Fires and Heaters - Debate over electric heating at IDHEE event

02/06/2008

An industry conference saw a heated debate break out over carbon emissions, it has been reported.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE), Dr Brenda Boardman, from the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University Centre for the Environment, said she was concerned about electric heating, according to H&CV News.

Noting the large numbers of new flat developments in London that are installing electric heating, she advised professionals to only use these products as a last resort, claiming that electricity is associated with the highest levels of carbon emissions.

However, Chris Davis, head of renewables at electric heating specialist Dimplex, said: "I am fundamentally opposed to those who say 'do not use electricity' as they are not taking the long-term view."

Mr Davies continued to say that the increasing use of renewable generation would make electricity more sustainable, while technologies such as ground source and air source heat pumps give out "three or four times" the energy they consume.

The IDHEE is a professional organisation for domestic heating engineers and aims to promote the use of energy-efficient central heating systems.