SA Affordable Housing March / April 2018 // Issue: 69 | Page 25

FEATURES
What also needs attention however, is the users’ awareness that goes with
efficiency. Currently we see a lopsided scale where products are getting
developed to manage, for example electricity use, but the users at the end
of the day don’t understand the importance of playing a part in the
equation. Although there are fantastic innovations, without a genuine shift
in the way people think, product developers and manufacturers will
eventually get to a point where further efficiency is no longer possible.
An important aspect to note says Gillott is that, “Even properties
without an outside energy source it can be improved through using
insulation and by insulating a property properly, you can slow down the
rate at which the sun heats your living environment during the day and
reduce the rate at which the residual heat build-up escapes from the
property in the evening.”
This also demonstrates that although we have fast moving technology,
combining existing technology into the efficiency plan can achieve
remarkable results.
“At certain times of year, up to a staggering 42% of energy input can be
lost through an uninsulated roof or ceiling, with 24% lost through
uninsulated external walls. It’s just one reason why it is essential to get
your insulation requirements right for your affordable housing project to
minimise ongoing energy consumption and expenditure. In this respect
insulation is possibly the only building material that can claim to pay for
itself over time while keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Ultimately though, an energy efficient house, is more affordable over its
lifetime,” Gillott adds.
Efficiency on all fronts is not only relevant to all developments but
specifically essential in the affordable housing sector with the long-term
view of sustaining resources, creating comfortable and acceptable living
conditions as well as controlling consumption costs for residents.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
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challenge. create. care.
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www.saaffordablehousing.co.za
TYPICAL SAVINGS
(M&V RESULTS AS MEASURED BY UNIVERSITY OF PTA)
300.00
Element
200.00
150.00
100.00
0.00
Heat Pump
50.00
250.00
Time (hh:mm)
www.heinlo.co.za
WATER HEATING
S O L U T I O N S
H E A T P U M P S
012 546 7592
082 452 3475