TRVs Can Cut Successfully CO2 Emissions
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.
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.
Government agencies call on central heating installers to only install systems that are environmentally friendly. Around 25 per cent of the UK’s emissions of CO2 comes from domestic energy (more than half a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide). Of this volume, around 75% result from domestic heating (space heating and water heating).
Thermostatic Radiator Valves can help reduce energy wastage by letting the user set the desired temperature according to needs and preferences in each individual room. This avoids wasting energy by heating unused rooms, or overheating spaces unnecessarily. Modern TRVs are stylish and effective. New designs have chrome finish and fashionable appearance, making them visually pleasing. Their clean surfaces allow for hygienic wipe cleaning and their design makes them easy to use, allowing for setting temperatures precisely to the required levels in each room.
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%.
The TRV market has also benefited from the increase in sale of towel warmers (heated towel rails). Recent estimates put the market size at around 33 million per year, accounting for around 16% of the accessories market. Over one million towel rails are predicted to be sold just this year alone.
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I think there will be more demand for energy efficient homes in the future so it would be a very worthwhile investment to make. I think you will see more people move away from more traditional energy methods to alternative energy as the price drops.