Halo Heating St Chads Church, UK

This case study outlines how Herschel Halo heaters were chosen as the new heating solution for St Chad’s Church in Bradford. Previously, the church was heated by gas and electricity at a high cost; running costs in January 2021 were $3100 for the month. The gas boiler was condemned in April 2021 and, subsequently, the Church was without heating throughout 2022 and 2023.

The church was looking for a new heating system that would satisfy the Church of England’s green credentials.

“We are very pleased both with the heat from the halos and with their appearance which echoes the circular light fittings from 1915”.

The animation below incorporates a “then and now” illustration of St. Chads, before and after the Halo installation. The first image shows the church with pendant light fittings from the time the church was built. The second image showcases the Halo heating St Chads Church and how the Halo heaters echo the circular light fittings.

The church contacted Herschel to discuss their heating requirements for the Grade II listed building in Bradford, UK. Built between 1912 and 1914, the stunning interior of St. Chad’s is difficult to heat due to both its heritage features and scale, as well as the need to integrate heating discreetly within the historic architecture. Historic elements include decorative mosaic tiling, stained glass, and intricate craftsmanship in details such as door hardware.

In addition, the church sought a sustainable heating solution that would support the Church of England’s goal of reducing carbon emissions on the path to Net Zero.

In-depth discussions took place with the Herschel Heritage team to ensure all requirements have been understood. Subsequently, St Chads Church was specified with 9 x Halo 7.8kW infrared heaters to heat the interior. The Halo heaters have been installed with two rows of four Halos from the Chancel to the rear of the Nave. These are controlled in side-by-side pairs to create the required zones for flexible management and operation. There is also one Halo within the Lady Chapel.

The Church of England net zero target is 2030, and uses the faculty system to control any applications for new heating systems. In order to assist in meeting the 2030 target, a faculty (permission) will not be granted for any system that uses fossil fuels. For St Chads, the faculty was granted on 12th December 2023.

Quick Installation

Electriko, the company responsible for the installation, was on standby to carry out the work as soon as permission was granted. The project was completed quickly, within a week, and this meant the heating was installed in time for Christmas.

Running costs

The Halos have led to a significant reduction in energy costs over the previous system. As an example, the heating costs in January 2021 from the previous system (through a mixture of gas and electric) were $3100. The comparative costs from heating the church with Halo in January 2024 were $900, a huge saving of $2215 on running costs. A like-for-like comparison, comparing the costs of the previous gas system at the now higher tariff, would result in an even bigger saving on running costs if the previous gas system was still in place.

The switch to an all-electric heating solution has also resulted in the Church reducing its carbon footprint, one of the key drivers in choosing the Halo church heating solution.

Comfort levels

During a visit to the church in February 2024 by a Herschel representative, the positive feedback from the congregation on the warmth of the Halos was fantastic to hear, particularly with the outside temperature of 4°C.

Listed Buildings

St Chads Church is a grade 2 listed Church, and it is likely that many other churches will be similarly listed. Being a listed building adds another layer of complexity in achieving permissions.

“Herschel’s Halo heating system has an advantage over alternative systems, in its suitability to work within the restrictions imposed by its listed status. These churches are also likely to be old and not very well insulated. This reduces the effectiveness of many of the alternatives and, again, the Halo’s effectiveness in such spaces is another advantage over and above alternative heating systems”. – Richard, St Chad’s.

The team at St Chads has since organised visits for other PCCs to visit and see the Halo heating St Chads Church in situ. This also included an open day for multiple parishes to attend at once.

To ensure our Halo heating solutions are designed to meet your exact requirements, our team will work with you throughout the specification process. They are happy to answer any questions, assist with necessary approvals, and provide recommendations for electricians to handle the installation.