Tal Potishman asked:


As part of its strategy to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, the UK government has introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes. The code covers many important issues, but one of them has particular relevance to the plumbing and heating industry in the UK. It will impact both new building developments and existing building retrofits.

New properties already have to meet part L1A of the building regulations in force. This part determines a set target for carbon emissions that every new property has to meet. The property developers have to prove in advance that once fully built the property will generate CO2 emissions which is less than (or equal to) the target.

Launched in 2005, Part L1A set a target of 20% reduction in carbon emissions for new housing developments. The new Code for Sustainable Homes further builds on that to set a six-level basis of evaluation. Level one demands at least 10% carbon emissions reduction, with level six demanding ‘Zero Carbon’ buildings. By 2016, the government has set a target of 100% reduction in carbon emissions which is equal to level five.

The levels reached per dwelling are based on a points system, which evaluates each property according to the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of its components. A score of 57 is required for meeting level three, while not less than 90 points are required to meet level six.

It is fair to say that water heating systems currently available in the UK can meet the standard for medium levels within the Code. Still there is work to be done to make the heating systems efficient enough to meet the requirements for the top most levels, such as levels five and six.

One way of meeting the demand is by using renewable energy sources. For example, a level four in the Code requires a high ratio of such sustainable energy systems. Solar thermal systems are highly effective and emit virtually no carbon. Winter heating (when the days are short), will be supplemented by a gas boiler or a hot water tank with an immersion heater.

Although currently the code mainly talks about new build projects, experts urge the government to apply the code in retrofits as well. Replacing an old boiler with a new high efficiency boiler will reduce the carbon emissions but also will help the home owners reduce their heating bills. An A rated boiler, such as a modern condensing boiler will reduce the emissions and cut the heating bills by around 30%. Similarly, a well insulated hot water cylinder will cut the heat loss and reduce heating bills further, compared with an old inefficient cylinder.

It is likely that the Code for Sustainable Homes will influence the building regulations that are planned to be launched in 2010. As such, it is crucial that the Code is carefully worked out and that the UK heating industry is fully prepared for it well in advance to ensure a successful roll out.

Engineering and technological capabilities in the UK are high, giving the government comfort in the ability of the sector to roll out the high efficiency technologies. What’s more, the new technologies become ever more attractive to the public as prices drop while performance levels improve.



James

Tal Potishman asked:


Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have proven to be a hit seller in the UK in recent years and as such become an important part in fighting global warming. All central heating radiators must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations introduced in 2002. The amendment to the Building Regulations requires TRVs to be fitted on all newly installed domestic radiators. Such new requirement has clearly help the TRV market more than double in volume (from around 3.7 million units sold in 1995 to more than 7.5 million in 2003).

With the high profile of global warming in the news, the UK government has set a stretching target for reducing carbon emissions. Along with the Kyoto protocol, the government intends to lead the way within the developed world in terms of reducing the UK’s impact on the environment. The protocol signed by the UK in 1997 sets a target of reducing the baseline emissions of six key greenhouse gases by 12.5% compared to 1990 levels. The UK government has gone further and set a more challenging target of 20% compared to the 1990 baseline, with a long term goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.

According to Building regulations Part L, central heating engineers must install only A- or B-rated central heating components (such as condensing boilers) that are environmentally friendly and deliver high energy efficiency performance. At current levels, around 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are released into the atmosphere every year purely as a result of heating our homes. The total emissions level of the domestic sector is even higher and stands on 535 million tonnes per year.

TRVs help reduce wasted heat by allowing the user to set the desired temperature in each room separately. This way the user doesn’t need to heat unused rooms just to get the right temperature in rooms that are used. TRV manufacturers have made the kits not only technically effective but also visually pleasing. Most new units now have polished stainless steel finish which looks nice and is easy to clean.

Modern TRVs use a system of liquid filled controls. Unlike the wax-filled valves that were used in the past, the liquid is more sensitive and as such much quicker to react to changes in ambient temperature. This feature makes the liquid filled Thermostatic Radiator Valve better at adjusting the room temperature when there are changes (such as opening the front door).

Installing a TRV is a major step in reducing wasted heating energy. Nevertheless, it would be a wasted effort if the homeowner (or tenant) is not properly educated on how to use the TRVs effectively to save them money and reduce their carbon footprint. It is estimated that by installing TRVs and using them effectively a home owner can reduce their heating costs by up to 17%.

Another industry that has grown under the TRV umbrella has been the towel warmer. Closely linked to the TRV technology, towel rails have grown to be a 33 million industry last year, with an estimated volume for this year of around 1 million units.



Sammy

Tal Potishman asked:


They are a vital part of your domestic central heating system, yet radiators rarely make it to the front row of the central heating components list. Central heating systems are often associated with a good boiler and a large cylinder in most people’s minds. However, radiators form a crucial component of the system together with other controls and TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valves). A well built modern radiator can make a major impact on the performance of your central heating system, as well as have a major visual effect on the look of your rooms.

Radiators are over 150 years old. Franz Sangalli from Germany has registered a patent on radiators in 1855. They are effectively a hollow metal case, normally flat in shape that is attached to the wall of the room. Most UK radiators are made of sheet steel with attached fins to emit more heat.  The heating medium, most frequently water, is pumped into the top of the radiator. The hot liquid emits the heat into the room and as it cools off it drops to the bottom of the radiator and eventually out. The air around the radiator heats up and creates a convection effect drawing in colder air to heat up.

A typical domestic central heating system has a closed loop of pipes (normally copper) that over time develop pockets of trapped air inside them. The source of these air bubbles is either seeping through tiny cracks in the system of a result of chemical reaction that results gasses creation within the closed system. If such gasses (e.g. Hydrogen) are trapped within the central heating loop, it normally remains at the top of the radiator preventing the water from getting there and using the full area of the radiator for heating. In such case it is recommended to ‘bleed’ the radiator from a bleeding ***** at the top of the radiator. Radiators on upper floors tend to have more air pockets locked in them, due to the air’s natural inclination to rise to the upper-most point of the loop. As such, top floor radiators will require more frequent bleeding.

Most boiler manufacturers these days require the heating engineer installing the central heating system to power flush the central heating prior to commissioning. This ensures the system is clean from any debris that might have accumulated during the years (for example inner corrosion in older systems). Furthermore, most UK Corgi registered plumbers recommend adding a corrosion inhibitor chemical into the closed loop circulating water, to inhibit production of Hydrogen that would otherwise occur as a result of hot water coming in contact with iron.

The radiator should be sized according to the space to be heated and ensure the temperature is pleasant. Recommended temperature for the living room is 21c and for bedrooms and kitchen 18c. A correctly sized radiator will ensure the boiler is not overworked and is used in the most cost effective way.



Jeremiah

Tal Potishman asked:


In the last few years it became impossible to get away from the hype about green technologies versus fossil fuel technologies. Solar panels, solar thermal and wind turbines have ruled the headlines with major projects undertaken around the world. However, let us not forget the humble wood burning stove. Although not as flashy as a gleaming white wind turbine rotating at a steady speed over a green hill or a high-tech solar photovoltaic cell generating electricity out of simple sun light, the wood burning stove has some important benefits to bring to the table.

First let’s understand how it works. Biomass means that the energy is produced from organic sources (bio-energy). The energy is released when organic sources (wood in this case) are burned, in the same way as mankind was doing for centuries. The fuel used in biomass boilers is either untreated wood or treated wood. Most common fuels are logs, wood chips and wood pallets.

Wood pallets are the most efficient of the wood fuel types. They are made from sawdust which is compressed at high pressure into small pallets (roughly the size of AAA batteries). They are made from by-products of local carpentries, joinery workshops and sawmills. The high pressure compression removes moisture and increases their output to weight ratio, meaning you need less fuel to get the same amount of heat. Another benefit is that they don’t leave as much residue on the burner due to full burning reaction.

Fossil fuels are normally associated with global warming and climate change. When fossil fuels are burned (e.g. natural gas in your domestic boiler), they release CO2 as part of their natural chemical reaction. This gas was captured within the fuel for millions of years in underground deposits. By burning it now, we release this gas into the atmosphere. Biomass boilers are considered to be carbon neutral heating technologies, because they only release CO2 that was captured by the plant during its growth years, thus not bringing new CO2 into the global equation.

Here are some pointers on what to check before installing a biomass boiler:

* Local supply of wood - do you have a local sawmill or joinery workshop that can provide a steady supply of wood chips, or even wood pallets.

* Space and location - biomass boilers have larger footprint than a typical boiler and require further space to store the wood. It is essential to calculate the amount of space that would be available for wood storage next to the boiler

* Chimney - biomass boilers require chimneys. And more specifically, chimneys that are lined for wood burning. However, it is a problem that can be solved by adding a lined flue within the chimney.

* Smoke limitations - if your house is located in a ‘Smoke-Free’ zone you may have to look for a specially labeled product which is ‘exempted’ under the Clean Air Act.

* Other considerations - It is wise to check with your local authority’s planning department regarding fitting a flue in the property. This is very important in cases where the property is a listed building, or within a conservation area.



Elsie

Ivor Bates asked:


It’s a basic fact that plumbing and heating systems that are not regularly serviced or routinely maintained are 90% more likely to suffer breakdown, failure or blockage.

Most people will admit to ignoring heating and plumbing problems until they develop into an emergency. But potential emergencies can be alleviated with a simple servicing and maintenance programme that is tailored to your heating and plumbing system.

Another fact: boiler manufacturers will not guarantee any new boiler if the heating system is not chemically cleaned. The best way of doing this is by Power Flushing.

Power Flushing is a powerful technique for cleaning central heating systems. It improves the performance of the heating system by flushing out sludge and scale, and promotes efficient energy consumption.

If your radiators are cold, noisy or need bleeding regularly, or if your pump or boiler has failed, then you will definitely benefit from Power Flushing. Look for a heating engineer that is an experienced specialist in the Power Flushing system and that offers a certificate confirming that pH levels and cleanliness within your system correspond with industry standards.

Yet another fact: it is recommended that most gas appliances such as boilers, cookers, hobs and gas fires are serviced at least once a year to make sure that any dangerous faults are dealt with by a professional. Gas safety is of utmost importance. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and the importance of making sure your gas appliances are functioning properly and not emitting harmful fumes is crucial.

Manufacturers generally stipulate that their appliances are serviced annually and you should remember that the appliances’ life could be extended by regular professional servicing.

If you want to avoid the stress and expense of a heating and plumbing emergency then make sure you employ a regular servicing and maintenance campaign: it’s an insurance policy for your winter warmth and peace of mind.



Julie