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Tips for future-proof boiler installation
Andy Green, technical director at Baxi Commercial Solutions, outlines four factors to consider when choosing a new boiler to ensure a future-proof and future-ready installation
T
his summer’s perfect storm of energy and climate crises underlines the urgent need to seize every opportunity to reduce heat-related
energy demand and emissions in UK buildings. Heat currently accounts for 37% of emissions in UK buildings. In harder to heat buildings where heat pumps are not yet an option, the first step to improve energy efficiency should be to reduce heat losses through a fabric first approach. The next step will likely be to ensure a more efficient system – which invariably means upgrading the boiler. The boiler is typically at the heart of a building’s heating system. So replacing any older non- condensing boilers with modern fully-modulating condensing boilers that are up to 20% more efficient is a no brainer for efficiency savings. However, organisations will understandably want to ensure that any technologies installed today are future ready. Which factors, then, should we consider when choosing new and replacement boilers to future-proof the installation?
Hydrogen-blend ready
Ultimately, we will need to phase out natural gas boilers, replacing them with low carbon alternatives. The Government reaffirmed its vision for the UK to be a hydrogen-based economy at the Hydrogen Investment Summit in July. As one of only a few manufacturers to have developed a hydrogen boiler, we see hydrogen as a key pillars of the energy transition, along with heat pumps and heat networks. So where does this leave natural gas commercial
boilers? The first stage of the energy transition is expected to be the introduction of a 20% hydrogen blend into the natural gas mix from next year. According to work on the Government’s HyDeploy project and the Gas Safe Bulletin TB159, current domestic natural gas boilers and other appliances are compatible with hydrogen blends of up to 20%. However, for added assurance of a future-ready
installation, look for commercial condensing boilers like our Remeha Quinta Ace and Gas 320/620 Ace ranges which have independent certification of their ability to operate on the proposed 20% hydrogen blend.
Sustainable
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels are increasingly a consideration as organisations look to meet heat demand more sustainably and improve their green credentials. BREEAM 2018, the widely adopted building sustainability assessment scheme, awards a maximum of two credits for boilers with low NOx emissions below 24 mg/kWh in both high and low pollution areas. Where sustainability is a key driver, it’s worth identifying boiler models that can achieve NOx emissions below 24 mg/kWh at no cost to performance to enhance the sustainability.
Hybrid ready
Next, consider the design. Approved Document L 2021 of Building Regulations requires that, where feasible, ‘all parts of the system, including pipework
and emitters, should be sized to allow the space heating system to operate effectively, and in a manner that meets the heating needs of the building, at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower.’ This brings a number of advantages. First, it will enable the boiler to operate in condensing mode, where it achieves its maximum efficiencies. Second, it will help future proof the building by preparing the heating system for the integration of low carbon technologies – such as heat pumps – when budget permits. For greater design flexibility, look for condensing boilers with a high temperature differential and wide operating range. Versatile boilers like our Remeha Gas 320/620 Ace that can operate at lower return system temperatures provide the perfect heat source for heat interface units, low temperature heating, hybrid heat pump installations and retrofit applications.
Control
Last but not least, the boiler controls. Approved Document L 2021 states that when a new heating appliance is installed in an existing building system it should have time and temperature controls and, where feasible, weather compensation. Opt for condensing boilers that have smart, easy-
to-navigate on-board controls. Good control is vital to achieve higher efficiencies and enable optimum boiler performance to be maintained. We would add to the previous list optimisation and sequencing controls which must be fully integrated into the Building Management System to maximise energy savings. Condensing gas boilers continue to have an important role to play in helping protect business operations and prepare UK buildings for the energy transition. By selecting models not only highly efficient and ultra-low NOx but suitable for use with renewable and heat network technologies and certified to operate on a future 20% hydrogen blend, we support organisations on their journey to Net Zero.
FAR LEFT: Boilers that are hybrid ready and eligible for the maximum two credits under BREEAM will enhance the sustainability of the installation
LEFT: Quinta Ace boilers are 20% hydrogen blend certified for assurance of a future proof installation
20 September 2022 DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW
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