Myson considers some ways to reduce a heating system’s carbon footprint.
Nabeel Javaid, Myson’s Market & Application Specialist, says: “Both small and large interventions can lead to significant reduction of the carbon emissions. Saving energy and reducing our impact on the planet’s climate is a step-by-step process, and even simple adaptations to the heating system can make a big difference.”
Myson suggests the following steps for reducing a heating system’s carbon footprint…
Choose the best energy generator
A good starting point is to evaluate the building’s energy generation source. Oil and gas burners are the most carbon intensive heat generators, while thermal solar panels are the least. Ground or air source heat pumps’ use of renewable energy reduces CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. But not everyone is in a position to install a heat pump. A modern condensing boiler with suitable heat emitters already provides a good basis for low-temperature heating.
Combine the heat source with the right emitters
Low-carbon heating systems run on low temperatures. To enjoy optimal energy efficiency and create sufficient heat output, it is important to choose the right emitters. Underfloor heating is often the first option, however, modern radiators offer an alternative. Nabeel adds: “For temperatures below 45°C, we recommend our fan-assisted radiator, Myson ULOW E2, or the iVECTOR S2 fan convector.”
Correctly dimensioned emitters
For both thermal comfort and energy efficiency it’s important that the heat emitters are dimensioned correctly. Too small and they won’t generate enough heat output, but too large they’ll emit more than necessary. Nabeel says: “Both scenarios increase energy consumption, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.”
Hydronic balancing
Hydronic balancing is important for the energy efficiency of the heating system. Optimising the hydronic distribution reduces energy consumption by 7-11%. Using adjustable thermostatic valves, you can easily limit the mass flow to avoid unbalanced water distribution. This is especially important for low-temperature systems because it ensures the system is set to best suit the energy source and work as efficiently as possible.
Choose the right controls
Better control allows for better tailoring of the system so only the exact amount of energy is used. Nabeel also highlights: “While basic heating controls such as TRV’s already provide significant energy savings, upgrading with smart controls such as those in the UNISENZA PLUS range, can increase savings even further, as energy use is optimally tailored to the users’ habits.”
Zone temperature control
Zone temperature control can combine multiple thermostats, each controlling the temperature of a specified zone, so that different temperatures can be set per zone. Not all areas require heating at the same time or at the same temperature, so this allows more tailored control and avoids wasting energy in unoccupied rooms.
Good insulation to reduce heat loss
If key heat loss areas are properly insulated, less energy is required for the system to heat the building in winter, while in summer the heat is kept out reducing the need for cooling. Increased insulation can also facilitate lowering flow temperatures in the heating system, reducing energy.
