Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
New heating systems warm villagers’ hearts
IAN BUNTING
People living in Greengairs and Salsburgh are saving money and benefitting from warmer homes thanks to new renewable heating systems.
Early findings have shown the change has seen residents cut the cost of their previous energy bills in half.
Hundreds of homes across both villages were previously off the main gas grid network and relied on other types of expensive homeheating solutions.
To combat t h i s, Nor th Lanarkshire Council has invested £2.9 million installing air source heat pumps which absorb heat from the outside air.
The pump heats radiators, underfloor heating, warm air convectors and hot water in the homes.
Salsburgh resident Anne Cushley said: “What a difference this has made; my heating bills have been cut in half since I had the new system put in.
“My house is warmer and I’m saving lots of money; I couldn’t be happier.
“Being off the main gas grid was difficult, but these new heaters are brilliant.
“It was no hassle getting them fitted and with the box being out the back, it doesn’t take up any space in your house.”
Benefits of the new systems include: lower fuel bills, especially if you are replacing conventional electric heating; lower home carbon emissions; no fuel deliveries needed; minimal maintenance required; and, unlike gas and oil boilers, heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods.
Councillor Heather McVey, convener of communities and housing, commented: “The system basically works like air conditioning in reverse and provides people with a great cost effective and environmentally-friendly way of heating their homes.
“The feedback we’ve had has been really positive and this scheme highlights our commitment to investing in our council housing stock so it is fit for the future.”