Trace heating cuts carbon penalty of maintaining hot-water temperatures
Energy savings of up to 60% for maintaining temperatures in domestic hot water systems compared with recirculation are claimed for Raychem’s HWAT trace-heating system — even allowing for SAP fuel factors. These trace-heating systems can extend as far as the tap or shower so hot water is available instantly.
With trace heating right up to the water outlet, it is estimated that the water saved every month in a 200-room hotel could fill an average swimming pool — and this is water that would have already been heated in a recirculation system and allowed to cool.
The HWAT system satisfies Department of Health guidance on legionella hygiene. HWAT single-pipe systems have less than half the pipe length of recirculation systems. The pipe loss is totally renewed with each tapping, so the risk of bacterial problems is much lower. Water in the system can be boosted to 70°C for legionella prevention cycles.
