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Why Infrared Heating is Ideal for Church Spaces

Heating Churches efficiently has long been a challenge for religious institutions.

Infrared heating offers a promising solution, providing warmth while addressing the unique needs of these often vast and historic spaces. As well as Churches, any large halls or office [4] can be helped greatly with infrared heating.

This modern approach to heating with infrared heating has gained attention for its ability to deliver targeted warmth directly to people and objects, rather than wasting energy on heating the entire air volume of a Church. Trying to heat the entire air volume has added greatly to Church expenses

Infrared heating systems have the potential to revolutionise the way churches manage their energy consumption and comfort levels. This article explores why infrared heating is well-suited for church spaces, looking at the specific requirements of these buildings, the benefits of infrared technology, and its impact on both the environment and finances. We'll also examine how this heating method can help churches reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for worshippers.

Understanding Church Heating Requirements

Churches present unique challenges when it comes to heating. These historic buildings, often characterised by vast spaces and poor insulation, require careful consideration to maintain a comfortable environment for worshippers [1]. The heating requirements of churches are complex, influenced by factors such as building design, usage patterns, and the need to preserve delicate interiors.

Traditional Heating Methods and Their Drawbacks

Many churches rely on outdated heating systems that are both inefficient and costly to operate. The most common traditional method involves ancient boilers coupled with radiator-based systems [1]. This approach has several drawbacks:

  1. High maintenance and running costs
  2. Long heat-up times, leading to wasted energy
  3. Inefficient heating of large, open spaces
  4. Difficulty in maintaining consistent temperatures

These issues are often exacerbated when the church is not in regular use. In many cases, heating systems need to be activated a day or two before planned use, resulting in significant energy waste and increased costs [1].

Traditional gas heaters, while seemingly cost-effective initially, have their own set of problems. They release carbon emissions, conflicting with environmental concerns and the growing focus on climate change [2]. Additionally, these systems often heat the entire air volume of the church, including unoccupied spaces, leading to inefficient energy use and higher running costs [2].

The Need for Efficient, Targeted Heating

To address these challenges, churches require heating solutions that are both efficient and targeted. Key considerations include:

  1. Flexibility: The ability to heat individual spaces without warming the entire building [1]
  2. Responsiveness: Quick heat-up times to accommodate occasional use.
  3. Energy efficiency: Reducing heat loss and lowering running costs
  4. Environmental impact: Minimising carbon footprint and aligning with sustainability goals [2]

Efficient heating is not just about comfort; it plays a crucial role in preserving the historic interiors of church buildings and ensuring the well-being of congregants, particularly the elderly [2]. Moreover, with the UK government's aim for net-zero emissions by 2035, which includes phasing out gas heating systems, churches need to consider future-proof heating solutions.

When selecting a new heating system, church leaders should consider factors such as:

  1. Lifetime costs, including capital outlay, running costs, and maintenance
  2. Impact on the building's fabric
  3. Ability to avoid condensation
  4. Potential for improving comfort levels while reducing expenses [1]

By addressing these requirements, churches can create a warm, welcoming environment that supports their mission while being mindful of financial and environmental responsibilities.

Infrared Heating: A Modern Solution

Infrared heating presents an innovative and energy-efficient solution for churches, addressing the unique challenges posed by these often vast and historic spaces. This modern approach to heating directly warms people and objects, rather than wasting energy on heating large volumes of air [1]. Infrared heaters emit shortwave infrared heat, similar to the sun's warmth, creating an instant pool of comfort that doesn't drift away with air movement [2].

The efficiency of infrared heating is remarkable, with potential energy savings of up to 70% compared to traditional air heating systems [2]. This translates to significant cost reductions, particularly beneficial for churches that are often used intermittently. For instance, initial trials of Halo heaters in a UK church over winter 2022/23 demonstrated an 80% reduction in energy consumption and a 63% decrease in heating bills compared to the existing gas heating system [1].

Types of Infrared Heaters for Churches

Churches can choose from various types of infrared heaters to suit their specific needs:

  1. Zero Light Heaters: These provide powerful, far infrared heat without visible light emission, making them ideal for preserving the ambiance of historic interiors [1] [5].
  2. Warm Glow, Low Glare Heaters: These offer a balance between visible warmth and minimal visual intrusion [1] [5].
  3. Chandelier-Style Heaters: The UK-manufactured Halo is a stunning example, combining effective heating with decorative appeal suitable for heritage buildings [3] [5].

The choice between these options depends on factors such as the church's architectural features, conservation requirements, and heating needs. Some churches may benefit from a combination of different heater types to achieve optimal comfort and efficiency [1].

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Installing infrared heating systems in churches is relatively straightforward and cost-effective. Key considerations include:

  1. Mounting: Infrared heaters can be wall or ceiling mounted, allowing for flexible placement that doesn't interfere with the church's aesthetics [1].
  2. Power Supply: The system simply requires an electricity supply, making installation quick and simple [1] [7]
  3. Control Systems: Modern infrared heaters can be equipped with advanced control systems, allowing for precise management of heating zones and timing [1] [6]
  4. Maintenance: One of the significant advantages of infrared heating is its low maintenance requirements. With no moving parts, these systems have a long lifespan [1].
  5. Environmental Impact: When powered by renewable energy sources or green tariffs, infrared heating can provide 100% CO2-free warmth, helping churches reduce their carbon footprint [1] [3].

By considering these factors, churches can implement an infrared heating solution that not only provides efficient warmth but also preserves the building's fabric and reduces long-term operational costs. The ability to heat specific areas only when needed, combined with rapid warm-up times, makes infrared heating an ideal choice for the intermittent usage patterns typical of church spaces.

Design of the heating installation is very important to ensure the heating panels work efficiently for the space. An accredited installer[7] is key to ensure the heating panels are installed correctly and placed correctly for efficiency.

Environmental and Financial Impacts

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Infrared heating systems offer churches a significant opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint. With the correct energy supply, such as renewable energy or a green tariff, infrared heating can be operated on a zero-carbon basis [1]. This aligns with the growing focus on climate change and the need for churches to minimise their environmental impact. The Church of England's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 underscores the importance of choosing efficient heating solutions, especially considering that 72% of a church's energy consumption typically goes towards heating the building [3].

Long-term Cost Savings

The financial benefits of infrared heating for churches are substantial. Initial trials of Halo heaters in a UK church during winter 2022/23 demonstrated an impressive 80% reduction in energy consumption and a 63% decrease in heating bills compared to the existing gas heating system [3]. These savings are largely attributed to the reduced pre-heat timing, which dropped from 3 hours for the gas/radiator system to just 30 minutes for the Halo system [2].

The Halo system is a traditional looking heater that is especially aesthetically pleasing and the most likely to be approved for use in listed Church Buildings. It is a far infrared system. The best heaters as far as heating quickly and efficiently are near infrared heaters. If your church building or hall is not restricted by being listed there may be other heaters that suit more.[3]

Compatibility with Renewable Energy Sources

Infrared heating systems are highly compatible with renewable energy sources, further enhancing their environmental credentials. Churches can power these electric heating solutions using renewable energy tariffs, ensuring minimal carbon footprints [1]. This compatibility allows churches to transition towards more sustainable energy practises while maintaining efficient heating.


Aspect Traditional Heating Infrared Heating

Energy Consumption

High

Up to 80% reduction [3]

Heating Bills

Higher

Up to 63% reduction [3]

Pre-heat Time

3hrs

30 minutes

Carbon Footprint

Higher

Potential for zero-carbon operation [1]

The combination of reduced energy consumption, lower heating bills, and the potential for zero-carbon operation makes infrared heating an attractive option for churches looking to balance environmental responsibility with financial sustainability.

Conclusion

Infrared heating has a significant impact on church spaces, offering a blend of efficiency, comfort, and environmental consciousness. This modern approach to heating tackles the unique challenges of these often vast and historic buildings, providing targeted warmth while cutting down on energy waste. The ability to heat specific areas quickly and efficiently not only improves comfort for worshippers but also helps to preserve delicate interiors, making it a win-win solution for churches looking to balance tradition with modern needs.

On top of that, the switch to infrared heating paves the way for churches to reduce their carbon footprint and trim down their energy bills. With the potential to cut energy use by up to 80% and heating costs by over 60%, it's a game-changer for religious institutions grappling with tight budgets and environmental concerns. As churches aim to achieve net-zero emissions, infrared heating stands out as a practical and effective step towards this goal, helping these institutions lead by example in the fight against climate change.

FAQs

What is the most effective heating method for a church?
Electric infrared panels are highly effective for heating churches, especially on cold Sunday mornings. They utilise electricity efficiently to create a warm and welcoming environment without the need of a boiler system.

Some churches are able to build a raised platform and install infrared underfloor heating [8] This is highly effective, but not always possible to do in every building.

What are the advantages of using infrared heating?
Infrared heating primarily warms objects rather than the air. The direct heat is very comfortable and cost effective. This system also significantly reduces the circulation of dust and allergens. This feature is particularly advantageous for individuals with respiratory issues who are sensitive to hot, dry air. With congregations having a variety of members, some of whom would have allergies, this is particularly appealing.

Why are infrared space heaters considered superior?
Infrared space heaters enhance comfort by storing heat in the objects around them rather than heating the air. They do not depend on air currents to distribute heat, thus minimising the spread of hazardous particles, chemical pollutants, and potential cross-contamination in regularly occupied spaces.

For what types of spaces is infrared heating especially appropriate?
Long wave infrared heaters are ideal for steadily heating enclosed spaces. They are ideal for areas that experience minimal draughts or changes in air movement. They are also ideal for areas that have high ceilings and are draughty (such as Churches). They are suitable for environments requiring consistent warmth. for any period of time as they heat the area very quickly.

Are there any grants available?

Yes. The Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme gives grants covering VAT on repairs of over £1000 to listed places of worship. Renewing the heating system or installing new heating would be eligible. [9]

 

References

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