A Victorian church is embracing modern technology after installing a new eco-friendly heating system.
The halo heating chandeliers at St Paul’s in Ryhope, Sunderland, have enabled the church to bring much-needed warmth to services while significantly driving down emissions.
The Herschel Halo Heating and Battery Storage Project led to the installation of eight attractive chandeliers, which are suspended from the ceiling and are in-keeping with the character of the 19th century building.
The 7.8kw chandelier heaters use long-wave infrared (invisible radiant heat) to heat the people and spaces below. The temperature of each heater can be remotely controlled, while each individual chandelier can be switched on and off in isolation.
The church’s electric supply was unable run all the chandeliers at once, so batteries were installed to boost capacity. Prior to installation, the church’s LED lighting was upgraded to further reduce overall electrical demand.
The Revd David Chadwick said the new system has greatly reduced the use of the church’s gas boiler, which is now used primarily for supplementary background heating during larger services.
“It used to get very cold in our church,” explained David. “By contrast it is now a much warmer and inviting space. Restricting the use of the gas boiler to an absolute minimum means we are now a low emitting church.”
The project, which cost approximately £105,000, was financed through a trust fund, set up following the sale of church land about 30 years ago. The church decided to spend the money on something which would benefit the congregation and also have a positive effect on their environmental impact.
St Paul’s also received £20,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Places of Worship scheme, while the new system saves about £1,000 annually in running costs.
David said everyone at St Paul’s is grateful for all support, including that of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for carefully considering and approving the scheme. He added that everyone at St Paul’s is happy with the new system and are pleased to be embracing new, eco-focused technology.
The chandeliers are also proving popular with visitors, including representatives from other churches who are considering their own heating options.
Diocesan Envionmental Officer Bethan Still said: “It is wonderful that Ryhope have taken the opportunity to lower their carbon output by installing electrical infrared heating. It is a joy to see them advancing on their net-zero journey and once they switch to fully electric heating on a green tariff they will be completely net-zero. They are a real encouragement and inspiration to other churches seeking to lower their carbon emissions, and I am happy that they are pleased with their new heating system.”
Award
St Paul’s has received a sustainability award in recognition of this project. It was awarded by the Durham Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (Durham DAC) on Wednesday, 23 September.
Photos
Main image: From left to right: Jeff Wheeler (treasurer), the Revd David Chadwick, Elaine McDowall (former PCC member) and James McDowall (churchwarden), stand below the halo heating chandeliers.
Left: A view of the chandeliers.