Still reaping the benefits of renewable heating – more than two years on

Release date: 26 June 2013

Two years after fitting a sustainable, low carbon heating and hot water system to their Oxfordshire home Mike and Jenny Ballinger are still reaping the benefits of their energy efficient Ecodan® air source heat pump.

The couple heat 14 rooms to a constant, comfortable temperature and a 220 litre water cylinder twice a day for less than it cost to previously run three storage heaters and a small immersion tank.  The family live in Cropredy, Oxfordshire, in a late-1940s, brick-built house with cavity insulated walls, loft insulation and a brick and plaster finish. The area is off-gas and many of their neighbours use oil fuelled systems for heating and hot water.

“We have monitored power consumption over the past 24 months and we find it simply incredible that the energy needed to run the new system is comparable to, if not less, than the energy we used for the old one,” said Mike Ballinger, “even though we now have a much larger hot water cylinder than the previous one.”

The couple began extensive renovations to the property in 2010 when they moved in, which included replacing the existing heating and hot water system.  They were keen to fit the most energy and cost-efficient system possible to help future-proof them against rising energy bills, but also wanted something low maintenance.

Being energy conscious, the Ballinger’s decided to call in renewable heating specialist, James Hood, Proprietor of J.E. Hood Heating, for advice on the best renewable technology for their home. Having visited the site to check the building was suitable, and find out what the family’s heating and hot water requirements were, Mr Hood recommended the couple install a 14kW Ecodan air source heat pump and water cylinder.

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Still reaping the benefits of renewable heating – more than two years on / page 2

“Ecodan will easily replace an existing heating system and it is ideal for those living in off-gas areas,” explained James Hood. “As the Ballinger’s have found, not only will a heat pump cut running costs significantly but maintenance is virtually zero and the system will continue to give them great service over the next 15 to 20 years.”

Heat pumps work by extracting heat energy from the outdoor air and upgrading it to provide all the heating and hot water the home needs.  It will do this quietly and efficiently all year round, even in sub-zero temperatures.  Mr Ballinger and his wife have developed an excellent understanding of how the technology works so they run their heating system constantly in order to maximise its energy and cost efficiencies:  “As we see it, having a warm, comfortable house and hot water 24/7 for less than a system which only partially heated the house for short periods of time, is a huge benefit,” added Mike Ballinger.

The couple’s energy supplier produces electricity that is 100% hydro, solar and wind generated which has helped to reduce the carbon footprint of the house to a minimum. The Ecodan system has also been designed so that they can fit a roof-mounted solar system in the future to heat the water tank directly to provide even more energy savings.

Ecodan units are manufactured in the UK and certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) which ensures that the product has passed rigorous and testing criteria. With 5kW, 8.5kW and 14kW models available, the units can deliver reliable, low carbon heating to almost any property that has been thermally upgraded.

For further details on the services provided by J.E. Hood Heating call 01295 660 790, or email jameshood628@btinternet.com.  Information on the Ecodan range is available at www.heating.mitsubishielectric.co.uk.

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Note to editor:

Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric is a global, market leading, environmental technologies manufacturer, producing an advanced range of heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment. The company realises that ensuring the right solutions are selected for each individual building, requires collaboration by all involved. Mitsubishi Electric has therefore changed the way it does business to ensure engagement with all involved in delivering sustainable buildings so that together, we can make a world of difference.

For further editorial information please contact:

Russell Jones                                                       Email: russell.jones@meuk.mee.com
PR & Communications Manager                     Telephone: 01707 278772

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