St Francis Church

St Francis – Keynsham Bristol

The Project

Introduction

The PCC at St Francis Church decided it was time to act. Our priorities are to replace the outdated heating system, install solar panels, and make some much-needed improvements to other areas of the church. Our aim is simple: to create a warm, welcoming space, a place of refuge where both the congregation and visitors can feel comfortable. By installing discreet Connect Infrared Heaters paired with smart zonal controls, we helped the church move toward its net-zero goals while providing reliable, energy-efficient warmth.

Challenge:

St Francis is a modern-style church, regularly used for many activities and classes by the local community. The vision was to enable even more groups to meet during the colder winter months. due to the church having limited insulation, and improvements to this are not possible infrared heating was identified as the best solution under the circumstances.

To move the project forward, Connect Infrared were contacted and invited to visit the church to provide their expertise and advice.

Design & Specifications

Kevin and Glenn from Connect Infrared met with the church lead, Mr Martin Burton, to carry out a full site visit. This allowed them to gather all the necessary information to prepare a complete heating audit and detailed specification for Martin and the PCC to review.

In addition to heating improvements, the church also decided to install solar panels on the roof. This not only supports a sustainable way forward but also helps reduce long-term energy costs.

The PCC requested that the heaters be suspended at a height of 4.5 metres from the ground. This positioning offered the best balance between effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring the system could support the wide range of activities held in the building.

During sermons, the heaters performed exceptionally well. The seating layout has since been adjusted, with chairs positioned slightly off-centre from the heaters to make the best use of the warmth. This flexible setup also benefits everyday community activities such as yoga classes and toddler groups, who appreciate the consistent comfort the heaters provide.

Additional heating was required in the corridor, kitchen, and toilets. For these areas, Connect specified their own British-made infrared panels, which were installed in the ceilings. This placement keeps them unobtrusive while ensuring an even and efficient spread of heat.

Project Management

Connect got to work, designed and specified the heating products and conducted an installation site visit by one of the electrical contractors while Martin prepared the documentation and application to the PCC firstly and once approval was obtained the submission was made to the DAC.

The Installation Process– January 2025

All elements are arranged, the submission to the DAC has been agreed, the Solar is in and now it’s time for Connect to move into action.

✅ Connect Infrared panels – kitchen, corridor and toilets

✅ Connect Spectrum heaters – Nave, hall and Chancel area

✅ Connect controls managed – central hub, relays and thermostats ready for installation – app connect and Wi-Fi ready.
✅ Installation Team – David ‘The Griff’ Griffiths and his team on site 7^TH January 2025

The installation is booked for three to four days, depending on how the wiring and other elements were. All went well and the installation completed. The controls were all commissioned and ready for operation.

The church was now ready to receive the congregation and visitors, a nice warm church was awaiting their arrival.

The Results

Following the design and specification process, carried out by Kevin and Glenn from Connect Infrared Limited, the decision was made to install Connect’s 3kW Spectrum Technology heaters in both the church hall and Nave.

For the corridor, kitchen, and toilets, infrared ceiling panels were chosen to provide discreet, efficient heating that spreads evenly throughout the smaller spaces.

The Spectrum heaters, now installed in the main Nave and hall at St Francis, have transformed the comfort levels in these areas. Infrared camera photos show the heating performance clearly: floor temperatures are reaching 22°C, with the white target reading showing 22.2°C – creating a consistent and comfortable warmth.

In addition, new solar panels were installed on the church roof, further reducing energy costs and supporting a sustainable future. (Connect can also provide advice and installation for solar systems.)

Today, St Francis is once again a warm and welcoming environment – a true place of refuge for many in the community, especially at a time when high heating costs are a concern. The improvements ensure the church can continue serving both worshippers and local groups throughout the year.

The Connect Spectrum heaters deliver zero glare, zero light, and reach comfort levels within six minutes.

Hi Bay mounting offers heat from above providing a comfort blanket coverage of heat to the congregation below

Premium UK manufactured heat panels by Connect Infrared providing a comfort warmth when required!

Connect infrared – Kevin and Glenn are here to help, we have the expertise and the professionalism to help you have the solution you need to keep your congregation warm during any cold periods, we are on the end of a phone, email or just come and visit us or a local church who have Connect Infrared heating installed!

St Francis – Keynsham Bristol

Introduction

Challenge:

Design & Specifications

Project Management

The Results

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