Member Article

Industry first as LYHA invests £750k in innovative heating technology

Four Wakefield and Huddersfield-based businesses have supported Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) in becoming the first housing association in the UK to invest in a new heating technology.

The Housing Association, which owns and manages 1,300 homes in Leeds, Barnsley and Whitby, has invested almost £750k in installing the Logicor Clear Heater System to provide both heating and hot water in 138 properties on its Elmetes estate in Roundhay, Leeds.

The Logicor Clear Heater System is a patented British invention by David Bowen of Wakefield-based Research and Development company, Logicor. The system uses infra-red rays to heat objects in a room as opposed to standard convection heating which circulates warm air, giving a more even distribution of heat.

Working with distributor Huddersfield-based Infra-Red, trials were carried out in three flats on the Elmetes estate for nine months. The electricity supply was upgraded by Wakefield-based Freedom and the installation of Logicor Clear Heat by Aqua Interiors of Clayton West began in March 2015 for customers in the 84 two-bed flats and 54 bedsits.

Lisa Pickard, Chief Executive of LYHA said: “Through our work both on Real Life Reform and local engagement, we know that many of our customers are experiencing fuel poverty and this played a huge part in our decision to install the Logicor Clear Heater System.

“By installing this revolutionary technology we are both investing in our buildings and improving the financial situation for many customers, which in turn helps them better afford their rent. We are also improving the health and well-being of our customers.

“To know that they are in control of their heating and, in most cases, on the lowest tariff possible means they can face this winter with a lot less worry and more money in their pockets, and that is hugely important to us. This is a long-term investment for us but one which we know will make a huge difference to our customers’ lives.”

Clive Brook at Infra-Red said: “Following the successful trial of the Logicor Clear Heater System last winter, LYHA took the decision to install it into 138 properties on its Elmetes estate. This was a brave decision as this is a relatively new system and there were other, cheaper, options but LYHA knew its customers would ultimately be the beneficiaries of cleaner and cheaper heating. LYHA has acted as a trailblazer by making such a large investment relative to is size and we are already seeing larger social landlords following in its footsteps which is fantastic news.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .