Energy efficiency

The combination of changes to the building regulations (e.g. Part L in England and Wales) and rising energy prices have increased the demand for energy efficient heating products. Additionally the increasing importance of environmental assessment methods, such as BREEAM, LEED and Green Star and EPCs and DECs are having an effect. It is now easier to measure building efficiency, and importantly for tenants, compare one building against another. Systems using water as the heat transfer medium take up less space and useless energy than all-air systems. Radiant heating increases the temperature of surfaces within rooms and because of this, lower air temperatures can be achieved without compromising occupier comfort. Realistically, ambient air temperatures of 2-3°C less than traditional four pipe fan coil units are possible and this can deliver considerable energy reductions.

Similarly, unlike other heating methods, large volumes of air in a room do not have to be heated before room occupants feel the heating benefit. The heat source can be localised to the occupied area rather than heating the entire building / space. As a result of the reduced running and “heat up” times, considerable energy savings can also be made.

Lower water volumes and low product pressure drops equate to more efficient systems, when compared to traditional radiator systems or four pipe fan coil units. This means that less energy is used to heat a smaller volume of water and low unit pressure drops reduce the amount of pump pressure required to circulate hot water around the system.

Click here to find out more about the HCP range of heating products.