Heat networks will be vital to making net zero a reality in the UK, says Jarrad Bedford, national account manager at Insite Energy, who looks at the opportunities for installers in this growing sector.
Heat networks have been criticised for being expensive and inefficient while leaving consumers unprotected – a perception that was further bolstered when they were initially excluded, arguably unfairly, from the Government’s support measures to help households cope with soaring energy prices. While this has now changed, the perception that heat network customers are being ‘ripped off’ lingers in many people’s minds.
In reality, however, properly designed and well-maintained communal heating systems are often the most cost-effective low-carbon solution in high-density urban areas. Hence, it’s anticipated they’ll meet 20-43% of UK heat demand by 2050, compared to 3% today, making them a crucial part of the government’s net-zero strategy.
Poor maintenance, on the other hand, reduces heat network efficiency, leading to higher energy costs and emissions, impaired comfort, shorter repair and replacement cycles and even safety issues.
Market opportunity
So, the success or failure of these high-value assets often rests in the hands of maintenance experts. By maximising efficiency, increasing longevity and driving improvements, engineers have the power to help reduce costs and cut emissions.
As the growth of heat networks accelerates, knowledgeable and well-trained M&E service providers with the specific skills needed to maintain these complex systems are in ever-higher demand. This presents an attractive opportunity for anyone looking to move into the sector. If that’s you, here are some helpful pointers.
1. Acquire expertise: Heat network maintenance is not the same as ordinary boiler maintenance. Specialist knowledge is needed to optimise system efficiency. While a heat network plant room is similar to that of any large commercial or public building, the ways in which it connects with individual dwellings is very specific.
Consider doing CIBSE’s Heat Network Code of Practice (CP1) course to learn about assessing heat network sites and the relevant regulations. Check if your employer will sponsor you. Obtaining an ‘F Gas certificate’ is also important as many new heat network developments incorporate heat pumps and prioritise cooling as much as heating, thanks to excellent insulation.
2. Take a holistic approach: Heat networks are interconnected systems comprising numerous interactive elements. It’s vital to consider the entire scheme and understand the potential ripple effects that any modifications or maintenance activities on one part of the system may have on the rest.
Offering an end-to-end service covering heating interface units (HIUs) and metering systems is a big advantage for customers, who can feel confident that you have the have the necessary holistic knowledge to optimise their entire network.
3. Do an energy audit: Performing comprehensive efficiency surveys lets you identify and resolve problems. Such audits typically result in efficiency improvements of 10-20%, leading to substantial fuel savings for residents and clients. In a 50-unit development, that equates to around £9,600-16,100 annually. You can outsource an energy audit to a heat network specialist like Insite Energy, if you prefer.
4. Make maintenance a priority: Educate your clients about the importance of regular and thorough maintenance, resisting the temptation to cut corners for short-term gains. Compliance with SP20 legislation regarding plant room maintenance is essential. By diligently stripping down and inspecting pipework, valves, and other components, you can ensure optimal functioning and extend the lifespan of the heat network, thereby offering the best possible value.
5. Monitor continuously: Vigilant monitoring is even more important with heat networks than other types of heating systems. Following HIU outputs and tracking temperatures to ensure there are no bypasses helps identify problems promptly, enabling timely intervention.
Remote monitoring, combined with on-site reviews, is preferable to infrequent servicing, as it minimises the risk of undetected and potentially costly or harmful issues being left for long periods. It also means you develop an ongoing relationship with bill payers, making it easier to access homes when you do need to.
We use an energy-monitoring and optimisation tool called RavenResidential which enables us to dive deep into a scheme’s performance data, unearthing any problems immediately and pinpointing energy waste. For example, a client’s new residential development, this enabled us to pinpoint a minute error – a transport clip left on a resident’s heat interface unit (HIU) valve – that, if left undetected, would cost around £1,000 a year in wasted energy.
Motivating households
Sometimes the behaviour of residents themselves can impact the performance of a heat network. However, getting people to engage in the finer technical points of network optimisation, particularly when the size of their energy bill depends as much on what their neighbours do as on their own actions, is far from easy. Motivational tariffs, which use financial incentives to encourage energy-saving behaviours, solve this dilemma by translating collective benefits into visible cost savings for individual households.
Clarion call
The energy crisis has thrown the importance of energy efficiency into stark relief. In recent months, we’ve seen a big rise in clients’ interest in improving the performance of their heating systems. However, due to the still relatively niche status of heat networks, it can often be a struggle to find engineers with the necessary skills and expertise to do the work. Our own solution has been to train our maintenance engineers in-house. There is an urgent need for more engineers to step up and transform heat networks from negative headlines into success stories aligned with the net-zero agenda. By playing a crucial role in optimising efficiency, engineers can shape the future of heat networks and contribute to a sustainable and cost-effective energy landscape.
