Jaga Heating Products UK comments on the announcement from the HPA (Heat Pump Association), confirming that the DECC have made the much anticipated Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) a reality:

This is a positive and promising step forward in our nation’s push towards the “20-20-20” targets. As the Minister of Energy, Greg Barker, said himself, “This is the first scheme of its kind in the world – showing yet again that the UK is leading the way in the clean energy sector.”

Now, a new challenge lies ahead off the HVAC industry. As we wait, expectantly, to see a rise in the implementation of ‘Step 1’ systems like heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal panels, we need to focus on educating end users about ‘Step 2’ – how this renewable heat can be disbursed into the space.

There has been a common misconception that under floor heating is the only viable option to use in conjunction with these low temperature systems. However, new, fan-assisted radiator technology, specifically designed to work effectively at low temperatures with the technologies covered in the RHI scheme, provide rapid response times, low thermal inertia and match heat output precisely to the home’s heating demand.

This is backed up strongly through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme in the Heat Emitter Guide - MCS021, a vital tool used by installers when designing a renewable heating system.. The guide acknowledges that heat pumps can provide high-efficiency, low-carbon heat for dwellings, and gives advice on how their performance can be optimised through the choice of heat emitters best suited to the application. Based on a star-rating system the guide and eventual certification helps consumers select an emitter which will result in high efficiency and low running costs.

The design of low carbon heating systems doesn’t simply start and finish with the heat pumps, biomass boilers and the like, but extends all the way to the heat emitter itself. By highlighting the importance of using a MCS certified installer, the industry will see the ‘ripple effect’ of installers promoting highly efficient systems, and the certification will demonstrate to the consumer that the design is appropriate and that the installation will be completed to the highest quality. We will soon see people not only participating in the domestic RHI scheme, but also taking advantage of the incentive by ensuring their complete systems are designed and operating to their full energy-efficiency capabilities.

Phil Marris, Managing Director, Jaga Heating Products (UK) Ltd