Boilers

For an energy efficient house there are a bewildering number of choices of heating systems. With recent changes in the Building Regulations only high efficiency boilers can now be installed in new houses. The first decision to be made is what fuel is to be used. The main fuels available are oil, natural gas, LPG, electricity and solid fuel. Some of the fuels will need storage especially solid fuel, which some people may find bulky and unsightly.

In general the more convenient the form of heating and the more refined the fuel the higher will be the cost to the householder.

The required output of a heat generator to heat a home is determined by calculating the heat lost from the home for winter conditions and matching the heat output of the generator to this loss.The heat demand of the home will include three components:

• Heat lost by conduction from inside to outside through the roof, windows,walls and floor
• Heat required to warm the cold air which will infiltrate through windows, doors and other openings in the house
• Heat required to provide an adequate supply of hot water for baths, showers, etc.