ASSOCIATION NEWS
PAT JORDAN FROM APHCI AND HAPAI ASKS IF HEAT PUMPS ARE REALLY THE ANSWER TO OUR ENERGY NEEDS… Heat pumps - are they the solution? oil-fired heating boilers can be converted to run on the latest HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) with little cost resulting in an immediate 90% reduction in CO2 Emissions. Members are beginning to ask with increasing regularity.
T his is a question many of our There is no doubt that over the past twenty years, the technology has proved itself and continues to develop, but is it the only option? Fifteen years ago, diesel car engines were touted as the way to go and, as we all know, that story is very different today. Will the same thing be said about heat pumps in fifteen years’ time? Are we putting the cart before the horse? The generating capacity and electricity supply network are maxed out in many areas, to the point where blackouts are a real risk. We will have a huge reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation for many years to come. The necessary investment in upgrading the electricity infrastructure and supply capacity is surely necessary before directing consumers towards electricity for their heating, transportation and other energy needs. Is it unwise to put all our energy needs in one basket, what about our gas supply network? Hydrogen testing is at an advanced stage in the UK and Europe and will probably reach our shores soon through the interconnectors. Are we prepared to take advantage of this development? LPG Biogas is now becoming widely available, while most
protect the health of the nation.” At that time the major issues were clean, running water and sanitation. It is generally acknowledged that the importance of advances in this regard for people’s health outweigh the greatest medical advances in history. This battle continues today in many parts of the world. Leaving electricity aside, the responsibility for all other building inputs and outputs rests with the plumber. This noble profession which can trace its origins back to the Roman Empire will once again step up to the mark to assist with meeting this most serious challenge head on. For more information, contact HAPAI: T: +353 (0)87 900 6114; email: info@hapai.ie. Or APHCI: info@aphci.ie or visit: www.hapai.ie / www.aphci.ie “Fifteen years ago, diesel car engines were touted as the way to go and, as we all know, that story is very different today. Will the same thing be said about heat pumps in fifteen years’ time?”
We must all recognise the gravity of the situation! The latest United Nations IPCC report gives Emissions a “CODE RED FOR HUMANITY” with a projected temperature increase of 1.5 degrees centigrade by 2040 and a catastrophic and irreversible impact on the planet. This requires immediate and deep-rooted action to reduce and if possible, eliminate greenhouse gasses. Ideally all new buildings should be built to a passive standard, so that little or no energy is required to maintain a comfortable environment. Against that, the current pandemic reinforces the need for natural ventilation. Older buildings, however, will in many cases never reach anywhere near this standard but will be with us long into the future. These buildings along with occasional use buildings etc. may need a solution other than a heat pump. Cost of repair/replacement and total life costs on both emissions and financial is another issue that needs to be factored into all calculations as well as the ability to cope with sudden or prolonged very cold weather. At the beginning of the 20th century plumbers adopted the slogan “Plumbers
FOLLOW US ON:
www.plumbingmag.com
PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 39
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online