Concern & action: Complex installation
A system or feature which is technically complicated requires specialist installation, understanding by installer and needs accurate commissioning in order to function correctly. Diagnosis and correction of problems can be more difficult than those of simpler installations.
Suggested actions
Before Implementation
Ensure implications of complexity of system (e.g. new heating technology, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery requiring new ducting, space allocation, wiring, controls) are understood through out supply chain e.g. from briefing and design through to installation, completion and on-going occupation. Consider alternative, less complex installations. Take into account the occupancy regime (e.g. tenanted properties with high turnover of occupants, home owner occupier).
During implementation
Select appropriately qualified installer (e.g. MCS qualification for renewable technologies). Installers need to be professional and provide a good level of customer interaction. Prepare and provide record of specific installation to consumer in a simple format.
After implementation
Check installation matches design requirements as specified and feedback any discrepancies to installers and manufacturers.
RELATED MEASURES
FABRIC (2)
SERVICES (26)
Photovoltaics
Hydropower generation
Air source heat pumps
Ground/Water source heat pumps
Biomass boilers
Biomass stove with back boiler
Flue gas heat recovery devices
Solar water heating
Waste water heat recovery devices for showers
Communal heat generating system
Micro combined heat and power
Cylinder thermostats
Hot water cylinder insulation
New cylinder
Heating Distribution Refurbishment
Pipe insulation
Wet Under-floor heating
Communal Heat Distribution System and controls
Passive stack ventilation
Continuous mechanical extract ventilation
Continuous mechanical supply and extract ventilation with heat recovery
Passive stack ventilation with heat recovery
Passive stack ventilation with demand control ventilation
Continuous mechanical extract ventilation with demand control ventilation
Continuous mechanical supply and extract ventilation with heat recovery and with demand control ventilation
BEHAVIOUR (1)
RELATED REFERENCES (8)
Warmer Bath: A guide to improving the energy efficiency of traditional homes in the city of Bath (2011)
Bath Preservation Trust & Centre for Sustainable Energy
Future Fit: Installation Phase in depth findings (2011)
EST/Affinity Sutton
Energy Heritage: A guide to improving energy efficiency in traditional and historic homes (2008)
Changeworks
Renewable Heritage: A guide to microgeneration in traditional and historic homes (2009)
Changeworks
Micro CHP Accelerator - final report (CTC788) (2011)
Guy,R. and Sykes,B.
Conversion of Traditional Buildings Part 2 - sections 3 Enviroment & 6 Energy (2007)
Ed. Dennis Urquhart, Historic Scotland
Getting Warmer: a field trial of heat pumps (2010)
Energy Saving Trust