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CombiSave can halve water heating time, university study finds
CombiSave

CombiSave can halve water heating time, university study finds

Research carried out by Liverpool John Moores University has found that it takes up to twice the amount of time to heat water to the desired temperature without a CombiSave valve fitted, and also uses up to 56% more water.

The low-cost, thermostatically operated CombiSave was invented to help reduce water wastage, gas consumption, environmental impact, and time, when heating water using a combi boiler. The CombiSave works by restricting the flow of water when the hot tap or shower is first turned on, allowing the water to reach temperature in a shorter amount of time and therefore wasting less of it in the process. Once the water has reached temperature, the valve then opens fully to allow for the normal flow of hot water.

The aim of the research, led by Benjamin Muzhona of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, was to quantify the amount of water wastage in homes while waiting for the water to heat up, as well as evaluating the savings in water, energy, time and carbon emissions that can be achieved by using a CombiSave device.

Water scarcity is a worldwide issue that is currently accelerating; the United Nations predicts that by 2025 there will be 3 billion people facing water scarcity around the world. Climate change and an increasing population are adding to pressures on water availability in the UK, but one of the biggest factors is unnecessary wastage through consumer apathy and a desire for comfort.

Muzhona says: “Estimates indicate that each person in the UK can use as much as 150 litres of water a day of which up to 33% is used for bathing, showering and washing up (Odurinde, 2018). Furthermore, about 15% of a household’s heating bill is for heating water used for showers, baths and hot water from the tap and in financial terms this averages at around £80 per year (Energy Saving Trust, 2018).”

The study, which was conducted under controlled conditions in a purpose-built, unoccupied Eco house on the university’s campus, found that:

• The average savings on gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions when the CombiSave valve was used were up to 14%
• Water savings of up to 56% can be achieved when heating water to the desired temperature with the use of a CombiSave device
• It can take up to twice the time to heat water to the required temperature compared to when a CombiSave valve is used

Muzhona concluded: “Analysis of data collected shows that the use of a CombiSave valve clearly results in a saving of water and energy consumption…The results show that the use of a CombiSave valve can result in a reduction on the total heating energy consumption, during a complete heating season up to a maximum of 14% for the presented case study.”

LJMU’s research confirms that the simple addition of a CombiSave device to a combination boiler will noticeably cut water and gas consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save time waiting for the water to reach temperature. Muzhona also highlights in his report that the research was carried out during the Summer when mains water is likely to be warmer, so it is expected that the identified savings would be even higher during the colder Winter months.

For more information about the benefits of the CombiSave device, click here: https://teddingtonheating.com/combisave/