.
And rest assured we are Gas Safe Registered (No. 563340)
OUR OTHER SERVICES
These are the plumbing and heating services that SDB provides both domestically and commercially across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
OUR PARTNERS
The people and organisations who we work with closely, in order to provide a reliable and trustworthy plumbing and heating service, to homes and businesses across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
STOKE ON TRENT
01782 914020
LEEK
01538 809011
CONGLETON
01260 606003
STOKE ON TRENT
01782 914020
LEEK
01538 809011
CONGLETON
01260 606003