It’s important for any housing developer to have the freedom to build profitably and quickly. For many, there are several options when considering their fuel requirements, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the project, and mains gas, often referred to as natural gas, is often the favoured choice. But for those developers that are working off-grid in rural or remote locations where mains gas is not available, and where extending utility lines will be both impractical and also financially unviable, having a dependable and versatile energy source is essential and a major consideration.
Providing an alternative to traditional energy sources such as electricity, bulk LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is a great alternate fuel choice. It's versatile, cost-effective to run and has less install costs than mains gas. Commonly used in areas where natural gas infrastructure is not available, it has a lower SAP rating than heating oil or electricity, improving the overall energy performance of a development.
Here we’re going to take a look at the many benefits to housing developers that commercial LPG heating affords and why it’s the ideal fuel solution for your next development.
Just like mains gas, but off-grid – and more efficient!
LPG (liquified petroleum gas) is a low-carbon, versatile and cost-effective fuel and a viable energy option providing off-grid energy with the on-grid reliability of mains gas. It’s quite simply the closest alternative to mains gas. Although both mains gas and LPG, also known as commercial propane gas, can be used for similar purposes, they differ in terms of storage, delivery and availability. Mains gas is delivered through an infrastructure of pipelines, whereas LPG requires specialised storage tanks. But LPG has the added advantage that it burns hotter than natural gas as it has a higher calorific value and produces a significant amount of heat when burned.
LPG boilers work in the same was as standard mains gas boilers and are the same size with the same flue clearance. So you don’t need to change standard house plans as they will fit seamlessly into standard houses, as well as work alongside smart technology such as thermostats.
The cost effective alternative
Bulk LPG is the cheapest choice to install for off-grid heating. iIt can cost as little as £500 per plot, with no hidden extras. So clearly the perfect low cost, hassle-free solution for housing developments. Plus it saves you money when compared to mains gas and other alternative options, such as renewable energy sources.
Home buyers love LPG
It’s important to consider the preferences and needs of potential residents as some buyers may have specific energy preferences or requirements. You want to ensure your residents have the same home comforts as with a mains gas supply, secure in the knowledge they’ll be kept warm, with a consistent and reliable fuel supply for years to come.
Well, we’ve already said that bulk LPG is the closest alternative to mains gas, which means residents are used to the benefits it provides, giving the option to have not only gas central heating and hot water, but also gas fires, gas cookers and even AGA’s.
What’s more is that residents will not need to worry about ordering their gas from their bulk LPG supplier, just like being on mains gas, as smart technology monitors the level of gas left in the communal tanks, and triggers a top up when needed.
Discreet, safe LPG storage
Talking of tanks, no housing developer wants ugly LPG storage tanks which might block views, spoil the aesthetics of the site, and are likely to put off potential buyers to whom aesthetics are often an important consideration.
Other energy sources such as air source heat pumps, for instance, which require outside noisy units, can make the exterior of homes look cluttered, whereas communal underground bulk LPG storage tanks, which can be located well away from domestic properties, will ensure that above-ground space and aesthetics are kept at a premium.
Underground LPG storage tanks are typically installed below ground level, and are designed to withstand the external forces exerted by the surrounding soil and groundwater pressure. Capacity can vary to suit the individual needs of the development as they are available in a range of sizes. Safety, of course, is of utmost importance, and LPG underground tanks are designed with safety features such as pressure relief valves, emergency shut-off valves, and leak detection systems.
Whatever the size of your estate, we’ll work with you to recommend the best storage solution for your LPG in terms of convenience and location, tank size and siting – all tailored to your individual circumstances ensuring your tank complements your finished development, and are fully compliant with UK LPG tank installation regulations.
Plus, we provide a state of the art telemetry system that monitors the communal tank level and ensures regular top ups are made when needed.
Individual meters - and individual bills
Each property on your development will receive LPG via a network of hidden pipes and each will have its own individual meter. This allows residents to be billed for their own consumption based on their actual usage and readings, rather than having estimated bills. Ensuring fair and transparent billing based on individual usage.
The greener choice
Compared to mains gas, traditional fossil fuels such as heating oil, or solid fuels such as coal, LPG emits lower levels of greenhouse gasses and is known for its clean-burning properties. It combusts efficiently, producing a relatively complete burn and minimal soot, smoke or odour. All leading to cleaner and healthier indoor and outdoor air quality!
Consistent and reliable supply
When considering how to fuel your development, it’s essential to assess availability and supply. Ensuring there’s a consistent and reliable supply is crucial to meet the energy demands of the development and the residents who live there moving forward.
With Northern Energy as your chosen LPG supplier, you can have the peace of mind that you’ll be in safe hands. We have the scale and flexibility to supply your development with an efficient and reliable service that other suppliers simply can’t match. And your homebuyers will benefit from a reliable and proven, energy-efficient LPG heating system along with a fantastic after-care service.
To find out more, give us a call on 01423 772 789. We’ve worked with local businesses since 1932, so have the knowledge and experience to make the installation process quick and hassle-free, leaving you to concentrate on your development, safe in the knowledge you can rely on us.