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Church Heating Design Service

If you are intending to install a new heating system then we can offer you a bespoke service.  Here are some questions that you will need to ask.

Key questions to ask when thinking of a new heating system:

What type of system is the most suitable for my particular church?

You need to get the best advice available when selecting the type of system for your church. No two churches are the same, and what is good for one church could be a disaster for another, you need expert advice on which system is the most suitable for your church. Most companies have sales personnel who are financially motivated to sell a particular product, people who do not necessarily understand churches, but have identified them as a possible sales target. You need to know the full story of a system and how it will impact on your particular church.

What types of system are available?

There are many different types of heating systems and you need to know both the disadvantages as well as the advantages of each system. What may sound like a good idea at the outset may have a lot of negatives that are not immediately obvious; I can give you the full picture on all of them, and more importantly how it will impact on your building. I will discuss the options with you, looking at all of the various factors.  That involves not just the capital outlay, but the ongoing running and maintenance costs. I will also look at the longevity of a system and what impact it will have on the building fabric. These are all very important points when replacing your heating. A mistake could be very costly.

Which fuel should I use?

The choice of fuel is a big issue in these days of rising energy costs. Do you know the comparative costs between the fuels? Taking into account the efficiency of burning the different types of fuel, I have calculated these and can advise on the most suitable fuel for your needs. Factors other than running costs can affect the choice of fuel, for instance the aesthetics of an external flue, or the location of an oil tank are all very relevant and need thorough discussion before a decision on fuel selection is made.

What about renewable energy sources?

You have probably heard a lot of talk about renewable energy sources such as geothermal and bio fuels, but do you know what they are and if they are suitable for your church? I can advise you in this area too as I have written a book on the subject of  green issues that I will provide as part of the consultancy service.

What qualifications should my contractor have?

Do you know what accreditation your contractor posses and what they actually need? There are many trade associations governing various heating systems and you need to be sure that your installer carries the correct credentials for your installation. Do they have adequate insurance cover for the job? Have they installed heating in churches before, if so where, you need to go and see the quality of the installation, can they provide referees so that you can contact their past customers? All of these are crucial factors when selecting a contractor. If you choose a contractor with no experience of working in church then don’t be surprised to find that the behaviour in church is more suited to a building site.

Who will draw up the tender specification?

You need to be sure that the job is correctly specified. Will the contractor provide heat loss calculations, how will you know if they are sufficient for the needs of your church? Who will draw up the tender documents and then check them on their return? I have vast experience in this area, I can provide the framework for the quotation and provide you with documents to issue.

What is the most economic way to control my heating?

Control of the system is paramount in saving energy and providing comfort for the congregation. Intelligent controls save fuel. The ‘Church Buildings Council’ (formerly Council for the Care of Churches) has set guidelines for the protection of the church fabric; you should have the system designed to this. I can advise you on the best way forward and the products available and what their advantages are.

How much heat do I need?

It is unlikely that the selected contractor has the experience or knowledge to be able to calculate the heating requirements for your church. Heating a church is very different from heating any other type of building and too much heat can be as bad as too little heat. Too much heat causes a higher capital outlay by over specification, it would probably also mean higher fuel costs, higher ongoing maintenance costs and too much heat can cause damage to the fabric of the church. You need expert advice or it could cost you in more ways than a financial one. Every church is unique and can behave differently, some structures are over a thousand years old and have a muscular construction with good heat retention, others, built in the sixties have all the heat retention properties of a tent. The heating design has to reflect this.

How will I know my contractor is quoting for the correct size of system?

Unless you have given him precise instructions as to the output you require - assuming that you know what it should be - the contractor should produce it with the quotation. If the system is undersized then the first you will know of it is that you are still cold. It is important that the contractor is given the correct parameters to work within and that he produces evidence of what he proposes before any contract is entered into.

How will I compare the competitive quotes to make sure I am not comparing apples with oranges?

When you have put a job out to tender, unless you have given very definite parameters with no scope for change, it is very difficult to compare systems on a like for like basis. Contractors tend to work best with products they know and trust. A contractor may have a good working relationship with a particular manufacturer and he may also be able to come up with innovations that are of practical use to the church. A ‘no scope’ tender can stifle such flair. This is where it is useful to have someone like me - I can evaluate all tenders on your behalf, raising queries with the proposed contractor as necessary.

How do I select the right contractor?

If you work steadily through the selection process, it is always wise to visit a site - preferably a church - that he has completed. Check everything and then double check. Do not go on price alone as a selector. If I am onboard we can discuss each of the contractors merits individually to ensure you have the right one.

Who will advise me on funding and VAT liability?

The rulings on VAT liability on church heating system are not straight forward and it is unlikely that your local contractor will be able to advise you fully on this matter, I can advise you accurately on what should and what should not carry VAT.  I know a great many churches that have received grant aid and attracted external funding. I can provide you with a special booklet on this as part of the package.

What will the DAC or the architect think of the project?

I sit on the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee) for a northern diocese so I understand what is needed from the administration side of things.  I can also advise on what would usually be aesthetically acceptable to the diocese and to your architect. The faculty process is usually exacting and quite rightly so - we are dealing with some of the most important buildings in the country - but it need not be daunting. We can keep everyone informed so there are no surprises!

How will I know that the system has been installed satisfactorily?

I can provide the expert eye needed, I have a few tips that will help to ensure the installation is a success. If required, I can visit the site prior to work commencing, during the installation and again at the end of installation. Not all churches will require this, as many will have a retired engineer or competent church member in the congregation who will be quite comfortable at overseeing the installation.

In summary

I can provide you with everything that you need to provide a new first class heating system in your church all wrapped up in a fixed price package.

I differ from most consultants in a number of ways. The main difference is I work only with churches and have done so for the last 25 years, I fully understand how churches work and I fully understand how to heat them successfully.

Most heating consultants usually charge at a commission rate of 12% - 15% of the total contract price. They may go into greater depth than is necessary in some areas but they will charge for the details. I prefer to keep things relevant to the job and as simple as possible so that everyone is able to understand.

I will provide a package that gives you all of the relevant information you need at a fraction of the cost.  I have no affiliation with any manufacturer or supplier so all of the information and advice I give will be completely impartial and tailored to your requirements.  I will share with you the benefit of my knowledge and experience.

The advice given on VAT and funding would probably more than cover the package price, but a new heating system is a massive financial outlay and it is imperative that you get it right, you can not afford errors as they will be costly not just in financial terms but also in a lasting effect on the building fabric.

Need to know more?

Contact me by phone on 01706 658525 or email chris@churchheatingconsultants.co.uk and let us discuss the project.