As the introduction of the new Part L of the Building Regulations looms, research into the specification of electric heating in multi-dwelling residential properties suggests that the technology does have a future.

Developers, consultants and installers will still be able to specify electric heating as a method of meeting design criteria to comply with the new energy requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations, claims an industry trade body.

The Electric Heating and Ventilation Association (TEHVA) has completed research in which it trialled the improved new build target carbon emission rating method from the Office of the Deputy Prime minister, alongside a draft version of the new Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). A revised Part L is expected in spring 2006.

Research findings concluded that electric heating, including panel heating, a traditional storage and panel mix and also boiler-based electric wet heating systems, operating with either radiators or underfloor systems, can be specified in new build apartment blocks to meet Part L conditions.

TEHVA director, Kelly Butler, says: “New build flats and apartment blocks are a core market segment for electrical heating manufacturers. Now that Part L allows whole block assessments to be submitted for new build compliance, specifiers have the flexibility to trade-off compliance within the whole block.

“Generally, the mid-floor flats are easiest to obtain compliance for as they have less exposed area because the floor and ceiling are not in contact with the external atmosphere. This means that their compliance results can be traded off against the more difficult to deal with ground and top floor units.”

This method, along with increased levels of insulation and supplementary sustainable methods such as roof-mounted solar panels, means that there is good flexibility in compliance methods. Butler went on to encourage designing in whole dwelling mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to supplement the heat load and provide the effective ventilation rates.

TEHVA is working towards the launch of a MVHR certification scheme later this year. The scheme will allow assessors to input performance figures for heat recovery ventilation products which will deliver an enhanced SAP score and aid new build compliance.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor