Denbighshire Cuts Fuel Costs by 70% with Rinnai Water Heaters

Welcome, Net Zero News readers! Today, we delve into a remarkable initiative taking place in Denbighshire, one of the UK’s most stunning counties. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Vale of Clwyd, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the historic St Asaph Cathedral—Wales’ oldest cathedral, with origins tracing back 1,400 years—Denbighshire is now making strides towards a sustainable future.

In this backdrop of rich heritage and natural splendour, the Denbighshire County Council has wholeheartedly embraced the Net Zero vision, actively seeking to leverage innovative technologies to enhance the energy efficiency of its properties. The Denbighshire Energy Team is at the forefront of this initiative, diligently working to reduce energy consumption and costs across a diverse range of council-owned buildings, including schools and care homes.

A shining example of their efforts can be seen at Cysgod Y Gaer Residential Home, which accommodates up to 30 residents. By implementing advanced heating solutions, the Energy Team has successfully slashed the home’s hot water heating fuel consumption from an astonishing 750 kWh to a mere 200 kWh per day. This significant reduction was achieved with the assistance of Rinnai products and design support services.

“At this care home, we recently removed two traditional hot water cylinders that were heated by the main heating boilers. These outdated systems were replaced with high-efficiency Rinnai water heaters that heat water on demand,” explained a representative from the Denbighshire Energy Team. “As a result, we have witnessed a remarkable decrease in gas consumption, from an average daily usage of 750 kWh down to just 200 kWh.”

Figure 1: Care home gas consumption data showing a reduction from approximately 750 kWh/day to around 200 kWh/day following the installation of Rinnai units.

The Rinnai units installed at Cysgod Y Gaer belong to the N Series range, which is designed for compactness and enhanced combustion efficiency. These features not only facilitate easier installation but also improve operational performance and serviceability—ultimately translating to reduced costs for the council.

What sets the Rinnai N Series apart is its pioneering use of stainless steel heat exchangers in continuous flow hot water heating. This innovative design extends the lifespan of each model in the range, ensuring optimum performance over time. The N Series includes four distinct models:

• N1600i: Delivers 954 litres per hour at 50 degrees Celsius.
• N1600e: An external version, also providing 954 litres per hour at 50 degrees Celsius.
• N1300i: Offers 775 litres per hour of temperature-controlled hot water at 50 degrees Celsius.
• N1300e: The external counterpart, delivering 775 litres per hour at the same temperature.

The two N1600 models boast an XXL load profile and are rated A for water efficiency, while the N1300 models are classified as XL and also hold an A rating. Additionally, all models in this range are designed to produce low nitrogen oxides (NOx), with emissions of less than 26 parts per million (ppm), allowing them to gain extra points under BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

Rinnai’s commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the advanced burner technology employed in the N Series, which boasts a remarkable 13:1 turn-down ratio—the highest in the market. With a 96% efficiency rating, these water heaters achieve high efficiencies due to their integral controls and advanced burner modulation ranges. This means that the system can optimise gas usage, enabling Denbighshire County Council to maximise energy efficiency and reduce energy usage by an impressive 73%.

This extensive range of modulation allows the water heater to adjust its heating output precisely according to demand, ensuring that energy is conserved. The smart, built-in controls ensure that water is heated only to the necessary temperature, thereby preserving energy and contributing to the council’s sustainability goals.

Rinnai stands as a global leader in the manufacture of domestic and commercial appliances, operating in nearly 50 countries worldwide. With a mission to “create a healthier way of living” through advanced combustion and water control technologies, Rinnai has launched its H3 initiative. This initiative encompasses hydrogen-ready and BioLPG-ready water heaters and boilers, hybrid solar thermal and heat pump solutions, as well as low-global warming potential (GWP) heat pumps.

For those interested in cost-effective energy and carbon savings, Rinnai offers complimentary design support. If you would like to learn more about their products and services, we encourage you to reach out to a Rinnai expert today by visiting this link.

This inspiring initiative in Denbighshire showcases how local councils can lead the way in energy efficiency and sustainability. As we continue to navigate the challenges of climate change, it is heartening to see practical steps being taken to reduce carbon footprints and promote a greener future.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights into how various communities are working towards achieving Net Zero. Together, we can all contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come!