Cut CO2 Emissions - Install TRVs at Home



Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2008

by
Heating Central

One of the indirect yet positive results of the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997 is the Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) that have now become an important player in the nation's effort to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as well as help cut domestic heating bills. Although it was not well published, starting 2002 all central heating radiators installed must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations. The 'Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings' amendment to the Building Regulations calls for installation of TRVs on all newly installed domestic radiators. The market for TRVs has naturally grown quickly, from 3.7 million units sold in 1995 to 7.5 million sold in 2003.

Partly as a result of the Kyoto convention, the government's view on climate change has been impressive as it has set itself a aggressive target for reducing the CO2 emissions levels dramatically over the coming years. Along with the Kyoto protocol, the government intends to lead the way on a global level in terms of reducing the UK's impact on the environment. Although the Kyoto protocol sets a target of 12.5% reduction in the emissions of certain greenhouse gases (based on 1990 levels), the UK government has gone further and set a target of 20%. There is another UK-only long term target set by the government. This target is setting an even more challenging level of CO2 reduction of 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.

Previous models of TRVs used a wax filled system to measure the temperature in the room and adjust the heating output of the radiator. New TRVs use liquid filled systems instead. The new liquid filled system offers faster response time and better sensitivity to the temperature in the room.

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.

 

About the Author
Tal Potishman is editor of  Heating Central, which provides content about Bromley plumbers, boilers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money and the environment by consulting on high-efficiency heating.
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