Energy efficiency: ENEA launches the PDC_RISC app to evaluate boiler replacements.
ENEA launches the PDC_RISC app that evaluates the replacement of boilers with heat pumps, for home energy efficiency.
Heating your home effectively and maximizing its energy efficiency is easier with PDC_RISC . This free application from ENEA lets you evaluate in just a few minutes whether you can replace your fuel-fired boiler with an electric heat pump , without modifying the plumbing system or radiators.
The tool was developed by ENEA in collaboration with the University of Padua, as part of the National Electricity System Research (RdS) program. "Let's not wait until winter to think about how to optimally heat our homes," recalls Nicolandrea Calabrese , head of the ENEA Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Urban Development Laboratory , emphasizing the importance of planning redevelopment interventions in advance.
The application is designed for inhabited properties that have already undergone energy retrofitting for at least a year and are equipped with an independent heating system with a traditional boiler coupled with radiators. For the analysis, you need to enter some basic information, including a year's worth of fuel bills such as natural gas or diesel. "The feasibility or complexity of the work depends on several factors, including the type of existing system, the characteristics of the building, the local climate, and individual heating needs. The application we developed attempts to address this need," Calabrese explains.
PDC_RISC is a simple and intuitive interface that minimizes potential input errors. The required data includes: property details, building envelope characteristics such as geometry and window type, boiler and radiator data, and energy consumption.
Once the form is completed, the system processes the data and returns a detailed estimate of the technical feasibility of replacing the boiler, the achievable economic and energy savings and the avoided CO₂ emissions .
Heat pumps are not only an advanced solution for heating, but also for cooling and domestic hot water production. The benefits increase when the pump is combined with a photovoltaic system , which further reduces operating costs and emissions.
"The tool will also provide information on the technical data of any photovoltaic system needed to meet the electricity needs of the heat pump to be installed," adds Calabrese. In this way, the app integrates both the system's efficiency and the opportunity for supporting renewable generation into a single overview.
Once the analysis is complete, the user can download a comprehensive report summarizing the results and estimates. If replacing the boiler is not technically feasible, the document provides a list of possible energy efficiency measures that can make it possible to switch to a heat pump at a later date.
"Of course, the app provides non-exhaustive information and suggestions on how to improve the system's energy performance. For subsequent planning of the intervention, it's always advisable to consult a professional in the sector," concludes Calabrese.
The development of PDC_RISC is part of the National Electricity System Research program, which finances projects to reduce electricity costs , improve reliability and quality , and promote innovative, low-environmental-impact solutions . Current strategic lines include decarbonization and network digitalization , with the aim of supporting the country in its energy transition and sustainable development.
The application dedicated to heat pumps represents a stepping stone in this journey, providing citizens with concrete tools to guide their choices towards greater energy efficiency and lower emissions.
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