Fuel Efficiency

When considering installing new or additional heating, question what your actual requirements are.   If you have a family and require large quantities of hot water for showers, baths and washing machines etc., consider installing a solar hot water system.

We installed a simple and relatively inexpensive system several years ago and it has already paid for itself !  Despite our Cumbrian weather you can expect to save around 40% of your water heating bills. A similar set-up today will cost about £4000.

Thermal Insulation

Our home is a traditional cottage with thick stone walls. We are in the process of doing some renovations and we are lining the external walls with British Gypsum 'Thermaline' foam backed plasterboard. This is an excellent product and we are already noticing a significant difference in the comfort levels.  

Ensure your loft insulation is up to the latest standards. 25% of heat in a house can be lost through the roof space.  

Comparative Fuel Costs

Wood Chip                                  =2p/Kw

Wood Pellets                             =5p/Kwh

Logs                                           =6p/Kwh

Oil                                             =9p/Kwh

Electric Economy 7      Night   =3.75p/Kwh

                                       Day    =8.50p/Kwh 

For comparative purposes the following assumptions have been used,

Wood Chip              Efficiency 3.8Kw/Kg    £65 per tonne

Wood Pellets           Efficiency 5Kw/kg       £200 per tonne

Logs                        Efficiency 3Kw/kg Moisture content when delivered 40%  £140 per tonne

Oil                          Average 75% efficiency boiler    58p/litre 28s kerosene