Hightown Praetorian & Churches Tenants look forward to cheaper fuel bills
Families living in a pre-war Hemel Hempstead terrace can look forward to cheaper fuel bills after the completion of an innovative energy project by Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association.
The work, carried out as part of a total refurbishment of the Bunkers Farm homes in Bunkers Lane, has included a renewable heating system for each property using exterior air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water all year round, whatever the weather.
The charitable housing association’s homes have also been fitted with the latest hot water storage cylinders which use plate heat exchanger technology to give a 17% improvement in hot water efficiency and faster heat-up times. To further improve energy efficiency, the floors, external walls and lofts of all the properties have been insulated to a very high standard.
It means the Hightown tenants living in the three properties will not only have smaller heating bills and warmer homes, but their carbon emissions will also be reduced.
The four-month-long project, carried out by West Sussex-based BSW Building Services Limited, involved other work which has transformed the homes. This included upgraded or replacement kitchens and bathrooms, new carpeting, replacement upvc doors and structural alterations such as new doorways and full decoration.
There has also been a vast improvement outside the properties. Not only is there replacement guttering and drainage, but the work has included major garden clearance with 540 sq m of new turf laid, as well as fencing, tree surgery and tree and shrub removal.
Mark Salmon, Hightown’s Procurement Manager, said: “We aim to provide excellent housing for all our tenants, so we’re proud to see this project completed.
“Not only have the properties been totally transformed, but all the latest environmental technology has been used to help keep the houses warm as well as reducing bills and carbon emissions. The tenants are delighted with their new-look homes.”
