Comparative Trial Initiated: Air Source Heat Pumps vs. Infrared Heating Systems

Lovell's Tomorrow Home Housing Programme: Innovative Net-Zero Homes

Lovell, a forward-thinking business, has launched an exciting new initiative - the Tomorrow Home housing programme. The aim is to test the performance of an infrared heating system and an air source heat pump system in two three-bedroom houses. The findings from this trial will provide valuable insight and continue the drive towards net-zero emissions.

The first of these test homes, House 'A', boasts an infrared heating system, offering immediate warmth, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. Additionally, it features a Symphony kitchen constructed using recycled materials. For ventilation, the Vent Axia dMEV (decentralised mechanical extract ventilation) is installed.

In House 'A', digital assistance systems such as fall sensors and other technical equipment are tested to promote smart and age-appropriate living. Furthermore, the development of a community meeting space is part of the project to foster neighbourhood interaction.

Meanwhile, House 'B' includes a Daikin air source heat pump together with a direct hot water tank and the Atlantic Calypso air source hot water cylinder. It also benefits from the Vent Axia whole-house mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system (MVHR), similar to House 'A'. The Vent Axia dMEV system is also present in House 'B'.

To monitor the homes' performance and examine operating costs and carbon figures, Dr Sean Williams and Elena Imani from Teesside University will oversee the study.

Both test homes will also feature eco-friendly technologies such as Myenergi solar inverter and solar battery linked to an electric vehicle charger, Eco2solar photo-voltaic panels, Recoup waste-water heat recovery, H Jarvis triple-glazed PVCu windows, and Ideal Standard water efficient sanitary ware. Multipanel impervious shower walls are installed in the wet rooms of both homes.

The findings from the test homes will inform the choice of energy-saving system for 124 newly built homes in Spennymoor, Durham. As a responsible business, Lovell is driving down emissions year on year and is constantly looking for innovative ways to do so while delivering multi-tenure homes across the UK.

House 'A' will also include additional technologies not found in House 'B', further enhancing Lovell's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The results of this groundbreaking programme will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes in the future.