A company that has developed a more efficient way to heat buildings is set to capitalise on a new government scheme designed to get more green technology in homes. Atherton-based Discrete Heat is the company behind ThermaSkirt, which transmits heat through skirting boards rather than via radiators.
It proudly claims that the patented ThermaSkirt heating system is more effective than traditional radiator systems when used with new renewable heating technologies such as solar panels and ground source heat pumps, which use pipes underground to extract heat from the earth.
They require heating systems to work at lower temperatures and managing director Martin Wadsworth says ThermaSkirt will help ensure technologies like solar panels are more widely adopted.
He said:
"Solar and other green heating systems work better at lower temperatures.
When the temperature of the water in the heating system is lower, you have to increase the size of the radiator to compensate.
That normally means installing even bigger radiators, in some cases up to twice the size, or underfloor heating. The disruption and cost associated with that makes it not practical.
ThermaSkirt is a much more cost effective solution."
He claims ThermaSkirt is 13 per cent more energy-efficient than conventional radiators, and up to 25 per cent more energy-efficient when used with the right heat source. The company turns over around £1 million per year and employs 15 people but is expected to grow rapidly as demand for its products increases with the arrival of the government’s Green Deal scheme in October.
The scheme enables suppliers to offer customers a range of energy-efficient improvements to their homes and businesses without having to pay upfront. The supplier then recoups payment in instalments through a charge which is added to the customer's energy bills. Under the scheme, the charge must not exceed the efficiency savings generated by the work done, so customers' bills do not rise.
Discrete Heat is now working with two approved Green Deal providers.
Mr. Wadsworth said: "They have recognised the fact that the radiator is the weak link in the system without ThermaSkirt."
Discrete Heat is also beginning to win orders from overseas, with a contract to supply a development of 1,000 apartments in Turkey and orders from the US and Uruguay.
Mr. Wadsworth said: "ThermaSkirt is appealing to people who want to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, save money and also have a heating system which doesn't intrude into their homes."
Source:
Manchester Evening News - 22nd August 2012
Want to find out more?
Fill in the form here for a free callback, or phone us on 01942 88 00 66 for more information or a no obligation quote.
