Energy Efficient Electrical Heating System, St Margaret’s Church, Alderton, Glos

The project is for the installation of electrical heating and the National Grid phase 3 connection part of the new heating system at St Margert’s Church Alderton.

The church gas central heating system is 24 years old and, following recent breakdown problems, has caused consideration of the longevity of the boiler. The Diocese of Gloucester has a date to make the Diocese Net Zero carbon by 2030. Its Energy and Sustainability Adviser proposed an electrical heating solution. The gas engineer advised that if the boiler broke down again, the parts may be difficult to source as they are no longer available from Ideal Standard. The decision was taken to replace the gas central heating with electric under pew heaters, panel heaters and an overhead heater.

The new heating system will offer a totally reliable source of heating which will be reassuring because of the present ageing gas boiler sometimes breaking down and at times it is very difficult to find the cause. Because of the church being a stone building it can be extremely cold in the winter so if the heating broke down, it would not be able to hold events during the winter months. As well as church services, there are christenings, weddings and funerals so the new heating will make these much more comfortable. Fundraising events such as concerts are held in the church which are attended by a range of people in the community.