Hi guys,
Does anybody know what the rules are concerning new builds and heating systems. Currently going through planning application for a new build and I have heard that gas central heating systems are no longer allowed by a guy from the council and that we need to have a heat pump system installed.
Any information would be great.
Cheers
Not true, gas central heating your best option if on mains gas, and worst option if LPG !
All councils had to update their planning standards / building regs to meet a social housing standard that they applied to everyone called the code for sustainable home level 4. That code now disbanded, though the energy efficiency levels adopted.
Meeting Level 4 means that unless you have a very careful, detail orientated builder then you'll almost certaily need some renewables. - The cheapest is PV.
Some local authorities have a planning policy that REQUIRES a minimum of 10% renewable, once again cheapest way is PV.
Also if you've got a para 55 property it will almost certainly have to be carbon neutral, so a heat pump may be de-facto then only solution
With a good builder you can get to level 4 without renewables, by ensuring a high quality of build:
Good levels of insulation, careful attention tp thermal bridging and a low air leakage rate of <2 m3/m2/hr, you'll then need to include MVHR, which can easily cost more than PV
However your ongoing energy costs will be very low.
Watch out for your architect though, if they specify ian HP n the sap calcs to get the energy consumption down, you'll have no option but to include it.
