The new development, Ponders End, is situated in a valley very close to where gold was first discovered in the old Transvaal. The complex is located in the heart of Helderkruin and shares a boundary wall with the renowned Kloofendal Nature Reserve. The area was previously known as ‘Scorpion Valley’ – thus scorpion pictures form part of the Ponders End logo on the gate – and the development is situated in lovely natural surroundings.

“Despite a bit of opposition to the complex from residents in adjoining areas beforehand,” says Johan Louw, Sales Manager of Renico, “once they saw the quality of the construction, several have now bought units in the complex!” Construction began in in June 2015, and handover to residents took place in April 2016. At this stage, just 10 months after the start, 93% of the 186 units had already been sold – so it could truly be said that Renico ‘struck gold’ with this development in the current economic climate.

Water-heating costs reduced by two-thirds
One of the big attractions of Ponders End is its emphasis on energy saving. In view of the ever-increasing price of electricity, Renico made the decision to install Alliance Heat Pump Water Heaters, supplied by Fourways Airconditioning. Quizzed on why Alliance Heat Pumps were chosen, Louw simply remarked with a smile: “We’ve learned our lesson before with cheapies. As they say in Afrikaans, ‘Goedkoop is duurkoop’. And regarding the service we’ve had from Fourways, well, we’ve absolutely no complaints whatsoever.”

186 3.2 kW Alliance Heat Pumps were installed on the 2 and 3-bedroomed units. For ease of maintenance, the retrofitted units were positioned next to 150-litre geysers, with access from outside. With a COP of 3.7, the Heat Pumps reduce water-heating costs by two-thirds or more resulting in substantial electricity-savings for owners.

Comments Wil Jansen, director of Alliance: “Our Alliance Heat Pumps are manufactured by one of the world’s largest Heat Pump manufacturers who employ over 300 senior engineers, and accreditations include ISO 9000/1, ISO 1400/1, CE and TuV-approval as well as Six Sigma.”.”