The addition of mandatory individual room temperature controls to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a welcome validation of best practice for the plumbing and heating industry, according to Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch.
The revision requires individual room temperature controls, such as Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), to be installed during the construction of new buildings, or when boilers are replaced.
Martyn Bridges commented: “Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are highly effective at improving heating efficiency and comfort in the home. This has long been known by many installers in the UK but has only recently been acknowledged in this legislation despite being overlooked in the Boiler Plus scheme.”
“Using individual heating controls in conjunction with room thermostats offers individual room comfort while still providing a boiler interlock from the room thermostat sited in a location that should offer an overall mean temperature of the house. TRVs are far more sophisticated, creating heating zones and supplying a controlled level of heating to suit individual rooms. By making their installation a legal requirement, thousands more homes across the UK can now benefit from the energy efficiency and cost savings that they provide.”
According to the EPBD, individual room controls need only be installed ‘where technically, economically and functionally feasible’.
“Given that TRVs are fairly inexpensive, have a fast payback period and, in most cases, can be easily installed onto existing radiators, I can foresee them becoming a requirement for most installations moving forwards,” Martyn said.
