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Preparing for the Future: Hydrogen-Ready Boilers in Large Facilities

The world is rapidly moving towards cleaner energy and reducing carbon emissions from heating systems is becoming more and more important. One technology that shows real promise in this area is hydrogen-ready boilers. These could play a big part in heating large facilities more sustainably in the future. While hydrogen isn’t quite ready for mainstream use just yet, these boilers offer a practical way to prepare for that greener future. 

So, how do hydrogen-ready boilers work, and when should facilities managers start thinking about them?  

What are hydrogen-ready boilers? 

Hydrogen-ready boilers are heating systems that can run on natural gas today but can switch over to hydrogen when it becomes more widely available. Think of them as a heating option that’s good for now but set up for a future when hydrogen is more common. 

Currently, boilers like the ones made by Baxi can operate on a mix of natural gas and up to 20% hydrogen. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s a step in the right direction. The goal is for these boilers to eventually run entirely on hydrogen, which would eliminate carbon emissions from heating. Instead of releasing CO2, burning hydrogen only produces water vapor and some nitrogen oxides (NOx), though work is being done to reduce those emissions too. 

Why hydrogen instead of electric heating? 

A big part of the push to lower carbon emissions has been the shift towards electric heating solutions, like heat pumps. But switching everything to electric isn’t always the best or most practical solution. This is especially true for large facilities like hospitals, factories, or big residential complexes that have a huge and constant need for heat. If everyone moved to electric heating at once, it could overload the power grid. 

That’s where hydrogen-ready boilers could be the solution. Since they don’t rely on electricity, they won’t add extra strain to the grid. This makes them a great option for larger buildings with big heating demands, where going all-electric might not be feasible. Instead of putting all your energy solutions into one basket, using a mix of electric heating and hydrogen-ready boilers could be a smarter, more balanced way forward. 

Baxi’s pilot project 

Baxi is making exciting strides in hydrogen boiler technology, with a 100% hydrogen boiler in a custom-built test house in Low Thornley, near Gateshead. This is part of the UK’s first hydrogen house, which is showing how hydrogen could heat homes in the future. 

While trials were initially planned for Redcar and Ellesmere Port in 2024, they’ve now been pushed back to 2026. In the meantime, Baxi’s real-world testing continues, showing that hydrogen heating isn’t just a distant idea — it’s being tested right now in real conditions.  

The goal is to make switching to hydrogen as smooth as possible. Instead of needing to replace entire heating systems, buildings with hydrogen-ready boilers will be able to switch to hydrogen once it becomes available. This kind of forward-thinking makes the transition to greener energy much simpler. 

What are the challenges of hydrogen boilers? 

While hydrogen-ready boilers sound promising, there are still a few challenges that need to be addressed before they become mainstream. One big issue is how we produce hydrogen. Right now, most hydrogen is made using fossil fuels, which isn’t exactly green. The goal is to produce “green hydrogen” by using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen (a process called electrolysis). The catch? This process takes a lot of electricity and costs can add up fast. 

So, while the boilers themselves won’t overload the power grid, producing enough green hydrogen to run them on a large scale will require a big increase in renewable energy sources. That’s why it’s going to take time before hydrogen is widely available for heating. 

There’s also the issue of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Hydrogen combustion doesn’t produce CO2, which is great, but it does create NOx, which can contribute to air pollution. Engineers are working on reducing these emissions, but it’s something that still needs to be tackled to make hydrogen a truly clean energy option. 

Mixing hydrogen with other solutions 

Given these challenges, hydrogen likely won’t be the only solution for decarbonising heating systems. Instead, a combination of different energy options might be the best way forward. In large facilities or housing developments, for instance, heat pumps could be used in areas where the heating demand isn’t too high, while hydrogen-ready boilers could handle spaces that require more intensive or consistent heating. This kind of hybrid approach would spread the energy load, easing pressure on the electricity grid while still cutting emissions.  

When should you start thinking about hydrogen-ready boilers? 

If you’re managing a facility or developing a new housing project, you might be wondering when the right time is to start thinking about hydrogen-ready boilers. The answer really depends on your long-term goals. If you’re planning a major heating upgrade in the near future, it could be a smart move to look into hydrogen-ready systems now. This allows you to run on natural gas for the time being but positions you to switch to hydrogen when it becomes more accessible. 

It’s also important to think about how hydrogen-ready boilers fit into a broader energy strategy. Rather than relying on a single solution, consider combining them with other green technologies like heat pumps or renewable energy sources to create a more efficient, sustainable heating system. 

 

Contact our friendly team today to find out more about commercial heating solutions designed specifically for your buildings.  

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Heat Pumps in Large Facilities: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

As businesses shift toward greener energy solutions, large facilities like hotels, factories, and office buildings are exploring new ways to reduce both energy consumption and environmental impact. Heat pumps, long a popular option for residential heating and cooling, are beginning to attract interest in larger commercial applications. However, this technology, while promising, brings with it several benefits and challenges when scaled up for industrial use. 

In this blog, we’ll look at the potential of heat pumps in large facilities, considering both the positives and the limitations, and assess whether they’re a practical investment for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. 

What are heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are a type of technology designed to transfer heat from one place to another, rather than generating it like traditional heating systems. They can pull heat from the air, ground, or water outside and move it inside to warm a building in the winter, and they can reverse the process to cool the building in the summer. This makes heat pumps versatile and energy efficient. 

For large facilities, air-source heat pumps, specifically Monobloc systems, are among the most commonly used. Monobloc heat pumps are self-contained units that absorb heat from the outside air, use electricity to power the system, and distribute that heat within the building. While the advantages are clear on paper, especially in residential settings, scaling this technology to fit the needs of large buildings presents a different set of challenges.  

The benefits of heat pumps in large facilities 

Reduction in carbon emissions 

One of the strongest arguments for using heat pumps is their potential to cut carbon emissions. Traditional gas boilers burn fossil fuels, releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By switching to heat pumps, which run on electricity, businesses can greatly reduce their reliance on natural gas and oil. If your facility also has access to renewable energy sources like solar power, you can reduce emissions even further. 

In a best-case scenario, a heat pump powered by on-site solar panels can drastically reduce a facility’s overall carbon footprint. This integration of solar energy and heat pumps is increasingly seen as an effective strategy for companies looking to reach net-zero carbon emissions. 

Energy efficiency 

Unlike gas boilers or electric heaters that generate heat, heat pumps transfer it, making them much more energy efficient. For large facilities where heating and cooling account for a substantial part of energy usage, this can lead to significant energy savings over time, especially during milder seasons when less heat is needed. 

Multi-functionality in one unit 

Heat pumps aren’t just for heating; they also function as air conditioners! For facilities that require both heating in winter and cooling in summer, a heat pump system can replace multiple, separate systems. This all-in-one solution offers flexibility and can help reduce the complexity of managing various HVAC systems, which can be particularly appealing for large businesses. 

Potential integration with renewable energy 

For businesses already invested in or considering renewable energy, heat pumps are an attractive option. Paired with solar panels, heat pumps can use electricity generated on-site, reducing the facility’s dependency on external power sources and fossil fuels. In some cases, facilities with sufficient solar capacity can even become energy self-sufficient, or “net positive,” producing more energy than they consume. This is a key benefit for companies aiming to lead in sustainability and reduce their reliance on traditional energy grids. 

The drawbacks of heat pumps in large facilities 

Lower heating temperatures 

A significant downside of heat pumps, especially in large buildings, is that they don’t always reach the high temperatures that gas boilers can achieve. While gas systems can easily heat water to temperatures exceeding 70°C, heat pumps typically max out at around 55°C. In buildings that rely on high-temperature heating systems or require large quantities of hot water (like hotels, industrial plants, or hospitals), this could mean additional units are required or alternative systems must be used to supplement the heat pump. This can drive up costs, both in terms of space and equipment. 

Increased space requirements 

Heat pumps require space, particularly outdoor units that need to be installed to absorb air or ground heat. Unlike compact gas boilers, which can often be tucked away in smaller areas, heat pumps take up more room and may require additional infrastructure for storage tanks and large pipes. For facilities in cities or older buildings where space may be limited, this can present a real challenge. 

High initial costs and slow ROI 

Though heat pumps can offer long-term savings on energy bills, the upfront installation costs are much higher compared to traditional systems. For many businesses, the payback period can be lengthy, especially in regions where electricity is expensive, or heating needs are high. Additionally, the cost savings in energy consumption may not always be dramatic enough to justify the investment purely from a financial perspective. 

For facilities focused on short-term cost reductions, the financial return on investment (ROI) from heat pumps may not look particularly appealing. However, for companies whose primary focus is reducing emissions and future-proofing their operations, the environmental benefits could outweigh the financial considerations. 

Dependency on electricity 

While heat pumps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, they increase dependence on electricity. If the local grid is powered primarily by non-renewable sources, the environmental benefits may not be as substantial. In areas where electricity costs are high or the grid infrastructure is outdated, the shift from gas to electric heating can also strain resources. Businesses need to carefully assess whether their electrical systems can handle the increased load, especially during winter when heat pumps will be working hardest. 

So, are heat pumps worth the investment? 

The decision to invest in heat pumps for a large facility depends heavily on your company’s long-term goals. If your business is committed to reducing emissions and becoming more sustainable, heat pumps offer a clear path to lowering your carbon footprint, especially when paired with renewable energy like solar panels.  

However, for businesses primarily focused on cutting costs, the high initial investment and the challenges of lower heating temperatures may make heat pumps a less attractive option for the time being. The savings on energy bills, may not deliver a fast ROI, particularly if your facility has complex or high-volume heating needs. 

Ultimately, heat pumps are a promising technology, but they aren’t yet the perfect fit for every large facility. With improvements in efficiency and cost, they could become more viable in the future, but for now, each business will need to weigh the pros and cons carefully, balancing their environmental commitments with financial realities. 

Talk to our friendly team today to find out more about our commercial heating and cooling services. 

 

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Maximising Heating Efficiency: How Proper Maintenance Reduces Energy Costs in Large Facilities

It’ll come as no great shock that when it comes to managing large facilities, one of the most significant expenses is energy, particularly the energy consumed by heating systems. For many facilities, heating isn’t just a necessity during the colder months – it’s a constant requirement for maintaining comfortable environments for employees, clients, and/or processes.  

With rising energy costs, the efficiency of your heating system can make a substantial difference in your bottom line. One of the best ways to ensure that your heating system is operating at peak efficiency is through effective maintenance. 

The impact of poor maintenance on heating efficiency 

Heating systems, like any other machinery, require regular maintenance to stay ticking over at their very best. When maintenance is neglected, several things can go wrong. Dust and debris can build up in the system, filters can become clogged, and moving parts can wear out faster than they should. Over time, these issues force the system to work harder to produce the same amount of heat, leading to higher energy consumption and higher energy bills. 

A poorly maintained heating system can reduce efficiency by up to 30%, meaning a significant portion of the energy consumed is wasted. This inefficiency not only drives up costs but also places unnecessary strain on the system, potentially leading to breakdowns and repairs. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues, ensuring that your heating system operates as efficiently as possible, saving you money in the longer term. 

How efficiency calculations can help 

When assessing the efficiency of your heating system, one of the most valuable tools in your metaphorical tool kit is efficiency calculations. These calculations can help you to work out whether it’s time to consider investing in a new, more efficient boiler or heating system. 

For example, let’s imagine your current boiler is 15 years old and works at 70% efficiency. A newer model might operate at 90% efficiency or even higher. By calculating the difference in energy consumption, you can estimate the potential savings and decide whether the investment in a new system will pay for itself, and over what period of time. 

Let’s say the installation of a new boiler costs £50,000. If the new system saves you £10,000 a year in energy costs, it would only be five years before the new boiler has paid for itself. Given that modern boilers can last 15 to 20 years with the right TLC, this investment could lead to some significant long-term savings. Plus, with energy prices likely to continue rising, the savings could be even greater. 

Trust the manufacturers  

When choosing a new heating system, manufacturers really know their stuff. They’ve put in a lot of time and money into research to make products that are efficient, reliable, and suitable for different settings. They’ve thought about everything from installation and space needs to noise levels, making sure their systems work well in all kinds of environments. 

Our job is to help businesses find the right heating system by using the detailed information that manufacturers provide. We look at your specific needs, like how much space you have, how quiet you need the system to be, and how efficient it should be, to suggest the best solution. By tapping into the manufacturer’s expertise, we make sure you get a heating system that fits your needs now and also saves you money in the long run. 

The manufacturers we work with have put a lot of effort into creating advanced heating solutions. We use their research to help businesses make smart choices about their heating systems. By understanding the details of each product, we can guide you through picking, installing, and maintaining a system that improves efficiency and cuts costs. 

Overcoming the challenges of limited visibility 

In many cases, the responsibility for heating system maintenance falls to facility management companies rather than the end-users. This can create challenges when making decisions about heating system upgrades or maintenance because facility managers often do not have direct access to energy bills or consumption data. Without this information, it can be difficult to accurately assess the system’s efficiency. 

Our business understands these challenges and is here to help. Even when we don’t have direct visibility into your energy bills or consumption data, we can still provide valuable guidance. We work closely with facility managers to suggest maintenance schedules, efficiency upgrades, and system improvements based on the specific conditions of the facility. Additionally, we can assist in creating messaging for the end business to make sure that they understand the potential benefits of efficiency upgrades, even when they don’t have all the data at hand. 

By conducting regular inspections, performing routine maintenance, and keeping detailed records of system performance, we can help facility managers identify potential issues before they become major problems. And by partnering with manufacturers and energy consultants, we ensure that the advice we provide is based on the latest industry insights and best practices. 

Communicating the benefits to clients and customers 

Understandably, sustainability is a huge priority for many businesses today. As companies focus on reducing their carbon footprint and working towards net zero, the efficiency of their heating systems becomes a really important component of their overall strategy. 

Our business not only helps you improve your heating efficiency but also assists in crafting effective messaging for your clients and customers. We understand the importance of communicating your commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. By investing in efficient heating systems and using tools like carbon calculators, we can help you demonstrate your progress towards achieving sustainability goals.  

We work with you to develop clear, compelling messages that shine a light on your facility’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. For instance, by sharing with your clients that your facility has taken the first steps towards net zero through the installation of a more efficient heating system, you can show that you’re serious about sustainability. This is a powerful message, especially as more companies seek to partner with businesses that share their commitment to the environment.  

Contact our friendly team today to find out more about commercial heating solutions designed specifically for your buildings. 

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Cooling Efficiency: Strategies to Lower Energy Consumption in Large Facilities

Managing a large facility often means grappling with operational expenses, and one of the largest can be the cost of cooling systems. Outdated air conditioning (AC) units can drive up these costs and consume excessive amounts of energy. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy bills.  

The importance of AC energy efficiency  

Energy efficiency is an important element in controlling operational costs and reducing environmental impact. Efficient cooling systems require less energy to keep temperatures comfortable, which results in lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint – which we think we can all agree is a massive win! As energy costs continue to rise and environmental issues become more urgent, investing in energy-efficient AC systems is becoming increasingly essential. 

What is the cost of outdated AC systems? 

If you’ve got an older AC system this next bit may make you wince. Relying on older AC systems can be costly in more ways than one. These systems tend to use outdated technology that is less effective and consumes more electricity. This inefficiency can lead to higher energy bills, frequent repairs, and even impact the comfort of your facility. 

Older units may also struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, and their performance tends to decline as they age. This deterioration can result in even greater energy consumption and increased costs. In addition, older systems are often louder and less reliable, which can affect your team’s productivity and comfort, as well as rack up some big repair bills. 

What are the benefits of upgrading to modern AC units? 

Whilst it obviously comes with an upfront cost, investing in a modern, energy-efficient AC system can lead to great savings as well as improved performance. Today’s AC units come with several advanced features that really enhance efficiency, including: 

Inverter technology 

AC systems with inverter technology adjust the compressor speed based on the cooling demand, which helps reduce energy consumption compared to traditional on/off systems. 

Smart thermostats 

These devices offer precise temperature control and can be programmed to fit your facility’s cooling needs, optimising energy use and enhancing comfort. 

High-SEER ratings 

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings measure an AC unit’s efficiency. Higher SEER ratings indicate better energy efficiency, and investing in units with high SEER ratings can help you to get increased long-term savings. 

Keeping your AC unit safe and compliant: Leak checks and refrigerant regulations 

Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining cooling efficiency, and one important aspect of that is checking for refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant plays an important role in the cooling process, and leaks can lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption. 

With the phase-out of R-407C by 2025, it’s a good idea to get prepared now. R-407C has a high global warming potential (GWP), and newer refrigerants like R-32 offer lower GWP and improved efficiency. While R-32 is not widely available yet, systems using it may need replacement if leaks occur. Staying proactive with leak checks and getting ahead by upgrading to compliant refrigerants can prevent issues and ensure your systems remain efficient and regulation compliant. 

Final thoughts 

Improving cooling efficiency in large facilities doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the downsides of outdated AC systems, exploring modern, energy-efficient options, and prioritising regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.  

 

Talk to our friendly team today to find out more about our commercial cooling services. 

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