Technologies

Condensing Boiler

A condensing boiler improves the efficiency of a traditional domestic water-heating boiler.  Conventional boilers lose a substantial amount of heat with the products of combustion principally by discharging the exhaust through a flue.

The Condensing Boiler incorporates an extra heat exchanger so that the hot exhaust gases give up much of their energy to pre-heat the water in the boiler system. When working correctly, much of the water vapour produced in the combustion process condenses back into liquid form releasing its latent heat.

It is now a requirement of the Building Regulations in Scotland that a replacement boiler is of the condensing type, and must be more than 78% efficient.  In practice, that means a high SEDUK rating. SEDBUK is the Seasonal Efficiency of Boilers in the UK, and is a measure of the efficiency of the boiler - more details can be found on the SEDBUK web site.

Our Viessmann boilers are listed on the SEDBUK site, and all the boilers we fit are A rated or better - that's means they are more than 90% efficient at turning the energy in gas into heat for your home, and are considerably more efficient than the minimum requirement.  By way of comparison, a boiler around 15 years old will have an efficiency in the order of 65%.

Just replacing your old boiler with a new condensing type, will result in a considerable reduction in your energy use, provided similar temperatures are maintained in your property.  We will be happy to advise the appropriate type for your heating requirements.

Solar Panels

Solar water heating systems gather energy radiated by the sun, and use it to heat water.  There are many different types of system, but they all work alongside a conventional water heating system to provide domestic hot water.

During the summer months, an efficient solar panel will provide almost all your hot water requirements.  Even in winter, when the outside temperature may be cold, the panel will still heat the water, and taken over the year, a panel will contribute about 50% of the hot water used.

The Viessmann panels are available as a flat plate collector, or the more efficient evacuated tube type.  All have their merits, and we will advise on the suitability of your property for such an installation.

Panels use a separate water circuit which contains anti freeze so the system can be used year round.  This is connected to a heating coil in your hot water tank.  When a temperature difference is detected between the panel and the tank, the pump automatically starts and hot water is circulated, thereby heating the domestic water in the tank.  If it is after dark or the panel has not raised the water temperature sufficiently, the pump does not operate.

Thermal Store

A thermal store is an advanced hot water storage unit, providing high flow rates of mains pressure hot water. The unit stores heat energy which can be utilised to provide domestic hot water or even central heating if required.  This heat energy is transferred to mains water by a plate heat exchanger.

The stored water within the unit can be heated by various methods, including a gas or oil fired boiler, either directly or indirectly (using a coil), or by an electrical immersion heater utilising optimal tariffs.  In conjunction with these methods, the store can be used with solar panels, connected to an internal coil at the base of the unit.

The system is able to fully control the input and output of energy, from the conventional boiler and the solar energy source, optimising usage within the system as a whole.  The unit comes complete with all sensors, and monitors the input from the solar energy source, taking into account the domestic demand, and initiates boiler back-up if this is required.

To heat the domestic supply, mains pressure water flows through one side of a plate heat exchanger as soon as any hot tap is opened.  On the other side of the heat exchanger, a pump draws hot stored water from the top of the thermal store and passes it through the heat exchanger and back into the bottom of the store.  Mains hot water is not stored and is therefore drinkable, and removes the need for a cold water storage tank.  Mains pressure hot water is maintained at all outlets to the system.

When the hot water outlet is closed, a flow switch will turn off the pump, thereby using energy only when required.