Modernization of the heating system is a topic that is often discussed in the context of caring for the natural environment. Due to the growing awareness of society and changing regulations, more and more people are deciding to change the heating to a more ecological one. Should these works be reported, when is it worth modernizing and how can replacing cast iron radiators with aluminum improve heating efficiency?
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Does the modernization of the heating system need to be reported?
The modernization of the heating system does not always require notification, because it all depends on the scope of the planned work. In the case of simple modernizations, notification or any permits are usually not required. The concept of simple modernizations can be understood as, among others, replacing the furnace, but only in a situation where it will be replaced with a model with similar parameters.
Changing the heating source, such as replacing a solid fuel boiler with a gas one, as well as installing a completely new solution may require a notification. It is worth remembering that some works will be treated as construction, which involves the need not only to notify, but also to obtain the appropriate permit. An example of such a situation may be a general modernization of the heating system, especially if the scope of the works will interfere with the structure of the building or the technical installations located in it.
Please note that in the case of buildings subject to the protection of a monument conservator, special regulations may apply, specifying the scope of work that can be performed without notification.
Replacing and modernizing the pipes of an old heating system during renovation
It happens that existing heating installations require modernization and renovation. The cause does not always have to be a serious failure, depending on the material from which the heating system was made, it can become a source of heat loss and deterioration of heating efficiency over time.
When determining the scope of modernization, it is necessary to first of all decide whether it is necessary to replace the entire system or only its fragments. When deciding on a complete renovation, it is best to choose modern solutions that will meet the technical and ecological requirements in force at the given time. Complete modernization of heating concerns both the pipe system and the heating boiler. Year by year, more and more people give up solid fuel furnaces, choosing gas boilers , pellet boilers or heat pumps . Boilers and furnaces should be environmentally friendly and limit the amount of exhaust fumes emitted into the environment. Renewable energy sources are increasingly used not only in new but also older buildings. Electric heating can also work perfectly.
By replacing the pipes in the installation with modern solutions, you can replace outdated models with large diameters with thinner pipes. This is a simple way to reduce the amount of water needed to fill and properly function the system. Because modern systems mainly use copper and plastic pipes, they are highly resistant to corrosion. Thanks to this, they can be used to heat the facility longer and more efficiently.
Currently, when modernizing the heating system in a building, the pipes should be run in accordance with accepted standards and good practices. The best solution is to place them in the floor and then from the distributor to the radiators. However, the implementation here also requires replacing the floor. When such a wide range of renovation work is not planned, then a good solution is to run the pipes right next to the floor and then hide them, e.g. with well-chosen skirting boards.
In a situation where the modernization of the heating system covers only part of the pipe system, the remaining parts should be properly cleaned, because they may contain impurities or sediments. The biggest problem is of course scale, a sediment that is formed as a result of the precipitation of mineral ions, which are found in water, mainly hard water. Leaving sediments impedes the flow of water, worsening the heating efficiency of the entire system.
How will replacing cast iron radiators with aluminum ones improve heating efficiency?
Cast iron, heavy radiators are still used in heating installations, mainly in older buildings. They are no longer installed today, having been replaced by more modern solutions, such as aluminum and steel radiators. Many people, when modernizing the heating system in their homes, decide to replace radiators with more modern solutions.
Replacing cast iron radiators with aluminium ones brings a number of benefits, including:
- improving heat conduction - which makes radiators heat up faster, giving off heat, so the temperature in the rooms reaches the expected value faster;
- thermal inertia reduction parameter - aluminum, unlike cast iron, is characterized by a lower value of the inertia parameter, which is why aluminum radiators react faster to heating and cooling, thanks to which it is much easier to control the temperature in the room with aluminum radiators;
- Due to their properties, aluminium radiators are also perfect for modern systems that use electronic temperature control systems.
It is worth emphasizing that aluminum radiators are also much lighter than the cast iron radiators used in the past. Additionally, they look very elegant and aesthetic, perfectly matching the interior design.
When is it worth modernizing the heating system in the boiler room?
It is worth modernizing the heating system in several cases. One of the most frequently mentioned reasons is that the heating and installation used so far are outdated and inefficient. This is the case, among others, in old buildings. Modernization of the heating system may be necessary for the investment to reduce bills. The heating system should therefore be modernized if the expenses in relation to the level of fees are inadequate. It happens that the presence of impurities blocks the water in the system, worsening its efficiency.
It may also be necessary to carry out work related to heating in the event of recurring faults and system failures. Replacing the heating system with a more modern one. Installations operating on the basis of a heat pump can be used to prepare domestic hot water and heat water. This means great savings and convenience of use.
Modernization can improve the energy efficiency of a building. It also increases safety and the use of intelligent control systems.
Combine the subsidy with the thermal modernization tax relief
Onninen's offer includes high-quality pipelines, radiators, modern heating boilers and all the elements necessary to create the entire system. Individual components can be selected individually or you can choose the convenient Vaillant sensoCOMFORT VC 20 CS package . The set includes a heating boiler with a tank, a connection set and a system controller.
An alternative solution is a heating system operating using a Wolf CGB-2-20 condensing boiler with a wall display module . The model allows for convenient control of the heating system. Among the advantages of such a solution, it is worth mentioning the maximum reduction of exhaust emissions harmful to the environment.