As part of Saint Andrew’s, St Andrews journey towards Net Zero by 2030 we have recently installed two Herschel ‘Halo” radiant heaters at the west end of the Nave. This has only proved possible as a result of a £7,250 grant from Benefact Trust and the SEC, for which we are most grateful.
In 2025 each diocese was invited to nominate charges for either a Pilot grant or a Pioneer grant: we received the former. Further awards are planned in 2026.
Our new radiant heaters are the latest step in our Net Zero Action Plan. Having already installed solar panels on the church roof (coupled with battery storage), LED lighting in the church, double glazing and smart controls for heating the church hall and an interior porch to reduce draughts, alongside switching to a renewable electricity tariff, we are now exploring radiant heating in the nave and chancel to replace our current gas-fired boiler and wet radiator system.
The principle of radiant heating is heating people and surfaces rather than heating the surrounding air. Warm air often rises into roof spaces or escapes through windows and walls, in particular in large uninsulated church buildings. Savings in both cost and carbon arise from the ability to control both the areas to be heated and its timing.
Phase 1 has been the installation of two 9.6Kw Herschel ‘Halo’ heaters in the Narthex at the west end of the Nave to determine the suitability of such a system for the rest of the nave.
This part of the church is used for a small Friday morning communion service and our Mothers’ and Toddlers group on Monday mornings. Previously, these activities required heating the whole church: now we have the means to heat just those parts of the church which are in use, generating significant savings in both cost and carbon.
The heaters were installed in mid-February, seem to be performing well and have already registered a cost saving. Once we have evaluated the installation and raised the necessary funding, we plan to extend the system throughout the nave with five additional ‘Halo’ heaters.
For further information please contact Bethany Nelson, who can put you in touch with Alan Werritty.
Alan Werritty, Saint Andrews church
