How to stop church energy bills going through the roof

It’s not just householders who are struggling with rising energy bills but also church leaders.

Many cathedrals and churches are architectural masterpieces with some of the country’s most prized historical artefacts. But with large, old buildings many are finding it hard to keep their flock warm with the rise in utility bills, staffing costs, National Insurance, building insurance and inefficient heating systems.

Of the 97 cathedrals in Britain, 42 of which are Anglican and 27 Catholic, running costs range from £2,000 to £30,000 a day. On top of that planning restrictions make modernisation difficult and costly for these places of worship.

To offset that many have put up their visitor fees by up to two thirds. Although they ae all free to enter for worship and prayer, visitor tickets have soared in the last four years.

For example, St Paul’s Cathedral in London charges £26 for entry compared to £17 in 2021 while at York Minster the cost of an adult ticket, which can be used many times in a year, has risen from £12 in 2021 to £20 this year.

But Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox said cathedrals and churches with their high ceilings and poor insulation should look at one simple solution to lower their energy bills and running costs, at the same time as reducing their carbon footprint.

“Installing infrared panel heaters is a relatively new way of heating buildings which can reduce costs by up to 70 per cent,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park. “They deliver warmth directly to people and furnishings rather than trying to heat the entire area and so are more energy efficient.”

Other advantages include:

• As the infrared panels are stand-alone units, without any pipes, they can be positioned to fit the layout of the church, or even be hung on the ceiling so that they point down to the people below.
• They’re cheaper to buy and to run than gas heaters, especially as spares for gas boilers won’t be so readily available in future.
• It takes only 30 seconds for them to reach their optimal heating temperature whereas in some churches they put the heating on Saturday night to ensure the building is warm for the Sunday service the next morning.
• They are particularly effective in older buildings such as churches which have large areas with high ceilings and poor insulation.
• Also, many churches are unsuitable for air source heat pumps as they are usually too draughty and the radiators would have to be replaced with aluminium ones.
• They are ideal for churches who want to just heat an office or a hall.
• Condensation, mould and dampness can be eliminated.
• They do not dry out the air so is good for allergy and cold sufferers.
• Infrared heating is completely safe – it is UV (ultraviolet) rays that can cause some problems.
• The units are British manufactured and made with stainless steel and have a 10-year warranty.
• The panels are easily installed by experts leading to minimum disruption for church members.

He added that with the Church of England aiming to be net zero by 2030, places of worship can help achieve this target at the same time as reducing their heating costs.

But he pointed out there was a big difference between most central heating systems and the newer infra-red panel heaters.

The former mainly use convection to distribute heat with the radiators warming up the air which circulates around the room.

But infrared panels work by converting electricity into radiant heat, so delivering warmth directly to the worshippers, even though the air around them is still fairly cold.

“The result,” added Ron, “is that much less expensive electricity is needed than if the entire volume of the church is to be heated for the occupants to feel comfortable.

“Lack of insulation makes a conventional heating system very inefficient as the heat produced by the boiler is constantly lost through the walls and roof,” he continued.

“Probably one of the biggest advantages,” said Ron, “is that for around £300 people can have a panel put up in just one part of the church to try them out before putting them up in more areas.”

For those church leaders wanting more advice on green energy, infrared heating panels and how to cut their heating bills, call Ron on 01782 756995 or contact us here

Caption: A modern way to keep churches warm – infrared heaters at St Peter’s Church, Norbury, Staffordshire. Picture: Tansun Ltd.