MONITORING & METERING
THE HIDDEN CARBON COST OF INACCURATE TEMPERATURES
With many buildings losing energy through small
inefficiencies in operation, Jason Webb, managing director of Electronic Temperature Instruments, explains why accurate monitoring is essential
H
eating and cooling technologies in buildings account for around 15% of global carbon
emissions. This makes them an important area for organisations to target as they look for practical ways to reduce their footprint and progress towards net zero. However, many businesses are concerned about
the cost of delivering that transition. Research from npower Business Solutions found that nearly every major energy user (97%) worries about the financial impact of meeting net zero requirements. From what I see across the built environment, this
combination of ambition and cost pressure often leads organisations to concentrate on large retrofit projects or emerging technologies. While these options can play a role, they represent only part of the route to meaningful carbon reduction. Many buildings still lose energy through small but significant inefficiencies in day- to-day operation, particularly when temperature control across HVAC, refrigeration and other critical systems is not as accurate as it should be. Even a small deviation in temperature can cause equipment to work harder than necessary and use more energy. These inefficiencies often go unnoticed because teams lack consistent and reliable temperature data. Accurate monitoring brings these issues into view and provides a straightforward way to target energy waste without major capital investment.
setpoint. Refrigeration equipment then runs colder than required, using more energy and putting extra strain on components. In HVAC plant, sensors may fall out of calibration. Valves and dampers can stick or respond slowly. Heating or chilled water circuits may not match design temperatures, leading to imbalance and further correction from the system. These problems can continue for long periods because teams often rely on infrequent manual checks, which don’t provide enough information to understand how systems perform across different conditions. Digital monitoring gives a clearer picture of actual performance and helps teams identify the underlying causes rather than adjusting setpoints in response to symptoms.
“HVAC systems often account for the
largest share of a building’s energy use, so even small errors in sensing or control can have a noticeable impact on consumption”
WHAT PRECISE DIGITAL MONITORING INVOLVES Digital temperature monitoring is straightforward, and most buildings can begin with three core elements. The first is accurate
measurement. High-quality
thermometers, probes and HVAC test kits provide reliable readings at key points in a system, including air, surface, pipework and product temperatures. Handheld instruments
HOW PRECISE MONITORING ADDRESSES HIDDEN TEMPERATURE PROBLEMS Many of the energy and carbon issues start with inaccurate or incomplete temperature information. HVAC systems often account for the largest share of a building’s energy use, so even small errors in sensing or control can have a noticeable impact on consumption. When a sensor drifts by a degree or two, the system compensates, and fans, compressors and pumps run harder than necessary. These issues appear in everyday situations. Cold
rooms are often overpacked, which creates warm areas that staff try to address by lowering the
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work well for spot checks, while fixed sensors support continuous measurement. Regular calibration ensures readings remain accurate. The second is continuous logging. Wireless data loggers record temperature throughout the day and store the information locally or in the cloud. This eliminates manual checks and gives teams a better understanding of how equipment performs across different conditions. A logger placed in a cold room, supply duct or flow and return pipe can build a clear temperature history. The third is real-time alerts. Connected systems can notify teams when temperatures move outside a defined range, allowing a quick response. This reduces the risk of unnoticed drift and prevents equipment issues or unnecessary energy use from developing over time.
THE IMPACT ON ENERGY AND CARBON The most immediate improvement is in correcting over-cooling or over-heating. This often results in meaningful savings because HVAC systems have such a high energy demand. Verified temperature data helps refine control points, reduce unnecessary load and lower running hours for key components.
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 2025
Continuous monitoring also supports better optimisation and maintenance. Trend data highlights stuck valves, failing actuators and variations in plant performance. Engineers can focus their time on the areas that need attention, which reduces avoidable energy loss. Many buildings also find that temperature and scheduling can be better aligned with occupancy once they have accurate readings, avoiding heating or cooling unoccupied areas.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO GET STARTED A good first step is identifying the systems that draw the most energy. HVAC plant, large cold rooms, data rooms and temperature-critical storage areas usually fall into this category. Teams can then review existing sensors and checks to identify gaps. Many buildings rely on limited fixed sensors and occasional manual readings, which do not provide enough insight. Adding accurate sensors and wireless loggers
to key areas builds a fuller picture. Once data is available, organisations can set temperature limits and enable alerts to pick up deviations quickly. Facilities teams can then refine setpoints, improve scheduling and carry out targeted maintenance. Tracking changes in energy use and converting these into carbon savings gives organisations a clear view of progress and supports their wider net zero reporting. Ultimately, this approach does not replace
larger retrofit projects, but it offers a practical and cost-effective way to reduce waste while preparing for more complex changes.
Electronic Temperature Instruments
https://thermometer.co.uk/
www.essmag.co.uk Jason Webb
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