Building & Home Articles Building & Construction Articles TRVs to Help Cut Carbon Emissions
| TRVs to Help Cut Carbon Emissions |
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Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have become a hit in the UK in recent years. All central heating radiators installed since 2002 must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations that was issued that year. The 'Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings' amendment to the Building Regulation calls for installation of TRVs on all newly installed domestic radiators. The market for TRV has subsequently shot up, from 3.7 million TRVs sold in 1995 to around 7.5 million TRVs sold in 2003. At recent property development rates of around 160,000 new housing starts annually, the market is likely to continue its growth.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have become a hit in the UK in recent years. All central heating radiators installed since 2002 must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations that was issued that year. The 'Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings' amendment to the Building Regulation calls for installation of TRVs on all newly installed domestic radiators. The market for TRV has subsequently shot up, from 3.7 million TRVs sold in 1995 to around 7.5 million TRVs sold in 2003. At recent property development rates of around 160,000 new housing starts annually, the market is likely to continue its growth. The UK government has set itself challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions. Along with the Kyoto agreement, the government intends to lead the way within the western world in terms of reducing the country's greenhouse gases and environmental impact. The Kyoto protocol refers to emissions of key greenhouse gases that have to be reduced by 12.5% against 1990 levels. Not satisfied with this requirement, the UK government has set a target of 20% reduction against 1990 levels, with a long term highly challenging 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). 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. Towel warmers have also benefited as a side effect from the phenomenal growth in TRV take up. From a niche market, the heated towel rail market has ballooned into a 33 million industry in the UK, with latest estimates putting the number of units sold this year at around 1 million. About the Author: |
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