Heating and Hot Water Solutions for a New Sports and Social Club
Cost-effective, sustainable heating and hot water solution for a community-funded sports and social club, overcoming challenges with innovative design and tailored installations.
We were approached to work on a project by a sports and social club, a project partially funded by the local council but primarily supported by the dedication and contributions of the local residents. Our role was to design and install an efficient heating and hot water system that would meet the unique needs of the club while staying within a limited budget.
Efficient Heating with a Thermia Air Source Heat Pump
To provide reliable heating and hot water throughout the facility, we installed a Thermia three-phase air source heat pump. This system delivers warmth through a standard convector radiator setup, ensuring that the club remains comfortable for all members and visitors. The choice of an air source heat pump was driven by its efficiency and sustainability, aligning with the club’s long-term goals of reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
Tackling the Hot Water Challenge
One of the key challenges we faced was the need to supply adequate hot water for showers, particularly on weekends when football matches increase demand. The existing water supply to the site was limited, and upgrading to a larger supply pipe capable of handling 10 simultaneous showers would have been prohibitively expensive. Given the club's limited funds, we needed to find a cost-effective solution that wouldn’t compromise on performance.
To address this, we installed three 500L Cold Stream accumulator vessels. This approach proved to be both economical and effective. Unlike traditional break tanks and pump sets, these accumulator vessels are not only more affordable but also more hygienic, making them an ideal choice for the club’s needs.
Enhancing Efficiency with a Simple but Effective Solution
Understanding the varying demand for hot water throughout the week, we introduced an additional feature to optimize the system’s efficiency. A solenoid valve was installed on one of the hot water cylinder outlets, allowing only one cylinder to operate during the week when hot water usage is low. This small but impactful addition helps the club save on energy costs, reducing both financial expenditure and environmental impact.
