The Complete Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating for Commercial Buildings

Energy efficiency is crucial for a commercial building like an office block. An energy-efficient building causes multiple benefits, including reduced operating costs and an improved environmental footprint.

Continue reading for the best design and maintenance strategies for energy-efficient commercial heating, the benefits of these strategies, and more.

Why Does Energy-Efficient Commercial Heating Matter?

Energy-efficient heating in commercial premises is now essential. Rising energy costs have a larger effect on businesses by leaving them with smaller budgets.

Additionally, energy efficiency is a key combatant against growing environmental concerns. It plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gases and meeting business sustainability targets.

You must also be mindful of regulations that mandate energy efficiency solutions in a commercial space. Some of these include:

• Energy Performance Certificates are required when commercial buildings are sold, rented or built
• Part L Building Regulations, focusing on power and fuel conservation
• The 2050 Net Zero Mandate legally binds companies to implement energy-efficient heating solutions and reduce their carbon footprint. This legally binds the Government but not sure about companies, however it would legally bind manufacturers of energy related products to comply with relevant legislation.

Finally, energy-efficient heating benefits employees by increasing comfort and air quality.

Common Challenges in Commercial Heating Systems

Commercial buildings with traditional heating systems face multiple challenges. For example, multiple commercial properties use old heating systems without modern features. These systems consume more energy because of their outdated design.

Additionally, new heating technology may not be compatible with the existing system, which is why we recommend installing a modern, energy-efficient solution.

You should also remember the other challenges you will likely face and consistently address them.

• Ignoring maintenance – forgetting to maintain the system will increase wear and result in clogged filters and failures.
• System size – you may need to balance heating across a large space, ensuring that areas aren’t overheated or underheated.
• Wasting energy – you should only have heating on when employees are occupying the building. You also need to be mindful of losing heat through poor insulation or leaks in ducts and radiators.

The Best Design Strategies for Energy-Efficient Heating

Without considering some critical design factors, you will not benefit from energy-efficient heat sources.

First, you need to assess and upgrade (if necessary) your building’s insulation, windows and air sealing. These are all essential to reduce heat loss.

You should also consider Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV), which is significant for capturing heat from exhaust air and reusing it.

Additionally, getting the sizing right is crucial. The heating system must be the correct size for the building to avoid underheating and overheating.

The Best Maintenance Practices to Sustain High Efficiency

Installing a high-efficiency heating system is just the beginning; you must maintain the system properly to sustain efficiency.

Regular inspections of the heating system are the key to effective maintenance. Inspections are the quickest way to identify and fix problems with the system.

Clean filters and components to maintain efficiency; replace faulty components and filters as soon as possible.

As well as inspections, consistent performance monitoring with analytics and sensors will help identify faults in the system.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Commercial Heating

Once you install an energy-efficient heating system and maintain it, you will experience the benefits, including:

• Cost-effective – efficient heating will reduce heating bills and maintenance costs
• Positive environmental impact – lowering carbon emissions and helping achieve sustainability goals like the 2050 net zero goal
• Increased Employee Satisfaction and comfort – improving air quality and increasing comfort in the building.

Future Energy-Efficient Heating Trends

The future of energy-efficient heating systems will be carved out by new technology and systems.

For example, Building Management Systems (BMS) will implement AI. You’ll be able to utilise this to monitor and optimise heating in real time. This technology will also involve predictive analytics to adjust heating schedules depending on the occupancy and weather.

Other examples of emerging energy-efficient heating technologies include:

• Thermal heat pumps that utilise heat as the main energy source, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency
• Phase-change materials (PCMs) help balance peak heat loads by storing and releasing heat during phase transitions.

In summary, energy-efficient heating is the future. Integrating the best solution for your business now is crucial to decrease costs, increase comfort and follow regulation.

Do you need to embrace the future of commercial heating and invest in energy-efficient solutions? Contact Combat today for the best commercial heating solutions.

Whether you need a high-quality commercial heating design, a site survey or a quotation for your heating solution, our team of experienced heating experts will help you improve your heating and reduce emissions.

 Contact a member of our team today for a highly efficient heating solution for your commercial premises.

T: 0121 506 7700

E: [email protected]