Energy Saving Trust is working on the Ofgem approved research project with project partners, Build Test Solutions Ltd and Ecuity Consulting LLP. We are leading on recruiting homes for the trial and analysing the project data.
Across England there are nine million fireplaces that are not permanently blocked, this is equivalent to keeping a window open 24/7. An unblocked chimney can add significant cost to the typical heating bill as warm air escapes up through the chimney and into the atmosphere.
Chimella (portmanteau of “Chimney” and “Umbrella”), is an innovative draught proofing measure and has been approved by the UK Government for a major demonstration project in fuel deprived households to monitor and record the savings from its installation.
The trial will see installation of this innovative energy saving solution in 130 homes across the Midlands winter 2020/2021.
Ofgem the energy regulator, granted approval earlier this month with agreement that the Chimella chimney draught excluder be included as part of the Government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme.
Inventor of Chimella, Simon Wild commented:
“Chimney draughts represent a significant air leakage path and the innovative design of the Chimella provides a low cost, versatile solution to seal up draughty chimneys, improving air tightness and reducing energy demand. The Chimella is a strong, robust product that is quick to install.
A key difference between a Chimella and other chimney draught excluders is the ability to remove the product and use the chimney as normal with the click of a button. We are very proud to be recognised as one of the future solutions to helping reduce heat loss in fuel poor homes and making an instant impact on energy efficiency and carbon savings for the environment. We look forward to working on the project.”
As the lead on recruiting homes for the trial and analysing the data output, Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero.
If you have an open chimney and live in the Midlands, we are looking for people to complete our short survey to find out more about how you could receive a free energy saving Chimella and open up to a warmer home: https://response.questback.com/energysavingtrust/Chimella
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For further information on the project and any image requests, please contact:
- Jessica Forster jessica.forster@est.org.uk
- Energy Saving Trust media media@est.org,uk
Notes to editors
Many traditional energy saving solutions are expensive, intrusive and can be complex to install. Looking to overcome these barriers and drive innovation, the Government has introduced new routes for energy efficiency products that offer cost-effective ways to lower energy bills. To date, government efficiency schemes have not recognised the major source of heat loss in homes that is the chimney.
Over the summer the project team will be recruiting 130 households in the Midlands to participate in a trial to verify the energy bill savings. Each home will be fitted with a Chimella and their energy use monitored over the 2020/21 heating season.
The project team includes:
- Build Test Solutions (Independent air leakage and thermal performance measurement) Build Test Solutions
- Energy Saving Trust (Participant recruitment and data analysis) Energy Saving Trust
- Ecuity Consulting LLP (Project management) Ecuity
- Chimella (Innovator and technical support) Chimella