Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are a requirement for all houses for sale or to let in Belfast, Northern Ireland. There are many things that Domestic Energy Assessors take into consideration in the calculation of the EPC. In this article epc4less examine the impact of modern heating control systems in the EPC rating.
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Why to use Heating Control Systems?
It is important to choose the right heating system, oil or gas. However, in any case it is strongly advisable to install a modern HCS.
- Efficient use of heating controls can saveyour money on heating bills.
- It allows you to select individual area in your house to be heatedto the desired temperature rather than heating entire house.
Components of a Heating Control System
A central heating system, whether it is gas or oil-fired, ideally has a full set of controls which includes a Timer or Programmer, a Room Thermostat and Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs).
Timer or Programmer
Timer or Programmer allows you to set ‘on’ and ‘off’ time periods, according to which it can automatically switch offthe heating when you are not at home, or when you do not need it. Most models allow you to individually select time for on & off of the central heating and domestic hot water.
Central heating water is used in radiators while the domestic hot water in the bathroom and kitchen. The Programmer gives you the ability to time your domestic hot water, let’s say in the morning when you need a shower, or heat your house in the evening when you come back from work.
Most households want to have different room temperatures at different times of the day. For example, you want to heat the bedroom and bathroom in the morning while the living room and kitchen in the evening. So, a Zone Control function of the programmer does this for you automatically as it has a separate heating circuit for different zonesin the house along with a separate programmer for each circuit.
If fitting a new heating system, you may want to consider this zone control to keep your heating costs down. If you are fitting it in a two-storey house, you may be required to have zone control separately for each level of the house.
Room Thermostats
They are basically sensors which keep the heating on till the room reaches the set temperature and turns it off to prevent your home from getting warmer than the required temperature.
Room thermostats should be set between 18 to 21 degrees and must not be blocked by curtains or furniture or put near heat sources as they need a free flow of air to sense the temperature.
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
Thermostatic radiator valves reduce the flow of water through the radiator as soon as the room temperature goes above the pre-set value you had set for the room. Less energy is utilized if the setting is low and thus it saves you money.
Impact on Energy Performance Certificate
A property that has a programmer, wall thermostat and TRVs will have 10 to 15 additional points in its Energy Performance Certificate when compared to a property of same size, style, and age of built having no heating control systems.
For further advice on EPCs and/or a quote for a house in Belfast, contact epc4less.
