Find out how from ADEY how good water quality reduces carbon emissions, lowers energy use & stops waste

How good water quality reduces carbon emissions, lowers energy use & stops waste

In response to the energy and environmental challenges we all face, the Government has been focused on supporting homeowners to improve energy efficiency and prepare for the adoption of renewable technologies.

Water treatment in heating systems is a low-cost intervention, available now, that will have immediate and sustained positive impacts on energy consumption and carbon reduction.

The escalation of energy prices and the onset of winter puts attention on the need to address increased fuel poverty in our communities. There are many contributing factors, but it is clear through independent research that inefficient heating caused by poor system water quality is a significant part of the problem. The HVAC sector are working together to not only put forward solutions for boiler efficiency but provide whole house heating system care (including water treatment) to reduce energy usage (dependence) and reducing carbon in the home.

Independent research carried out by KIWA Gastec based on average usage in the UK, shows that a significant deterioration of energy efficiency in central heating systems is caused by poor system water quality. This happens when the process of corrosion causes sludge to build up in the system, meaning more energy is used by the boiler but less heat is produced by the radiators.

In the winter months, people living in these homes may be getting 47% less heat from their radiators simply because of poor water quality, which can be easily resolved.
Without effective system testing, cleaning and protection from corrosion, research shows that energy efficiency drops by up to 7% and up to 7% more carbon is emitted.
Poor water quality is also the biggest cause of boiler breakdown, reducing the lifespan of a domestic gas boiler by up to 7 years.

Additional research of 200,000 homes shows that 42% of homes are not working to the required efficiency and are not protected from the risk of rising bills and breakdown. This rises to 70% of homes that are tested during an annual service.

What does this mean?

Any heating (and cooling) system that uses water needs protection; whether residential or commercial buildings, heated by radiators or underfloor heating, powered by gas boilers or heat pumps.

This is critical; without system protection, even the newest, most efficient technologies (such as heat pumps) and assets will fail to achieve their factory-tested levels of energy efficiency, negatively impacting upon the attainment of Net Zero in the UK by 2050.

A best practice approach to water treatment helps tackle climate change and support the UK’s target of reaching Net Zero by 2050.