Central Heating May save Billions
Thursday, October 28th, 2010Billions would be saved by Turkey if its 5.3 million houses in the country that use natural gas were to switch from boiler systems to central heating systems, according to Ali Eren, president of the Association of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Producers Unions (KBSB).
With the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (BEP), requiring all new buildings totalling more than 1,000 square meters to have a central heating system, the conversion will not only save money but reduces dependency on imported natural gas. The law also makes it mandatory for buildings to be constructed with sounder energy conserving specifications which will increase energy efficiency in the building. The implementation of these regulations will also affect lifestyles, will contribute to the economy, enhance the security of the country, and even affect such areas as the environment. For consumers, this will translate into savings of as much as 30 percent on monthly heating bills.
If central heating systems were installed throughout the country, a total savings of 4 billion Turkish Lira would be saved, according to some speakers. Eren was also hopeful that the health hazards stemming from the present boiler system would be eliminated with the new system, noting that the largest source of carbon monoxide poisoning stems from water boilers.
With the possible health, environmental and cost benefits promised by the system, there is also hope that a greater number of older flats will also be converted to central heating. In addition to the above requirements about new buildings, the legislation that governs flat ownership also specifies that converting to a central heating system is also possible if more than 51 percent of the occupants in a building are in favor of the conversion.