Unico Systems International - Cheap bills don't cost the Earth
West Ford Farm in Rivenhall, Essex was transformed
from a pair of dated semi-detached cottages into a
spacious single residence by building contractor Michael
Macnamara of Miron UK Ltd. After much deliberation
between installing traditional radiator heating and an
under floor heating, he visited the Home Renovation
Show, where he was impressed with the heating and
cooling options offered by a Unico System. Opting for a
geothermal energy source powered by a three phase
converter the Unico option was favoured.
In the UK solar and geothermal energy maintain
sub-surface temperatures of 7 to 10°C even in the
winter. At West Ford Farm six pipes were sunk 100 feet
into the ground to utilise the latent heat energy.
Although this work was more expensive than installing a
conventional boiler, this environmentally-friendly,
renewable energy source is - in essence - free. A heat
pump was used to ‘compress’ the low-grade geothermal
heat, increasing the temperature sufficiently to provide
not only heating but also hot water. By operating the
system in reverse the house is cooled without the need
of a separate condenser, as the extensive underground
pipe network itself took on this function.
Once the geo-thermal heat is delivered to the air
handler module, the Unico system then plays its part in
the environmentally friendly cycle and reduction in
running costs by ensuring an energy-efficient transfer
to the high-velocity air handling system. With its
ability to take hot water at a lower temperature than
comparable systems, the Unico System is even more
fuel-efficient and set to save approximately 75% off the
heating bill for life.
A single air handler was sufficient for West Ford Farm,
although different zones within the house can be
isolated and the temperature controlled independently
using motorised dampers. These
thermostatically-controlled devices open and close
ducts, adjusting airflow and therefore temperature as
required.
In case the geothermal system failed, or for when it
required servicing, Mr Macnamara installed an electric
battery system as a back-up. “I was impressed with the
versatility of the system,“ he says, “being able to line
up another energy source to run the Unico system in an
emergency was reassuring.”
The owner is also pleased with the comfortable, uniform
heating and cooling produced by the system. He comments:
“Even visitors have noticed how there are no hot or cold
spots around the house. Not only are we benefiting form
being able to cool the home, it is probably the only
fully air conditioned home in the area, which no doubt
will add desirability and market value to the property.”
Email:
scott@unicosystem.com
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
Registered in England and Wales No. 07334149
News Categories : Underfloor heating systems
Geothermal energy
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Underfloor
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