RETROFIT IN HVAC


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Delivering warmer homes through smarter heating renovation


H


eating our buildings still accounts for more than 10% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions. Much of this comes from older, inefficient


systems that were never designed to meet today’s performance expectations.


The carbon-saving potential of heating renovation


Evidence shows that heating renovation can make a substantial contribution to national climate targets. Research from ITG Dresden highlights that simply replacing the heat generator in an existing system can save an average of 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year. Combining this with system optimisation, like reducing flow temperatures to around 35°C, can save an additional 0.46t annually. Improved room temperature control contributes a further 0.29t. A fully optimised heating system– encompassing


generation, distribution, emission, and control – can deliver savings of up to 3.45t of CO2 per year per property. Scaled across the UK’s housing stock, the impact is enormous.


System-wide approach


Maximum efficiency of the heating system can only be achieved when all components of the system work in harmony. Heat generators, emitters, controls, and the building fabric itself must be considered as an integrated whole. This system-based approach aligns closely with the goals of Warm Homes initiatives, which aim not only to reduce emissions but also to improve comfort and tackle fuel poverty. A well-designed retrofit delivers all three: lower bills, lower carbon, and better living conditions.


Heat pumps: high efficiency with the right conditions Heat pumps are often positioned as the


cornerstone of low-carbon heating, but their success in retrofit depends heavily on system design. They operate most efficiently at low flow temperatures, typically around 35°C. If installed in a property with poor insulation or undersized radiators, performance can suffer and running costs may even increase. Traditionally, underfloor heating has been the


preferred solution for heat pumps, due to its ability to operate at low temperatures. However, advanced radiator technology has changed this landscape. Modern panel radiators can deliver sufficient heat output at 45°C, and fan-assisted radiators even


26 June 2025


In the UK’s drive toward Net Zero, the conversation around heating is shifting rapidly, from simple retrofit to whole system thinking. Upgrading existing heating systems offers one of the most immediate and cost-effective opportunities to cut carbon, reduce energy waste, and support the government’s Warm Homes ambitions. This is the perspective of Myson – the provider of sustainable indoor heating and cooling systems and solutions


heat output, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. That said, underfloor heating is not always the right solution. In many cases a hybrid system, combining underfloor heating and low-temperature radiators, provides the best balance of performance, cost, and practicality.


Controls: the low-cost, high- impact retrofit


Not all retrofit measures require major investment. In fact, one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce energy consumption is by upgrading heating controls. Studies from BEAMA show that adding TRVs can


as low as 35°C, making them a viable option for retrofit projects, where underfloor heating may be impractical.


Enhancing performance with condensing boilers


While electrification is growing, gas condensing boilers still have a role to play in transitional retrofit strategies.


Condensing boilers achieve high efficiency by


recovering heat from exhaust gases, a process that is most effective at lower system temperatures. This again highlights the importance of heat emitter upgrades, enabling the boiler to operate in condensing mode more consistently.


Underfloor heating in retrofit


Retrofit-friendly underfloor heating systems, like over-laid and low-profile solutions, are designed to overcome traditional barriers in retrofit, such as floor height and installation complexity. Modern systems offer fast response times and improved


reduce fuel bills by around 18%. Upgrading to more advanced room thermostats with load or weather compensation can deliver additional savings of 10-12%. Smart, electronic thermostatic heads take this a step further by allowing precise, programmable temperature control in each room. Features such as open-window detection and geolocation-based adjustment help eliminate wasted energy. Crucially, improved controls enhance occupant


comfort - an essential component of the Warm Homes agenda.


Conclusion: retrofit as a pathway to Warm Homes


Retrofit HVAC is not about one-size-fits-all solutions. Each building presents its own challenges and opportunities, requiring a tailored approach that considers both current performance and future upgrades.


What is clear, however, is that heating renovation


plays a central role in achieving the UK’s climate goals. Even incremental improvements, such as adjusting flow temperatures, upgrading controls, or replacing outdated radiators can deliver meaningful reductions in both emissions and energy costs. By combining efficient systems, renewable technologies, and intelligent controls, the industry can deliver warmer homes that are not only more comfortable, but also more affordable and sustainable. Visit www.myson.co.uk


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