A couple of recent design projects have brought this into focus. One is a manor house with very poor insulation and no prospect of upgrading due to listing control. The existing heating is dead as a doornail. Clients wanted a heat pump but the numbers don't add up. This place is big and the unit would be the size of a minibus and even then would not heat the place. So, the result is that they are forced to go with a new oil system. It goes against the grain but a detailed costing process ruled everything else out. But, the question is; what would be the situation if they were several years down the line and an oil boiler was not an option and, secondly, what will they do when this new oil boiler expires? So, the future?
The house is too big for a single electric boiler, so the system is designed around 4 zones and the install will run pipes to 4 identified future boiler locations. We will also put cables in ready. This will allow the system to be fairly easily converted to electric boilers later. But the running cost (when this occurs) is absolutely ridiculous.
I know this is a particularly acute case but millions in the future will be faced with upgrade costs they can't afford or running costs they can't afford. I just can't see how electricity costs can stay at the current rates. And I don't mean the current, current super high rates, I mean the normal rates as we knew them a while back. It simply will not be affordable for most people. The only solution I see is that electricity rates will have to be brought down to affordable levels. Remember; all new building regulations are based around electricity only. A time is coming when there will be no other option.
The house is too big for a single electric boiler, so the system is designed around 4 zones and the install will run pipes to 4 identified future boiler locations. We will also put cables in ready. This will allow the system to be fairly easily converted to electric boilers later. But the running cost (when this occurs) is absolutely ridiculous.
I know this is a particularly acute case but millions in the future will be faced with upgrade costs they can't afford or running costs they can't afford. I just can't see how electricity costs can stay at the current rates. And I don't mean the current, current super high rates, I mean the normal rates as we knew them a while back. It simply will not be affordable for most people. The only solution I see is that electricity rates will have to be brought down to affordable levels. Remember; all new building regulations are based around electricity only. A time is coming when there will be no other option.
