A wide range of different elements can be introduced into a heating system in order to optimise its performance. Which ones offer the best comfort? From products for use with heat pumps to emitters, what are the most energy-saving options?
Our experts have selected ten products to use with a heat pump to get the best results. These products can individually help to increase energy savings.
Summary
#1 Remove air from system water: Flexvent
#2 Remove dirt inside system: XStream Dirt Separator
#3 Get rid of microbubbles inside the network: XStream Vent Air Separator
#4 Low Temperature degasser for small systems: VacuStream
#5 Ensure good flow routing inside the system with MeiFLow Top S Pump Groups
#6 Ensure static balance of water: NexusValve Fluctus Balancing Valve
#7 Ensure dynamic balance of water: NexusValve Vivax Balancing Valve
#8 Room-by-room temperature control: thermostatic radiator valves
#9 Efficient heat distribution with Biofloor underfloor heating
#10 Smart temperature control and consumption with Comap Smart Home
In the boiler room
#1 Remove air from system water: Flexvent
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to remove large air bubbles from tap water before it enters the system Recommended building type: smaller residential applications Expected energy savings: 2% |
Good to know
Tap water always contains air. The Flexvent air vent helps eliminate the larger bubbles that would affect system performance. It also has a captive cap with an open/close function and leak prevention.
The considerable distance between the water and the closing mechanism reduces the risk of contamination.
Energy savings and user comfort
This product is an automatic system designed to remove bigger bubbles. This can mean up to 2% extra savings. Flexvent ensures a healthy system from day one.
Where is it located in the system?
It’s in the inlet of the system. Most models are equipped with a valve sleeve including a self-sealing notched gasket.
#2 Remove dirt inside system: XStream Dirt Separator
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to ensure optimal separation of dirt and magnetite within the system Recommended building type: large buildings (factories, hospitals, blocks of flats, etc.) Expected energy savings: 15% |
Good to know
1 in 3 hydronic systems have blockages. A quality dirt separator, such as the Flamco XStream Clean, is essential to ensure the longevity of the system.
Energy savings and user comfort
With this product installed, users will experience less heat loss. This creates a more comfortable environment, making it ideal for private homes or nurseries.
The Flamco XStream Clean reduces the energy consumption of heating systems by up to 15%.* What benefits does this bring? Less wear, less maintenance and a heating system that lasts longer.
Where is it located in the system?
Installed in the boiler room, it removes dirt and magnetite before they can enter the boiler, preventing potential system damage.
*(calculated according to the Hysopt method in a system with a gas boiler and manually operated radiator valves)
#3 Get rid of microbubbles inside the network: XStream Vent Air Separator
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: quick and efficient air separation in the installation Recommended building type: large buildings (factories, hospitals, blocks of flats, etc.) Expected energy savings: 15% |
Good to know
Thanks to its unique ECO/MAX mode, the Flamco XStream Vent offers a high air collection rate and low resistance. Insulation to minimise heat loss is another key feature of this product.
Energy savings and user comfort
The Flamco XStream Vent ensures lower energy consumption, less wear and tear, fewer breakdowns and a longer service life. It improves the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by up to 6%.*
Its automatic venting provides additional comfort for users.
Where is it located in the system?
The unit rotates 360° for easy installation. There’s also no need to factor in flow direction when fitting it, so there’s no risk of installation errors.
Thermal energy releases additional dissolved gases that may be present in the water as it exits the boiler.
*(calculated according to the Hysopt method in a system with a gas boiler and manually operated radiator valves)
#4 Low Temperature degasser for small systems: VacuStream
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to protect sealed water systems from corrosion, dirt and failure Recommended building type: smaller systems operating at low temperatures (domestic and residential, or small commercial premises such as schools or office buildings) Expected energy savings: 15% |
Good to know
At low temperatures, air is compressed into smaller bubbles. So it’s all the more important to use a customised solution. The VacuStream is pumpless degasser, especially designed for smaller low-temperature systems. It removes air bubbles that cause corrosion and biofilm which blocks pipes.
Energy savings and user comfort
This is a pumpless, ultra-quiet degasser. The VacuStream removes gases efficiently, avoiding unnecessary malfunctions, expensive repairs and extending the life of the system.
Where is it located in the system?
Located next to the heat pump or underfloor heating manifold (even in the distribution cabinet, if necessary), this product has no preferred flow directions and is “plug and play”.
Preferably, the VacuStream is installed in the return line. It can also be installed in the supply line.
Solutions for emitters
#5 Ensure good flow routing inside the system with MeiFLow Top S Pump Groups
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to pump water (hot and cold for heating and/or cooling) to energy-consuming devices such as underfloor heating, radiators or buffer tanks Recommended building type: any, depending on the product used Expected energy savings: 5% |
Good to know
A pump group is mainly employed within the system. It can be combined with advanced technology, such as MeiFlow Top S, which, among other things:
- increases efficiency with hydraulic balancing technology
- controls energy costs with integrated meters
- ensures maximum efficiency in cooling applications
Energy savings and user comfort
Thanks to its integrated heat meters, this product is an effective tool for cost control. With up to 8% efficiency loss without a dirt separator, it maintains system efficiency and saves energy costs.
An ideal support for transitioning to renewable energy systems, it increases system protection as well as extending the lifespan of heat pumps and boilers.
Where is it located in the system?
MeiFlow Top S is designed for use in unmixed and mixed cooling and heating circuits.
#6 Ensure static balance of water: NexusValve Fluctus Balancing Valve
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to balance the different pressures of the system Recommended building type: multi-apartment buildings, office buildings Expected energy savings: 5% |
Good to know
Static valves like the NexusValve Fluctus enable correct flow distribution in the circuit. Equipped with a balancing valve and a ball isolation valve, it can be used to stop fluid circulation without changing the valve setting.
Energy savings and user comfort
The NexusValve Fluctus ensures optimal regulation of the system, which means controlled consumption and consistent heat. It also helps to minimise system noise.
Where is it located in the system?
This valve is installed in the branches and columns of a system, directly onto bends, reducers and flexible hoses (with attention to flow direction). It can be installed in any position, and has a wide range of applications:
- for balancing heating and cooling
- in variable flow systems, with two-way motorised valves
- in constant flow systems, with three-way motorised valves
For instance, this valve can be used in central heating systems with differential pressure control valves, underfloor heating systems, and one-pipe heating systems, among others.
#7 Ensure dynamic balance of water: NexusValve Vivax Balancing Valve
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to balance the system pressures Recommended building type: multi-apartment buildings, office buildings Expected energy savings: 10% |
Good to know
The NexusValve Vivax is an automatic valve that regulates the flow in the terminal units of hydraulic networks by responding to pressure variations. A hybrid balancing and control valve, it maintains a constant flow rate regardless of pressure fluctuations in the heating or cooling system.
Energy savings and user comfort
Dynamic balancing valves allow flows to be limited in variable flow installations. No overflow means consistent comfort.
With accurate balancing and equal percentage control, this product provides highly precise flow management for the emitter. It never uses more power than necessary.
Where is it located in the system?
Installed directly on bends, reducers and flexible tubing in the branches and columns of a system (with attention to flow direction, actuator required). The valve can be installed in any position.
#8 Room-by-room temperature control: thermostatic radiator valves
| Fact sheet |
Main function:
Recommended building type: all central heating systems in buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) Expected energy savings: 15% |
Good to know
Thermostat valve and head together include a thermostatic head for measuring room temperature (TRH) and a thermostatic valve base that regulates water flow and connects the pipes to the radiator (TRV). Comap thermostatic valve bodies are available with a fixed or adjustable Kv or with a self-adjusting balancing function.
Energy savings and user comfort
A thermostatic valve helps save energy as it allows people to adjust the temperature of individual radiators in a building. It also offers precise temperature settings. Hydraulic balancing ensures even heat distribution for minimum energy consumption and optimal comfort.
Where is it located in the system?
This product is installed on radiators.
In the room
#9 Efficient heat distribution with Biofloor underfloor heating
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to provide heat Recommended building type: suitable for any building, but especially recommended for high ceilings and spacious rooms Expected energy savings: 15% |
Good to know
Underfloor heating can be used in both renovation and new build projects thanks to the availability of ultra-thin fixing systems.
Energy savings and user comfort
According to Cochebat (the French Syndicate for Building Owners), underfloor heating:
- is reversible, i.e. it can be used for cooling in summer – lowering the temperature by 3°
- provides better warmth than radiators because it distributes the heat throughout the room, allowing the user to set the thermostat 2° lower
- saves up to 15% on energy consumption!
Where is it located in the system?
Since it’s a heat emitter, it’s installed in the room itself, either in the floor, walls or ceiling.
#10 Smart temperature control and consumption with Comap Smart Home
| Fact sheet |
| Main function: to regulate heating and cooling systems in relation to the ambient temperature Recommended building type: adaptable to all building types and heating systems Expected energy savings: 10% |
Good to know
There are different types of thermostat available. Intelligent thermostats, such as Comap Smart Home, can create automatic programmes based on user habits. This allows for better energy consumption control.
Energy savings and user comfort
To optimise comfort in the home, Comap Smart Home allows users to control their heating system remotely. By using only the minimum energy required, it also reduces energy consumption.
Practical example
To save energy, you can reduce the temperature during periods of absence, such as vacations or business trips.
Since underfloor heating systems are slow to react and require more time to change the temperature, you can adjust the temperature on your way back home so that the room is already warm when you arrive. You can also pre-program it.
Where is it located in the system?
Comap Smart Home consists of discreet products that are simple to install in rooms. It’s appropriate for both new build and renovation projects.
Implementing these ten products will guarantee the best performance from a system and a higher level of comfort. All the products are easy to install because they work in any position and have no flow direction.
Aalberts hydronic flow control offers support for every type of building and project, providing expertise from source to emitter.
