22 | Wānaka: Optum Plumbing & Energy Solutions REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Ange Davidson Heating technology for healthier homes Using an air-to-water hydronic heat pump system, entire homes can be heated from the one heat pump which will also heat the domestic hot water. A Wānaka based renewable energy company is on a mission to introduce European heating technology into New Zealand houses to create warmer and healthier homes. Optum Plumbing and Energy Solutions has been changing people’s mindsets about home heating for over 12 years and is capitalising on people’s growing awareness of fossil fuel emissions and how homeowners can reduce their footprint through sustainable heating technology. Director Kevin Henderson says central heating is common practise in Europe, yet many Kiwi families are still heating only one room with a fire box while the rest of the house is cold and often damp. “We really want to change how people think about heating and ventilation because a warm house can have such an impact on people’s health and wellbeing. “A centrally heated home with good ventilation can improve people’s health and ultimately reduce pressure on our health system during the winter,” believes Kevin. Using an air-to-water hydronic heat pump system, entire homes can be heated from the one heat pump which will also heat the domestic hot water, and if needed, a pool. The central heating system uses water heated to the desired temperature for underfloor heating or radiators. In summer, the system can run in reverse, using the same underfloor pipework or radiators. Using a hydronic heat pump for central heating is more efficient than a diesel, gas or wood burner, more cost effective and less emissions. Unlike its predecessors, a hydronic heat pump is quiet, there are no drafts or dust being blown around the room and for the ultimate in cost effectiveness, photovoltaic panels can be integrated to generate the electricity needed to help run the central heating system. By working with an architect and the client at the initial planning stages, houses can optimise heating technologies, creating Smart Houses where the heating can be operated from a cell phone and turned on remotely with each room set at a different temperature if desired. “The technology is so good that I can adjust a client’s heating system from my laptop. We like to meet with architects and clients to understand how they want to live in and use their home and how heating and ventilation can help them achieve that. This can be done off plans but for the best results, there needs to be collaboration with the architect and client from the beginning,” says Kevin. “We see ourselves as educators to help others see just what’s possible.” Ground-source or geo-thermal heating is another European innovation where water flowing through a series of pipes run below ground is heated by the natural ground temperature which sits between 5-10 degrees Celsius. The heated water then passes through a heat pump to increase the temperature to a point it can be used for central heating and/ or domestic hot water without a heat pump having to work as hard. Bores are drilled approximately 100 metres into the ground for the piping, with the number of bores dependent on the size of the house and other considerations such as the amount of insulation and glazing in the home. In summer, the ground source system can heat a swimming pool, and the system run in reverse to cool the house. Excess heat generated can be returned to the ground to be reused and increase efficiency of the system. “The ground is a big thermal heat sink. They’ve been using ground-source heating in globally for a long time where temperatures regularly get below -20 degrees and it’s becoming popular in the Wānaka and Queenstown area,” says Kevin. The team installed geo-thermal heating for the Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat near Queenstown, a project that was described as “an exemplar application of technology to achieve zero energy”. The camp is New Zealand’s first Net Zero Energy accommodation place and Optum’s plumbing, drainage, solar and heating installation for the campsite earned them the 2018 Project of the Year award at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards. The 15-strong team is a service-first plumbing and heating company that’s committed to creating functional, easily used, and beautifully integrated solutions that provide clients with the best outcomes. “Our depth of knowledge, and use of German engineering, allows us to consider how you want to live and to design a perfect solution. “It’s the biggest buzz to see how heating improves people’s health and wellbeing. It has a huge impact on people’s lives,” believes Kevin. “We really want to change how people think about heating and ventilation because a warm house can have such an impact on people’s health and wellbeing.” CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS Servicing all of New Zealand from Kapiti to Bluff Specialists in European Quality Radiator and Underfloor Central Heating Systems 0800 4 KE KELIT info@kekelit.co.nz BUILDING Proud to be working alongside Optum Plumbing CONTRACTORS C R O M W E L L Garry 027 220 1195 garry@cbc.co.nz www.cbc.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=