Shaun Hurworth from Dimplex discusses how the integration of green technologies is reshaping modern homes and how systems like the Dimplex Quantum HHR storage heater can be a cornerstone of this transition. By intelligently managing energy use and working seamlessly with national renewable sources, these systems are setting a new standard for efficient, sustainable living.
As the UK accelerates its drive toward Net Zero emissions, modern homes are becoming testbeds for advanced green technologies. A new wave of homes is emerging, integrating solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, battery storage and thermal storage of heat and water. These technologies help households reduce both their bills and carbon footprints, offering a glimpse into the future of energy efficient living. This shift is creating opportunities for electrical wholesalers to offer the cutting-edge solutions that make these homes much more efficient.
In today’s energy landscape there are a huge number of renewable sources generating electricity day and night; powering homes, charging electric vehicles (EVs) and storing excess energy in batteries for later use. Helping to balance the grid through these changes, thermal storage technologies like the Dimplex Quantum high heat retention (HHR) system offer an efficient way to store low cost, off-peak electricity as heat. By doing so, the Quantum system provides warmth throughout the day without the high costs associated with peak-time energy consumption. With its ability to avoid peak prices and shift one of the largest energy profiles in the home, this technology helps households operate more efficiently, reducing strain on the national grid while lowering costs and emissions.
Navigating energy saving claims: Wholesalers must be informed
With the growing demand for green technology, there is a rising concern about mis-selling energy solutions. It’s critical to verify the energy savings of any system before recommending it to customers. Misleading quotes can result in inflated bills, undermining the potential savings and environmental benefits. The only independent and verifiable savings come from solutions recognised in SAP for reducing a dwelling’s EPC rating.
Many direct electric solutions make claims about running cost reductions; however, the fact is that there is just one category in SAP covering all these products, with no recognised difference in their performance. With electric heating being 100% efficient at the point of use and control accuracy all but standardised by LOT 20, the only way to significantly reduce running costs is to use cheaper electricity. For wholesalers, ensuring that the products they stock deliver on these promises is vital for customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Because they can store energy when it’s cheap and use it when it’s needed, High Heat Retention (HHR) heaters do have a separate recognition in SAP, and so can improve the EPC of a property. Dimplex Quantum systems, for example, were able to prove that they are up to 27% cheaper to run than standard storage heaters and up to 47% cheaper than electric convector and radiator systems. These figures highlight the importance of selecting reliable technology that delivers on its promises, safeguarding both resident bills and the environment. If you’re being told a range enables significant savings, confirm this by checking the impact it will have on the EPC before recommending it.
A new era of smart tariffs
Furthering the benefits of storing up off-peak energy to be used on demand throughout the day, Dimplex has partnered with British Gas to launch the British Gas Dimplex Quantum Tariff, the UK’s most advanced electric storage heating tariff for use with Dimplex Quantum storage heaters.
The British Gas Dimplex Quantum Tariff is a first-of-its-kind smart tariff. It can offer lower rates than typical Economy 7 tariffs thanks to the heaters’ capability to charge when electricity costs are lowest on the grid. This will be delivered through 100% renewable electricity and with prices fixed for 12 months.
Designed, developed and manufactured in the UK, the Quantum heaters intelligently communicate with British Gas, which charges them up with low cost electricity when it’s available on the grid. This cheap electricity can be intelligently stored as heat, which not only helps consumers to lower their bills but can also provide flexibility to the UK’s energy system as we continue to decarbonise our national energy infrastructure and transition towards Net Zero.
Future-proofing homes with green technology integration
Modern electric homes are increasingly designed to integrate a range of green technologies. Combining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, EV charging stations, battery storage and thermal storage based on a property’s budget, space and occupancy can create a balanced and energy efficient ecosystem.
This integrated approach allows homes to run on locally and nationally generated renewable energy when generation is available. The result is lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint and enhanced energy security. Installers must be aware of how combining these technologies can optimise a home’s energy use.
With the UK’s goal to phase out fossil fuel heating systems by 2035, the integration of electric heating and storage solutions like Dimplex Quantum will be critical for electricians looking to make recommendations for energy efficient homes of the future.
Opportunities for electrical wholesalers
For electrical wholesalers, this green revolution represents a significant business opportunity. Stocking products like PV panels, EV chargers, battery storage and HHR systems puts wholesalers at the forefront of this transformation. To stay competitive, they must not only offer these products but also provide the necessary training and support for their customers.
Training provided by manufacturers like Dimplex is crucial. Wholesalers must help their customers make informed decisions, ensuring that these systems are installed correctly and perform as promised.
Building a sustainable future
The push for greener energy solutions is shaping the homes of the future. For wholesalers, embracing and promoting integrated green technologies will be key to staying ahead in an evolving market. Systems like the Dimplex Quantum, combined with smart tariffs, are paving the way for more energy efficient, cost effective homes, making the most of renewable energy and ensuring a sustainable future for both businesses and consumers.
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