Small changes, as I have observed before, can cumulatively add up to sizeable gains in the energy world. In terms of domestic heating, with 23 million homes, reducing room temperatures, even by a small amount, can make a big difference. Along the same vein, are small but significant interventions every household can make to improve the overall effectiveness of heating systems.

I’ve mentioned before, marginal gains from heating controls and sensors. And the feedback I’ve had suggests there is a real appetite from both the industry and the wider public to engage.

Looking deeper into the system, there is also recognition that having a clean and efficient system makes a difference. The build-up of sludge or scale forces a boiler to work harder to heat a room to the desired temperature. Cleaning a system, adding a chemical inhibitor and filtering out contaminants all have a role to play. I know there is considerable innovation in these areas, having heard from a number of member companies about their work. Reducing demand by improving energy efficiency is not just about insulation, although no one disputes its need, it is also about system efficiency. Which brings me to ask the question, how are consumers encouraged to take this seriously? I am convinced of the need for annual servicing of heating systems. Cars have an annual MOT test, so why not have annual servicing as the norm? Making sure we get the most out of every unit of heat is something that we can all agree on.

Best wishes, 

Mike Foster CE