Warmer winter for Two Rivers tenants

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Bill Payments, Communities, Environment, Health

Innovative housing association, Two Rivers Housing has just completed its first heating retrofit pilot project in Lake Close, Churcham, just in time for the winter.
The project involved several 1 and 2 bedroom bungalows which received innovative air-source heat pump systems in replace of their out-dated storage heaters. Contractor Shackleton & Wintle Ltd installed the systems over a 3-day period. A grant application to the Low Carbon Building Programme secured just over £15,000 and Two Rivers Housing invested £21,500, which meant every home received just over £6000 of investment.

Mrs Cloake said:
“The storage heaters were costing me a lot to run and I found that they were difficult to control. This new system is much better, I am able to have hot water when I want it and I’m not worrying that I’ll be cold this winter. I am extremely pleased with everything.”

Two Rivers will monitor the energy usage over the coming months and whilst a fuller picture of cost savings will be available in the New Year, positive feedback from tenants has already been received. This heating solution aims to provide future protection against rising electric prices. The system can produce up to 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity and therefore reduces the need to use the same level of electricity. This in turn gives price protection to our tenants as fuel prices are expected to rise in the future.

Project Manager and Senior Surveyor for Two Rivers Housing, Rob Lane said:
“This is the first retrofit project that we have completed to provide sustainable heating. Our focus is to offer long term low-cost heating solutions which our tenants will benefit from now and in the future.

Given that the cost of finite fuels is likely to rise, we are aware that this type of pilot may well set the standard for retrofit across our housing stock, where the need to upgrade heating systems exists. We are extremely encouraged by the results so far.”

Robin Heffter, Director at Shackleton & Wintle Ltd added:
“The Daikin air to water heat pump solution in off gas properties works extremely well, cutting fuel poverty, giving better control for customers and reducing carbon emissions by 50%. It also provides for traditional radiators at low surface temperatures which is a great added benefit and 5% VAT will make these systems very competitive. The governments commitment to the RHI will also help make these types of systems become a long term viable solution for Two Rivers Housing.”