Heat metering in Bologna

A process that allows you to precisely measure the amount of heat used by each housing unit or by different areas of a complex.

We offer clear tools to pay based on actual consumption

Founded in Bologna, ELCA supports administrators and owners in the transparent management of heating and water consumption. Heat metering in Bologna allows for the fair allocation of heating and domestic hot water costs in buildings with centralized systems, promoting efficient energy use and accurate documentation for each property unit. Thanks to traditional metering systems, remote metering, and smart metering solutions, ELCA integrates reliable measurements, technical verifications, and administrative processes, reducing errors and management times. The goal is to offer clear tools for paying based on actual consumption, in compliance with current regulations and with ongoing support throughout the entire metering and allocation cycle.

Trust our experience

Why choose accounting systems

Adopting metering systems allows each occupant to set their desired temperature, control radiator operation times, and maintain a precise overview of expenses. Heat metering in Bologna allows for more informed management: voluntary consumption (related to daily use) is separated from involuntary consumption (mains losses and system costs), thus making the allocation of condominium costs more transparent. At the same time, installing thermostatic valves and heat cost allocators allows for room-by-room adjustments, improving the building's comfort and energy efficiency.

Reading modes: from walk-by to remote reading

ELCA uses different detection modes, selected based on the characteristics of the condominium system and the installed equipment:

• Walk-by or radio from common areas: meter and cost allocator data is acquired from outside the apartments, without invasive access.
• Local discharge to control unit: when a concentrator is present in the heating plant, data collection can be carried out on site.
• Remote meter reading: Using network-connected concentrators and dedicated transmission protocols, consumption data is read remotely and securely sent to processing systems.
• Web portal of the installed system: administrators and authorized users can consult historical readings and summaries, facilitating control and prevention of anomalies.

These methods avoid having to visit your home and facilitate timely interventions in the event of malfunctions reported by probes or field devices.

Regulatory framework

The European framework for energy efficiency promotes the accurate measurement of consumption in buildings served by centralized systems. In Italy, the UNI 10200 standard defines technical and methodological criteria for calculating and allocating heating and domestic hot water costs. Key points include:

• distinction between voluntary consumption (variable quota) and involuntary consumption (fixed quota);
• use of suitable measuring devices (heat meters, heat cost allocators, domestic hot water meters);
• need for design, installation and testing by qualified professionals;
• periodic management of readings, calculation of unit costs of useful energy and application of allocation criteria consistent with the system.

ELCA maintains up-to-date processes and documentation to align with the regulatory framework and provide condominium management with clear and verifiable reports.

Cost breakdown: from data to billing

Correct distribution starts with reliable measurements. Once the data is collected:

1. the total expenditure for the period is determined (fuel, maintenance, operation);
2. the useful energy destined for heating and, if present, for domestic hot water is estimated;
3. the unit costs are calculated and the energy is divided into involuntary (dispersion) and voluntary portions;
4. the voluntary part is attributed based on the readings of the heat cost allocators/meters and the involuntary part based on the heating thousandths.

The result is a periodic billing for each user, with detailed elements that make each step traceable.

ELCA services for condominium owners and administrators

ELCA offers a complete path, from measurement to financial reporting:

• Periodic readings (walk-by, local, or remote) of water meters and heat cost allocators/meters.
• Continuous remote reading with reporting of anomalies (probes out of range, non-communicating devices, significant deviations).
• Individual billing for each user, with clear summaries for the administrator.
• Monitoring and verification of condominium energy bills and energy distribution reports compliant with UNI 10200.
• Technical and administrative assistance during system start-up, upgrade, and management phases.

This service model reduces costs and disputes, offering unique support on both the technical and administrative levels. Throughout the text, heat metering in Bologna is framed as a tool for efficient, measurable, and compliant administration.

Devices: heat cost allocators and thermostatic valves

Heat cost allocators are mounted on each radiator and measure, via probes, the thermal units associated with the heating element. They are sealed to prevent tampering and powered by long-life batteries. Connected via radio to concentrators, they allow:

• no additional wiring;
• continuous checking of device and battery status;
• remote reading even in the absence of the occupants.

Thermostatic valves, installed without masonry work, automatically regulate the flow of water in the radiator to maintain the set temperature in each room. The combined use of valves and heat cost allocators results in greater comfort, reduced consumption, and better system balance.

Faq

Looking for information on heat metering?

Contact us for information on heat metering in Bologna and for a customized technical and administrative proposal.