Chimella, an innovative draught proofing measure, has been approved by the UK Government for a major demonstration project in fuel poor households which will monitor and document the savings from installation of a chimney umbrella in fuel poor homes.
The trial which is in partnership with an energy supplier will see installation of this innovative energy saving solution in 132 homes this winter. Performance of the product will be monitored and reported upon by a team comprising the Energy Saving Trust, Build Test Solutions Ltd and Ecuity Consulting LLP.
The proposed trial was granted approval by energy regulator Ofgem earlier this month with agreement that the Chimella chimney draught excluder should be included as part of the Government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme.
Commenting on launch of the project, inventor of Chimella, Simon Wild commented:
Simon Wild
‘’With 9 million open fireplaces in England which are not permanently blocked, chimney draughts represent as a significant air leakage path. The innovative design of the Chimella provides a low cost, versatile solution to seal up draughty chimneys, improving air tightness and reducing energy demand. The Chimella is a strong, robust product which is quick to install.
A key difference between a Chimella and other chimney draught excluders is the ability to remove the product and use the chimney as normal with the click of a button. We are very proud to be recognised as one of the future solutions to helping reduce heat loss in fuel poor homes and making an instant impact on energy efficiency and carbon savings for the environment. We look forward to working on the project.”
The Energy Saving Trust is leading on recruiting homes for the trial and analysing the data that will be collected. The Energy Saving Trust is a leading independent and impartial organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency in homes.
If you have an open chimney and live in the Midlands, complete our short survey to find out more about how you can receive a free energy saving Chimella and open up to a warmer home: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ChimellaTrial2021
This product trial is part of a research project for Ofgem, the UK Government’s energy regulation department. If you sign up now you will be entered into the £500 cash prize draw. It will take only 5 minutes! If you are selected for the product trial, you will get free Chimellas worth up to £300, save hundreds on your energy bills.
clicking on the link below will check eligibility:
Notes to editors
Many traditional energy saving solutions are expensive, intrusive and can be complex to install. Looking to overcome these barriers and drive innovation, the Government has introduced new routes for energy efficiency products that offer cost-effective ways to lower energy bills. To date, government efficiency schemes have not recognised the major source of heat loss in homes that is the chimney.
Over the summer the project team will be recruiting 132 households across the UK to participate in a trial to verify the energy bill savings. Each home will be fitted with a Chimella and their energy use monitored over the 2020/21 heating season.
The project team includes:
For media enquiries and to find out more about the trial, please contact
