Plymouth bungalow
Products used
- Greenstar 30CDi system boiler
- Greenskies solar panels
Lifestyle
The S family live in a dormer bungalow with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in Plymouth.
They lead busy lives with their three children and are actively involved in 'doing their bit' for the environment as far as is practically possible (they recycle, have had cavity wall insulation installed, use low energy light bulbs, underfloor heating and try to keep trips in the car to a minimum) but don't see themselves as passionately 'green', more as the average family trying to do a bit more to help.
Energy usage
The majority of the home's hot water is now supplied by the Greenskies solar water heating system and, during winter months, when there are less daylight hours, the boiler kicks in to ensure a steady supply of hot water. The boiler is switched off during the summer months.
The payback in monetary terms is difficult to monitor because fuel prices have also risen since the installation.
However, Mr S states that the family are saving around £100 - £120 per year on fuel bills as well as reaping the rewards of knowing that they are doing something to reduce the country's carbon emissions.
Mr S said: "We've been really happy with our Greenskies solar water heating system, even in the middle of winter, the panels are still contributing to the job of heating our water - with a little help from the boiler every now and then.
"We would definitely recommend this system to anyone who is thinking of investing in making energy improvements to their home.
"It has also really helped the children to understand the importance of conserving our environment - they are the next generation, after all!"
** a free shower equates to: A standard 5 minute shower at 6 litres per minute at 40°C. So with the 10°C incoming water raised to 40°C.
*** a free bath equates to: 90 litres of water heated from 10°C coming into the house up to 43°C.
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