Infrared heating solutions for property developers

Background

Honor Properties, a landlord and property development company with a vast portfolio of student and professional properties, had previously used Herschel infrared heaters within their student properties.  The benefits they found from the ease of install and control, combined with the affordability of this low energy heating solution, meant that Herschel was their first choice for heating rental properties in their latest flat development within the professional letting market. The owners of Honor Properties were also keen to get rid of gas so that they could minimise their CO2 footprint and work with the simplicity of one energy bill.

The development involved the conversion and extension of a period property which previously housed 3 x apartments with various rooms in each. The converted property has become a new development of 6 self-contained apartments, all interior designed to the highest specification. 3 of the apartments are studio apartments with combined living area, kitchen and bedroom whilst the remaining 3 have separate living spaces in which room by room thermostat control was a key objective. The redeveloped and extended property has been built to the latest building standards with very good levels of insulation throughout.

Solution

The property owners were keen to ceiling mount panels within the living areas and bedrooms so as to maximise the space within the studio apartments. Herschel Select XL white panel heaters have been used throughout the development providing a discreet solution that fits well with the clean, minimalistic design of these high-end apartments. Kitchens have wall-mounted Select XL panels.

All panels are controlled by the Herschel iQ MD1 hardwired thermostat, ideal for large renovations where cabling can be easily hidden during the build process. The MD1 thermostat enables simple control of heating requirements from an easy to use, lockable screen and ensures flexible, comfortable control, room by room.

As landlords, Herschel infrared panel heaters have provided Honor Properties with an easy installation, low maintenance solution for heating rental properties in their new portfolio.

Testimonial

Chris Honor, owner of Honor Properties, comments “We used these in our student accommodation and they went really well so we introduced them to our flats which are a little bit more high-end. They give us a space-saving option….eco-wise they keep our costs down, we’ve got rid of our gas and everything is electric so it’s only one bill so we know exactly where we stand. They keep the properties really nice and warm and we’ve been really happy with them”. Chris Honor, Honor Properties

See the full video testimonial from Chris about his Herschel infrared install.

A luxury holiday homes complex in beautiful Aviemore in Scotland were looking to replace their old heating system. They wanted a solution that was going to be effective, low maintenance, long lifetime and easy to control. The Facilities Manager was tasked with finding the ideal solution and looked into all of the options including infrared, biomass, ground and air source and other electrical heating options.

Following extensive research and advice from Energy Saving Trust Scotland they chose to trial infrared. A pilot project was organised in 2017 where Herschel along with a number of other infrared heating suppliers were trialled. Following the end of the pilot Herschel was chosen exclusively for all of the 64 apartments and villas on the complex.

Joseph Doyle, Facilities Manager, quoted “We looked at different options including biomass, electrical and infrared heating and we then conducted a trial.  After a trial, it was concluded that Herschel infrared panels looked to be the best option. We then put it to the Board of Directors for this to be authorised.  Why did we pick Herschel? We seemed to be getting a lot of feedback, they came back with the best ideas and the best product. In the trial period we tried a different product and it didn’t go down well.  The Herschel panels have gone down very well with the owners”.

A total of 279 infrared panels from the German made Herschel Inspire range will be installed.

They will all be ceiling mounted to free up wall space and provide unobtrusive heating. Room by room control allows holiday makers to set their own temperature.

The results from the pilot show some energy savings but more importantly for the management of the complex is that feedback from holiday makers about the infrared system has been very positive. Holiday makers are reporting being very happy with the level of heat despite the very low temperatures that Aviemore can experience in the winters.

Scandinavian Village, in the popular ski resort of Aviemore in Scotland, was built in 1980 to Scandanavian construction standards with good levels of insulation. The properties have since been upgraded and infrared heating works particularly well for well-insulated properties in cold environments. The complex is very popular all year round with limited weeks free for any renovation. The installation of the infrared heating panels can be carried out quickly and as a result minimises any downtime on occupancy.

Energy Saving Trust Scotland provided a grant towards the project because infrared heating is classified as an energy saving heating solution and towards Scotland’s target of going carbon zero.

Herschel Infrared offer a free, no obligation design service for any project big or small. Contact us for a free quote and advice.

Joseph Doyle explains why they chose Herschel infrared panels over alternatives to replace the old heating in this holiday home complex.