An analysis by the Carbon Trust reveals that heating and hot water accounts for over one third of energy consumption within UK organisations’. For some organisations, this may add up to approximately 60% in carbon emissions due to demanding steam or hot water industrial processes, such as food and laundering. According to the report, by implementing very simple boil-related energy measures, we could save up to 30% in heating costs and over £400m per year.
Through better maintenance and low cost improvements, such as insulation or retrofitting controls, organisations, can make immediate savings. That’s not to say that the home environment cannot learn from this either. All modern boilers are capable of achieving an efficiency of at least 80%, by taking simple actions to impact their performance.
Here are some tips from the Carbon Trust [1]:
- Boiler Maintenance: Over time mechanical components can become worn which can affect combustion efficiency. Therefore burners and their controls need to be checked at regular intervals and adjusted as necessary.
- Minimise Heat Loss – Keep boiler insulation in good condition. All pipe work, valves, flanges and fittings in the boiler-house should be adequately insulated and valve mats/covers should be replaced after maintenance work. Make sure your home is also properly insulated.
- Implement effective water treatment – The presence of impurities and contaminants in water make treatment and conditioning regimes essential to provide water of a suitable quality for the effective operation of steam boiler plant and systems.
- Produce a maintenance manual – Detail records of work done, the person responsible, and when they were completed. The formalisation of maintenance in this manner should help ensure that tasks are carried out at the correct frequency and will highlight ongoing problems.
- Consult your boiler manufacturer – Find out what the recommended TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level is and compare this with your current operating regime.
- Consider boiler replacement – In the longer term, if a boiler is more than 15 years old, or if it is showing signs of inefficient operation, it may need replacing. Capacity/size requirements, boiler compatibility and financial and environmental impact must all be considered in the process.
Guides are available which provide recommendations on how companies can cut their heating bills by approximately 10 percent simply by following and carrying out regular boiler maintenance. Whether or not you run your own business or are just a regular home owner, it is a good idea to learn some of these basic tips so that in the long run your boiler lasts longer, and you can also benefit from saving more. At the cost of less, you benefit more.
Considering the replacement: Domestic
As stated in another Energy Saving Warehouse article by Heather Chambers [see 2], there is no obligation for householders to replace inefficient boilers. However, as mentioned above, if is it 15 years old then it is highly recommended that the boilers are replaced because the boiler is likely to be G-rated; as opposed to current new built houses which have to be at least A-rated or 88% efficient.
Considering the replacement: Commercial
For commercial boilers the heating systems are more complicated due to a wider range of temperatures and heat emitters. The selection of boilers is determined by application and physical constraints. To meet regulated guidelines, see reference 3, or ask a heating engineer to advise you.
[1] http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/news/news/press-centre/2012/pages/save-efficient-boilers.aspx
[2] http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/news/317/20/Choosing-an-Energy-Efficient-Boiler.html
[3] http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_PTL_NONDOMHEAT.pdf
