Self Build Heating
If your self build home is situated out of town and away from existing development connection to a mains supply, if available, may cost around £1500. It is estimated that 70 per cent of self-builders have to find an alternative fuel to heat their home. The alternatives to connection to the mains supply are: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG or 'bottled gas'), oil and electricity. Solid fuel may also be used, although the majority of self builders choose this for a supplementary form of heating - eg. open log fires.
Running costs will be determined by the efficiency of the heating system and type of fuel chosen - oil is the least expensive, followed by mains gas, LPG and electricity.
Central Heating Boilers
There are three types of boiler commonly used: conventional, combination and condensing. Conventional boilers are a good choice for families who needing plenty of hot water and typically return 75-88 per cent efficiency. Combination boilers heat water direct from the mains, eliminating the need for cylinder and tank to store the water - efficiency may reach 90 per cent. Condensing boilers use an extra heat exchanger to reuse more of the heat that is wasted by a conventional boiler. Condensing boilers typically return an energy efficiency output of between 90-95 per cent. This does come with a price premium with prices starting from around £800.
Each of the various types of boiler can be purchased to according to fuel type and may be used to heat water for radiators and underfloor heating. A condensing boiler is the most energy efficient for application in underfloor heating. Underfloor heating systems only need to use warm rather than hot water.
An energy management system (EMS) can further improve the heating system efficiency by monitoring the temperature of the water within the boiler and only heating when the temperature falls.
Cooker
If you are planning to self build a traditional country-style house a central heating cooker is worth considering as an alternative to a boiler. The top of the range can provide both domestic hot water and run your central heating system.
Central Heating Radiators
Conventional central heating systems will use radiators. There are a wide range of designs available from contemporary to traditional through to the extravagant to the seamless integration.
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is now very popular with self builders, with good energy efficiency and leaving the walls free of radiators. Underfloor heating system uses water to heat the environment, and is circulated through special pipes installed into the floor. Installing underfloor heating should be considered as early as possible as it needs to be integrated with the construction of the floor.
Fires and stoves
Many self builders choose solid fuel fires and stoves, although a flame-effect 'fire' or stove, running from gas, oil or electricity is obviously a cleaner option though rarely as attractive.
A CORGI registered fitter is required by law to fit all gas appliances. Contact the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) (Tel. 01256 372300) for details. If you are planning to use solid fuel, contact the Solid Fuel Association (Tel. 0845 601 4406) for information and advice.
Do not make heating an after thought to your build - discuss your ideas with your architect or builder and potential suppliers to ensure the correct heating application is catered for.
Energy efficiency
Energy savings are achieved by a combination of more efficient heating and ventilation systems, better insulation, draught-proofing and high-performance windows. Factors that can be clearly set out in the design stages of your build.
If you can take energy from renewable energy sources, such as from the sun, then even better. As well as fitting solar power, incorporate passive solar features into the design and layout of your new home, giving careful thought to the positioning of windows ensuring that they will gain more heat from the winter sun that they will lose.
For more information on energy efficient building see the eco self build guide.
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