Almost 90 per cent of all heating systems can be optimised comparatively cheaply, thereby reducing energy costs. Stadtwerke Gießen provided information on how this works during a presentation at the customer centre on the market square.
The living room remains cold despite the heating valve being turned up, while the radiator is literally glowing three rooms away. An image that is probably familiar to most people. But why is there such a big difference in temperature?
"Most heating systems are not optimised for the respective building, which leads to pressure differences in the pipework. As a result, the hot water from the boiler doesn't flow evenly wherever it's supposed to," explains Michael Rösner, Head of Sales for Private and Commercial Customers at Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). A comparatively inexpensive approach to eliminating these pressure differences: hydronic balancing. On Thursday 26 March, Stadtwerke Gießen provided information on what this involves and how much energy costs can be reduced at its customer centre on Marktplatz.
Heat more efficiently and reduce energy costs
During his presentation, SWG energy consultant Martin Lorenz explained to interested parties why an incorrectly set heating system often leads to significantly higher energy consumption: "If some radiators remain cold, the flow temperature of the system is often turned up. Although this solves the problem, the costs increase and comfort suffers."
With hydronic balancing, on the other hand, the installers adjust the flow of heating water in each heat exchanger - radiators or underfloor heating - to the heating requirement of the respective room so that all heat exchangers provide the required output. To do this, they adjust the flow rate at each radiator according to their calculation - using pre-settable valves. These make it possible to precisely determine the volume flow in the radiator - i.e. how much water flows through the radiator per unit of time. Such hydraulic balancing has a positive effect in two ways: As exactly the required amount of heat arrives throughout the house, the flow temperature can be lowered and the pump output reduced to a minimum. "This means that in most cases, energy savings of around 15 per cent are possible with small measures and low costs," calculated Martin Lorenz. Heating systems with condensing boilers in particular, which already work efficiently, can be further optimised with the help of hydraulic balancing.
Combined experience, combined performance
SWG offers hydronic balancing together with the Giessen Guild for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology. It is part of the "enerGIeßen" service package.
"As a contact partner, we provide information at our customer centre and select a partner installer together with the customer," explained Martin Lorenz. The relevant guild company then records all the necessary data on the heating system at the customer's home and passes it on to the experts at SWG. During a further appointment at the customer centre, the consultants discuss how the existing system can be improved by means of hydronic balancing and draw up an offer to optimise the heating system at a fixed price. Once the customer has placed the order, the installers get to work. In a typical detached house with six rooms, the specialist company needs around half a day to install the pre-settable valves. Customers also receive a comprehensive inspection report on heat generation, heat distribution and heat transfer in their building - equivalent to the "Heating CheckPlus". This service can then help to realise further savings potential. "Step by step and at low cost, anyone can increase energy efficiency at home," emphasised Martin Lorenz.
Make an appointment: Saving electricity in the home
Anyone who would like to attend the next presentation at the SWG customer centre should make a note of 30 June 2015. The topic will be "Saving electricity in the home". Registrations are accepted by Stadtwerke Gießen on the service number 0800 2302100 or by e-mail to energieberatung@stadtwerke-giessen.de.
27.03.2015