Residents in 74 homes are having their lives transformed and bills reduced thanks to ground source heat pumps (GSHP) in Appledore and Charing. The £2.2 million scheme is the first time that Ashford Borough Council has installed GSHP heating systems in its residential properties.
The scheme is part of a bigger drive by the council to retrofit around 700 homes with energy-saving measures using government funding of £5.1 million. The money from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 is bolstered by a £6.2 million contribution from the council.
Ground source heat pumps are an effective, highly efficient low carbon heating system that harnesses natural, freely available heat stored in the ground. A mixture of water and antifreeze circulates within a network of underground pipes, absorbing the natural heat from the earth. This mix is then passed through the heat pump which compresses and enhances this energy so it can heat the water used in the home’s radiators and hot water systems.
The Kensa Shoebox heat pumps being installed are compact enough to fit inside each property and provide the home with heat via radiators as part of a traditional central heating system.
Noel Ovenden, Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing, says, “We’re working closely with our tenants to ensure they understand how the GSHP systems work and to recognise the tremendous benefits they will enjoy because of these exciting improvements. In addition to these life-changing benefits for tenants, the upgrades to our most energy-inefficient rural homes will help the council with our ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2030.”
Craig Godden, a resident in Heathside in Appledore, says, “I think this is a great idea. Our electric storage heaters are expensive to run and I’m looking forward to saving the pennies and having a warmer, more comfortable home.”
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