BEAMA hosted an event in Parliament on 24th October 2013 to present findings from recent research, which found that heating controls can cut household heating bills by up to 40%. Supported by Laura Sandys MP, the event was well attended by a wide range of key industry figures. Presentations by Salford University and New Experience were followed by a lively discussion on how to ensure that the potential benefits of heating controls are realised in practice.
Colin Timmins from BEAMA said "We currently estimate that there are around 11 million homes without suitable heating controls. This new research shows clearly how controls provide a cost effective solution to those people struggling to stay comfortably warm without incurring excessive fuel bills." Alongside the event BEAMA published a 'white paper' outlining how Government policy could be tweaked to avoid existing missed opportunities to support the greater uptake of controls in UK housing, in particular by:
Amending Part L of the Building Regulations in 2016 so that the installation of TRVs is mandatory with a boiler replacement while a system is drained down.
Ensuring that controls play a more prominent role in the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation.
Introducing a specific target in the DECC Heat Strategy to improve controls in homes so that all homes have a minimum standard.
Increasing the saving value ascribed to TRVs in the SAP methodology in light of this new evidence from the Salford University tests.
A user guide was also published to help householders operate their existing controls more effectively to achieve both comfort and efficiency. These documents, together with further details on the Salford University research are available here
6th November Body copy approx: 281 words
Notes to editors
About BEAMA
BEAMA has been established for over 100 years, covering a range of industries in the electrical, energy, water and power related sectors.
It represents directly some 150 companies in the UK electrotechnical and allied manufacturing industries. BEAMA members produce equipment required for smart grids, metering and homes.
BEAMA represents members’ interests in generic and specific areas within Government/ Governmental organisations, UK and international standards and industry players.
BEAMA members are active in many market sectors including commercial and residential buildings and energy networks.
BEAMA is a proactive trade association advising its members on relevant technology and market developments, particularly relating to the areas of product safety and sustainability.
About BEAMA Heating Controls Group
The BEAMA heating controls group,TACMA, represents UK manufacturers of and suppliers of electrical and electronic controls and switches used in appliances, heating systems and general purpose applications. Its members are Danfoss, Honeywell, Horstmann, Invensys, Myson, Pegler Yorkshire, Siemens, and Sunvic.
TACMA is dedicated to advancing heating controls for domestic installations to ensure a comfortable environment at the least cost.
The group commissioned the University of Salford to carry out some independent tests on the performance of heating controls in their Energy House facility. This facility consists of a full size house built within an environmental chamber, designed to assess the effectiveness of new and existing technologies in reducing energy use and waste.
The top line results from the tests are shown in the table below. We have also used these to estimate the potential annual savings, and therefore the cost effectiveness of installing heating controls where they are not currently present:
7 Based on British Gas Clear & Simple cash / card payment (4.274p per kWh gas, 12.797p per kWh electric) not including standing charge (24.439per
day gas, 15.979p per day electric) – Prices taken on 07/05/2013
from: http://www.britishgas.co.uk/products-and-services/gas-and-electricity/our-energy-tariffs/clear-and- simple/clear-and-simple-rates.html
8 Based on savings in the test house and cost of measures if installed into a similar house.
9 Figures are based on a heating season of 243 days, with 75% of the savings in March, April, November and 50% in October and September. Paybacks are calculated using installation costs calculated by TACMA for the Green deal call for evidence in March 2011.The measure ‘TRVs at time of boiler replacement’ assumes that the system is already drained down.
