2 Overlooked Solutions for Efficient Heating and Cooling

The EU has recently announced two ambitious initiatives – Repower EU and Fit-for-55 package that aim at restructuring the EU energy sector.  Heating and cooling systems account for half the energy consumption in Europe. So, it turns out, when it comes to energy efficiency, a focus on these systems can deliver the maximum benefit. 

District heating systems – hot water pipe networks running below the ground – are increasingly popular in the search for ways to decarbonize cities.

According to a 2016 study by the European Commission’s research Centre, “Efficient district heating and cooling(DHC) systems can play a key role in achieving the Energy Union’s objectives.” District heating can be fed through a variety of energy sources, including geothermal power, or excess heat siphoned from industrial refrigeration units and large data centers.

However, two straightforward solutions to tackle heating and cooling systems often tend to get overlooked : 

1. Hydronic balancing: This optimizes the distribution of water and regulates pressure in heating/cooling systems to achieve minimal operating cost and maximum efficiency. This technique prevents radiators at ground level getting too hot and inefficiently heating the rest of the building. Hydronic balancing is relatively simple to setup and has the potential to save a major chunk of energy in domestic heating systems. However, many EU nations are yet to utilize this benefit. 80-85% of German heating is still installed without hydronic balancing.

   
   

2. Electrification of heat pumps: Heat pumps are the quickest way to decarbonize heating and dispense with fossil fuel boilers. This technology is highly efficient and has been around for decades but is still underutilized. Heat pumps alone could help Europe avoid up to 600 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2050. A commendable step recently taken is that the German government is working towards making heat pumps mandatory by 2024.

Energy efficiency is pragmatic, actionable and financially attractive. Simple, elegant and efficient solutions to save energy often tend to get overlooked. Install the power saving device FORCE. FORCE helps maintain optimal temperatures in your homes and workplaces while minimizing energy consumption.  Grab the opportunity to do more with less today!