Flexible heating system specified for St Mary’s Church installation

Ayr-based installer O’Neil Gas Services has specified and installed a new heating system developed by Rinnai to replace an old ducted warm air system at St Mary’s Church in Saltcoats, Ayrshire. 

A major problem in heating a church is the pattern of usage, age of the building and the building envelope materials. Like most churches, St Mary’s Church sees the majority of use at weekends and weekday mornings. 

It was important for O’Neil Gas Services to specify a system that would give instant heat when required, quickly and efficiently whilst not wasting fuel when not in use.

Six Rinnai 1004T units were specified and installed in the optimum locations for effectiveness and convenience of the customer. Ross McWhirter of O’Neil’s stated that the biggest part of the job was lifting the floors and running the gas and electricity supply to the units.

The installation received positive feedback from both the customers and visitors to the church. Ross commented: “Everyone I have spoken too at the church since we completed the installation has said that it has never been as warm as it is now. St Mary’s should also see a big difference in gas usage as the Rinnai units are more economical to run than the old system.”

Energysaver1004T 

Energysaver1004T units are powered through Natural Gas or LPG. As the units are fully modulating, heat output is reduced as the space temperature rises.

Complete with an 80mm flue for a neater finish, the heaters themselves are protected by safer low temperature casing to reduce the risk of burns. Warm air is distributed at floor level for a greater level of coverage, and, importantly for St Mary’s Church, the units can be time controlled for added economy. 

Chris Goggin, associate director at Rinnai UK, commented that the heaters “provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.”