The UK generates about half of its electricity from natural gas. ( Wind, solar and hydroelectric accounts for 25%, nuclear just under 12% and coal a little over 1%). With natural gas prices having soared from 56p per therm to around 190p per therm during 2021 (peak price was 451p per therm) electricity prices are expected to rise sharply in 2022. So far the energy crisis has seen 28 energy suppliers go bust. There is concern that consumers energy bills could double this year. The price cap for a standard variable tariff is presently at £1,277. This could be increased to around £2,000 in April, after Ofgem have reviewed the cap in February.

In previous blogs we have talked about the best ways to cut your electricity consumption and produce your own energy through Solar PV Panels. The inevitable rise of domestic energy prices in 2022 will drive the returns higher on reducing your own consumption and producing your own power. There could also be more Government incentives provided to consumers to encourage them to switch to greener energy.

Solar PV Panels

A recent Solar PV installation at Oakbank.

The price of a typical 3.5 kilowatt-peak solar panel system is about £4,800. Based on the Energy Saving Trust’s figures, it can take anywhere between 11 and 20 years to recoup the costs of installing panels for a typical home. This depends on where you live, how much electricity you use and when you use it. And also what you’re paid under the smart export guarantee.

You can use this Solar Energy Calculator to get an estimate of costs and savings of installing Solar PV Panels. Or why not get in touch with us here at Carter Electrical Installations and we can give you an estimate of costs and benefits?

And not forgetting commercial units. Here in the UK, a recent study suggested that covering 61 per cent of south-facing commercial roofs with solar PV could provide all the energy needed for UK businesses. This would save medium-sized and larger enterprises at least £30,000 a year on their energy bills.

Storage Batteries

Installation of a storage battery in 2022.

A battery can store any excess power generated by your solar panels that you don’t use at the time, rather than exporting it back to the national grid. Surveys show that at present households without batteries only consume around 25% of power that Solar PV panels produce. The batteries cost about £4,000 to £8,000. We have a wide range of storage batteries that we can install depending on your needs.

The savings you make on your bills can be significant. The price you’re paid for each unit of energy you export to the grid is usually much lower than the price you pay your supplier for electricity. So, economically, it makes more sense to store the energy and use it yourself – with E.on saying a household with a battery could use 30% more of the electricity they generate themselves. Also if you have an electric vehicle you could be powering that very cheaply.

Another potential advantage of a battery is that it can increase the rate you get paid for exporting your electricity back to the grid. Some firms will pay many times more than the standard amount if you buy certain types of batteries.

#OneStepGreener is one of the key messages from COP26. It encourages people to take actions that have a positive impact on our environment. Simple steps we can take every day to make life more sustainable and they all add up. 

With all of the recent focus on COP26 many people are asking what they can do in their own lives to cut carbon emissions. We have been focussing on this subject here at Carter Electrical with many blogs showing what changes households can make to become greener and emit less carbon.

At Carter Electrical we understand that people do want green options but are careful to spend their money wisely. Therefore we offer a full range of green energy products from economy lines to state of the art devices. We can now offer Solar PV, EV chargers, Air Source Heat Pumps, storage batteries and energy saving LED lighting. There are also many Government grants available to help you purchase energy creating/saving products.

We also believe that is very important to have your Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) kept up to date. A new unit will keep you safe and ensure that you’re not wasting electricity. Maybe run a check on your energy usage to see if you are wasting power?

It can be done!! Earlier in the year we were thrilled to have received the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) report for the new build house we worked on in Frimley.

It achieved 98/101 on the EPC, it is net zero on CO2 (Carbon) emissions. The only way to improve the rating would have been with Solar Thermal water heating.

1. Will I save money with LED bulbs?

With electricity prices soaring we are seeing clients looking for ways to save on electricity usage. Switching your old incandescent lights for LED lighting is a very good method of using less electricity. LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting products produce light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs as they don’t produce heat that is wasted. Lighting makes up 15% of the average UK household electricity consumption.

The vast majority of light bulbs now sold are LED but there remains many light fittings in UK households that use old fashioned light bulbs. New figures from AMA Research’s latest Lighting Market Report show that the take-up of LEDs in home lighting is increasing but that only 14% of lights in UK households are LEDs.

2. Do LED bulbs last longer?

As well as being energy efficient LED light bulbs will last considerably longer than old fashioned light bulbs.

Typically, the important parts of a light bulb, such as the filament, weaken over time, which causes the bulb to burn out. But LEDs don’t burn out the same way that other bulbs do; instead, the amount of light they produce decreases gradually in what is called “lumen depreciation”. The lifetime of an LED bulb is based on how long it takes for the lumen output of the bulb to decrease to 30%, so it will likely last longer than the average rated lifetime hour listed on the box if you don’t mind or don’t notice the decreased illumination.

Certain cheaper LED bulbs will only last about 5,000 hours, which is still 4,000 – 3,000 hours longer than the average lifespan of an incandescent, but many branded bulbs are rated for over 25,000 hours.

3. Can I use LED bulbs in my existing light fittings?

When it comes to LED light bulbs, they will turn on and work in any light fixture that provides them at least the minimum wattage they’re specified for. Because of the efficiency of LED bulbs, this figure is often very low. Some LED bulbs may even be tolerant of too little or too much wattage, to a certain point. This is yet another thing they share with incandescent and halogen bulbs.

The major variance factor is lumens. Supplying too much or too little voltage to any light will cause a fluctuation in the amount of light it outputs, but with LEDs, this can be especially dramatic. This is because their power needs fall far below most other types of lightbulbs out there.

To put it simply, look at the wattage and lumens together when buying an LED lightbulb. It may require only 8 watts to shine at a decent level, for example, but reaching that same lumen rating with an incandescent bulb would take far more power. One way to tell is to look at wattage equivalents when buying LED bulbs.

4. What is the brightness of LED bulbs like?

LEDs are capable of emitting an extremely high level of brightness. That’s why wattage is no longer a viable measurement of brightness – instead, look at a bulb’s lumen output when you’re making the switch to LEDs or other energy-efficient lighting.

5. Can LED bulbs come in different colours?

Incandescent bulbs require gels or filters to create different colours and shades of light. On the other hand, LEDs offer a wide range of colours and colour temperatures without the use of gels or filters, which can burn out or fade over time. With LEDs, it is the actual diode (or its phosphorus coating) that is changed to alter the colour of the emitted light, so you can trust that it will stay the same shade until the end of its lifespan.

6. Can LEDs be more flexible in design?

LEDs have tremendous design flexibility. Because LEDs are so small they can be used in virtually any application you can think of. They can be combined in bunches for a traditional bulb, used in isolation as a small device light, or strung out in sequence in a linear fashion. Just about everything you can think of can be done with LEDs.

If you would like to discuss your lights and your light fittings with us please give us a call on 0118 967 7033 or email us admin@carter-electrical.co.uk

We are seeing an increasing number of clients ordering Electric Vehicles, both for their home and business use. Therefore we are regularly getting asked for the installation of EV chargers for home and business use. Many clients are also going that one step further and are asking for the complete green energy package of Solar Panels, storage batteries and EV chargers.

This triple solution enables you to create power from the sun, store it if you don’t need it at the time, and then charge your electric vehicle with your own energy. Indeed you might also be able to sell some of your power back to the grid.

Here at Carter Electrical Installations we can offer this triple solution with products to suit all budgets. For the high end solution we recommend LG Solar Panels, with a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery and an Andersen charger for your EV. We would also add Solar Edge inverters-inverters change the DC voltage from the solar panels to AC voltage that can be used in the property. We can offer bespoke packages offering the best value for money for the client. We fit the products professionally and are on hand to give a good level of advice and after service.

Remember there are also government grants available for most green energy projects. We can help you in applying for these.

This image and the header photo show our latest installation for Organico Foods in Reading. This system by Huawei FusionSolar has Solar panels with a battery to store excess energy.

Another recent installation was a 12 panel 4.6kW system installed with SolarEdge inverter & optimisers. We had previously fitted a Zappi for customer’s EV. They have also opted for a Tesla Powerwall AC battery. We’ve installed the Tesla Gateway in preparation for the imminent delivery of the battery unit.

This might seem a boring subject to blog about but here at Carter Electrcial Energy Loggers are a vital tool for us. They help us measure clients energy usage so that we can fit the correct solar system. The loggers could also potentially spot electrical usage that the client is unaware of. With subsequent action taken by us they could reduce their energy bills.

The header photo above shows us setting up the Fluke Corporation data logger for a 2 week session so we can advise our client on an ideal sized solar system to meet their usage. That’s why we use the #hireaprofessional

Checking For Overloads

Here is Martin setting up some monitoring equipment at one of our client’s units. They’re having issues with overloads so looking to balance out their power usage across circuits- using the Fluke United Kingdom 1732 power analyser.

The logger discovers sources of electrical energy waste to identify possible energy savings, and conduct load studies. For you electrical nerds the logger:

•  Automatically captures log voltage, current, power, power factor, energy and associated values
• It has the highest safety rating in the industry: 600 V CAT IV/1000 V CAT III rated for use at the service entrance and downstream.

Are you enjoying working from home? Not missing the hour long commute? Want to prove to your boss that you are more productive at home? Want to stay working from home?

However, does your home office hardware and infrastructure support your maximum productivity? Have you moved in to a garden office like thousands of others, but still not got everything working properly? Do you need a power supply to your garden office?

Outlets

First, let’s look at the easy changes that we can do right away, such as making sure your office has enough outlets, so you don’t need to use extension cords. Extension cords are a sign that you need a wiring upgrade. They’re a trip hazard, they’re ugly, and they’re unnecessary when you have the infrastructure you need.

You can tackle a shortage of outlets by calling an electrician. At the same time you increase the number of outlets, you can also add some USB charging points. Instead of clogging up the AC plugs when you’re charging USB devices, simply add USB outlets and charge your devices. In many situations, just changing out old AC points with USB points actually doubles the number of useable outlets. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Dedicated Computer Circuit

Another easy improvement is adding a dedicated computer circuit for the office/computer equipment. Because computers use more sophisticated components and are more sensitive to any changes in the electrical signal, a dedicated circuit is a needed safety feature. This circuit isolates your computer equipment from other devices on other circuits, such as heaters and refrigerators that intermittently draw more power. Whatever happens elsewhere in the home’s electrical system is separate from your computers.

Another upgrade is a surge suppressor. Installing a whole-house surge suppressor, that is located near the electrical panel, will protect the entire home from damaging electrical surges.

Hard-Wired Internet Connection for Better Speed

Lastly, replacing Wi-Fi with a hard-wired internet connection can provide a more stable connection that’s better for high-bandwidth tasks like videoconferencing. If you ever find that your Wi-Fi is a bit sketchy or unreliable, a hard-wired connection will solve that problem. It’s also a benefit when you have multiple users competing for bandwidth. Also a great solution for a garden office.

Although you might start with just a few upgrades, you may find your home office could also benefit from better lighting, security cameras, and other electrical upgrades that all need more power. Contact us here at Carter Electrical Installations to learn more about these and other improvements that will boost your productivity and enhance your home office security.

PS.

Consumer Units-aka Fuseboards

Check Out The Four Indicators That Signal You May Need An Upgrade.

1- Age- If your fuseboard has not been changed in twenty years then it is likely not compliant with current standards and may not provide you with basic protection. Technology and safety associated with consumer units has also moved on massively in the last thirty years from both the perspective of shock and fire protection and also the ease of use for the homeowner.

2- Does your consumer unit have an RCD (Residual Current Device)? Most modern consumer units should have and this single device massively increases the safety of your home electrics.

3- Live parts exposed- Are the working parts, fuses, or circuit breakers enclosed or are parts of the board exposed? It’s surprising how many fuseboards we come across with fuseholders or blanking plates missing leave live parts exposed to touch.

4- Fire risk- Is your fuseboard constructed of wood or plastic? If it is then it may not meet fire regulations. Should the worst happen, would the location of your fuseboard impede your escape in the event that it caught fire? Many consumer units are located either in an under-stairs cupboard or by the front door and many of these cupboards are also used to store potentially flammable objects.

The Alternative To Gas Boilers?

Air source pumps serve as an alternative way to heat your home, and could be the ideal solution if you want to generate your own heat and potentially save money on your energy bills. 

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from the outside air to heat your home and hot water. They can still extract heat when air temperatures are as low as -15°C.

Air source heat pumps need electricity to run, but because they are extracting renewable heat from the environment, the heat output is greater than the electricity input. This makes them an energy efficient method of heating your home.

How much do they cost? The typical air source heat pump cost ranges from £4,000-8,000, depending on the pump brand and its heat output.

Are they noisy? Because heat pumps come in all shapes and sizes, the sound and volume of noise they make varies between models and manufacturers. Fortunately, due to government regulations most modern air source heat pumps can work a lot quieter than older models.

Do you need planning permission for an AHSP? You do not need planning permission but do need to seek permission from the local supply authority as they need to check that the supply to your property can handle the extra draw on the electricity supply. Careful consideration must given given to the siting of the unit as there can be some noise pollution.

What brand of pumps do Carter Electrical install? We have installed Mitsubishi Ecodan and Midea pumps to date. The Midea unit is particularly quiet.

Do Carter Electrical have any accreditations? We have staff that have completed Energy Efficiency, ASHP and water regulation courses.

Types of pumps? There are two main types of air source heat pumps (ASHPs): air-to-water and air-to-heat. An ASHP works a bit like a refrigerator in reverse. The process consists of an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser. The ASHP absorbs heat from the outside air into a liquid at a low temperature, then the heat pump compressor increases the temperature of that heat. In the condenser, the hot liquid’s heat is transferred to your heating and hot-water circuits. So you can use it to warm up your home.

Many air source heat pumps are eligible for payment through the Renewable Heat Incentive, a government scheme that provides payments to homeowners who generate their own heat. 

Air-to-water heat pumps These take heat from the outside air and feed it into your wet central heating system. As the heat produced is cooler than that from a conventional boiler, you may need to install larger radiators or underfloor heating in your home to make the most of it. They qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), too. Under the UK government’s scheme, you could get money towards renewable heating costs in your home. Air-to-water heat pumps may be best suited to new-build properties. It could cost less if the heat pump is included as part of the building specification, rather than having to retrofit underfloor heating later on.

We are thrilled. We have received the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) report for the new build house we worked on in Frimley.

It achieved 98/101 on the EPC, it is net zero on CO2 emissions. The only way to improve the rating would have been with Solar Thermal water heating.

The new build house is a timber frame construction and we installed Solar PV, Air Source heat pump, MVHR and an EV (Electrical Vehicle) charger. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a continuous source of ventilation that extracts stale, moisture-laden air from a building and resupplies fresh, filtered air back in, resulting in a comfortable and condensation free environment all year round. Besides the energy savings, MVHR systems have a number of other benefits and reasons for its implementation. Occupants with good MVHR systems often value the excellent indoor air quality as the most outstanding advantage.

This is the comment from the tester;
“It’s an excellent result as very few dwellings achieve an A rating, let alone a score of 98. Definitely one of the best results I have seen”

Caversham Heath Golf Club has merged with Reading Golf Club and is to be called The Caversham. As part of this move there has been an extensive remodelling of the golf course. Included in the renovation of the golf course has been the building of a purpose-built unit for the Greenkeepers at The Caversham. Carter Electrical Installations have been involved from the start on this project and have installed Solar PV, Ducted Air, LED Lights and Fire Alarms. A total green solution!

With the 11kWp solar panel installation the building will mostly, if not always, be self-sufficient. Carter has also installed DC coupled battery storage so any surplus electricity, which there will most likely be plenty, can be stored up for the greenkeepers. This can then be used over night or during ‘peak’ energy times when electricity rates will be higher.

Heating and cooling for the internal offices and canteen area is handled by Daikin air to air heat pump units, giving a perfectly comfortable internal environment all year round. Apart from it being a more efficient system, it is complemented by the solar and battery storage.

All internal and external lighting is by Bell, Integral and Collingwood, and is not only LED, but also controlled by occupancy sensors so they aren’t left on unnecessarily. All in all an excellent outcome highlighting the benefits of an integrated green solution that Carter can provide to commercial buildings.

This project was delivered with the support of a grant from Low Carbon Workspaces. Grants are available to SMEs based in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. To find out if your business is eligible contact the Low Carbon Workspaces team on 01494 927131 and at info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk or to find out more go to www.lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk.

Once you have identified your project, we would be happy to help with the installation

The private rental sector has grown rapidly over the last 15 years and there are now around 5 million rented properties in England. After many years of campaigning by electrical safety groups, such as Electrical Safety First, new rules for Landlords have been applied since last summer. At Carter Electrical we have seen some awful examples of poor wiring and electrical safety over the last 20 years so are pleased that these new regulations have been brought in.

From 1^st June 2020, private landlords in England have been required to have the electrical installation in their rental properties checked by a qualified electrician to ensure that they are safe.

• Electrical installations must have been inspected and tested prior to the start of a new tenancy from 1^st July 2020
• Checks must be carried out on any existing tenancies by 1^st April 2021

These checks must then be carried out on a five yearly basis.

The Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations.

We recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice.

Tenants are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.

Landlords must obtain a report (usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR) from the person conducting the inspection and test which explains its outcomes and any investigative or remedial work required. At Carter Electrical Installations we have all the necessary accreditations to carry out an EICR on rented properties.

Landlords must then supply a copy of this report to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test, to a new tenant before they occupy the premises, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.

If a local authority requests it, landlords must supply them with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving the request.

If the report requires remedial work or further investigation, landlords must provide written confirmation that the work has been carried out to their tenant and to the local authority within 28 days of completing the work.

Landlords must retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.

Below is our up to date Electrical Safety Inspection Certificate.