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Visit our renewable energy showroom in the heart of Ellesmere in Shropshire

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Did you know you can now visit our new Low-carbon Home Systems showroom at the Rennet Works in the centre of Ellesmere?

Following on from our success as electrical & plumbing contractors we have built on that knowledge & diversified into renewable energy installations.  Now more than ever people are considering their impact on the environment & are looking into greener energy solutions for their homes & businesses.  We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint & protect the planet for future generations to enjoy.

At our showroom we have a range of working & demonstration renewable energy & eco friendly systems on display, including a solar PV & air pump demo installation, supplying heat to the underfloor heating system.  

As not everyone is fully aware of what ‘green’ options are available or even suitable for their homes, we have all the information you need to help you to make an informed decision on what is right for you. 

If you are considering a greener option to power your home or business pop in & see us.  We don’t like pushy sales people, instead we have friendly experienced installers here to offer advice & help you to find the best solution for your home.  Even better! The Goverments incentive for choosing a more environmentally friendly option, the Green Homes Grant, has now been extended until March 2022!

Don’t forget we are an established & experienced electrical & heating installer accredited by MCS, NICEIC, OFTEC, Gas Safe, SMAS, Trust Mark & OLEV so we can guarantee our customers a quality installation & after care service.

 

Princes LHS has a new home!

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We have a new home!  After succesfully growing our business from the Ellesmere Business Park for the last 14 years we decided a move would allow us to continue with our success & to further develop the renewable energy side of the business.

The Rennet Works building, previously the old JC Dykes Hardware store in the heart of Ellesmere had recently become empty.   Director Matt realised the potential of the former Ellesmere Brewery & the possibility of now being able to open a showroom devoted purely to renewable energy.

In the Summer of 2020 work started on converting the building into offices to accommodate the electrical, plumbing & maintenance contracting side of the business, a trade counter & the renewables showroom.  Low-carbon Home Systems was born!

Our showroom is now open & has a range of working & demonstration renewable energy options & eco-friendly technology on display.  For anyone who is interested in reducing their carbon footprint & energy bills but isnt sure what is available or the different types of technology it offers the opportunity to pop in, take a look & ask questions.  We don’t have pushy sales people & we don’t like the hard sell approach.

We can also provide further information on the governments Green Home Grant scheme which has now been extended to March 2022. 

Come & pay us a visit!  We are here Monday to Friday 9 – 5 & Saturday mornings 9 – 12. 

The former JC Dykes building at the Rennet Works

Now……..                                     And then…….workers at the Ellesmere Brewery

Best Selling British Made EV Charger

Written by Princes LHS on . Posted in Environmentally-friendly homes, Uncategorized. No Comments on Best Selling British Made EV Charger

The worlds first solar compatible EV charger

The myenergi Zappi is a smart EV charger with a difference. Not only does it operate as a standard EV charger, but it also has optional charging modes to utilise 100% GREEN energy generated from your Solar PV or wind generation.  Increasing the Return On Investment (ROI) for your panels and electric car, the zappi is easy to install and user friendly.

Being the first-ever EV charger of its kind, the innovative team at myenergi has carefully designed features and functions to give you complete control of your electric car charging experience. Paired with the myenergi app, you can set timers to utilise economy tariffs, use the boost function, monitor your devices, and so much more!

This future proof, intelligent electric car charging is conceived, evolved, and manufactured in-house right here in the UK.

Our specialist team at Princes LHS have installed this version 2 Zappi for a customer of ours, complete with a Harvi energy harvesting wireless sensor and the myenergy hub app.

 

With the OLEV Grant Scheme, you can claim back from the government up to £350 off your product and installation!

Choosing a Solar Battery for Your Home

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Whilst being relatively new technology, solar batteries do have the ability to significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Savings of up to £300 a year can be achieved on a standard 4 Kw solar system. This will be suitable for a domestic property, whether you live in a bungalow or a larger property.

Why choose solar batteries?

Currently a typical solar PV system will send energy back to the grid at a decreased rate. This increases your reliance on the grid and can reduce your overall energy savings. By deciding to install a battery storage system you increase self-sufficiency up to almost 100% and significantly reduce the running costs of your solar system.

Battery systems can also be easily installed alongside existing solar systems with wall mounted and ground mounted versions available. The digital display available on most models will give you an idea of performance as well.

Types of solar batteries

There are two types of solar battery systems that can be installed currently. These include lithium acid and lithium ion batteries, which both differ in price and performance. Whilst lithium acid models may be typically a third of the cost of a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion battery is a much longer lasting and powerful. For instance, a lithium ion battery can discharge at a rate of 90% while a lithium acid battery can only discharge at roughly 50% of its capacity.

The truth is lithium-ion batteries generally have more energy , last longer and operate at a range of temperatures unlike other rechargeable batteries.Whilst standard batteries for running computers, mobile phones and other consumer electronics, these batteries have the density and longevity to store and dispatch solar electricity for at least 10 years.

The rise of lithium ion

Tesla is using Panasonic’s lithium-ion batteries for its cars and they recently flipped the switched on their giggafactory which is set to double the worlds production of lithium ion batteries. Tesla are well known for setting ambitious and unrealistic timelines for their renewable s projects, and Elon Musk has once again pulled it off by putting the factory live on schedule

For more information on solar batteries, visit our battery section here

 

 

5 Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Central Heating System

Written by Princes LHS on . Posted in Energy Saving, Heating. No Comments on 5 Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Central Heating System

It may seem like a mammoth task to upgrade your central heating system, especially when we are getting so close to summer. However, with increased efficiency and cost saving at the top of most homeowner’s mind, upgrading has become a more popular topic of conversation over the last few years.

For those of you who are thinking about upgrading, here are a few questions that you should be asking yourself before you get going.

  1. What type of system do you need?

Often the size of your home can have a big impact on the type of central heating system you need. Especially when it comes to the number of bathrooms.

There are three type of systems you will typically choose from:

  • Wet systems
  • Warm air systems
  • Storage heaters

A wet system works by circulating hot water around a system of pipes connected to a boiler or heat exchanger. A less popular choice is a warm air system which heats the air and feeds it to different rooms via air ducts. Not always the most cost effective choice either.

The last option is a storage heater which will use bricks capable of storing large amounts of heat. These bricks store heat using off-peak electricity and will tend to use a separate wiring system.

Whilst wet systems are the most popular in the UK, a storage heater means you can control the amount of heat being stored and can even delay its release until you return in the evening. Not bad going!

  1. Do you need to replace the whole system?

While the boiler, radiators and cylinders have a big impact on the performance of your central heating, pipework can be equally important. Moving systems can put pressure on pipework and create leaks that go unnoticed. If that is the case, then you may find any potential savings are voided by faulty pipes which aren’t suitable for your new system.

We would suggest replacing the necessary pipework to avoid any future mishaps and installing other parts where the cost saving warrants it. For instance, if your boiler is over 15 years old then replacing it with a more modern model could increase efficiency by up to 50% and thus boost your savings.

  1. What type of boiler so you need? Is a combi really the most efficient solution?

A combi boiler is a popular choice for a high percentage of households due to its ability to heat water on demand. The truth of it is that they are most suitable for houses with just one bathroom; and possibly two if powerful enough.

The other options are conventional and system boilers which both require a hot water cylinder. This can take up more space but will lead to faster running water – and faster running baths! Both systems can feed several outlets at once making them more suitable for properties with multiple bathrooms.

  1. Are you thinking of carrying out more home improvements? Could this involve installing more radiators?

Something as simple as an extension or loft conversion can impact the type of boiler you should have. You should consider whether you need a tank for the loft you are planning to convert, and if so maybe you should be installing a boiler without tanks? There is also the question of radiators. Will you be putting more bathrooms in as part of your extension? And if so, will your boiler supply all the new radiators and bathrooms comfortably?

If not, then you need a conventional or system boiler now despite your current supply currently only warranting a combi system. There is no benefit to installing two different boilers over such a short period.

  1. How old is your hot water cylinder?

New cylinders tend to be a different size and shape to old ones. Whatever the case, you may find when you get around to it that a hot water cylinder is taking up a lot of space. Big bulky old systems often require space for needless cylinders which wouldn’t be the case with a newer model. With more space, you could even create room for a new shower cubicle!

The point is that if you are hasty when it comes to upgrading your central heating then it could end up costing you in the long run. Be smart and answer these questions before you get started. For more information you can visit our central heating page here.

5 Ways Trump Could Impact Climate Change

Written by Princes LHS on . Posted in Climate Change. No Comments on 5 Ways Trump Could Impact Climate Change

New US President Donald Trump has been criticised in the past about his views on climate change. To this date he still fails to recognise its importance. Trump even went one further by claiming that climate change was it is in fact a “hoax”.

Experts now believe that he already has plans to dramatically change the US’s stand point. This seems even more likely based on the way he has approached his presidency so far.

Below are five ways he could impact climate change in the US, based on recent reports.

The five ways Trump can impact climate change

  1. Removing at least half of the staff at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and significantly reducing their budget.
  2. Replacing the climate change page on the Whitehouse website (which he has already done) with a fossil fuel based policy which involves reinstating two oil pipelines
  3. Threatening to pull out of the Paris agreement which was designed to tackle climate change
  4. Targeting reduced energy prices for the American people without considering the potential part it could play in the world either avoiding or feeling the full effects of climate change
  5. Concentrating on safeguarding land and water above renewable energy

With the US being the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, they could have a serious impact on the future of climate change; especially if they decide to ignore it. Specialists form the UK are calling for Teresa May to challenge Mr Trump on these policies and to make use of the UK’s ‘special relationship’ with the US.

Only time will tell if she will though.

What’s so Special About an Air Source Heat Pump?

Written by Princes LHS on . Posted in Energy Saving, Heat Pumps. No Comments on What’s so Special About an Air Source Heat Pump?

When it comes to home heating options an air source heat pump can be a great way to lower fuel bills and improve your carbon efficiency. Technology continues to improve while fuel prices only increase, making heat pumps a more attractive option for the average homeowner.

To give you an example, if you have an old gas boiler then you could save up to £495 per year on your energy bills by installing a heat pump. On top of that you could earn between £1,000 – £2000 per year from the RHI scheme (Renewable Heat Incentive) which is a subsidy paid over 7 years. The Government recently pledged even more support for heat pumps by announcing increased tariffs.

How does an air source heat pump work?

The heat pump itself works by extracting heat from the air around the unit and absorbing it at a lower temperature via a fluid (similar to the way a fridge extracts heat from its inside). This fluid then passes through a compressor where the temperature is increased and distributed around your heating system. This means that unlike a gas or oil boiler the heat pump is able work at a much lower temperature and more efficiently.

Heating is renewed constantly and cuts down on the use of expensive fossil fuels.

The benefits

Other than the obvious energy savings, installing an air source heat pump is also:

  • Easier to maintain with services suggested every 3-5 years
  • Profitable due to the ability to claim RHI payments and reduced energy costs
  • Easier to install and more affordable than a ground source heat pump
  • Highly efficient due to the fact it works at a lower temperature
  • Easily fitted alongside other renewable systems
  • Around 300% efficient compared to fossil fuel boilers which are only 80% -95% efficient

Why might I choose to install a hybrid system?

Deciding to install a hybrid system can help to deliver further savings due to the reduction in installation costs.  In this case the heat pump no longer acts as a standalone system and would work instead beside your central heating system. This way you get to keep your gas, oil or LPG boiler, but use energy created from your heat pump to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Recent work

As part of a recent project in Weston Rhyn (Shropshire) our team installed a Samsung air source heat pump in a hybrid system so that it was able to work alongside the existing oil boiler. The hybrid system meant that the owner made significant savings on installation due to the fact they didn’t need to replace their hot water cylinder or existing radiators. They can also expect significant yearly savings on their energy bills.

 

View work

 

Going Solar in Shropshire

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A recent Government survey showed that 82% of people in the UK supported using solar energy, yet a lot of people still rely heavily on fossil fuels. Reports suggest that 2017 could be the tipping point for solar PV though with solar panel costs falling by 25% and a predicted 10% fall year on year. This is a benefit which we pass on to customers every day and provide them with energy security against rising prices.

Homeowners and businesses across Shropshire will soon be feeling the effect of these rising prices though with energy companies announcing further increases in March this year. We suggest installing Solar PV because this minimises energy drawn from the grid and means you’re using mostly clean and efficient energy generated by your solar panels. You can even install battery storage alongside your solar system so that any energy you don’t use during the day, is stored and used in the evening.

Last year it became even more obvious that the technology was there to make solar PV more affordable. Cheaper components and increased capacity, with high kW panels, have helped to reduce installation costs and give real return on investment. To give you an example, most homes in Shropshire have the ability install at least a 4 kW system which can save you up to 50% on your energy bills and pay for itself in under 8 years. These savings only increase for businesses who can install much larger systems with the potential for 100% savings on daytime electricity.

Our team of accredited MCS fitters have excellent experience installing solar PV and work with customers across Shropshire on a daily basis. We are able to install high quality systems to suit each individual property’s energy usage, and provide ongoing maintenance when needed. Our customers continue to make great savings through their Solar Systems, and also have realistic expectations based on analysis produced by our team.

To find out how much you could save by investing in solar PV, call our team on 01691 624336 or complete our contact form here

Saving energy in 2017

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Looking for new ways to save energy in 2017? Princes LHS are here to help. We’ve put together 10 ways that you can start saving right now.  Read our top 10 tips below and learn how to reduce your monthly bills by staying on top of your energy usage all year round.

Saving at home

Install a room thermostat and start managing your central heating costs

If you own a room thermostat then room temperatures can be managed throughout the day using just one thermostat. If you don’t own a thermostat, then you should really be setting your boiler temperature as low as you’re comfortable with.

What’s best? At Princes we recommend the NEST thermostat which programs itself over time by learning what temperature you like. To find out more about NEST please click here.

Do your washing at a lower temperature and save 1/3 on the cost of a spin cycle

Doing your washing at 30 degrees and not 40 degrees may seem insignificant, but realistically this could save you up to a third on the cost of every spin cycle.

Use central heating to heat one room instead of using your gas fire 

Central heating is the cheaper way to heat a single room. You can even test it yourself by comparing meter readings.

Replace one old light bulb with an energy saving bulb and save £78 over its lifetime

Energy saving bulbs are much more cost efficient and will last up to 12 times longer than a standard light bulb.

Defrost your fridges and freezers every year and help them to run more efficiently

By defrosting your fridge and freezer you can make space for more food. This acts as insulation and lessens the time they have to stay cool.

Install underfloor insulation and heating for older building 

Older building often have timber frames which don’t hold in as much heat. Underfloor heating can be fitted beneath these floors to help them stay warm throughout the year.

Looking to install underfloor heating? Contact us today for a free quote.

Saving at work

No more screen savers

Avoid setting screen savers when your away from your desk by changing the power settings and stop your computer screen from running all day.

Purchase indoor plants – It works!

Plants act as natural air conditioners due to the humidity produced during their respiratory cycle. This can even improve the air quality in your office.

Fix those dripping taps 

The cost of not fixing dripping taps far outweighs the cost of getting someone to service them – Not forgetting the wasted water!

Energy saving workplace

Promote efficiency within your workplace and you will see the rewards every month. You could even appoint someone to take ownership of saving energy for the entire company.

Employ just one of these energy saving tips and you should see a difference in your monthly bills!

If you have any questions regarding heating, electrical or renewable energy solutions, please feel free to call us on 01691 624336 or complete our contact form here.

A Very Merry Christmas from Princes LHS

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Christmas is finally here! From all the team at Princes LHS, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a fantastic new year! We look forward to supporting you with all your heating, renewable and plumbing enquiries in 2017.

Christmas Opening Hours 

Our offices will be closed from today 23rd December 2016 and will open again 3rd January 2017 at 08.00am . If you have any urgent enquiries in the meantime, please leave a message with the office and one of our engineers will be able to help.