According to the Carbon Trust, heating can account for as much as 60 % of total energy use, yet a large proportion of the energy consumed by heating is likely to be wasted due to incorrect control settings. Notably, lowering heating temperatures by just 1º C can save 8 % on fuel consumption, and heating costs can increase by 15 % or more if boilers are poorly operated or maintained. Optimum heating systems can lead to significant cost savings.

Optimum start controls vary the times that heating systems come on, depending on the weather, occupancy, and the current heat in the building. Using optimum start instead of fixed time control can save up to 10 % in energy costs. 

An optimum start controller costs between € 90 (£ 80) and € 340 (£ 300), which means investment costs could be recuperated in less than five years.

Large, centralised, hot-water systems can often be inefficient. At times when demand for hot water decreases, a large system can waste energy and money. Equally, with decentralised systems it is likely that heat is being lost from long pipe runs. Installing individual heaters closer to where the hot water is needed can lead to significant savings.

Two main types of decentralised hot-water systems:

High-efficiency or condensing boilers reduce utility bills and increase energy efficiency compared to ageing boiler units. They are also smaller and lighter than traditional boilers.

Condensing boilers can be controlled via a thermostat and achieve savings between 10 % and 30 %.

The case for photo-sensor controls

Movement- and photo-sensors, timers and other smart technology can be used to adjust lighting to conditions outside, when you are away, and to manage overall operating hours. Photo-sensors, mounted inside or outside, monitor natural lighting conditions, and automatically adjust the brightness based on optimised settings and lighting needs.

The case for occupancy sensor controls

Movement- and photo-sensors, timers and other smart technology can be used to adjust lighting to conditions outside, when you are away, and to manage overall operating hours. 

Motion sensors have become one of the main techniques to cut electricity use and address inefficient and unnecessary lighting in and around your property.

They rely on three motion-sensitive techniques to detect presence:

Case for LED low bay

Fitting and lamp replacement with LED low bay, lighting suitable for industrial applications indoors and outdoors (e.g. manufacturing areas, food processing plants, warehouses, parking garages, etc.).

Making lighting energy efficient can help a company achieve significant savings. Estimates show that in the UK, some 20 % of the electricity generated is used for lighting and that over 75 % of lighting installations are thought to be out of date.

Cost-effective changes include the:

Case for metal halide lamps 

Fitting and lamp replacement with metal halide lamps; a highly efficient source, typically 80 lumens per watt covering a very large range of power ratings, with a lifetime around 12 000 hours.

Making lighting energy efficient can help a company achieve significant savings. Estimates show that in the UK, some 20 % of the electricity generated is used for lighting and that over 75 % of lighting installations are thought to be out of date.

Cost-effective changes include the:

Case for T8s

Direct lamp replacement with energy efficient T8 fluorescents, which offer up to 22 % energy savings compared to standard 32 W T8 lamps.

Making lighting energy efficient can help a company achieve significant savings. Estimates show that in the UK, some 20 % of the electricity generated is used for lighting and that over 75 % of lighting installations are thought to be out of date.

Cost-effective changes include the:

Case for LED luminaires

Fitting and lamp replacement with 19 W LED luminaires. LEDs have a very long life (typically 50 000 hours) which calls for less maintenance and replacement costs.

Making lighting energy efficient can help a company achieve significant savings. Estimates show that in the UK, some 20 % of the electricity generated is used for lighting and that over 75 % of lighting installations are thought to be out of date.

Cost-effective changes include the: