Guide for calculating energy requirements and selecting fitting renewable energy sources

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, many homeowners are considering ways to reduce energy usage and switch to renewable energy sources. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions about your home's energy needs and the best options for renewable energy.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand your energy usage. If your home is connected to the mains, you can find your energy usage on your monthly bills. To determine this, consider factors such as your lifestyle, electricity use, gas or oil use, hot water needs, heating usage, seasonal changes, and preferred heating type.

Making fabric first improvements, such as insulation and air sealing, can significantly reduce energy needs before switching to renewables. These improvements not only help in energy savings but also contribute to a more comfortable living environment. If your home has issues with draught-proofing or damp, consider implementing measures to improve them to reduce energy usage.

For new builds, energy usage is calculated at the design and planning stage as Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations. However, it's essential to note that SAP calculations may overestimate a building's efficiency, so working with architects and energy consultants specializing in low-energy design is advisable.

When renovating, consider the budget for updating existing emitters along with the heat source. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help offset initial costs when installing a heat pump. A heat loss survey can be a good alternative if you think your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is too low for a lower temperature heat pump to work.

If you prefer a professional to assess your energy use, needs, and options, consider booking an independent home energy audit or looking into the Government-led Green Deal scheme. When considering solar power, it's essential to consult a solar expert to assess the suitability of your home's location, position, and available roof space.

Biomass boilers require careful consideration of the location of your home, including proximity to suppliers and delivery costs. On the other hand, solar panels can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee, which allows large energy suppliers to pay homeowners for renewable energy they send back to the National Grid.

Stefan Kathmeyer, a heat pump specialist, recommended in an interview that when installing a heat pump in an old house, one should first carry out a room-by-room heating load calculation, seal all drafts and cracks, use cavity insulation and modernize windows if possible, check and possibly replace heating radiators with more powerful ones or use heat pump radiators, consider cascade solutions for larger buildings, and complement the system with photovoltaic installations to reduce operating costs.

The decision to switch to a renewable energy source is often influenced by cost (long-term running costs) and sustainability. If you're unsure about what renewables might suit you best, consider learning more about biomass, solar panels, and heat pumps, and how they can be used together. The key to working out your energy needs is understanding your usage.

By implementing energy-saving measures and transitioning to renewable energy sources, you can contribute to a more sustainable future while also reducing your energy bills.

Guide for calculating energy requirements and selecting fitting renewable energy sources