Schools unprepared for heating system failure

The UK’s schools and educational facilities are regularly experiencing problems with their heating system which increases the risk of unexpected closure, according to a new report published by Bosch Commercial and Industrial.

‘Out of sight, out of mind? A report on the heating and hot water challenge in UK schools’ exposes that the majority spend less than 20% of their maintenance budget on ensuring their heating system is running efficiently. This is despite the fact that up to 50% of a typical school’s energy usage is attributed solely to heating.

Over a third of respondents are concerned with finding the funds for replacement when it comes to resolving heating system breakdowns, which are often seen as unavoidable or unforeseeable.

Pete Mills, Commercial Technical Operations Manager at Bosch Commercial and Industrial, who helped author the report said: “Ultimately, a school without heating and hot water must close, so viewing heating and hot water technologies as much more than ‘out of sight, out of mind’ appliances is essential.

"With significant cuts to funding and increased pressure to reduce energy consumption, it’s more important than ever for schools to be proactive in tackling their heating and hot water challenges.”

The report goes on to explore how latest condensing boiler technology can significantly reduce running costs, as well as providing details on available grants and effective maintenance schemes.

Pete Mills concludes: “As our report details, it is clear that schools are having to contend with the unreliable systems currently in place and are therefore finding themselves at risk of an unexpected breakdown and unprepared to provide a long-term solution.

"We hope this report will help schools to enhance their heating comfort and energy performance, and consider a boiler replacement project well ahead of an outdated system letting them down without warning.”