The Client
St Chad’s Church in Hanmer originates from 1486 and is one of the oldest churches in Wales with a long and interesting history.
The Challenge
The church is large and the previous heating system, dating back to 1959, struggled to maintain any kind of heat because the boiler was old and the heat emitters were radiators.
The Solution
Smith’s Caspian Low fan convectors were recommended because of their dual ability to provide almost instantaneous heat to large spaces and deliver good heat where warmth is required quickly and often intermittently. The new heating system comprised of two brand new boilers and ten Caspian Low 120/12 fan convectors. Six were positioned in the Nave, where the majority of the congregation sit to provide almost immediate and blanket heat. One was placed in the Lady Chapel, two in the side aisle and one in the chancel. A small number of radiators were also installed along the side aisle walls. They take much longer to heat up but this was done to avoid cold spots in the fabric of the radiator. The new heating has allowed the church to be used for more than just worship services on a Sunday and mid-week. The church has very close ties with its neighbouring primary school, St Chad’s Church in Wales Primary. In the autumn term of 2014, the school was able to host its Autumn Fair within the church building itself.
The Products
Smith’s supplied ten Caspian Low 120/12 fan convectors with EC motors and each one was poly-coated to complement the sandstone pillars in order to integrate them into the background of the church. The low surface temperature of the Caspian Low means that they are entirely safe, despite the church being used by a wide range of ages, from the elderly to young children. Compatible with all types of wet central heating systems, whether connected to a conventional boiler or renewable technology, such as ground and air source heat pumps, Smith’s Caspian fan convectors are equally efficiently and possess a free five-year warranty for parts and labour.