Crown Oil has published advice for the commercial sector to improve the efficiency of their heating systems.

The advice comes as recently released data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that UK consumption of gas oil, has been increasing steadily since 2013, rising from 6.66 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) to 7.80 Mtoe in 2017.

Furthermore, according to additional research by carbon neutral authority Carbon Trust, 75% of an industrial unit’s heat is lost through the building fabric, including 35% from ventilation and the air filtration system. Meaning whatever a business spends on heating, 75% of that energy is lost and not put to use.

Combine this with the latest available Government data which shows that in the business sector heating consumes around 59,300 GWh/year – and with a total of 161,060 GWh per year of energy consumed by the non-domestic sector, that amounts to 37%, or just over a third of the total stock of energy is consumed.

Crown Oil reveals its advice in the wake of the Government’s pledge to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. As a result, the business sector’s need to reduce carbon footprints is now more important than ever.

Managing director, Crown Oil, Matt Greensmith commented: “A third of gas oil is used for heating commercial premises, but with buildings’ thermal inefficiency, most of that is lost as waste. Ultimately, this has the effect of hurting a business’s pockets and also the environment. It also shows how essential it is that businesses are as best prepared as possible to reduce their wasted energy.”

Greensmith added: “Crown Oil supplies commercial heating oil to businesses across the UK. It is therefore imperative that businesses look to improve their efficiency wherever they can, and we want to help businesses become more efficient by looking at their heating systems.”

Greensmith continued: “Energy lost through inefficiency costs UK businesses thousands of pounds every day, so if they know where to look to improve their heating efficiency, then they’ll not just save money, but also reduce their carbon footprint.”

With that, the fuel supplier has highlighted several measures that businesses can look into to become more fuel efficient and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint.

Invest in building management systems

Automation is a large step towards heating optimisation, as you can control that only the required amount of energy is being used at any point. With HVAC systems contributing 35% of energy loss, this is the biggest culprit, highlighting how important minimising heat waste from this source is.

Upgrade heating system

Ensuring your office has invested in a central heating system with a high-efficiency grade will set you on the right foot in terms of reducing wasted energy to keep the building warm.

Efficient fuels

One often overlooked method to positively impact your heating efficiency is the fuel used. Industrial heating oil (IHO) is a drop-in alternative to red diesel, that is made specifically for commercial boiler applications. IHO has the same properties as the fuel, while also offering a higher heat output per litre, saving you money in the long-term.

Check boiler for sludge

Over time, dirt enters and contaminates your boiler’s fuel tank, forming sludge which severely inhibits your heating system’s ability to heat effectively. A yearly non-destructive test is suggested to keep your system clean and running efficiently – this will also involve testing your fuel storage tank and polishing the fuel if necessary.

Insulate pipes

Your pipes will be a source of heat loss before it has a chance to reach a radiator, so appropriate insulation around your pipes will maximise the energy that is transferred to the office.

6.            Bleed air from radiators

With no system being perfect, over time air enters your system and builds up in the radiator, preventing the heated water from rising up.. A yearly bleed is suggested to keep radiators operating efficiently and keep the office warm without burning your gas oil at a fast rate.

Read the full list on the Crown Oil blog.

Sources:

Buildings energy efficiency https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/guides/energy-efficiency/buildings-energy-efficiency/

Energy use: carbon-based fuels by fuel type

https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/datasets/ukenvironmentalaccountsfuelusebytype

Building Energy Efficiency Survey (BEES)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-energy-efficiency-survey-bees