Cut CO2 Emissions - Install TRVs at Home
View PDF | Print View
by: TalPotishman
Total views: 51
Word Count: 522
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).
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.
The government calls on central heating engineers to install systems that are environmentally friendly to reduce the impact of domestic heating on the nation's carbon emissions. Around a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions can be attributed to domestic energy (approximately 535 million tonnes of CO2), of which around 75% is a result of heating the home and domestic hot water.
TRVs help reduce wasted heat by allowing the user to set the desired temperature in each room individually according to their preferences. This way the user can minimize and virtually eliminate energy wastage by heating unused rooms, or providing more heat than is necessary. TRVs have moved forward recently and are now stylish and very effective. Chrome finish designs are very popular now and their fashionable appearance makes them not only useful (by allowing you to set specific temperature in each room) but also aesthetical and classy.
Recent models have a liquid fill interior which offers high performance compared to the previous wax-filled thermostatic radiator valve models. The liquid provides higher sensitivity for fast reaction to temperature changes. This capacity ensures that heating requirements are adjusted quickly and effectively to meet changes in the heating circumstances.
Just installing a TRV will not in itself save money or reduce carbon emissions. It is important to educate the user or owner of the property on how to take full advantage of the unique benefits of the TRV. Experts estimate that by using the TRV effectively, a typical household can expect to reduce their heating bill by up to 17%, and yet ensure a pleasant temperature around the house.
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 publishes information about Fulham plumbers, boilers, central heating and solar water heating. He specializes in helping save costs and the environment by advising on high-efficiency heating.
Rating: Not yet rated