FAQs
Which technology is the best?
All the technologies have unique advantages, the selection of any technology is dependant on a number of factors such as:
- Location & aspect of the building.
- Current energy consumption.
- Clients reasons for investment.
We see our role at AET as one of, helping people make informed decisions regarding technologies, we do NOT favour any particular technology or manufacturer.
Will investing in alternative technology save me money?
The simple answer is “yes”, eventually.
We will always ensure that any recommendations come with an estimate of annual savings that will eventually lead our clients to save money.
The decision to invest in an alternative technology is as more about lifestyle than return on investment, as sometimes the payback periods can be long. An investment should not only be considered in terms of the direct saving on energy bills, most technologies will add value to a property & all technologies will improve the energy performance rating of a property.
Can I become energy self sufficient?
Again the simple answer is “yes”, but the practicalities are complex particularly if you are referring to solar & wind power. These technologies rely on natural conditions which are unpredictable & usually not balanced to a properties demand.
Therefore there is a need to accumulate energy when you are producing more than demanding, which can be drawn upon when you are demanding more than you are producing.
Batteries can be used, but in order to provide sufficient & sustainable storage specialist units are required that can more than double the cost of an investment.
In all initial investments we would normally recommend installing a technology that will supplement existing energy consumption.
What is Biomass wood pellet, doesn’t burning wood produce Co2?
The wood pellet for biomass heat & hot water systems is produced from fast growing sustainable forest plantations. The trees harvested every few years & the wood shredded & compressed into pellets.
The pellets are burnt in a stove which heats a boiler & works in a similar way to a traditional heat & hot water boiler system. There are Co2 emissions from burning wood pellet, but these are a fraction of the Co2 emissions of electricity & gas. See our Green Politics page.
The big advantage for biomass wood pellet is as a direct replacement for properties that are not on the gas grid, the running costs of the biomass wood pellet are about half that of heating oil (comparing heating oil at 50p per litre & wood pellet at £160 per tonne) are significantly less than LPG.
