Keeping buildings warm and dry is vital to protect the fabric and contents, as well as to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors. However, this can be a major challenge for some churches in terms of expenditure and efficiency (see Energy Efficienct Buildings). Luckily, there are measures you can take to combat some of these challenges.
If you are looking to modify or upgrade your heating system, make sure that you apply for the correct permissions before commencing any work (see Permissions). If you are not sure what permission may be required, contact the DAC staff.
In addition to the information below, useful guidance can also be found here:
Heating | The Church of England
As a first step, it is also good practice to consult with your inspecting architect as they will be able to provide you with tailored advice about what is possible and practical in your specific building. You QI is a useful opportunity for this consultation (see Quinquennial Inspections). If you need to appoint a new architect (see New Appointments).
Heating Systems
Every building has different needs from their heating system depending on a range of factors and the solution which is right for one building may not be appropriate for another. The information below is indicative of some of the options which might be available, but your architect will be able to advise you further. In order to assess which option is right for you, you need to think carefully about how you currently use your buildings and anticipate how you might like to use them in future.
How your heating is powered can make a huge difference to the carbon footprint of your building. In general, the DAC encourages renewable energy sources wherever possible. However, even switching from gas or oil (wet-source) boilers to electric boilers can have a significant impact in reducing the carbon footprint of your building. Switiching from wet-source to electric boilers usually only requires List B permission (see Permissions). Click here to download the List B specifications.
Heat pumps have become more popular in recent years. These can be air or ground source. Historic England has sueful guidance on Heat Pumps and Solar Panels Work for Older Buildings | Historic England
Guidance and Resources
The DAC has developed a Heating Toolkit and Heating Checklist to guide PCCs through the process of seeking the best sustainable heating system for their buildings.
The following national guidance is also available to download. If you wish to update your heating system through a faculty application (see permissions) the DAC will expect you to have shown due regard to this guidance: