Ambi-Rad claims 50% fuel savings
September 20th 2005 Ambi-Rad marketing manager, David Rock, claims the company’s tube heating can cut fuel costs by between 25% and 50%, based on its experience of replacing ageing boiler and steam fed radiator systems in decentralisation projects. The company says ROI can be achieved in months, while staff notice an immediate improvement – which should boost productivity levels.
Radiant tubes emit electromagnetic waves that warm all solid objects in their path (much like the sun). Mounted overhead, the heaters produce infrared heat directed downwards by a reflector.
Effective within minutes of start-up, no fuel is wasted heating air – so comfort temperatures are quickly regained should the temperature drop suddenly (e.g. when a loading bay door is opened). Efficiency is furthered by zone control: heaters directly over unoccupied parts of the building can be switched off without compromising comfort in other heated areas.
According to Ambi-Rad the physical properties of radiant heat mean it can be set to a lower constant temperature than other forms of heating to achieve the same level of comfort. Less fuel is used as a result – and it also heats without circulating air and dust.
As an example of the savings to be made, Brechin-based Matrix International cut its fuel consumption for heating by 37% in the first year after installing Ambi-Rad radiant tube heating. One of the reasons Matrix selected the Ambi-Rad system was that it is listed on the Government’s Energy Technology list, making it eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs). The ECA scheme enables companies which install equipment cited on the list to apply for 100% first-year capital allowance, including the direct cost of installation, against their taxable profits. More articles from AmbiRad Ltd: | 
