April 2021 by PHAM News

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APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 3

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Widespread criticism of decision to pull the plug on green grants The government’s decision to scrap its much-heralded Green Homes Grant (GHG) just six months after launch has been greeted with dismay by large parts of the heating sector and the wider building industry. The Green Homes Grant has been brought to a premature end after it reached just ˚˙% of the ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ homes the chancellor promised would be improved with insulation and other energy saving projects. In the six months that the GHG was live, only a third of the ˢ˟̇˙˙˙ applications were issued with vouchers. Of these applications, over ˟˙˙˙ were for heat pumps, but only ˚ˠ˞ˡ received the voucher. Some of the money previously allocated to the scheme will now go into a programme administered by local authorities, targeted at lower income households. However, the government’s decision could undermine its entire decarbonisation strategy, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The industry body says it is “disappointed by this short-sighted decision” and points out that it would make the building services industry even more suspicious of any future government initiatives linked to the ˛˙˞˙ net zero target.

“The government has a very strange way of trying to gain the support, confidence and financial investment of the construction and building engineering companies it needs to deliver a greener built environment,” says CEO David Frise. “If it tries to launch another scheme in the future that requires employers in our sector to invest hard-earned money and precious time in people and equipment, what answer does it expect to receive?” The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has voiced similar dismay at the announcement. CEO Brian Berry says: “The misguided scrapping of the scheme sends entirely the wrong message to consumers and builders, and will harm the UK’s desire to be seen as a global leader in tackling climate change.” The FMB says that flaws with the scheme could have been addressed, in consultation with industry, with a commitment to training. It points out that many small building companies were required to spend thousands of pounds to become

eligible for work under the scheme and will now feel let down and angry. “The government needs to be more ambitious in its thinking and set out a long-term plan to upgrade our existing homes to make them greener and more energy efficient,” adds Berry. “A national retrofit strategy would address this need and allow the government to be taken seriously as well as regain the trust of industry.”

Failing to deliver While welcoming the re-allocation of funds to local authorities, Vaillant says that if government targets are to be met (˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ heat pumps to be installed by ˛˙˛ˡ) more needs to be done to help develop the industry supply chain. “To reach this figure the industry needs to support the smaller businesses and one-man bands. So far, the government have promised much more than they can deliver with this audience,” says Mark Wilkins, Vaillant’s technologies and training director.

“We have been working with other manufacturers and the Heat Pump Association to develop and deliver a low carbon training plan to support heat pump engineers, but closing the GHG removes the incentive for small businesses to upskill.” Vaillant is calling for an enquiry into the failure of the GHG so that trust can be rebuilt within the industry. Environmental campaigner and installer Peter Thom has long highlighted the problem of too much bureaucracy and red tape, pointing out that such schemes have been doomed to failure. “Why did it take the Prime Minister so long to step in and stop all the absurd red tape? Bureaucracy is killing this country and in particular this scheme,” says Thom. “I had been asking this question for some time and the eventual response has been to pull the plug on it!” Thom has criticised the absurdity of the GHG scheme administrator being based in the USA and the need for up to ˚˛ inspections to be made before installers were paid. “I asked BEIS at a recent meeting how many installers had uncoupled from the scheme,” says Thom. “BEIS did not know and also more worryingly did not appear to care. It was noted that most installers were still waiting for payment and many expressed severe financial difficulties due to this. “Climate change will be resolved with engineering solutions by engineers, not an army of inspectors and accreditation bodies feeding off the top!”

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Inside this issue 3 APRIL 2021 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 3

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

More broken promises When Rishi Sunak’s March budget failed to make any reference to the Green Homes Grant, many people suspected that its days might be numbered. A few weeks of uncertainty were then put to rest when the government chose the last weekend of the month to quietly announce that the incentive scheme would be brought to a premature end. In marked contrast to the fanfare that greeted the launch of the plan just six months earlier, the issuing of a short bulletin on a Friday night was not exactly designed to receive the full glare of publicity. Like many previous administrations before it, it seems this government is not adverse to unveiling grand ambitions and setting big targets for a low carbon future, especially if they’re set far enough in the future to avoid subsequent accountability. It’s not Ŷŋŋ ùĢƧ óŽķŶ Ŷŋ óŋĿā Žť ƒĢŶĞ Ʃ ėŽũāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŭŋŽłù ķĢĴā ƘŋŽ ĿāÖł business, but the harder bit is establishing a viable plan that will enable those targets to be reached. The Green Homes Grant was meant to be a pillar in a green recovery programme that would support ˚˙˙̇˙˙˙ jobs, yet the plug has been pulled after just ˟̍˜% of the £˚̍˞bn allocated had been spent. It seems that the shortfall has not been due to a lack of demand, but administrative failures that have left homeowners waiting for vouchers and installation companies embroiled in paperwork and red tape. Lessons have not been learned from the ĕÖĢķŽũāŭ ŋĕ ťũāƑĢŋŽŭ ƪ ÖėŭĞĢť āłāũėƘ-saving programmes such as the Green Deal, an initiative that was supposed to support improvements to ˚˝ ĿĢķķĢŋł ĞŋĿāŭ ðŽŶ Ģł ĕÖóŶ ĿÖùā Ö ùĢƦ āũāłóā Ŷŋ fewer than ˛˙̇˙˙˙ properties. If the country is to get anywhere near its ultimate target of zero carbon by ˛˙˞˙ ŶĞāł ĢŶ̪ŭ ėŋĢłė Ŷŋ łāāù ŶĞā óŋłƩ ùāłóā Öłù ŭŽťťŋũŶ ŋĕ the professional trades that will be tasked with carrying out the work – but the chances of that happening recede with every broken promise.

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

News Review

Microwave boiler could be launched in four years A boiler that heats water using microwaves could be on the market in the UK by ˛˙˛˞. Developed by tech company, Heat Wayv, the new boilers are claimed to have the potential to cut carbon emissions from homes by ˛˝% and will act as a drop-in replacement for gas boilers. “The end of the gas boiler is inevitable and scheduled,” says Phil Stevens, co-founder of Heat Wayv. “But the proposed replacement technologies do not work for consumers as they are either too expensive to install or too expensive to run. The answer is the microwave boiler as it is a trusted technology in our homes already.”

Heat pumps are expected to become the primary heating technology for new homes from ˛˙˛˞, but the company points out that some existing properties are not suitable and will need an alternative that is affordable and complements existing methods of space and water heating. Heat Wayv expects its new boiler will sit in that market sector, with initial target markets being both new builds and housing associations. Developed over four years by the firm’s engineering team, the new boilers heat water using the microwave technology already found in most UK kitchens. Based on solid state components, they

Heat Wayv appliances will be suitable for the vast majority of households, with size variations to be available at launch.

How do they work?

are described as low maintenance appliances that will be easy to install and give off no emissions at point of use. The range is being developed so that standard

Currently, there are two models featured on the company’s website. The Heat Wayv One (pictured), similar in size to a combi boiler, is for average sized households. The Heat Wayv Max, for larger households, comes with an internal hot water tank and is the size of a standard single double-height kitchen unit. The boilers are billed to have an energy efficiency of ˢ˟%, a figure based on ˡ˝% efficiency in converting electricity to hot water, plus an additional ˚˛% via a ‘turbo charge’ approach that recycles waste heat back into heating the water. The water moves through a ˚˙m length of pipe inside the boiler

and is heated at multiple points. The company claims that the running costs will be the same or less than current gas boilers, however, according to The Guardian some energy experts have said that “they would use more electricity and therefore cost more to run than heat pumps and gas boilers”. Paul Atherton, co-founder of Heat Wayv, comments: “With the need to decarbonise the home, we knew that we had to provide a solution that quickly and safely meets this agenda as well as delivering plug-andplay simplicity to enable ease of transition. The beauty of our microwave boiler platform is that it is completely compatible with existing home radiators, easy to install and maintain, but with zero emissions.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙˚

Plumbers’ wages rise as industry hits its stride Earnings for plumbers increased by ˝̍ˡ% in February as the construction industry hit its stride again after the seasonal slow start to the year, according to Hudson Contract. Average weekly pay for plumbing contractors rose to £ˢˡ˜ during the month. “We are seeing growing demand for plumbing contractors across England and Wales,” comments Ian Anfield. “Many of our clients are in the housebuilding sector and report full order books. Interest rates are at a near-record low, latest Bank of England data show A gas engineer who issued his local kebab house with a bogus safety certificate has been given a suspended sentence. Peter Strudwick offered to check out the cooking equipment at a take-away in Teignmouth, which was later found to be in such poor condition ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā ŭĞŋť ƒÖŭ óķŋŭāù ùŋƒł ĕŋũ Ö ŶĢĿā̍ ŶũŽùƒĢóĴ ƒÖŭ Ö ŨŽÖķĢƩ āù engineer, but was only authorised to work through his employer and not in his own right. He was not allowed to moonlight by his āĿťķŋƘāũŭ̇ Öłù ŶĞā ŭÖĕāŶƘ óāũŶĢƩ óÖŶā ƒĞĢóĞ Ğā ĢŭŭŽāù ƒÖŭ ĕÖķŭĢƩ āù̍ Strudwick, 6˛, admitted two counts of breaching Health and Safety Regulations. He was jailed for ˚˙ months, suspended for a year at Exeter Crown Court. The Judge told him he was only suspending the sentence because of his poor health. He said:“You simply and comprehensibly stepped outside the regulatory regime by doing your own private moonlighting work. The regulations are in place for obvious public safety reasons, particularly at premises where the public has access. I have to take into account the exposure of a ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ťāŋťķā ƒŋũĴĢłė ÖŶ ŋũ ÖŶŶāłùĢłė ŶĞā ťũāĿĢŭāŭ to the risk of harm.” Strudwick committed almost identical offences involving gas equipment at a mobile catering unit in North Devon in ˛˙˚˟.

the mortgage market is strong, and the government is committed to new infrastructure spending. The pandemic has been tough for everybody but the sector has fought its way through, highlighting its importance to the wider UK economy. “The skilled trades continue to offer great potential for people who want to start or switch careers. We are playing our part in promoting the trades through our apprentice sponsorship scheme, which is creating meaningful training opportunities for young people in Yorkshire.”

Benchmark app goes live Following a trial period and feedback from installers, the Benchmark Checklist app is now available for free download. It has been designed to encourage a whole-life approach to ðŋĢķāũ óÖũā̇ ŋƦ āũĢłė ùÖŶÖ ŭŶŋũÖėā Öłù retrieval capability. Separate apps for installers and homeowners will act as information portals detailing boiler installation and servicing history for the operational lifetime of the boiler. This will make it easier for heating engineers to register boilers and access vital information about

servicing and maintenance history before commencing work. The trade version of the app will allow engineers to fill out the checklist digitally on their phone or tablet at the time of installation, reducing paperwork and

administration time. The consumer version of the app, which is scheduled for launch in the coming months, will ensure regular service intervals are planned in – ultimately ensuring that boilers remain within warranty and that heating systems are performing at ŶĞāĢũ ĿŋŭŶ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ ķāƑāķŭ̍ As part of the Benchmark app launch, engineers are being encouraged to ‘make their mark’ by registering their installations through the app, to demonstrate their work on each and every install. It is viewed as an opportunity for engineers to showcase great installations and help raise the ťũŋƩ ķā ŋĕ ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙˛

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

News Review āƑĢŭāù ėŽĢùā Ŷŋ ùŋĿāŭŶĢó ĞāÖŶĢłė

CIPHE publishes new manifesto A new manifesto has been launched by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) which calls on parliament to acknowledge the importance of the plumbing and heating engineering community. The document tackles a number of issues caused by Covid-˚ˢ and reaffirms the critical part the industry plays in both protecting public health and pioneering the path to net zero. It includes a number of recommendations to

government across several key issues, such as legionella, scalding and burns; the decline in public toilet facilities; water and fuel poverty; the path to net zero; water conservation; education and apprenticeships; enforcement of regulations; and supply chain shortages. Kevin Wellman, CIPHE CEO, comments: “As a living docu ment, t h e C I PHE ’ s manifesto was always designed to move with the times. While the challenges of a global

pandemic caused by coronavirus has shifted governmental ťũĢŋũĢŶĢāŭ ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶķƘ̇ ĢŶ ĞÖŭ Öķŭŋ emphasised the importance of the industry as we enter the road to recovery. Now is the time to build upon this new-found status to help shape government policy. “ T h i s m u c h -e x p a n d e d document is part of that aim, seeking to give parliament an insight into how the plumbing and heating industry underpins many key areas of government policy: health, housing, energy, environment and education. As we navigate this period of upheaval and change, the UK is going to need skilled, qualified and competent engineers in all disciplines to achieve its domestic and international aims.

“As the Professional Body for the sector, and a registered educational charity dedicated to protecting public health, the Institute is uniquely placed to give a voice to the industry, while upholding the interest of the general public on matters that ÖƦāóŶ ŶĞā ƑāũƘ ĞāÖķŶĞ Öłù ƒāÖķŶĞ of the nation.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙˜

mƘŭŶāũƘ ėāŶÖƒÖƘ ũāƑāÖķāù

Following an extensive review, a new edition of the Domestic Heating Design Guide is set to be published early this month. Designed to assist professional heating engineers with the ŭťāóĢƩóÖŶĢŋł Öłù ùāŭĢėł ŋĕ ƒāŶ óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė systems, the guide was last updated in ˛˙˚ˠ but has now been revised by the Domestic Building Services Panel’s working group, consisting of representatives from various associations. It also carries endorsement by CIBSE as being technically accurate, having been peer reviewed by industry experts. The new edition builds upon previous editions to bring it in line with today’s modern standards, legislation and fundamental design principles. CIBSE are accepting pre-orders of the hard copy only. Alternatively, a PDF version will be available for purchase on the day of publication.

The next destination of the legendary Glowworm Mystery Trip has been revealed. The ˛˙˛˚ excursion will see qualifying installers jetting off to Cuba. Numbers are limited to just ˟˙ installers, but each will win two tickets on the all-expenses paid trip by simply hitting their personalised targets of Glow-worm installations via the company’s Club Energy loyalty scheme. Spencer Clark, commercial director for UK & Ireland at Glow-worm, says: “Choosing Cuba as our destination was about more than its sunny weather and jaw-dropping sights, it’s going to be a great getaway after a really tough year. And for those who have missed out this year, we also have lots of exciting announcements planned over the coming months.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙˝

¦ŋť ƩƑā ťķŽĿðĢłė āũũŋũŭ

X ĿÖũĴŭ ŶĞā ŭťŋŶ Offering a new digital experience for installers and consumers, GROHE X is a new online platform that is designed to provide easy access to installation advice and the latest information on new products. As well as a customised programme of óŋłŶāłŶ ÖĢĿāù ÖŶ ùĢƦāũāłŶ ŶÖũėāŶ ėũŋŽťŭ̇ F zN1 Ç ŋƦāũŭ Ö ƒĢùā ũÖłėā ŋĕ ĢłŭťĢũÖŶĢŋłÖķ articles, how-to videos and virtual rooms that allow visitors to immerse themselves in new innovations and designs. While visitors to the hub can explore products and ideas at their own leisure, there is also the opportunity to schedule appointments and interact directly with the company’s experts. Rł ŶĞā ƩũŭŶ ƒāāĴ ŋĕ ŶĞā ùĢėĢŶÖķ ťķÖŶĕŋũĿ̇ which was launched on ˚˟th March, the company reports that it received over ˟ˡ̇˙˙˙ visits from ˚˝˙ countries. The hub has also resulted in more than ˝˙˙˙ customer meetings. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙˞

To mark last month’s World Plumbing Day (˚˚th March), Bristan revealed the results of a survey of its On Tap installer óŋĿĿŽłĢŶƘ Ŷŋ Ʃłù ŋŽŶ ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ common plumbing mistakes they encounter on the job. Voted as the number one plumbing annoyance was ‘PTFE around thread on compression ƩŶŶĢłė̪̇ ĕŋķķŋƒāù ðƘ ̨óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ buying parts online that aren’t suitable for the plumbing system, just because they like the look’. ¦Ğā Ŷŋť ƩƑā óŋĿĿŋł ťķŽĿðĢłė mistakes as voted by Bristan’s On Tap community are: • PTFE around threads on óŋĿťũāŭŭĢŋł ƩŶŶĢłėŭ • Consumers buying parts online that aren’t suitable for the plumbing system, just because they like the look • Removing a blocked trap and pouring it down the sink • Underestimating what plumbers do and the belief that anyone can do plumbing • pŋŶ óĞÖłėĢłė ŶĞā Ʃðũā ƒÖŭĞāũ when changing taps, WC inlet valves and ball valves Andy Steer, plumber at AM Steer Ltd and Bristan’s On Tap Moderator (pictured), comments:

“I’ve worked with Bristan for many years – from providing feedback to launching their Easyfit Taps, to now moderating the On Tap Facebook group. They’re great to work with and are always open to suggestions and feedback on how they can improve their products for installers.” For exclusive product news, updates and giveaways, you can join Bristan’s On Tap community by using the online reader link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙˟

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

News Review

Association on a crusade for copper A new association for the construction and plumbing industry has been launched with the mission to champion the environmental benefits of using copper in built environments. The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) was founded by Lawton Tubes and Mueller Europe in response to the growing demand for sustainability and longevity within the sector. CuSP takes a stand against the prevalence of plastic in new build housing, pointing out that less than ˜% of all plastics consumed in the UK are made from recycled sources, and most used plastics are ĢłóĢłāũÖŶāù̇ ķÖłùĕĢķķāù ŋũ āƗťŋũŶāù̍ Mark Millerchip, co-founder of

PLUMBERS IN THE NEWS

CuSP and MD at Mueller Europe, says: “Most people would avoid using disposable plastics like bags or bottles, yet few question the environmental impact of the materials used to build their homes. Copper can be used, reused, and recycled infinitely, without loss of properties, and provides a fantastic alternative to plastic pipe.”

Oliver Lawton, also co-founder of CuSP and MD-commercial at Lawton Tubes, adds: “The environmental impact of products is becoming more important than ever before with builders, plumbers and specifiers seeking better materials. That’s why we felt it was important to highlight copper’s green credentials and

Campaign to raise radiator standards

ESi acquired by Swedish company Addtech Power Solutions, part of the Swedish based Addtech Group, has acquired ESi Controls, a company based in Buckingham specialising in energy efficient electronic controls for heating and smart building applications. Managing director Neil Ewings joins the ESi board as āƗāóŽŶĢƑā ùĢũāóŶŋũ̇ Öłù ĕŋũĿāũ UK sales director, Tristan James, will take the reins from Ewings and become the new MD. “We’re delighted with the news that we are joining the Addtech Group and it’s great to know we will have the strength Öłù āƗťāũŶĢŭā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā FũŋŽť offers, supporting us as we strive to build this business even further than we have to date,” says Tristan James.

dispel untruths told by the plastics industry.” The UK-wide CuSP welcomes like - minded entities in championing environmental thinking, insight sharing, and collaboration to further highlight copper as a material for the future. For more information, use the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙ˠ

Cheering on the Clarets Football teams may currently have to play in empty stadiums, but Burnley FC will now be ‘cheered on’ by supporters made out of sinks, pipes, boilers, taps and other plumbing, heating and bathroom products! The specially-engineered, life-size fan figures have been designed and built by apprentice plumbers studying at Burnley College, which now sit proudly in the main stand at Turf Moor sponsored by James Hargreaves, the familyowned plumbing, heating and bathroom supplier. “It’s been a real team effort,” says Gordon Rothwell, MD of James Hargreaves Plumbing Depot. “We had the idea late last year when it became apparent that football stadiums were set to remain empty of fans due to the pandemic. You can see by the detail that the students have taken great care and the figures look spectacular.”

Continuing the charge to stamp out bogus radiator products from the market, the Manufacturers Association of ÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Öłù !ŋłƑāóŶŋũŭ ̛m !̜ Ģŭ āƗŶāłùĢłė ĢŶŭ ‘You Are What You Heat’ campaign, launched last year. The campaign emphasises the importance of having quality CE/UKCA marked radiators as part of a well function heating system. To date the campaign has made progress on educating homeowners, and is now looking to the wider industry to help raise standards and compliance. The group believes that merchants and showrooms in the supply chain are key to raising standards in the industry. With this in mind, MARC created the guide ‘Rules for selling radiators in the UK’. Among its recommendations is a call for stockists to only sell products that comply with EN˝˝˛ standards. It stands alongside a guide aimed at consumers, published last year and available on the MARC website resource page. The merchant guide can be downloaded using the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˙ˡ

ͻ Plumber Patrick Oakley has earned his halo after saving the life of a customer who had a heart attack while he was there to ƩƗ Ö ķāÖĴ̍ ÖŶũĢóĴ ƒÖŭ ŭťāÖĴĢłė Ŷŋ the man in his Shepherd’s Bush property when he began to feel unwell. Recognising the signs, Patrick called an ambulance, and his quick thinking is credited with saving the man’s life, who made a speedy recovery in hospital. Oh, and Patrick ĿÖłÖėāù Ŷŋ ƩƗ ŶĞā ķāÖĴ Ŷŋŋ̉ ͻ The anonymous good deeds of John Gibbons (a.k.a. John the Plumber) finally caught up with him when he was ‘outted’ on Facebook after helping a stranded motorist last month. John pulled over to help a woman who’d run out of petrol, delivering to her a Jerry can of fuel and refusing payment. Turns out John does this sort of thing all the time, but it was only when his latest act of kindness was revealed on the FB page, LeedsSpace, that others came forward to sing his praises. ͻ The Times has highlighted the works of Steve Etches MBE, a retired plumber who is also billed the ‘world’s greatest living fossil hunter’. His most recent claim to fame was the discovery of ichthyosaurus (a sea reptile), unearthed near Kimmeridge Bay in December. Steve is making headlines again as a biopic about Victorian fossil hunter Mary Anning is released in the UK. Like Anning, Etches says Ğā ƩėĞŶŭ Ŷŋ ðā ŶÖĴāł ŭāũĢŋŽŭķƘ because of his lack of academic qualifications, despite his óŋłŶũĢðŽŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā Ʃāķù̍

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

News Review Acquisition of HVAC specialist

Eco targets met and exceeded With the release of its ˛˙˛˙ environmental performance data, Wolseley Plumb & Parts is highlighting its progress on the road towards its long-term goal of achieving net zero. The merchant has managed to exceed all of its five-year targets addressing the environmental impact of the company. From ˛˙˚˟ to ˛˙˛˙ Wolseley has: reduced energy and operations carbon by ˝˚%; reduced transport-related carbon by ˛˙%; reduced overall waste production by ˛˛%; total waste ùĢƑāũŶāù ĕũŋĿ ķÖłùƩ ķķ̇ ˡˢ% diverted. Looking ahead, Wolseley aims to eliminate single-use plastics in all areas of the business. In all its

ðũÖłóĞāŭ̇ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ƒĢķķ ðā ŋƦ āũāù products in cardboard boxes and paper bags where possible, not only reducing the dependency on plastic but also allowing customers to easily recycle the packaging once used. Where paper bags are not suitable, the company will be introducing bags-for-life at its trade counters, further reducing the reliance on single-use plastics throughout the business. Helen Holly, environmental manager at Wolseley, comments: “We are proud to lead the charge in encouraging the adoption of new processes and an industrywide shift away from single-use plastics.”

Stuart Turner has announced its acquisition of mĢĴũŋƩ ķķ ƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ Öŭāù Ģł āùùĢŶóĞ̇ mĢĴũŋƩ ķķ ðũĢłėŭ over ˛˞ years experience producing pressurisation units for sealed system control, commercial grade boilers and water heaters. Following the deal, Mikrofill will continue to operate as an independent entity but as part of Stuart Turner. The acquisition will significantly expand Stuart Turner’s range of products and services, which now includes a wide range of HVAC and water supply solutions across domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. In recent years, the company has acquired two other complementary businesses – GAH Heating in ˛˙˚ˡ and Fluid Water Solutions in ˛˙˚ˢ.

Signed up to government’s Kickstart In a bid to help young people into the heating industry and improve the services for installers and their customers, Baxi has announced it will be taking part in the government’s Kickstart scheme. Successful Kickstart applicants will receive customer service training and coaching, and will then work as part of the customer service team for installers and enhanced

Calling all the heroes Last month ADEY ran a ‘Superhero’ campaign to celebrate the achievements of plumbing and heating engineers throughout the pandemic. Showing that ‘Not all Superheroes wear capes, but they do wear masks’, the #ADEYHero social media campaign encouraged ADEY’s installer community share their adventures as the hero of the day. From donning a cape and mask as they set out to work, to going into branch fully dressed as a superhero and even getting their children and pets involved, hundreds of installers joined in.

aftercare for their customers. Following the initial six-month placement, the young people will be able to continue working at Baxi Ģĕ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢŭĞ̍ 'ĢƦ āũāłŶ ıŋð ťũŋŭťāóŶŭ are available for them to choose from, including marketing, IT, sales, engineering and R&D. Customer service director Louise Murton says: “Through this scheme we hope to discover and nurture new talent. This will not only help to address the skills gap and increase workforce diversity but also ensure that our installers have even more support from our Baxi customer service teams.”

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

The new European commercial director for Fernox is Charel Marais. With over 17 years experience in the HVAC industry, Charel brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role at the water treatment manufacturer as it looks to expand its business in new and existing European markets. He will oversee all commercial operations within the region.

Two senior appointments have been made at Saniﬂo, with Simon Emmons (pictured) joining as sales director and Warren Knowles as business development manager. Simon will strengthen the distribution network for both domestic and commercial products while Warren will focus on raising brand awareness of the company’s Kinedo product range.

Andy Mills (pictured) has been promoted by Fein to UK managing director, with former MD Raphael Rudolph moving into the role of chief sales officer for the group. Andy, who began at Fein as an area sales manager in 2010, has ambitious plans to progress the manufacturer’s solutionsfocused strategy over the next 12 months.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

People on the Move

Methven has strengthened its UK operations with the appointment of Catherine Seville-Clare as the head of UK marketing. With extensive experience in the sector in marketing and product management positions, Catherine will be developing strategies for both the consumer and commercial markets.

Commercial heating manufacturer ELCO Heating Solutions has appointed Paul Mickleburgh as area sales manager for the South East of England. Paul will be responsible for growing ELCO’s market share in the region, driving sales of the company’s commercial heating, hot water, district heating and renewable products.

The sales team at ToughBuilt has been strengthened with the appointment of two new national key account managers. Scott Thompson (pictured) and Stuart Cowling bring to their roles a wealth of experience in the tools industry. Their appointments come as the company revises its distribution arrangements to sell direct to stockists.

Two senior appointments have been made at Aberdeen-based Balmoral Tanks. Gary Lockwood (pictured) becomes the new operations director at the company’s Llantrisant facility in South Wales while Cheong Tsang moves into a similar role in Thurnscoe, South Yorkshire. Both bring considerable engineering experience to their new roles.

Wilsonart has welcomed Helen Dennett (pictured) and Sasha Betty to its marketing team. Helen joins as UK marketing communications manager while Sasha is the digital marketing specialist. Together, they will oversee the company’s brands: Mermaid Panels, Wetwall and Bushboard’s Nuance range.

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25/03/2021 14:14

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

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Simplicity is behind efficient designs PHAM News goes from strength to strength, the March edition comprehensively airing the decarbonisation debate in an informed and unbiased manner. The old adage ‘anything can be proved by statistics’ has never rung truer, however, when vested interests, government policy and the like jostle for position. In pursuit of the great panacea, ‘net zero carbon emissions’, some interesting concepts have emerged. Concluding that biomass can be ‘green’ is, I think, a prime example, given the extensive production processes involved. To cut down trees in North America, transport them to a production facility to convert them into pellets, transport them again to the port, ship them thousands of miles to the UK, transport them to the power station and nall urn them to produce electricit . How green is that? One part of the excellent letter from R. Chambers published in March did stand out: “Sonny, keep it simple; the less there is to go wrong, the less will go wrong”. The next house I renovate will dispense with unnecessarily complex heating components. Insulation will be extensive, thereby reducing the need for heating anyway. The house will be built around the ‘old’ gravity dropper system, formerly used in buildings such as hospitals that required the heating to work without electricity, if needed. n efficient log urner will urn scrap pallet wood made into logettes using a simple nail. mm copper pipe will run vertically into the loft space, connect to a feed and expansion tank and hot water cylinder, then return back down each side of the building to connect to adjacent column radiators via top and bottom connections. Natural convection will ensure heat circulation without the need for an electric pump. No motorised valves, actuators, diverter valves, etc, etc, to inevitably breakdown. Simplistic this may well be, but...

Rob Cole Atherstone

Costs cover-up Just been having my lunch and reading PHAM News with interest on all the green issues and what we are going to be made to do in the future to save the planet. Hydrogen seems to be at the top of the list of replacements for natural gas. With everything that’s being said about this change I see again that the cost of hydrogen compared with natural gas to the customer is never explained, nor what fuel will be used to produce hydrogen. Possibly we could use the natural gas that is not sold to the end user. Also, with air source, electric costs are never talked about after removing grants, etc. It would e nice if these gures were pu lished so I can pass them on to my customers.

Ian West Bingley

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Let us know what you think... Please address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News 1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

30/03/2021 14:47

PHAM APR21 BOILER GUIDE:Layout 1 25/03/2021 15:38 Page 1

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Company Spotlight

Keeping installers on side ne ear on from ecoming at m iente, we tal to Sheldon ooper a out de elopments in his rst 12 months in charge and his future plans for the underﬂoor heating manufacturer. a ing pre iousl wor ed for a installation compan , Sheldon nows how important it is to maintain good relationships with trade customers and understand their needs.

ecoming an for the rst time would e challenging enough for most people, ut ta ing up the reins of a usiness shortl after the countr went into a o id-enforced loc down is perhaps not the ideal eginning. owe er, ha ing pre iousl wor ed for one of the leading installation S, Sheldon companies, ertfordshire- ased ooper is well placed to understand oth sides of the underfloor heating mar et. e recentl spo e to Sheldon a out how he was a le to help steer the usiness through the initial economic tur ulence and the prospects for future e pansion. How did you first get into the UFH market? SC oined S in 200 at a time when the usiness was alread growing rapidl . S had started wor ing with m iente when the compan rst set up in 200 and had alread esta lished a good relationship. What attracted you to join Ambiente? SC new what a good usiness it was, ha ing wor ed alongside them for a few ears. ne of the strengths of m iente is that the compan has alwa s een close to the installer mar et. t S, whene er we were in ol ed in a particular pro ect and it re uired a uni ue floor uild-up, m iente would wor with us to de elop something that would wor . i e S, the compan started with a small team and had grown uic l in response to demand. t egan with ust four core s stems and there are now o er 1 plus s stems a aila le. It can’t have been easy being appointed MD just as the country was responding to Covid-19. What steps did you take to address some of the challenges? SC o id has had an impact on e er single usiness, some massi el and some less so, ut it s e ected us all in some shape or form. t m iente, it forced us to create a er lean ship. wo things we felt were a solutel paramount the nancial sta ilit of the usiness and product a aila ilit . t the start of the pandemic there were a lot of shortages of product in the construction sector, ut we did e er thing we could to ensure that wasn t the case for m iente. Some of our competitors had closed at the start of o id so there were some contractors without a supplier who were struggling to get products from merchants and other suppliers. Some of the igger chains had actuall closed down for a while, so it was a reall difficult time. ut we hold e er thing in stoc here and at decent le els so we were a le to step in and spea to a lot of new customers. When you talk about the business being leaner, what do you mean by that? SC here was so much going on in the whirlwind of the da -to-da that ust wasn t important. e wanted to focus on the core usiness. he other thing we prioritised was communication. n uncertain times, we felt that constant communication with customers was the est wa to address things. e e made sure that we e ept in contact with them all and, largel as a result of that, we e actuall grown the usiness o er the last ear.

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Do you think some of the changes you’ve made to the business would have happened irrespective of Covid and the subsequent lockdowns? SC m not sure, to e honest. a e o er time, ut thin it s forced us to thin a out the usiness in a di erent wa . here s so much that we e een a le to ma e more efficient and streamlined, especiall from an and infrastructure point of iew. ha e to sa that e ne er reall een a supporter of home wor ing prior to o id, ut thin it s made us more outcome-focused. here s een a huge increase in trust of the team. thin it s made us thin a out the results of each role and outcomes. t s also helped me to understand the positi e e ects of actual leadership and how important it is in a remote en ironment. n a funn ind of wa , thin the team is actuall closer now than efore e en though we re not actuall sitting eside each other. Do you operate across the whole of the UK? SC e do, ut at the moment the ma orit of our wor a out 7 comes from ondon and the South- ast and this is something we re loo ing at. Since pril last ear, we ha e seen that reduce as other regions increase. ogisticall , there is no arrier to us widening our focus out to other parts of the countr . e want to widen our reach and right now we re focusing on regions outside ondon and the Southast. ithin the ne t three ears we hope that -wide trusted rand. m iente will e a How do you see the current drive for low carbon heating solutions influencing the business? SC he need for car on-reduction is alread ha ing a huge impact on the heating industr and we re certainl fortunate to e a le to o er a solution that is er well-aligned with low temperature s stems. don t thin heat pumps are going to e the onl solution, ut the are going to see a massi e surge in demand o er the ne t few ears and the underfloor heating mar et will e running alongside that. here is alwa s the option of low surface temperature radiators, ut the would re uire a signi cant increase in surface area, thus an increase in material, and an increase in costs. nd thin we e got a massi e ad antage in ha ing access to the whole floor, alongside the comfort that it rings. ust ha ing warmth underfoot is a er comforta le wa to heat a home. Any thoughts on broadening the product range to expand into renewable technologies? SC e er sa ne er, ut for now we re sta ing focused as a specialist. e e loo ed at wor ing with a few di erent heat pump pro iders, ut thin it s important to eep our options open. e don t want to e tied to an one compan , as di erent customers ha e their own preferences a out the products the want to use. Is it true to say that the majority of your work is new build rather than refurbishment? SC he large ma orit of the pro ects we get in ol ed with are new uild or large scale refur ishment, although we also ha e a whole range that is suita le

Sheldon Cooper, MD at Ambiente

for the refur mar et. ur low-pro le range has een designed so that it can e incorporated with hardl an raising of the height of the ﬂoor. er the last ear we e rought to the mar et a new s stem called m i ec ro which essentiall com ines two s stems, o ering the ene ts of a high-densit insulation s stem with the ad antages of a cement oard s stem. t s lightweight and eas to wor with, and results in less wastage too. e e had a er positi e reaction to it. Your own background must give the company a bit of an edge – knowing what the contractor is looking for, you can put yourself in their shoes. SC es, one-hundred percent. speciall ha ing wor ed on the commercial side of the mar et, where some of the pro ects in ol ed a huge amount of attention to detail. now from e perience that ha ing a supporti e supplier that can ac ou on technical details, when uestions might come up mid-contract, can e reall important. So, ﬁnally, why should an installer or contractor consider working with Ambiente over any other suppler? SC thin the opportunit to ha e a direct relationship with our supplier is a ig factor. is a specialist product which still needs specialist ac ing and support. ost merchants don t hold the stoc necessar , ut we can o er customers a ne t da deli er ser ice, installation guidance and full technical support. Secondl , m iente started as a er small usiness and, while we e grown, we e tried to not let go of that agilit and speed as we e grown. e e got a oung, energetic team that s o sessi e a out customer ser ice and the customer e perience. So we ma e sure our customers get what the re loo ing for it s a dail goal and alwa s at the front of our minds. longside all that, we elie e that contractors and tradespeople li e to tal to people, so we re ig on communication too. e don t ust li e to sit ehind emails, and we aim to alwa s e a aila le when customers need to tal to someone on the phone. thin one of the things we can e proud a out at m iente is that we e got a reall userfriendl s stem and we e alwa s een close to the installation side. hat s something we cherish and we see feed ac as a gift something that can help us dri e and constantl impro e as a usiness.

phamnews.co.uk

26/03/2021 17:43

PHAM APR21:Layout 1 30/03/2021 15:33 Page 15

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Gadgets & Tools 15 Hot food or cold drinks from the box Keep food and drinks cool or warm in any season with Makita’s new ˛˙-litre DCW˚ˡ˙Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. It is powered by an ˚ˡV LXT battery or via ˛˝˙V mains. The battery option enables you to use two ˚8V LXT batteries in series for extended operating times. When the Ʃ ũŭŶ ðÖŶŶāũƘ Ģŭ ùāťķāŶāù ŶĞā ŽłĢŶ automatically switches to the second battery. When set at 5°C (normal fridge temperature) the

cooler will run for up to ˚ˠ hours with ˛ x ˟̍˙Ah batteries. The ˛˙-litre capacity means the box can hold ˜˙ cans, or ˚˞ x ˟˙˙ml water bottles. The box operates at two warming settings of ˞˞° and ˟˙΅!̇ ƒĢŶĞ Ʃ Ƒā óŋŋķĢłė settings of -˚ˡ΅̇ -˚˙΅̇ ˙΅̇ ˞΅ and ˚˙°. It will run at its coldest setting of -˚˗΅ ĕŋũ Ʃ Ƒā ĞŋŽũŭ Öłù its warmest setting of 6˙° for around four hours. The box features ˚˙˙mm wheels and a pull handle for transport, and side grips for easy lifting, as well as a comfortable shoulder strap. It comes with an IPX˝ rating. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˝˛˚̓˚˙

Get a better grip with adjustable heavy-duty pliers Suitable for use on a wide range of plumbing and heating jobs, the Siphon and Connector pliers from Knipex are made for use on ŭĢťĞŋłŭ̇ ŶŽðā Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇ óŋłłāóŶŋũŭ Öłù Ʃ ķŶāũ óÖũŶũĢùėāŭ Žť Ŷŋ ˡ˙mm diameter. Adjustable to ˛˞ positions to reach the desired size, its boxjoint design ensures diverse diameters can be tackled by the pliers. The tool is described as robust, heavy duty and ideal for tightening and loosening siphon screw connections. It can also tighten and loosen ťķÖŭŶĢó ťĢťā Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Öłù ũŋŽłù ŽłĢŋł łŽŶŭ ĕŋũ óŋłłāóŶŋũŭ Öłù óŋŽťķĢłėŭ with a screw connection, such as Cannon circular connectors. They are also useful for gently loosening hoses on nozzles. Knipex says the Siphon and Connector Pliers are ‘the perfect tool’ ĕŋũ ėāłŶķā ėũĢťťĢłė ŋĕ Ʃ ķŶāũ óÖũŶũĢùėāŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā ŭŽðıāóŶ Ŷŋ óķāÖłĢłė ŋũ replacement. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˝˛˚̓˚˚

Quick and easy way to enlarge existing holes

Clipacore Duocut – the new name for Quikcore – is a quick release system which allows diamond tipped core bits to be ùĢŭóŋłłāóŶāù āƦ ŋũŶķāŭŭķƘ ĕũŋĿ óŋũā ùũĢķķŭ̍ ¦Ğā ŭƘŭŶāĿ ĞÖŭ now been expanded to provide installers with an easy way Ŷŋ āłķÖũėā āƗĢŭŶĢłė Ğŋķāŭ Ŷŋ ÖóóŋĿĿŋùÖŶā ķÖũėāũ ƪ Žāŭ̇ ėÖŭ pipes or waste pipes. Existing holes can be symmetrically enlarged without core bits skidding across a customer’s wall and causing property damage. Featuring a spring loaded core bit for easy removal, Clipacore can be used across a range of sizes, from ˜ˡmm up to ˚˞˛mm core bits. Once the outer core bit has scarred the wall symmetrically to the smaller existing hole, the inner core bit can easily be removed by hand. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˝˛˚̓˚˛

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Training Update

One to one sessions on Wiser A new series of 1 2 1 training sessions has been launched by Drayton, focusing on the practical side of the installation of its Wiser smart heating controls range. The training sessions are available to order through the company’s ° Network shop, as part of a bundle including a free Wiser kit. Once purchased, installers will need to complete the online training module, ahead of their dedicated session with training manager James Clark (pictured), before then becoming one of Drayton’s network of Wiser Approved installers. During the 1 2 1 session, installers will be able to undertake the practical side of the training that has been missing since the Wiser Training Tour was paused. With James on the end of a video call, installers will have the opportunity to walk through installing the Wiser kit and ask any technical questions they may have regarding their online training or realworld experience of installing Wiser. Trade marketing manager Clare Weller

Ventilation and why it matters The newly updated ‘Residential ventilation principles and Building Regulations’ CPD from Domus Ventilation is CIBSE-accredited and focuses on the importance of ventilation in the residential new build industry. It clearly explains the recent changes to Part F - Ventilation of the Building egulations. he course aims to e plain wh ventilation is so important, not only for occupant health but also for the building fabric. Topics covered include why ventilation is necessary, with an increased emphasis on pollutants and indoor air quality; the types of ventilation available, along with supporting ductwork and installation practices; and the pertinent regulations directi es. New Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery guidelines and best practice also feature on the course, as well as art ire Safety, addressing the changing re uirements which di er across the . To book a course, please contact: megan.bennett@domusventilation.co.uk

heat pump facts you should know Continuing his new regular column, Neil Hope from NIBE nerg S stems highlights e e facts that e er installer should know about heat pumps.

says: “These new 1 2 1 training sessions are a great way for heating engineers and electricians to get valuable time with our training manager, James. They inject a practical side and allow installers to put into practice what they have learnt from the module by installing the Wiser system in their own home and asking any questions they might have along the way.” phamnews.co.uk

Targeted help with radiators Installers looking to brush up on radiator knowledge and installation practices can access online training from Stelrad. The company’s Brand Specialist team are on hand to help installers broaden their knowledge about anything to do with radiators. “If anyone is looking for remote training from us on any of a number of topics, including the basics of how they work, types, terminology or even if you just want to know more about verticals, towel rails and new designer radiators, then drop us an email or give us a call and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction,” says Stelrad’s head of marketing Chris Harvey. For more details, please contact a member of Stelrad by calling 0 200 or email marketing@stelrad.com

South West home for oil boilers A selection of Vortex and VortexBlue oil-fired boilers have been installed at the South West Assessment and Training Centre in Liskeard, Cornwall as part of a major refurbishment of its oil boiler training and assessment facilities. These oil appliances will be used by heating engineers completing their OFTEC qualifications at the centre. The South West Assessment and Training Centre, known as SWAAT, is one of the leading providers in the area for training in the construction sector and provides courses in plumbing, gas, oil, electrics, solid fuel, renewable energy and health and safety. Its portfolio of training includes qualifications for competent persons schemes, such as OFTEC, Gas Safe and MCS. Boiler models installed include a VortexBlue Internal 1 21kW, a Vortex Combi Internal 21kW, a Vortex Boiler House 1 21kW, and a Vortex Wall Hung 12 1 kW. All of these boilers have been installed with the company’s flues and Grant MagOne magnetic filters. phamnews.co.uk/

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Planning for the Future

f you’re a heating installer, chances are you’ve already heard a thing or two about heat pumps. The future demands greener heating systems, and for installers like you,that means one thing – getting to grips with heat pump technology as soon as you can. Ready to nd out more t s time to separate some of the myths from the realities.

Heat pumps are relatively simple to install Have you heard that heat pumps are difficult to install ou e een misinformed. Heat pumps are actually relatively simple to install, provided the installation is well planned. ost homes can be heated with a single-phase heat pump. Controls are often supplied to control the technology, complete with onboard commissioning guides to assist with the initial system set up.

Pipework and wiring requirements are minimised While heat pump installations vary depending on the technology type, pipework can be minimised in many cases. Air source heat pumps can be installed in close proximity to the property, and when installing a monobloc air source heat pump the pipework leaving the heat pump can be connected directly to the heating pipework in the house. This means that no refrigerant uali cations are re uired for installation or commissioning. Many ground source heat pumps and indoor modules for air source heat pumps contain integrated hot water cylinders, pumps, valves and controls, removing the need for excess pipework and wiring.

Heat pumps are not complicated to design Heat pumps require attention to detail – they are not complicated to design. While it is essential to design a heat pump correctly so that it performs as it should, this is considered best practice across all heating systems and is something every good installer adheres to. Many of the crucial aspects of heat pump design are related to ﬂow temperatures, with most heat pump manufacturers recommending a maximum temperature of 0- °C. A heat pump is most efficient operating at low temperatures, which means that extra care is needed to ensure that pipes and heat emitters such as radiators are appropriately sized. It is essential that a room-by-room heat loss calculation is carried out to ensure this is the case. ow ﬂow temperatures don t ust ma e heat pumps more efficient e en the traditional gas oiler can ene t

Neil Hope

Head of installer development at NIBE

- and so it is hoped that this will become standard practice for all heating systems over time.

Heat pumps are suited to all types of homes One of the great things about heat pumps is that they can be installed to operate e ecti el in all t pes of properties whether it is a brand-new build, an old historic farmhouse or a high-rise ﬂat. he choice of heat pump may vary dependent on the type of property in question, but the di erent options a aila le mean that there is a solution for every type of home. Ground source heat pumps are great for new builds since the groundwork infrastructure can be done at the same time as building works, for example, but they are also suited to retro ts, pro iding there is a it of outdoor space. Air source heat pumps don’t require the outdoor space that a ground source collector would, but are an ideal replacement for an old heating system and are expected to be the primary heating system in new build homes from 202 at the latest.

Demand for heat pumps is on the rise Like-for-like boiler replacements simply will not do in this new era of green growth. Targets have been set by the government to drive down costs and carbon emissions from homes and buildings, and consumers care about reducing their carbon footprints more than ever before. But the big projections aren’t just coming from the government. The Heat Pump Association recentl re ealed that the mar et is set to double this year, and heat pumps have been the most popular choice among homeowners who have applied for Green Homes Grant vouchers.

Start your journey today by visiting: www.nibe.co.uk

01/04/2021 15:22

PHAM FEB21 NAVIEN v2:Layout 1 20/01/2021 09:45 Page 2

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Product Spotlight

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Business Matters

Unlock the world of low carbon heating While its Centres of Excellence have been closed, Vaillant’s training team has been working hard to deliver an online learning experience which closely replicates that of in-centre training. Here Mark Wilkins, technologies and training director at Vaillant, gives an overview of what installers can learn.

A ordable hygiene for washrooms As UK lockdown restrictions begin to ease, building owners and facilities managers need to ensure that all public buildings minimise the risk of infection for users, particularly their washroom facilities. Delabie UK highlights some of the options available that needn’t blow the budget.

ll public buildings are required to provide facilities for regular users and visitors to wash their hands frequently. This means more intensive use, higher consumption of water and soap and additional cleaning of all surfaces. As the pandemic has progressed, it is apparent that quick, low-cost options are no longer sustainable, and building owners and facility managers need durable and economical solutions to their hygiene challenges.

Built to last Sensor-operated taps o er the perfect h gienic solution. They operate without manual contact, preventing the spread of germs. The initial outlay plus installation and repair costs can seem prohibitive, especially with budgets under enormous pressure. However, our TEMPOMATIC tap is simple to install and built to last. When calculated over its lifetime, the savings on installation and maintenance costs are signi cant. ue to an integrated battery, the only connection is to the water supply, providing a straight swap for cross-head or time ﬂow taps. lus, all components are standardised and accessed via the body, so servicing is simple – saving time (and money) especially if several are installed. The battery life is three to six years ( 0,000 operations) depending on usage patterns, and its solid metal body with reinforced ings will withstand intensi e use and intentional misuse. TEMPOMATIC reduces water consumption by up to 0% compared to a domestic-style tap, and the resulting savings on the water and energy bill will uic l o set the original in estment. han s to the sensor, water ﬂows only when hands are detected, closing

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automatically to avoid waste during soaping. he ﬂow rate is pre-set at litres/minute, but can be adjusted from 1. to litres/minute to suit the system pressure and meet environmental targets. oreo er, a dut ﬂush occurs if the tap is not used for 2 hours, refreshing the water in the tap and pipes to prevent stagnation and bacterial development.

No corners cut Choosing the right soap dispenser is also critical. A leaking, blocked or broken dispenser is ine ecti e and reﬂects adl on the overall hygiene standard of the building. At a time of heightened concern for personal safety and wellbeing, a negative experience due to poor washroom hygiene and maintenance has a detrimental impact. or e ecti e hand h giene, dispensers must be reliable and easy to operate. Our electronic dispenser works with hand sanitiser (hydroalcoholic gel) and liquid soap. A measured dose is dispensed automatically, up to a maximum of 7 doses to prevent waste. The mechanism and sensor are robust, able to withstand intensive use and abuse. The onepiece casing is made from stainless steel, which is easy to clean. Bacterial retention rate after cleaning is up to 20-times lower than materials such as glass or plastic. In the current climate, user safety and wellbeing are paramount. Building owners and facilities managers need sustainable and durable solutions for their washroom facilities. Our sensor taps and soap dispensers are cost e ecti e, relia le, hygienic and sustainable – ideal for washrooms facing intensive use. phamnews.co.uk

eat pumps are now in the limelight thanks to their recognition in governmentbacked schemes such as the Green Homes Grant and the Renewable Heat Incentive. With zero emissions at point of use, there is no doubt that they are perfectly placed to help drive down carbon emissions from domestic heating. However, a rise in demand needs to be matched by an increase in the number of installers with the right skills to design and install low carbon heating solutions to a high standard. Now is an opportune time for gas engineers who want to open up new revenue streams to upskill and capitalise on this growing market.

Where to start hile the ene ts are clear, nowing where to start may seem a little daunting – which is wh aillant o ers e tensi e training to support those who are looking to diversify their businesses. From understanding the basics of decarbonisation to becoming familiar with speci c products, this increased knowledge is vital to help installers design and install high quality, low-carbon heat pump systems. Our Decarbonisation of Heat and Low Carbon Technologies module explores the drivers and current challenges when it comes to decarbonisation of heat in buildings, while also providing an overview of the low carbon technologies on the market. he course is o ered completel free for installers, speci ers, architects and consultant engineers. If required, the module can also e o ered as a CIBSE-accredited CPD for those needing professional training credits. It covers the political, social and economic factors that are behind decarbonisation and why it is so important. These include the amendment of the UK’s Climate Change Act 200 to include the ambitious target of net zero carbon by 20 0; the fact that a climate emergency has been declared by the UK government and over 270 local authorities; and growing consumer awareness of climate issues thanks to increased media coverage. Installers then learn about the main renewable and low carbon heating technologies. This section begins with a basic introduction to the principles of how a heat pump works and the features and ene ts of the di erent t pes of heat pump, such as air source or ground source. It then moves on to the role that hydrogen and

other green gases could play in supporting the UK’s decarbonisation journey. One of the key takeaways from the course is that there is no ‘silver bullet’ for tackling climate change; the UK’s housing stock is incredibly diverse and certain solutions are better suited to di erent applications than others.

What next? The Decarbonisation of Heat and Low Carbon Technologies session gives an excellent overview of the current state of play with low car on heating. e also o er a num er of other courses on specialist subjects, such as hydrogen and the role of green gas in the decarbonisation of heat. This module (which is also CIBSE accredited) focuses on the possible uses of hydrogen in the energy sector, ongoing projects and the challenges involved with large scale deployment of green gases. Those wanting to take their renewables knowledge to the next level can also access product-speci c training courses, such as a two-part series on the new aroTHERM plus air source heat pump. These modules cover the e features and ene ts, speci cation and system design requirements, and installation and commissioning of our newest and most innovative heat pump. t aillant, we o er e tensi e training that can help support installers rst steps into low carbon heating. From understanding the basics when it comes to decarbonisation through to more speci c product courses, this increased knowledge is vital to help installers when designing and installing quality low-carbon heat pump systems for their customers.

Vaillant online training Vaillant offers a full range of online training courses available via Zoom, where candidates get the chance to watch live webinars and ask questions. To see the list of courses available, please use the link below: phamnews.co.uk/421/18

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Products in Action

Plumber delighted with his guttering choice An installer in Scotland has selected products from aluminium guttering and drainage system specialist, Marley Alutec, and its Traditional and Tudor ranges during a recent renovation of his own heritage property. Located in Insch in the Scottish countryside, Shaun Scott’s 200 year old home is a traditional farmhouse that had been left derelict prior to purchase. The rustic property, was in need of a refurbishment of its old cast iron guttering, rainwater drainage and eaves. Shaun, who was 201 ’s UK Plumber of the Year, opted for a traditional half round gutter system with Tudor range downpipes, all in Heritage Black, perfectly replicating the original cast iron system. This aluminium solution provided Shaun a low cost replacement for cast iron

downpipes, delivering an accurate aesthetic match. “Working with Marley Alutec has helped me to meet speci c project goals in a timely, cost e ecti e manner, sa s Shaun. rom the deep ﬂow rate, to its

Hospital makes a Wiser choice to control the heating systems Drayton has donated a number of its Wiser heating control systems to University Hospitals Birmingham Charity (UHBC), giving the charity remote control of the heating in the o site accommodation provided to families and patients being treated at the hospitals. The s stem is helping to signi cantl reduce monthly energy usage. Now with the help of Wiser, the UHBC team no longer need to physically visit the premises to make heating adjustments. They simply control the heating system remotely via the Wiser Heat app as and when required, saving both time and money on energy bills. Tom Joyce, UHBC operations manager, says: “With support from Drayton and its Wiser

system, we can save time and money managing the heating systems in our property portfolio, allowing us to focus harder on the most important task, providing excellent care to families and patients that need it most.” phamnews.co.uk/ /

easeofinstallation, it’s clear that I have made the right choice. What’s more, Marley Alutec’s team has been on hand to support me every step of the wa , from speci cation, to installation.” phamnews.co.uk/ /

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Vita Deco radiators from Stelrad ha e een speci ed enter arcs for the accommodation cabins at its site in Ireland – at Longford Forest near Ballymahon. Being open all year round, good quality heating systems were required to ensure that families were comfortable in the cooler months of the ear. When it came to selecting the radiators, speci ers chose the ita Deco radiators from Stelrad. Some of these radiators now adorn the cabins across the site, providing heat for the guests. They were installed by Walsh Mechanical in the bedrooms and lounge/dining rooms in e er ca in in the arc. “We are pleased that our radiators were selected for this prestigious project in Ireland,” says Head of Marketing for Stelrad,

Chris Harvey. “Our Vita series of radiators has ta en o in a ig wa across the UK and Ireland with most installers selecting them for their new and replacement heating system projects, and the selection of models available within the series makes it really easy for speci ers and installers to choose the radiator that is right for every application. phamnews.co.uk/

Historical abbey beneﬁts from fan convectors Fan convectors from Dunham Bush have been speci ed heelers td for a heating pro ect at the historical Bath Abbey. The contractors wanted to provide high quality products and services on the project and therefore selected e Series an on ector units which were tted into the architectural wall. he Series an on ectors o er a range of chassis fan convector heaters with EC motors. They comprise a basic galvanised sheet metal casing with access panel, fan and motor platform, air lter, hot water heating coil and electrical connections box. A single phase electric heating coil can be supplied instead of a hot water coil, with an output of up to 6kW. By design, the Dunham Bush Fan Convectors produce moderate air temperatures to reduce strati cation, as well as low outlet elocities and low air throws to improve comfort, suiting them to an application like the one at Bath Abbey. phamnews.co.uk/

Club is bowled over by new LG solution The new Desborough Bowls Club in aidenhead is ene tting from LG products which have been included as part of a comprehensive heating, cooling and hot water system at its new home in Green Lane. The new facilities include indoor bowling on eight rinks and a six rink outdoor green. There are also extensive bar and catering facilities on site. The biggest challenge of the project was the heating and cooling for the indoor green area – a massive area measuring 0 x 0m, with a ceiling height of 8m. Setpoint Solutions was appointed to assist with the

Keeping cabin guests warm

Getting a lock on reliable seals

design, supply and installation of the new system. The company decided to use the LG Multi V 2 kW high static ducted units for the job, which cope well with long piping distances between condensers and fan coils. The bar lounge, changing rooms and office areas are served with LG’s ceiling mounted cassettes and heat

recovery ventilation units, which are linked to a 2 kW LG Hydro kit which provides the low pressure hot water heating circuit. The complete system is operated by an LG Touch Screen Controller which ma imises efficienc le els while also reducing running costs for the Club. phamnews.co.uk/

The WRAS approved Loctite 2 00 thread locker and sealant has come to the rescue of pipe tting manufacturer HUOT, which had been using another product that caused quality issues. HUOT said when the other product cured, the seals became brittle. Several alternative adhesives were trialled to resolve the problem and Loctite 2 00 thread locker and sealant proved superior for three reasons: when cured it absorbs any shock, the resultant bond is extremely durable and, most importantly, it has no hazard symbols. e speci cation for the replacement thread loc er was that it should be hazard label free, but by switching to Loctite 2 00,HUOT has also drastically reduced customer returns, ensured the long term service quality of products, and underpinned its brand image. phamnews.co.uk/

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Finding the key to optimising heating system performance The government has made a number of recent announcements about the future of home heating in relation to its Net Zero targets, as well as what can e done to impro e the efficienc of existing systems in the meantime. Remi Volpe of Drayton looks at two important measures s stem alancing and tting thermostatic radiator valves – and why they matter.

ollowing the Future Homes Standard consultation, the government has announced a series of new measures that are expected to be introduced to Part L of the Building Regulations. The consultation con rms that homes built from 202 must be built ‘zero carbon ready’ and deliver a7 0% carbon emissions reduction in comparison to homes built to standards today. Given the scale of change required between now and 202 , the government’s response to the consultation con rmed that an interim uplift to Part L of the Building Regulations will ta e e ect this ear. These interim standards will cover important areas, including an improvement of minimum standards for heating systems in new build and retro t applications, and are all particularly geared towards increasing energ efficienc . A key proposal is the decision to introduce a new regulation in the Building Regulations 2010, which will ensure that existing domestic buildings must have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on radiators in each room when a heating appliance, such as a boiler, is replaced.

CUT TO THE CHASE  Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are set to take effect this year  A key proposal is the requirement to ﬁt TRVs on radiators in each room when replacing a heating appliance  TRVs can play a role in ensuring a heating system is correctly balanced  Drayton’s balancing key means there is no need to drain down the system

Remi Volpe

Managing director at Drayton

et TRVs play a hugely important role in optimising the performance of a heating system and reducing energy wastage, and can also help contribute towards achieving a balanced system. This is a key factor to keep in mind as recent changes have been made to the Benchmark boiler commissioning checklist, which acts as documented evidence of

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correct boiler installation and servicing. These new changes require that the system is correctly balanced or rebalanced as part of any new boiler installation.

One of the easiest ways to balance a system is during the installation process using radiator valves. Many TRVs on the market are designed with this in mind, allowing installers to set the heat output of the radiator, which should be determined for each room based on heat loss calculations. As a manufacturer committed to improving the performance of heating systems across the country, at Drayton we already o er a solution that will help installers meet the new expected requirements of Part L and the Benchmark checklist. As well as our wide range of highl efficient s, such as the popular TRV , we also o er a balancing key, which can be used to alance the s stem ﬂow rates from the TRV and includes numbered indicators to easily identify which position the valve is in, with 1 eing the lowest ﬂow rate and the highest.

ncing e alancing ﬂow rates from the TRV is reliable, accurate and is preserved across the system, preventing the risk of balancing being undone, and with no requirement for time consuming, inaccurate balancing via lockshields. Additionally, when using the Drayton balancing key, there is no need for installers to drain down the system, making it easier than ever to carry out this process, which should be done as standard practice. Although boilers are not low carbon technologies, these changes ensure that they operate optimally and are in turn more energ efficient. dditionall , these regulations are all paving the way for new technologies, such as heat pumps, that will inevitability be used as our primary heat source once traditional gas boilers are phased out. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done to make the transition to low carbon heat sources a success.

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It’s important that heating engineers are already starting to expand their knowledge of energy improving measures like TRV installations and system balancing, because these will both be key in maximising the efficienc of future heat sources such as heat pumps. Drayton is at the forefront of developing technologies for the energy transition and we welcome the regulatory changes that will enable these technologies to develop and be deployed across the country, furthering the nation on its rapid journey to net zero. ne s c

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How soft power can overcome hard water Customers tend to be aware of limescale build-up ecause of the cosmetic e ects on taps and showers, ut how man now a out the impact it has on energ efficienc ater softeners can sol e a num er of hard water pro lems in a sustaina le wa , sa s e in ohnson of onarch ater.

hanks to increased awareness, today’s consumers now know that energy efficient products can help to reduce their impact on the environment. However, it’s also the nancial sa ings that energ efficient products o er that are driving interest in this area. As a result, manufacturers have focused their e orts on producing energ efficient products using innovative technology. To ensure the are pro iding their customers with the most up-to-date options for their homes it’s vital that installers are knowledgeable about what energ efficient products are on the market.

 Monarch’s range of high efficienc te s tene s e c ct nd t e e e e sie t site

The HiRapid- it ss reduces 8 t e c nents needed en tting te s tene

Kevin Johnson

MD of Monarch Water

Hidden danger For homes to be as energy efficient as possi le, it s imperati e that all electronic household e uipment is running at optimum capacit . hen it comes to e uipment that uses water, one huge contributor to inefficienc is limescale uild-up. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, which are harmless until heated. Once hard water is heated inside e uipment, such as boilers and washing machines, the minerals calcify to form limescale. The fact that the water supplied to o er 0% of the UK is hard means that huge areas of the are alread su ering from the negati e e ects of limescale. It’s not just the unsightly aesthetics that hard water produces in terms of limescale and residue that’s visible around the home that’s troublesome, it’s the limescale that cannot be seen that is causing serious damage. Limescale clings to the inside of pipes and onto heating elements inside household e uipment. n fact, according to ritish ater, the average family living in a hard water area will use water containing 70kg of scale a year. This coating of limescale makes heating elements work harder to bring water to the correct temperature, therefore decreasing efficienc and ma ing them more costly to run. Just 1. mm of scale build-up on a heating element decreases efficienc as much as 12%.

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hate er the o that installers ha e een as ed to price up, water softeners should e an integral part of the uote. ot onl do the o er ene ts in terms of efficienc and cost sa ings, the can also help increase installers pro t margins. To ensure they take advantage of this lucrative line of revenue, it s important that installers are knowledgeable about the very latest environmentally friendly technology available. ith onl around 7 % of hard water homes en o ing the ene ts that water softeners bring, there’s plent of pro t to e realised. hat s more, the fact that the are compati le with an oiler means that every hard water home is a potential customer.

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odern water softeners ha e increased efficienc , with some models using 12% less salt and 2 less water per regeneration than their pre ious counterparts. The latest generation of high efficienc water softeners o er end users whole house protection 2 hours a day, seven days a week, pre enting limescale uild-up. he also remo e an pre-existing deposits too, which means household e uipment will produce better results and cost less to run. Siting water softeners is now

easier than ever as there are new compact options on the mar et. Innovative new features such as the rapid- t pass, which removes the need for 0% of e uipment pre iousl needed to install, ena les installers to t them even quicker.

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a ing the most of this relati el untapped mar et will not onl boost installers’ bottom lines, but help their customers to protect their investment while reducing their en ironmental impact and utility bills. Therefore it’s important that installers tal to their customers about the importance of water ualit and the ene ts that high efficienc water softeners o er. Although consumers can get water quality information, including hardness levels, from their supplier, it s a good idea for installers to test the water for them. After all, seeing is believing. Installing a water softener will not only ensure that all household e uipment, such as oilers and showers, are more efficient and therefore cost e ecti e, ut will e tend their lifespan too. Softened water can also save around 0% on washing powder, soap consumption and considerably reduce the amount of shampoo, conditioner and

cleaning products needed. t s also thought to help dr s in conditions such as eczema, not to mention cleaning time saved and better wash results from dishwashers and washing machines.

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Installers should encourage their customers to iew purchasing a water softener as an investment, which o ers pa ac in a relati el short time. ith estimated savings of around 200 annuall , the initial purchase price is negligi le when the potential sa ings are considered. By addressing the quality of customers’ water and highlighting the ene ts of investing in a water softener, installers can make a decent pro t. dditionall , installers who purchase a high efficienc water softener from a merchant at a trade discount should be able to o er customers a competiti e suppl -and-install quote.

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Although water softeners are in constant operation, there are few mo ing components which means its working life far exceeds most other domestic appliances. highlighting the pro lems that limescale can cause inside customers’ homes and sharing all the ene ts that sustaina le, high efficienc water softeners o er, installers can o er helpful advice whilst enhancing customer relationships. ne s c

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Good heat pump installation relies on good preparation What are the essential ingredients to delivering a successful heat pump installation? According to Kevin Ellis from Grant UK, it requires getting it right from the very beginning – from the system design stage to set-up, commissioning and handover. Here, Kevin highlights some of the crucial elements that installers should be well-versed in.

or many experienced heating and plumbing installers, heat pumps will be straightforward to install. However, it goes without saying that preparation is vital to ensure that the heating system meets a householder’s needs so that the product operates both efficientl and e ecti el . his preparation includes a full roomby-room heat loss calculation, and thorough understanding of how the technology works from both the installer and customer perspective. o get to this point, an installer requires some solid product knowledge and should complete full product installation training efore specif ing and tting a heat pump. At Grant UK, for instance, we o er comprehensi e installer courses available at our academies in Devizes, Hawes and Livingston, as well as online tuition via our eLearning Academy. he erona 2 inverter driven air source heat pump range is monobloc in design, compact in size and quiet in operation. Four single phase airto-water models are available in the range with outputs of 6, 10, 1 and 17kW. All heat pumps are S certi ed, so the are eligi le for the enewa le eat ncenti e scheme. he units also have an A+++ energy rating and high SCOP values, demonstrating their excellent efficiencies.

Design support It is essential to start with a full room-by-room heat loss calculation to determine the heat pump required to meet the design conditions for the property concerned. his accounts for the room sizes, the insulation levels of both the walls and windows, as well as the height of the rooms. he calculation rings together the amount of space that needs heating along with the building’s materials and their capability to reduce heat loss from the property. We have a Heat Loss Calculator tool that can be used for a more thorough analysis of

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Kevin Ellis Rene a le sales mana er or Grant UK

is solid enough to support the weight of the heat pump and minimise the transmission of noise and vibration. Also think about the direction it will face. he preference is to t the heat pump on a south face, but if this is not possible, south east or south west is also ok, followed by an east or west orientation. It is also important to consider a position that is protected from the wind, but if it is exposed be sure to brace it securely. Ensure there is enough clearance around the heat pump to enable the product to be easily commissioned, serviced and maintained. In addition, ade uate air ﬂow in and out of the heat pump must be maintained so the heat pump can continue to wor e ecti el . Heat pumps do produce an amount of noise when operating, particularly when the fan and compressor are running, but in the case of the erona , these sound levels are at the lower end of the scale, with two of the models – the 1 kW and 17kW – having achieved the Quiet Mark, an accolade which recognises some of the quietest, high performing products in the market.

Commission & handover

CUT TO THE CHASE  Installers, even experienced ones ill eneﬁt rom pro uct speciﬁc trainin o ere y t e manu acturer  oo installation ill al ays e in it a t orou an accurate eat loss calculation  n er oor eatin is an i eal partner to eat pump systems ut ra iators can e ciently eli er t e eat en properly sized  eally t e out oor unit s oul e locate in a sout acin position an protecte rom t e in

rant o ers elp ul a ice on set up an commissionin inclu in i eo resources 

Much of the setup and commissioning is carried out using the heat pump remote controller

 The Aerona3 R inverter air source heat pump is a monobloc design and available in a range of outputs

the property’s needs, eliminating potential errors at the quotation stage. Assistance with this is also available from our in-house design team and through installations taking place via our G-Cert Scheme.

pump systems, especially in new uild and retro t pro ects where this type of emitter is smoothly integrated into the initial designs during the project’s in-depth planning stages. here is no reason wh radiators cannot be used with a heat pump. While the mean water temperature in the radiators will be lower than with a gas or oil boiler system, the heating needs of each room can be met if radiators are sized using the lower elta that will exist between the radiator and the design room temperature.

Much of the setup and commissioning process is carried out using the heat pump remote controller. For a helpful guide to the commissioning process, see our latest erona eat ump Setup & Commissioning video on the rant ou u e channel. Heat pump systems are not usually designed to heat the home and hot water at the same time, so the controls tted the installer will usually involve a basic two-channel programmer. his programmer will then control when the heat pump is working to provide space heating and when it is working to heat the hot water. It is therefore important to check that this programmer is set up to control the system in accordance with the homeowner’s needs and demand. Finally, it is important that the heat pump controller settings are not tampered with after commissioning. he controller should be left as set by the installer. oom thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves, and other user control systems should be used to manage the room temperatures. his will help maintain the desired comfort levels within the property.

Best location

Find out more

When it comes to locating the heat pump, it is important to ensure that the unit is mounted on a ﬂat and le el surface that

For more information on Grant’s range of air source heat pumps, use the online reader link below. phamnews.co.uk/ /

Heat emitters Heat pumps operate with low temperature heating systems, so with this in mind, it is just as vitally important to size the heat emitters correctly as it is to correctly size the heat pump. o e ecti el transfer the heat from a low temperature heating system into the occupied living spaces within the home, heat emitters with larger surface areas tend to be the best partners for heat pumps. his is wh underﬂoor heating is a popular and e ecti e choice for heat

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Simple controls should disguise the complexity Manufacturers of heating controls understand that the interface needs to be simple for users to operate while at the same time employing complex technology to achieve optimum energy efficienc . ohn odd from the roup formerl rasslin e plains how this alance between simplicity and complexity is struck.

n residential properties, the dominant installed heating source of choice toda is a gas red combination boiler. Notwithstanding the December 2020 government white paper which seeks to ban (natural) gas red oilers the mid 20 0s, the probability is that the gas distribution network will be adapted to a natural gashydrogen blend. In anticipation of such a change the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation is that new gas boilers are all ‘hydrogen-ready’ by 202 . Best practice installations will have thermostatic radiator valves for room control, and a central programmable thermostat providing the ‘boiler interlock’ to regulate the whole home temperature. he greatest efficienc can e achieved if the demand for energy is low in the rst place, so when heating a property, high levels of insulation should e the rst objective in order to minimise demand for energy. The Energy Saving Trust (in 2017 identi ed that heating (at 1% of the total) comprises the greatest single source of household carbon emissions.

 The Optimum Vibe OP-WiFi thermostat works with an app and operates in OpenTherm and TPI modes

integral) control – the use of a time-based algorithm to calculate a proportional heat input to match demand; and OpenTherm (OT) – an industry ‘standard’ communication protocol which allows controls to communicate with OT boilers in order to enable ﬂame modulation. lame modulation is the est way to regulate the generation of heat, because the system can then actually produce the amount of heat required to match the heat loss from the building, which is all that is required to achieve maximum comfort, while minimising energy use. Once the set temperature has been achieved, assuming heat is being lost from the building (on days when set temperature is above outside ambient temperature this will always

CUT TO THE CHASE Users of thermostats need the interface to be simple, while utilising complex systems to eli er optimum e ciency 

John Todd

TFC Group director of OEM sales

 Best practice demands that heating systems have TRVs and a programmable thermostat  Matching heat supply to heat loss is how modern control systems are designed to operate for maximum e ciency an com ort  Ideally, once the set temperature has been achieved, the heating will run continuously but at a low output level

Simplicity for the user

be the case even if the property is constructed to ‘Passivhaus’ standard), the heating will run continuously but at a low output level , thereby reducing stress on the boiler and all of its components. This is a temperature control technique which does not generate temperatures in excess of the set point, thereby avoiding wasted heat, whereas maintaining the temperature set point achieves maximum comfort for the occupants.

Simplicity vs complexity Thermostats used to switch the heating on or o , and that was all – simple! But they wasted a lot of energy. Modern controls can deli er enhanced efficienc and control, connectivity and ease of use, but to do so must incorporate some sophisticated technology. Understandably, the consumer usually wants to keep it simple. Apart from the temperature regulation technique, programmable thermostats are often now radio frequency devices, with a remote receiver that’s wired into the boiler to do the switching. In addition, the control set ma e i i

enabled, with a smartphone app for ease of programming/ override control and remote access so that the homeowner can make adjustments to their home heating at any time – for example, when travelling home or from their place of work. roducts li e roup s ptimum i e S can provide all of this functionality, and does so while maintaining a straightforward interface for the end user. An intuitive app allows programming and manual control of a smartly designed control with large backlit display for ease of use, but initiates accurate temperature control through connectivity that uses , 2. i i, pen Therm enabled temperature regulation, broadband or data connections and server connection via the World Wide Web. A key objective for control system providers is to deliver a simple HMI (human-machine interface) while providing the degree of complexity in the background to deliver efficienc , control, comfort and convenience. phamnews.co.uk/

Complexity behind the interface

Heat supply and loss So, what should a modern heating control system provide, and how should it do that? Programmable thermostats have been around for several decades, originally providing asic on o temperature regulation, but in recent years the ha e e ol ed signi cantl . Additional control techniques have been added such as optimisation – automatically varying the start-up time based on ambient temperature and the property’s rate of temperature rise when the heating is running; TPI (time-proportional and

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Looking at the big picture Phil Hurley from NIBE Energy Systems argues that the government needs to take a whole-buildings approach to the decarbonisation of buildings and look at the challenge through a holistic lens.

igh hopes have been pinned on the long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy. Initially due for publication last year, the pressure is on for the government to publish a comprehensive programme of work that lives up to expectations and outlines the immediate actions required to reduce emissions from homes and buildings. The combined Strategy is anticipated to take a holistic approach to heat decarbonisation to simultaneously reduce energy demand in buildings while also incentivising low carbon heating solutions. While time will tell how far the Strategy will go in tackling the third of emissions associated with the way our buildings are heated, this whole-building approach is something that has long been needed to tackle the

The latest EAC report, Energy 1Ƨ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ 1ƗĢŭŶĢłė NŋĿāŭ̇ details recommendations to ĢĿťũŋƑā āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ upgrades and roll out low carbon heating measures without delay. Without urgent action across the next decade, the Committee has claimed that the legally binding pāŶ Ñāũŋ ŶÖũėāŶ ƒĢķķ ĕÖķķ ƪ ÖŶ̇ ķÖũėāķƘ due to a misunderstanding of the costs and challenges associated with the decarbonisation of UK homes.

Phil Hurley

UK MD of NIBE Energy Systems

leaky housing stock primarily heated by fossil fuels. Recent warnings from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) do well to remind us that the challenge has largely been underestimated to date.

Clear pathway This drives home the message that more must be done to prepare ĕŋũ ŶĞā ĕŽŶŽũā̇ Öłù R ÖĿ óŋłƩ ùāłŶ that this is the general belief of all those working hard across the industry to push forward the low carbon transition. Fuelled by hopes and promises for a green recovery from the pandemic, industry has worked in

unison over the last year to call for a clear pathway for our homes and buildings. The Heat and Buildings Strategy must set out a clear pathway to decarbonise homes to ensure that plans are made and executed carefully. This is vital not only to ensure that homeowners ĞÖƑā óŋłƩ ùāłóā Ģł ŭóĞāĿāŭ̇ ðŽŶ Ŷŋ provide businesses and installers with the certainty they need to invest and adapt. The recent EAC report further reiterated this message, warning that the ‘lack of government investment and ŭĢėłÖķŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ sector is doing little to incentivise businesses to upskill engineers and installers’. The Strategy must go as far as it can to counteract the risk of underdeveloped supply chains in the years ahead. Just last year, the Prime Minister announced a ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ deployment target for heat pumps per year from ˛˙˛ˡ̍ However, there is a very real risk that this target will hit a roadblock without the right investment and direction from the government. Industry-ƒĢùā āƦ ŋũŶŭ Ŷŋ ėũŋƒ supply chains through training new and existing installers are fundamental, but endeavours will be futile if installers see no

reason to change. Achieving our Net Zero ambition requires most heating system installers to be upskilled, and while they are perfectly capable of retraining Ŷŋ ĢłŭŶÖķķ Ŀŋũā āƧ óĢāłŶ̇ ķŋƒāũ carbon technologies, there is not enough encouragement from the government for them to do so today.

ĢėĞŶ ŭĴĢķķŭ There is a lot riding on the Heat and Buildings Strategy to more accurately address the scale of the heat decarbonisation challenge by outlining a programme of ƒŋũĴ ŶĞÖŶ ũāƪ āóŶŭ ŶĞā ŭĴĢķķŭ development required both Ģł ŶāũĿŭ ŋĕ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ and low carbon heating. The Scottish government has recognised this challenge and is currently consulting on the skills requirements for energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ̇ ơāũŋ āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ Öłù ķŋƒ carbon heating systems and heat networks. A whole-buildings approach to decarbonisation means rolling ŋŽŶ ŶĞā ũĢėĞŶ ĕÖðũĢó āƧ óĢāłóƘ and low carbon heating solutions into our homes, but also doing all we can to support installers and homeowners. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓˝˛˚̓˛ˢ

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

ne g

fficient Products

Smart way to combine comfort with savings With more people working from home, many homeowners are looking for increased control over their home heating and energy bills. Martin Wilson from Resideo looks at how smart controls can enhance comfort, increase efficienc and also pro ide a usiness opportunit for installers.

ustomers are becoming increasingly environmentally focused and are now seeking the products and solutions which can help reduce their impact on the planet. In addition, working from home has meant that fuel bills have risen, so now more than ever they are looking for ways to make savings and increase comfort. When it comes to upgrading a heating system, whether that be with a boiler, or even a heat pump, there’s much talk around the increased efficiencies these s stems o er however, it is also important to recognise the role smart controls can play in helping homeowners increase efficiencies and reduce heating costs.

Smart zoning Due to the pandemic, we are now spending more time in our homes, meaning that heating demands are changing. However, the heating systems that customers have in place may lack the functionality to respond to these changes. We recently carried out a survey of 2000 homeowners

that found 7% would buy a smart thermostat to save money on energy bills, and 2 % said this would also enable them to have greater control over the temperature of their home. By having this smart zoning feature available, customers can control the temperature in rooms they aren’t using, therefore saving energy and money. And, with homeowners willing to purchase smart thermostats to save money, this o ers installers a alua le opportunity to upsell.

Martin Wilson

Sales director at Resideo

This presents the perfect opportunity to put customers back in control of their heating system and unlock potential savings

Seasonal transition As we head into the spring and summer months and the outside weather warms up, naturally the need to heat our homes reduces. Yet, we all know temperatures can drop during transition months, leaving us with a chilly snap. Advances in technology mean homeowners can rely on smarter control o erings to na igate temperature ﬂuctuations during seasonal transition periods, monitoring outside weather temperatures and communicating with the heating system to adjust the temperature within the

 The Honeywell Home evohome is able to wirelessly measure and control temperatures for up to heating zones

property, so that the system is running as efficientl as possi le. For example, the smart weather feature on our evohome system will follow the set programme on cooler days, but when it warms up outside it will automatically turn the heating o and sa e energ . t does this by monitoring outside temperature, room temperature and setpoint, and act when heat demands are very low. Its patented Advanced Load Scaling technology also limits inefficient high return temperatures and runs the boiler in its most efficient mode. Conversely, in rooms with poor insulation or large windows, it could feel less comfortable when the outside temperature drops. With the unique ability that learns the heat losses in each room, the evohome will increase the set temperature when it detects a drop outside, and automatically goes back to the normal programme when the outside temperature rises again.

Less water, more comfort

Save on energy and plastic waste ore energ efficient than the traditional ettle – saving both energy and water – boiling water taps from INTU are also good for the environment minimising the need to u plastic ottles. he latest boiling water taps from INTU – the OUR -1 and Form -1 taps – are ideal for environmentallyconscious customers as they provide bottle-quality water without the need for single-use plastic. For ease of installation, every INTU boiling water tap system comes with all connectors from the tan to the tap, alongside a lter. easuring x 22 mm, the tan slots under the sin and o ers 2. litres of capacity. phamnews.co.uk/

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In studies conducted by KIWA and BRE, Jaga’s Low-H2O radiators have been proven to be up to 1 % more economical compared to standard steel panel radiators. They contain 0% less water, which means they heat up rapidly and cool down quickly, providing improved comfort with no wasteful over-heating. Featuring a compact aluminium and copper heat exchanger inside

the casing, the radiators are also lighter to install and remain much lighter when full lled. With the addition of Jaga’s namic oost ect electric heat activators, a LowH2O radiator is said to provide up to three times more output, negating the need for oversized radiators when used with heat pumps or solar energy systems. phamnews.co.uk/

Looking ahead More and more homeowners are considering low carbon technology when looking to upgrade their heating systems. And, with the UK government setting out its target to install 00,000 heat pumps every year by 202 , it’s important that customers are selecting a control that can work both now and with future technologies. The evohome system is compatible with both traditional boilers and heat pumps. What’s more, it can be used to control underﬂoor heating, as well as radiators and stored hot water, making it a highly versatile solution now and into the future. With the right controls in place, recent research by trade organisation BEAMA suggests that these upgrades could reduce a total heating bill by up to 2% each year. For installers, this presents the perfect opportunity to help put customers back in command of their heating system and unlock potential savings, so that they can keep their homes warm in a more sustainable way, now and even more so in the future. phamnews.co.uk/

Keeping tabs on energy usage Available from Neomitis is the MyNeostat range of smart thermostats. The range consists of wireless and ﬂush-mounted versions which are available in black or white and have an easyto-view colour touchscreen and customisable display. The MyNeostat range directly connects to an internet router, without the need for additional accessories, and can be controlled by a smartphone, tablet, computer, or by voice when the thermostat is connected to smart speakers, thanks to the MyNeomitis app. n addition, the thermostats o er an occupanc detection feature that allows the controls to programme itself around its users’ occupancy patterns, and an open window detection feature that will turn o the user s central heating when a signi cant drop of temperature is detected. A power consumption indicator also enables users to keep their heating bills within a set budget. phamnews.co.uk/

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

1łāũėƘ 1Ƨ óĢāłŶ ũŋùŽóŶŭ

Latest code of practice for heat networks With the release of CIBSE’s ‘Heat Networks: Code of Practice ˛˙˛˙’, there are many implications for heat network design, build and maintenance in the UK. Here, Neil Parry from Altecnic analyses the updated guidance.

his second edition of the ‘Code of Practice: NāÖŶ pāŶƒŋũĴŭ̪ ťũŋƑĢùāŭ ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ updates to the ˛˙˚˞ ƑāũŭĢŋł̍ RŶ ũāƪ āóŶŭ łāƒ experience and understanding, feedback from the industry, changes in regulation, and results from research projects.

What is CP˚ ̛˛˙˛˙): Heat Network Code of Practice? CIBSE’s updated document outlines the minimum standard for heat networks in the UK. By setting minimum requirements and best practice options, it aims to improve the quality of feasibility studies, design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of heat networks. In addition, its recommendations aim to ĢĿťũŋƑā ŋƑāũÖķķ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öłù ĞÖƑā Ö ťŋŭĢŶĢƑā environmental impact. ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ ùĢƦ āũāłóā Ģł ŶĞĢŭ āùĢŶĢŋł ŋĕ ! ˚ is the focus on providing recommendations for improving both new build and existing heat networks. For the latter, the code ŋƦ āũŭ ĕŽŶŽũā-ťũŋŋƩ łė ÖùÖťŶÖŶĢŋł ŋťŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ĿÖĢłŶÖĢł Öłù ĢłóũāÖŭā āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öŭ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ĿŋƑāŭ ĕŋũƒÖũù̍

Neil Parry ,IEH SJ WTIGMƼ GEXMSR EX %PXIGRMG

CP˚ (˛˙˚˞) focused greatly on the role of heat interface units, however CP˚ (˛˙˛˙) takes a more wholistic approach to heat network design, looking at how other parts of the system can be vital in ĢĿťũŋƑĢłė āƧ óĢāłóƘ̍ ŽðŭāŨŽāłŶķƘ̇ ĕŋũ ŶĞā Ʃ ũŭŶ ŶĢĿā̇ ĿĢłĢĿŽĿ Öłù ðāŭŶ ťũÖóŶĢóā standards have been set for thermostatic radiator valves. Why do we need a Heat Network Code of Practice? CP˚ (˛˙˚˞) has been highly successful in establishing minimum standards to improve the quality of district heating projects, from concept through to operation. It has also had a strong Ģłƪ Žāłóā ŋł ŶĞā ťũŋóŽũāĿāłŶ ŋĕ ĞāÖŶ networks. As a result, it underpins much of the work done by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Heat Networks Delivery Unit and Heat Networks Investment Project. What are the main recommendations for those designing and working on heat networks? The timing is certainly right for the release of the CP˚ ˛˙˛˙ document, as since ˛˙˚˞ there have been considerable developments in the UK heat network ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ technological developments with electronic heat interface units (HIU). Within the updated document the key message, in short, is that heat networks need to be designed, maintained and updated with future-ťũŋŋƩ łė Ģł ĿĢłù̍ Dŋũ example, the forecasted rapid increase in the dominance of heat pump technology leads to the recommendation that ĞāÖŶ łāŶƒŋũĴŭ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ŭťāóĢƩ āù Öłù developed with low temperature energy sources in mind. In this scenario, HIUs ŶĞÖŶ ŋťāũÖŶā āƧ óĢāłŶķƘ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ķŋƒ ťũĢĿÖũƘ ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶā̇ ķĢĴā ŶĞā ķŶāółĢó ¦b˜˛˚˙ˠ, óŋŽķù ðā Ʃ ŶŶāù ŋũ ũāŶũŋƩ ŶŶāù ŋłŶŋ ŋķùāũ łāŶƒŋũĴŭ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ system design is achievable.

ŋķā ŋĕ ¦ Áŭ In addition, the new guidance sets out best practice and minimum requirements for thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) Öłù ŶĞāĢũ ũŋķā Ģł ÖóĞĢāƑĢłė ŶĞā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā ĞƘùũŋłĢó ðÖķÖłóĢłė ŋĕ Ö system. For example, pre-settable TRVs

become the minimum acceptable standard ŋĕ ¦ Áŭ Ʃ ŶŶāù Ģł ÖłƘ ĞāÖŶ łāŶƒŋũĴ ŭƘŭŶāĿ̇ with pressure independent TRVs being best practice. In practice, a pre-settable TRV allows ŶĞā ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶā Ŷŋ ðā ĿÖłŽÖķķƘ ðÖķÖłóāù̇ ĞŋƒāƑāũ̇ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢķķ āƗťāũĢāłóā ùĢƦ āũāłŶĢÖķ pressure variations as other TRVs close (part load), which results in over and Žłùāũƪ ŋƒ̍ ¦ĞŽŭ̇ Ö ťũāŭŭŽũā ĢłùāťāłùāłŶ TRV, which ensures that the required ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶā Ģŭ ĿāŶ ðƘ ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢó ðÖķÖłóĢłė to all load conditions, is considered best practice. This meets the reiterated concept that occurs throughout the document which states that TRVs should aim to achieve consistently low return ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũāŭ Öłù ŋťŶĢĿĢŭā ƪ ŋƒ̍ zŽũ ũÖłėā ŋĕ ¦ Áŭ ĕŽķƩ ķŭ ŶĞā ĿĢłĢĿŽĿ and best practice requirements of CP˚, ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ķĢŨŽĢù Ʃ ķķāù 1óŋóÖķ ¦ĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶĢó radiator head combined with our ˝˛˚ Series Commercial Pre-Settable TRV, or the pressure independent ˛˜˙ Series 'ƘłÖĿĢóÖķ ¦ Á̇ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ķŋƒ ƪ ŋƒ Ŀŋùāķ now available.

FũŋƒĢłė Ĵłŋƒķāùėā As the UK continues on its path to Net Zero, heat networks and heat pump ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ ķŋŋĴ Ŷŋ ťķÖƘ Ö ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ ũŋķā in this achievement. Overall, the new guidance provides many environmental ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ Öłù óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶĢāŭ for the HVAC industry, should its recommendations be adopted by the construction industry as we have seen previously. There is a role for responsible manufacturers to encourage this approach by leading the charge in growing the wider industry’s heat network knowledge. For example, Altecnic employs multiple experts and engineers who have been involved in the consultation process and delivered extensive input throughout the writing of CP˚. Included within the ťāóĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł 'ĢƑĢŭĢŋł ŭÖķāŭ Öłù ŶāóĞłĢóÖķ team are a number of CIBSE-accredited Heat Network Consultants. Âā óŋłŶĢłŽā Ŷŋ ŋƦ āũ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ ŶũÖĢłĢłė courses across the heat network and hydronic landscape, including CIBSEaccredited CPDs, and product training covering heat network design and hydronic balancing among others. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓˝˛˚̓˜˝

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

1łāũėƘ 1ƧóĢāłŶ ũŋùŽóŶŭ Oil boilers ðāłāƩŶ ĕũŋĿ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ !ķÖĢĿĢłė Ŷŋ ðā ŶĞā ƒŋũķù̪ŭ ðĢėėāŭŶ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ ŋĕ ŋĢķ ðŋĢķāũŭ̇ pÖƑĢāł ŭÖƘŭ its LCBˠ˙˙ ũÖłėā ŋƦāũŭ ĿÖũĴāŶ ķāÖùĢłė āƧóĢāłóĢāŭ Žť Ŷŋ ˚˙˝ͮ Öłù ÖóĞĢāƑāŭ Öł 1ũ A+ rating. ƑÖĢķÖðķā Öŭ āĢŶĞāũ Ö ũāėŽķÖũ̇ ŭƘŭŶāĿ ŋũ óŋĿðĢ ðŋĢķāũ̇ Ģł ðŋŶĞ ĢłŶāũłÖķ Öłù āƗŶāũłÖķ Ŀŋùāķŭ̇ ŶĞā d! ˠ˙˙ not only boasts pÖƑĢāł̪ŭ ðķŽā ƪÖĿā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ̇ ĢŶ Ģŭ Öķŭŋ lightweight (with lift weights from only ˞ˡĴė̜̇ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ĞÖłùķā Öłù ŋťŶĢĿĢŭāù ĕŋũ ŭĢĿťķā̇ ĕÖŭŶ Öłù óŋŭŶ āƦāóŶĢƑā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̍ ķķ ðŋĢķāũŭ Öũā 1' b ̨ ̪ ũÖŶāù Öłù ŽŶĢķĢŭā a stainless steel heat exchanger resistant Ŷŋ óŋũũŋŭĢŋł Öłù āũŋŭĢŋł̇ āłŭŽũĢłė Öł extended lifespan. The pump system allows for continuous optimisation of heating and ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŋŽŶťŽŶ̇ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ŋĢķ ðŋĢķāũŭ Žŭā the same ˟˙̓˚˙˙ĿĿ ťķÖŭŶĢó ƪŽāŭ Öŭ ŶĞāĢũ p! ėÖŭ óŋŽłŶāũťÖũŶŭ̍ ¦Ğā ðŋĢķāũŭ Öũā Öķŭŋ OpenTherm-ready. Using the LCBˠ˙˙ Blue Flame boiler Ģł óŋłıŽłóŶĢŋł ƒĢŶĞ pÖƑĢāł̪ŭ ĿÖũŶ ķŽŭ controllers further enhances a heating

FāŶ óŋłŶũŋķ ŋĕ ťŋƒāũĕŽķ ƪŋƒŭ ƒĢŶĞ ÖāũÖŶŋũŭ Flow regulators are a proven way to save ƒÖŶāũ̇ Öłù óŋłŭāŨŽāłŶķƘ̇ āłāũėƘ Žŭāù Ŷŋ ĞāÖŶ ĢŶ̇ ðŽŶ pāŋťāũķ ŭÖƘŭ Ŷŋŋ ĿÖłƘ householders are not aware of their ðāłāƩŶŭ̍ ¦Ğā óŋĿťÖłƘ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāŭ ƪŋƒ ũāėŽķÖŶŋũŭ Ģł ĞŽłùũāùŭ ŋĕ ŭĢơāŭ ŶĞÖŶ óÖł ðā ũāŶũŋƩŶŶāù Ŷŋ ŶÖťŭ Öłù ŭĞŋƒāũŭ throughout the home and is hoping that more installers will start talking to their óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞāĢũ ðāłāƩŶŭ̍ ! 'ŽÖķ !ŋũā āũÖŶŋũŭ ĕũŋĿ pāŋťāũķ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā Ö óŋłŭĢŭŶāłŶ ƪŋƒ Ģł ðŋŶĞ ĞĢėĞ Öłù ķŋƒ pressure environments and they can be ũāŶũŋƩŶŶāù Ŷŋ Ö ƑÖũĢāŶƘ ŋĕ ŶÖťŭ Ŷŋ ĢĿťũŋƑā performance.

ŭƘŭŶāĿ̪ŭ āƦāóŶĢƑāłāŭŭ Öłù āƧóĢāłóƘ̇ ũÖĢŭĢłė ĢŶ Ŷŋ 1ũ ͖̍ pŋŶ ŋłķƘ ùŋ ŶĞā óŋłŶũŋķŭ ĿŋłĢŶŋũ ŋĢķ óŋłŭŽĿťŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞāƘ Öķŭŋ regulate the heating in response to changes Ģł ŶĞā ŋŽŶŭĢùā ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā̇ ðƘ ĿŋłĢŶŋũĢłė ŶĞā ĕŋũāóÖŭŶ ŋł zťāłÂāÖŶĞāũmÖť̍ ķŽŭ̇ connecting the oil boiler to a smartphone āłÖðķāŭ ĕŽķķ ėāŋĕāłóĢłė óÖťÖðĢķĢŶĢāŭ̇ ŶŽũłĢłė ŶĞā ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿ ŋł ŋũ ŋƦ ùāťāłùĢłė ŋł Öł ŋóóŽťÖłŶ̪ŭ ùĢŭŶÖłóā Ŷŋ their home. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˜˞

mÖłƘ ŶÖťŭ ƒĢķķ ÖķũāÖùƘ ĢłóķŽùā Ö ƪŋƒ óŋłŶũŋķ ùāƑĢóā ÖŶ ŶĞā āłù ŋĕ ŶĞā ŭťŋŽŶ̇ Öłù ĢŶ̪ŭ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ĢùāłŶĢĕƘ ƒĞāł ŶĞā ƪŋƒ Ģŭ Ŷŋŋ strong. This can be easily removed and ũāťķÖóāù ƒĢŶĞ ŋłā ŶĞÖŶ ũāùŽóāŭ ŶĞā ƪŋƒ to a comfortable level. The same with ŭĞŋƒāũŭ ̞ Ö ƑÖķƑā ŭĞŋƒāũ ŋĕŶāł ùāķĢƑāũŭ Ŀŋũā ƒÖŶāũ ŶĞÖł łāāùāù̇ Öłù āƑāł Ö ŭķĢėĞŶ reduction can add up to a substantial water saving over the year. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˜˟

ÂÖŶāũ ŶÖłĴŭ ũāÖùƘ ĕŋũ ĕŽŶŽũā ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť ƩŶ Mixergy says it has upgraded its entire range of cylinders to allow them to operate with a heat pump at any point in their ƒŋũĴĢłė ķĢĕā̍ złóā ƩŶŶāù̇ ŶĞā ĿŽķŶĢ-Žŭā óƘķĢłùāũŭ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ óÖł ðā Žŭāù ƒĢŶĞ Ö ėÖŭ ðŋĢķāũ̇ ĿÖĢłŭ āķāóŶũĢóĢŶƘ ŋũ ŭŋķÖũ Á̇ now give the option to install a heat pump without having to replace the tank. The Mixergy tank is made from high grade stainless steel to ensure that it lasts at least ˛˞ ƘāÖũŭ̇ Öłù ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̪ŭ design team is aiming to prepare the householder for a low óÖũðŋł ĕŽŶŽũā̇ ƒĞāŶĞāũ ŽŭĢłė ùĢũāóŶ āķāóŶũĢó ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ ŋũ ĞƘùũŋėāł ðŋĢķāũŭ̵̍ The latest tanks optimise energy use via thermal ŭŶũÖŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ťũāƑāłŶ ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ĿĢƗĢłė ƒĢŶĞ óŋķù ̞ ŶĞāƘ heat only the water required instead of the whole tank at ŋłóā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ÖťťũŋÖóĞ̇ óŋĿðĢłāù ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā Žŭā ŋĕ ÖũŶĢƩóÖķ ĢłŶāķķĢėāłóā ŶĞÖŶ ķāÖũłŭ Ŷŋ ĞāÖŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŋłķƘ ƒĞāł ĢŶ Ģŭ łāāùāù̇ is claimed to save consumers up to ˛˙% on their hot water bills. As well as its multi-Žŭā ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ̇ mĢƗāũėƘ ŶÖłĴŭ ŋƦāũ smart scheduling controls through an app and are internet connected to enable them to work with smart time-of-use āłāũėƘ ŶÖũĢƦŭ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˜ˠ

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1łāũėƘ 1Ƨ óĢāłŶ ũŋùŽóŶŭ

ÂÖŶāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ ķÖðāķŭ ƑŋķŽłŶÖũƘ ƒÖŶāũ ķÖðāķ ĞÖŭ āƗĢŭŶāù ĕŋũ ĿÖłƘ ĞŋŽŭāĞŋķù ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ĕŋũ ÖķĿŋŭŶ ùāóÖùā̇ ðŽŶ łŋƒ ĢŶ̪ŭ ŶĢĿā Ŷŋ ũÖĢŭā ŶĞā ƑĢŭĢðĢķĢŶƘ ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ Ģł ŶĞā b ̞ ŭŋ ŭÖƘŭ ¦ŋĿ łùũāƒÖũŶĞÖ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā pŋũŶĞŽĿðũĢÖł ÂÖŶāũ FũŋŽť̍

e live in a world where consumers are more switched on to energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŶĞÖł āƑāũ ðāĕŋũā̍ !ĞÖłóāŭ Öũā̇ Ģĕ ƘŋŽ̪Ƒā ðŋŽėĞŶ Ö TV or other electrical product in ũāóāłŶ ƘāÖũŭ̇ ƘŋŽ̪Ƒā ŶÖĴāł łŋŶĢóā ŋĕ ŶĞā āłāũėƘ ũÖŶĢłė ťķÖŭŶāũāù Öóũŋŭŭ ŶĞā ĿÖũĴāŶĢłė̍ łù ƘŋŽ ƒŋŽķùł̪Ŷ ðŽƘ Ö ĞŋŽŭā ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ óĞāóĴĢłė ŶĞā 1łāũėƘ āũĕŋũĿÖłóā !āũŶĢƩ óÖŶā̍ ¦Ğā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ƒĞÖŶ ƘŋŽ̪ũā ťŽũóĞÖŭĢłė Ģŭ łŋƒ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā ùāóĢŭĢŋł-ĿÖĴĢłė ťũŋóāŭŭ̇ ƒĞāŶĞāũ ŶĞÖŶ ðā Ŷŋ Ö ķāŭŭāũ ŋũ ėũāÖŶāũ āƗŶāłŶ̍ The person selling the product Ĵłŋƒŭ ŶĞÖŶ āƧ óĢāłóƘ ĿÖŶŶāũŭ to consumers whether they are ĿŋŶĢƑÖŶāù ðƘ ŭÖƑĢłė ĿŋłāƘ ŋũ reducing their environmental ĕŋŋŶťũĢłŶ̍ So why do we not see water āƧ óĢāłóƘ ķÖðāķŭ Öóũŋŭŭ Ŀŋũā

products, such as taps and ŭĞŋƒāũŭ̎ !ĞÖłóāŭ Öũā̇ Ģĕ ŶĞāƘ are there, they are nowhere łāÖũ Öŭ ƑĢŭĢðķā Öŭ ŶĞāƘ łāāù Ŷŋ ðā̇ ðŽŶ ŶĞāŭā ķÖðāķŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ÖũŋŽłù ĕŋũ ƘāÖũŭ̇ ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũķƘ ƒĢŶĞĢł ĿÖũĴāŶŭ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ðÖŶĞũŋŋĿ ÖťťķĢÖłóāŭ̍ NŋƒāƑāũ̇ ŶĞāĢũ ķÖóĴ ŋĕ ťũŋĿĢłāłóā łāėÖŶāŭ ŶĞāĢũ āƦ āóŶĢƑāłāŭŭ Öłù ŶĞā ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķ ĕŋũ ŶĞāĿ Ŷŋ ŭāķķ Ö ťũŋùŽóŶ ðƘ ŭĞŋƒóÖŭĢłė ŶĞā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ to customers who want to ĿÖĴā óĞŋĢóāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ŶĞā āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ ŋũ ŭÖƑā ĿŋłāƘ̍

Tom Andrewartha 'LEMV SJ ;EXIV 9/ƅW ;EXIV )ƾ GMIRG] 2IX[SVO ERH GYWXSQIV WXVEXIK]

GEQTEMKR HIPMZIV] QEREKIV EX 2SVXLYQFVMER ;EXIV +VSYT

Why bother? NŋťāĕŽķķƘ̇ ƘŋŽ̪ũā łŋŶ ũāÖùĢłė ŶĞĢŭ Öłù ŶĞĢłĴĢłė ̨ƒĞƘ ƒŋŽķù ƒā ðŋŶĞāũ̪̎̍ `ŽŭŶ Ģł óÖŭā ƘŋŽ Öũā̇ ķāŶ me give you two answers that matter to your environmental conscience, and two that will ĞŋťāĕŽķķƘ ÖťťāÖķ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ťÖũŶ ŋĕ ƘŋŽ ŶĞÖŶ ĞÖŭ Öł āƘā ŋł ŶĞā ðŋŶŶŋĿ ķĢłā̍

DĢũŭŶ̇ ťŋŶÖðķā ƒÖŶāũ Ģŭ Ö Ʃ łĢŶā ũāŭŋŽũóā̍ !ŋķāũĢùėā ƒÖŭ ũĢėĞŶ ƒĞāł Ğā ƒũŋŶā ŶĞā ŋĕŶāł misquoted “water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to ùũĢłĴ̧̍ Èāŭ̇ ĢŶ ĕÖķķŭ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ŭĴƘ Öłù Ğāũā Ģł ŶĞā b ƒā ŋĕŶāł ĕāāķ ķĢĴā ƒā ėāŶ Ŀŋũā ŶĞÖł ŋŽũ ĕÖĢũ ŭĞÖũā ŋĕ ĢŶ̍ ŽŶ ĢŶ̪ŭ Öł ĢķķŽŭĢŋł Ŷŋ ŶĞĢłĴ ƒā ƒĢķķ łāƑāũ ŭāā ŭĞŋũŶÖėāŭ Ģĕ ƒā ùŋł̪Ŷ Žŭā ĢŶ āƧ óĢāłŶķƘ ėĢƑāł population growth and climate óĞÖłėā̍ Second, water and energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ ėŋ ĞÖłù Ģł ĞÖłù̍ ¦ĞÖŶ Ģŭ ŶũŽā ĕũŋĿ ťũŋùŽóŶĢŋł ũĢėĞŶ ŶĞũŋŽėĞ Ŷŋ ŽŭÖėā̍ Rĕ ƒā óÖł produce and supply less water ŶĞÖŶ Žŭāŭ ķāŭŭ āłāũėƘ̇ Öłù Ģĕ ƒā have products in our home that use less hot water, then we use less energy through consumption Öłù ŭÖƑā ĿŋłāƘ̍ pŋƒ ĕŋũ ŶĞŋŭā ðŋŶŶŋĿ-line ĕÖóŶŋũŭ̍ DŋķķŋƒĢłė Ö óŋłŭŽķŶÖŶĢŋł on personal consumption in ˛˙˚ˢ, '1D Ģŭ ŭāŶ Ŷŋ ũāķāÖŭā Ö ũāťŋũŶ early this spring that we hope ƒĢķķ óŋĿĿĢŶ Ŷŋ ĿÖĴĢłė ƒÖŶāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ ķÖðāķķĢłė ĿÖłùÖŶŋũƘ Ģł ŶĞā b̍ ŽŶ āƑāł Ģĕ ŶĞāƘ ùŋł̪Ŷ̇ ĢŶ̪ŭ ŶĢĿā Ŷŋ ėāŶ ÖĞāÖù ŋĕ ŶĞā ėÖĿā and appeal to cost conscious and environmentally minded óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ Öłù ťŽŶ ƘŋŽũŭāķĕ Ģł a prime position when it comes

Ŷŋ Ģłƪ ŽāłóĢłė ŶĞāĢũ ťŽũóĞÖŭĢłė ùāóĢŭĢŋłŭ̍ óĞÖłėā Ŷŋ ŋŽũ óŽũũāłŶ ŽĢķùĢłė āėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ Ģŭ Öķŭŋ ŋł ŶĞā ĞŋũĢơŋł̍ ŭ ĢŶ ŭŶÖłùŭ̇ łāƒ ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ðŽĢķŶ Ģł ķĢłā ƒĢŶĞ Ö ťāũŭŋłÖķ óŋłŭŽĿťŶĢŋł ŶÖũėāŶ ŋĕ ˚˛˞ ķĢŶũāŭ ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ ťāũ ťāũŭŋł̇ ťāũ ùÖƘ̍ ķŭŋ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā '1D consultation, it is expected that Ŀŋũā ŭŶũĢłėāłŶ ŶÖũėāŶŭ ĿÖƘ ðā introduced to lower this to ˚˚˙ ķĢŶũāŭ ťāũ ťāũŭŋł ťāũ ùÖƘ̍ Over the last ˞˙ years UK average consumption has łāÖũķƘ ùŋŽðķāù Ŷŋ ˚˝˛ litres per ťāũŭŋł ťāũ ùÖƘ̍ ¦ĞÖŶ ķāƑāķ ŋĕ consumption needs to come ùŋƒł Öłù ƒÖŶāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ ķÖðāķķĢłė ŋĕ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ģŭ ŋłā ŋĕ ŶĞā ƒÖƘŭ ƒā óÖł ùŋ ŶĞÖŶ̍ Rł ĕÖóŶ̇ ĢŶ̪ŭ Ö ĴāƘ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł̍ R Öėũāā ƒĢŶĞ pÖŶĞÖł ĢóĞÖũùŭŋł ĕũŋĿ ƒÖŶāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ pFz ÂÖŶāũƒĢŭā̇ ƒĞŋ ðāķĢāƑāŭ ŶĞÖŶ moving to mandatory water āƧ óĢāłóƘ ķÖðāķķĢłė ŋĕ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ĿŽŭŶ ĞÖťťāł Ģł ŶĞā b̍ 1ƗťāũĢāłóā ĕũŋĿ ŋŶĞāũ óŋŽłŶũĢāŭ and research in the UK has shown that it will save customers money, save water, save energy, ũāùŽóā ŋŽũ óÖũðŋł ĕŋŋŶťũĢłŶ̇ Öłù help the natural environment… ĢŶ̪ŭ Ö łŋ-ðũÖĢłāũ̉ ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓˝˛˚̓˜ˡ

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1łāũėƘ 1Ƨ óĢāłŶ ũŋùŽóŶŭ

An economical solution for home workers With more people working from home, Fischer Future Heat is promoting the ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ĢŶŭ āķāóŶũĢó óķÖƘ óŋũā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ̇ which it says can meet the needs of remote ŋƧ óāŭ ƒĞĢķā ĞāķťĢłė Ŷŋ ũāùŽóā āłāũėƘ óŋŭŶŭ̍ ̦1ƗŶāłùĢłė óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù ťķŽĿðĢłė into a conservatory or independent ėÖũùāł ŋƧ óā óÖł ðā ùĢƧ óŽķŶ Öłù óŋŭŶķƘ̧̇ āƗťķÖĢłŭ óŋĿťÖłƘ !1z Öłù ĕŋŽłùāũ bāĢŶĞ ÖŭŶĢÖł̍ ̦ ťÖũŶ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā óŋŭŶŭ ŋĕ āƗŶāłùĢłė ťķŽĿðĢłė̇ ũāĿŋƑĢłė ƪ ŋŋũðŋÖũùŭ ŋũ creating holes in walls, it will often require a long diversion from the rest of the system, demanding a high volume of piping for Ö ŭĢłėķā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ̍ !ŋłŶũŋķķĢłė ŶĞÖŶ ŭĢłėķā radiator with a single thermostat in the rest

of the home is inadvisable, as the heat loss for Ö óŋłŭāũƑÖŶŋũƘ ŋũ ĢłùāťāłùāłŶ ŋƧ óā ƒĢķķ ðā ŶŋŶÖķķƘ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ũāŭŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā ĞŋĿā̍ “To combat this very issue, dynamic electric clay core radiators can allow homeowners to be in complete control of their heating and independently heat rooms without the need to Öùù Ŷŋ ŶĞāĢũ āƗĢŭŶĢłė óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłȩ̇̍ Featuring intelligent and wireless room ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā óŋłŶũŋķ̇ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̪ŭ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ are said to be easy to install and can be powered by renewable energy solutions such as wind and solar. They feature a ˝˙mm clay core, designed to retain more heat, and are available in both horizontal and vertical options. ̦RŶ óÖł ðā ùĢƧ óŽķŶ Ŷŋ Ʃ łù ŶĞā ťāũĕāóŶ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ĕŋũ Ö ũŋŋĿ ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ÖƦ āóŶĢłė ŶĞā heating throughout the rest of the home, but electric heaters provide homeowners with ŶĞā ÖðĢķĢŶƘ Ŷŋ ùŋ āƗÖóŶķƘ ŶĞÖŶ̇ ėĢƑĢłė ŶĞāĿ Ö óŋĿĕŋũŶÖðķā Öłù óŋĿťķĢÖłŶ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā̧̇ concludes Keith Bastian. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˜ˢ

Quiet running ground source heat pump dŋŋĴĢłė Ŷŋ āƗťÖłù ĢŶŭ ũāłāƒÖðķā ŋƦ āũĢłė Ŷŋ ĿāāŶ ĢłóũāÖŭāù ùāĿÖłù̇ ŶĢāðāķ 1ķŶũŋł ĞÖŭ ķÖŽłóĞāù ĢŶŭ łāƒ Â 1-R ėũŋŽłù ŭŋŽũóā ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť Ģł ŶĞā b̍ ¦Ğā Â 1-I is an adaptable renewable heating system, which Žŭāŭ ĢłƑāũŶāũ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ĞĢėĞ āƧ óĢāłóƘ alongside almost silent operation. The technology is designed for use across residential and commercial schemes with small units that are built not only to save space but also ŭĢĿťķĢĕƘ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ťũŋóāŭŭ̵̍¦Ğāŭā ĢłłŋƑÖŶĢŋłŭ Öķŭŋ āłŭŽũā ĞĢėĞ ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ŶĞā ÖŭŭĢŭŶÖłóā ŋĕ Ö ðŋŋŭŶāũ ĞāÖŶāũ̇ Öłù Ö ŭŶũŋłė ŭāÖŭŋłÖķ óŋāƧ óĢāłŶ ŋĕ ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā ̛ !z ̜ ̞ ƒĞĢóĞ ĿāÖłŭ Ö ðāŶŶāũ ũāŶŽũł ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā āłāƒÖðķā NāÖŶ RłóāłŶĢƑā ̛ NR̜ ĕŋũ ŋƒłāũŭ̍ ¦Ğā Â 1̟R Žŭāŭ ŶĢāðāķ 1ķŶũŋł̪ŭ łāƒ ˝˞˝! ũāĕũĢėāũÖłŶ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ óķÖĢĿāù Ŷŋ ĢĿťũŋƑā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ðƘ Žť to ˚˞̵ͮ̍RŶ óŋĿāŭ ƒĢŶĞ ŋťŶĢŋłÖķ Öťť óŋłŶũŋķ Öłù Öóóāŭŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ŶĢāðāķ 1ķŶũŋł RłŶāũłāŶ āũƑĢóā FÖŶāƒÖƘ ̛R F̜̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˝˙

Smart control approved for ECO Following UK-wide trials, the Radbot smart heating control from Vestemi has now been approved by Ofgem, the energy regulator, for use under the energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŭóĞāĿā̇ 1!z ̛1łāũėƘ !ŋĿťÖłƘ Obligation). As a smart heating control, Radbot heats each room when occupied and automatically reduces the temperature when empty, without the need for the user to programme schedules, control heating via an app, or even connect to WiFi. Tests over a two-year period have shown that Radbot delivers a ˚˛% average reduction in gas consumption for space heating compared to standard TRVs. Radbot can be used in any home that has

wet radiators and it is estimated that ˝̍˞ ĿĢķķĢŋł ŭŽóĞ ĞŋĿāŭ Öũā āķĢėĢðķā ĕŋũ 1!z funding under the current scheme rules. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˝˚

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Showers & Enclosures

Bar showers – what’s best for the customer? Bar showers are a reliable option for any bathroom, but with such a wide range to choose from, how do you pick one that’s perfectly suited to your customer? Maria Howley from Bristan talks through the things that installers need to consider when selecting a bar shower.

f there’s one shower that does the job, it’s the bar shower. Performance, safety and convenience are all packed into one small, compact bar to create a shower that’s unrivalled in function and form. Not to mention, that their easy- t design makes them the go-to choice for installers. From stylish designs and inno ati e eco features to ing solutions that make installation and maintenance a breeze, the mar et is lled with a whole host of bar shower options. And, as installers know, every customer has di erent needs and tastes. So how do you identify the perfect bar shower for the job?

Easy install

As a plumber, choosing products with easy installation is not only important for making the day-to-da o more efficient, ut also for o ering customers a quick and easy service. One of the man ene ts of ar showers is that they don’t require recessing within the wall, so they are relatively quick and simple to install. But did you know there are some solutions that can make the installation process even quicker? Our award-winning Wallmount 12 ing it, for e ample, features isolation valves for easy connection to e isting pipewor . ts innovative rubber seals mean the bar shower itself doesn’t have to be installed until later in the build process, which protects it from potential damage. When you’re ready, all you need to do is push the shroud on to the back of the wall outlet, lining up the access hole with the isolating screw, then t your bar shower. It’s as simple as that!

Maintenance issues

Last-minute callouts are an unavoidable part of a plumber’s  The Bristan Craze chrome rigid riser thermostatic bar shower valve with diverter dual outlet to showerhead or Deluge rain head

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Maria Howley

Technical product trainer at Bristan

life, so it’s important to choose products designed with easy servicing in mind. Once again, our Wallmount 12 is the ideal choice, featuring built-in isolation that allows installers to carr out o -the-wall servicing for quick and easy maintenance. Another consideration is whether a ar shower o ers customers ﬂe i ilit . ith the ability to isolate the water supply with the front-facing isolation valves, the Wallmount 12 ing it allows installers to upgrade to a new bar shower with an e tensi e range of st le in the Bristan range to suit their customers’ changing needs. This feature also makes it perfect for retro t pro ects.

 The Bristan Buzz chrome thermostatic rigid riser bar shower valve with ed e d

User safety

Safety is an important factor in an athroom o , ut di erent households can have varying levels of safety requirements. Bar showers, by default, are a t pe of thermostatic mi er valve, meaning the hot and cold water suppl are mi ed together to create a safe, desirable temperature before it reaches the shower head. This also regulates the temperature to prevent any sudden spikes – even if a tap is being used elsewhere in the house – creating a safer showering e perience e er time. However, sometimes a little e tra protection is needed, such as in a household with children or elderly people. With this in mind, we have engineered a unique ‘safe touch’ technology, available on both our Zing and Frenzy showers. This enables a cold-water feed to be constantly surrounding the hot water, so that the bar valve is always safe to the touch.

Water saving

In today’s world, homeowners are more conscious than ever about their environmental impact and how they can reduce it where possible. If customers are looking for more eco-

friendly bathroom solutions, consider choosing a bar shower that has water saving built in. Our Carre, Zing and Frenzy models are all designed to be ‘eco-showers’ and are a great sustainable solution. he water flow limiters in our bar showers help to reduce water consumption while still giving a substantial shower. hese flow limiters are preinstalled in the product inlets of the bar shower itself and can reduce the flow to as little as litres per minute.

Design options

he nal consideration is choosing a bar shower with a design that will suit your customers’ tastes and bathroom style. Our bestselling bar shower range has a wealth of choice, all boasting the slimline and compact look that makes bar showers so popular. If the customer is looking for a more classic style, the Artisan or Prism are great options. Or if their bathroom style is more contemporary, then the new and improved Buzz and Craze showers oth o er clean lines and striking, drenching shower heads. Many of our bar showers – such as the Quadrato – also have matching taps to create a cohesive bathroom design. phamnews.co.uk

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Showers & Enclosures

Providing a stylish solution to sustainable showering With over 2 illion litres of water used each da across ritain though showering the e ui alent of almost 00 l mpic si e swimming pools artin al er from eth en e plores how professionals can help to signi cantl reduce water usage in the athroom.

s national water usage continues to rise at an alarming rate there is increasing pressure to improve both the water and car on efficienc of new build properties. With the bathroom presenting the iggest source of dail water output, professionals have the opportunit to ta e a fresh approach to the technologies and products speci ed throughout these rooms to support the overall water efficienc of the propert , without compromising on ualit or aesthetics. In 201 , the Government updated Approved Document G, requiring all new dwellings to achie e water efficienc of 12 litres per person per da , with an ‘optional’ requirement of 110 litres per person per da . As conversations throughout the industr continue to address the potential for the optional 110 litres obligation to become the new legal requirement, it presents the opportunit to ta e a proacti e approach to the showering solutions speci ed choosing products that feature a ﬂow rate of litres or less. his will not onl ensure the propert is compliant with current and future regulations, ut simultaneousl futureproof it, supporting the new homeowners in acti el reducing their water and energ usage, and most importantl , their ongoing bills.

Martin Walker CEO of Methven

While the quality of the overall shower experience is essential, aesthetics are also a key priority when specifying water efficient s e ing solutions for new residential developments

Bad experience

istoricall , some water efficient showerheads, particularl those at entr le el that are commonl constructed of white plastic, have gained a negative reputation with consumers for having poor performance and forcing compromise on the overall bathroom aesthetic. hile man of these products ma ha e signi cantl reduced the ﬂow rate of water used per minute, the overall function was so limited that individuals had to shower for up to twice as long, resulting in the same level of water usage as a normal shower head. Our research has concluded that this has led to a proportion of homeowners eing s eptical of water efficient products and

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CUT TO THE CHASE  It is likely that a limit of 110 litres of water per person per day will become a legal requirement  Shower products that feature a o rate o litres or less ill comply with future regulations  Many consumers have had a poor experience with products that promise to save water  The latest advancements in shower technology have enhanced the user’s experience  Professionals have an opportunity to proactively promote water efficiency

ultimatel replacing the shower head with their original, or a less efficient, model to gain etter performance and visual appeal. So, how can professionals help to minimise the overall water output of the bathroom, without comprising on the showering e perience for future homeowners?

Less is more

The latest advancements in showering technolog are delivering a new generation of high ualit , isuall appealing chrome showers that feature a contemporar construction, while also providing the lowest ﬂow rates a aila le. his includes s stems that o er a ﬂow rate as low as .7 litres a minute, without compromising on the overall showering e perience for the homeowner, through the development of twin-jet technolog , which creates optimum water droplet si e and pressure, delivering over 00,000 droplets per second. The result is a full od showering e perience that provides individuals with the highest standards in performance, whilst simultaneousl using less water. hile the ualit of the o erall showering e perience is essential, aesthetics are also a e priorit when specif ing water efficient showering solutions for new residential developments.

Stylish solutions

a ing the place of ordinar white sanitar ware is a new era of showering and wider athroom solutions that o er oth st le and performance. This is showcased with the current popularit of matte lac and metallic nishes, as potential homeowners search for monochrome bathrooms and en suites that feature slee , streamlined aesthetics com ined with e e catching highlights. choosing a complementar range of high ualit showers, tapware and accessories from a single manufacturer, professionals can create an e ecti e and cohesi e appearance throughout an entire bathroom that creates a rst class nish, whilst acti el reducing water usage, et increasing o erall functionalit . Whilst the requirements outlined in Approved Document ma not e updated in the near future, professionals ha e the ideal opportunit throughout ne t ear and e ond to proacti el impro e the o erall water efficienc of new de elopments specif ing inno ati e showering technologies that wor to acti el reduce ﬂow rate, without also reducing performance levels. phamnews.co.uk

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Showers & Enclosures

Upgrading to digital tech

designed with the installer in mind at e er stage of its de elopment, with hassle-free and ﬂe i le installation o ered across the range. nstallers ha e pla ed a ital role throughout our 100 ear ourne , and to help recognise their invaluable role in the success of our brand we have de eloped the nstaller programme to ac nowledge this.”

igital showering technolog continues to e popular with consumers, and ira Showers elie es its cti ate range, with eas installation, backed up with technical support, will also be a winner with installers.

vailable in single and dual outlets, the Mira Activate is designed for new installations as well as to speci call retro t the Aqualisa Quartz. Thanks to this direct retro t design, the range is engineered speci call for eas installation, with ira sa ing it is simpler to t than man other showers on the mar et. here s minimal pipework alteration required which means no new holes or new tiles, and with the three-pin plug, it reall is a case of plug and pla . he ceiling-fed ttings it comes pre-assem led and has two digital al e platforms suita le for both high and low pressure s stems, which should ma e installation straightforward.

InstallerPRO rewards

Quality control

 Activate has an intuitive digital controller with de n dis showing usage data

Some of the ma or ene ts of digital showering technolog eco-friendl credentials are its eco and sustainable advantages. ust as technolog allows consumers to monitor energ use through a smart meter or app-ena led home thermostat, app Mira Activate allows for the monitoring and control of water temperature and ﬂow through the Mira Showers app. The Activate also boasts an appealing modern design and a chrome plated nish. Controller bezel accessories are a aila le to purchase separatel in matt lac , rushed nic el

and titanium nishes, with a wireless remote control accessor also a aila le. Su annah allam, digital product manager at ira Showers, sa s ur continued stud of the smart athroom trend and our innovation in digital showering demonstrates our understanding of the mar et. e recognise the growing demand from consumers for smarter athroom products and ha e developed the Mira Activate range with the Mira Showers app to support installers in meeting this demand. ira cti ate has een

Old walls, new tricks hether it s a wetroom, en-suite or us famil athroom, shower panels o er specialised st les and designs that can t e achie ed with tiling. ermaid loo s at the e trends that deli er a premium loo and feel to an space. hen a

customer is looking to update an old athroom, a good place to start is with the walls, and shower panels can do a lot to transform the room s appearance. ermaid, a large supplier of shower and wall panels, has identi ed three trends in particular that customers are gravitating to.

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hrough nstaller , installers that fit or register the Mira Activate product range from pril to une will receive 0 00 points as part of the rewards scheme. hose new to the programme will also recei e a 20 welcome oucher for signing up. ira s nstaller rewards scheme is a free mem ership communit designed for independent trade professionals. It offers priorit technical support, usiness de elopment tools, the latest training, plus a range of merchandise, installer kit and retail ouchers. em ers can earn points across a range of Mira Showers products uploading details of their installations to the nstaller we site.

ne s c

e e ect

cost e ecti e wa to get the lu urious loo of mar le is with panels that reproduce this natural stone e ect. ermaid s premium lite range of seamless panels are made using a waterproof core and feature post-formed edges. he panels are trimless for a fuss-free nish and a smooth, uniform loo with mar le e ects and distinctive veined detail that appears just like the real thing.

e ned ind st i is

Opulent marble pulent mar les, natural woods and re ned industrialism each o er a distinct design st le, which will complement oth classic and contemporar athroom schemes. hese three trends are currentl dominating the lu ur mar et, sa s eel Greenhalgh, national sales manager at ermaid anels. here are natural woods that perfectl emulate the desire for biophilic design, while re ned industrialism comes

Natural wood through in concrete and stone e ects teamed with rass and ron e details. nd mar le is a material that has long een s non mous with creating lu urious spaces. Shower panels are said to be easier to t than tiles, and the can e tted o er irtuall an e isting surface. oisture and humidit don t a ect acr lic, glass, laminate, or composite ermaid athroom panels, eliminating the chance of mildew or mould creeping in.

Industrial look urthermore, the panels don t require grouting.

Natural woods

For those seeking to bring a sense of the outdoors inside, ermaid o ers the Metropolitan collection of laminate athroom panels. ith the loo of stripped-back, sawn and treated wood grains, the panels provide peaceful, tranquil surroundings, perfect for a rela ing retreat at the end of a hard da .

hile in recent times the urban look was all about a raw industrial feel, this design st le has e ol ed into a more re ned industrialism with sophisticated stone and concrete e ects. An alternative to tiles, panels in the athroom can e used in the shower enclosure as well as for the basin surround and throughout the space for a cohesive and coordinated look. pect to see coloured nishes of brassware in hues of brass and ron e to complement the look. ne s c

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Showers & Enclosures Solutions for safe showering zƦ āũĢłė Öł ĢłóķŽŭĢƑā ŭĞŋƒāũ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł that combines the principles of safety and simplicity, Triton’s Omnicare range has been designed to meet the needs of all ages and mobility. RŶ ŋƦ āũŭ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶĢó ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā control and can be equipped with a host of accessibility features, such as remote control, audible feedback and intuitive operation. Triton has also recently published a ‘A Blueprint for Bathroom Safety’ which outlines the key bathroom safety considerations when specifying products for multigenerational homes. The guide includes a four-part checklist and ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶŭ Ğŋƒ ùĢƦ āũĢłė ķāƑāķŭ ŋĕ independence within the same home require a bathroom tailored to meed varied needs. It can be downloaded by using the following link: ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˝ˠ

Pump range has new name Pump specialist Stuart Turner has launched the new Showermate range of bathroom and shower pumps, which previously consisted of Showermate, Showermate ECO and Showermate TP. “The previous range had grown over several years and it was time to bring them all together under one platform,” explains Richard Ballard, national training manager. “Our engineering team has worked hard to make subtle improvements to what was already a high quality series and delivered an easy-to-install product Ʃ Ŷ ĕŋũ łāƒ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋłŭ ŋũ ũāťķÖóāĿāłŶŭ of both Stuart Turner and other manufacturers’ products.”

Saving space for a lower cost

The pumps are available in three performance options: ˚̍˞̇ ˛̍˙ and ˛̍˟ bar, universal or standard, and twin or single models, suitable for a wide range of applications. ĞŋƒāũĿÖŶā ŋƦ āũŭ ŨŽĢāŶ operation and features anti-vibration feet to reduce noise transmission further. The pumps are continuously rated, feature automatic switching and come ƒĢŶĞ ƪ āƗĢðķā ˚˞mm x ˛˙˞mm, push-Ʃ Ŷ ÖłŶĢvibration hoses with ¾ BSP threaded connection to the pump. Showermate pumps are eligible for points via the Stuart Turner Installer Loyalty Club when registered with the loyalty program. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˝ˡ

¦Ğā āƪ āÇĢŋł ũÖłėā ðƘ `N łŋƒ ĢłóķŽùāŭ the In-fold Classix Enclosure, designed for compact bathroom spaces due to its small footprint and special opening mechanism. The enclosure’s door slides into the enclosure area, taking up less space in the room. The manufacturer says although this is a style and model typically found at the higher end of the market, with a price Ŷŋ ĿÖŶóĞ̇ ĢŶ Ģŭ ŋƦ āũĢłė ŶĞā āłóķŋŭŽũā ÖŶ Ö competitive price point to appeal to the middle market. Toughened 6mm safety glass, concealed Ʃ ƗĢłėŭ̇ 1ÖŭƘ !ķāÖł ėķÖŭŭ̇ ŋťŶĢŋłÖķ ŭĢùā panels and an exceptionally smooth door gliding action, this In-fold model comes in three versatile widths, ˠ˟˙, ˡ˙˙ and ˢ˙˙mm, and all with a minimal door opening intrusion into the room of just ˛˙˙, ˜˛˙ and ˜ˠ˙mm, respectively. At a height of ˚ˡ˞˙ĿĿ̇ ŶĞā āƪ āÇĢŋł In-fold model is suitable for recess and corner applications, has a reversible door and comes with a Lifetime Quality Guarantee as well as CE Approval. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˝ˢ

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Showers & Enclosures Water saving without needing to compromise zƦāũĢłė Ö ėāłāũŋŽŭ ùĢÖĿāŶāũ ŋĕ ˛˞˙mm, the Grohe Tempesta ˛˞˙ ŭĞŋƒāũĞāÖù ŋƦāũŭ Ö ŭķĢĿ̇ ĿĢłĢĿÖķĢŭŶ ĕŋũĿ Ģł Ö óĞũŋĿā ƩłĢŭĞ̍ It’s available in a range of product variants, including both round and square designs. It is also available as a single head shower, in a set with shower arm, or as a complete shower system. Equipped with the company’s waterŭÖƑĢłė 1óŋ`ŋƘ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ̇ ĢŶ Žŭāŭ Ö ƪŋƒ restrictor to reduce the water consumption to a more sustainable ˢ̍˞ litres per minute. The Tempesta ˛˞˙ Ģŭ ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ŭĞŋƒāũĢłė comfort with a good conscience, and will appeal to the ˞˝% of Brits who say they would like a shower that could assist them in being more sustainable. At the same time, the geometry of the nozzles on the ŭĞŋƒāũ ĞāÖù āłŭŽũāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā ƒÖŶāũ ƪŋƒ remains powerful, for a shower experience that doesn’t compromise on performance. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˞˙

Install a Haven in the bathroom The Lumin8 range has been rebranded by Roman to become Haven8. This newly dubbed collection encompasses an array of options, including one and two door quadrants, bi-fold, pivot and sliding doors, a selection of side panels and in-line panels, as well as bath screens. The move to Haven8 means the range will be nett priced with no RRPs. As a result, the actual purchasing prices available will show a reduction of around ˜˙% to most customers. Lumin8 still stays as a range within Roman’s main showroom guide, but it is now focused on specialist doors and panels. David Osborne, CEO at Roman, says: “I know our customers really appreciate the fact that we have held prices since July ˛˙˚ˢ in a time of such uncertainty and also reduced prices by repositioning our Lumin8 range to Haven8. Our commitment to Made in Britain certainly resonates more positively than ever before.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˞˚

¦ũÖƘŭ ŋƦāũ Ö ƩũĿ ĕŋŋŶĢłė The Tempano shower tray series by Duravit comes in ˛ˠ variants, both square and rectangle. The glossy white surface is made from sanitary acrylic, and an optional anti-slip coating (class C) ensures additional stability. Available Ģł ƪŽŭĞ-ƩŶŶĢłė ̛ťĢóŶŽũāù̜̇ ŭāĿĢũāóāŭŭāù̇ ŋũ ƪŋŋũ- mounted variants, Tempano combines showering comfort ƒĢŶĞ ÖāŭŶĞāŶĢóŭ̇ Öłù ŶĞā ƪŽŭĞ-ƩŶŶĢłė installation creates a generous sense of space. Also available is the stone-like Stonetto shower tray, characterised by a matt surface which give it a natural, authentic look. Made from DuraSolid material, the shower tray is scratch-resistant, robust, and anti-slip (class B). The surface of the tray and the removable outlet form a visual unit, providing a gentle recess into which the water drains away. Four colours and ˚˝ possible sizes Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ Ö óĞŋĢóā ŋĕ ƪŽŭĞ-ƩŶŶĢłė̇ ŭāĿĢ-ũāóāŭŭāù̇ ŋũ ƪŋŋũ-mounted installation variants open up a host of options for customised bathroom design. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˞˛

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Showers & Enclosures Advertisement feature

Lighting up the daily shower Lighting is becoming an increasingly important element in creating the perfect atmosphere in the bathroom, so KEUCO has developed a combination shower light/shower head that gives users the ability to personalise the showering experience.

hen designing and installing a bathroom, be it for a new build or refurbishment, the end consumer is frequently looking for an elegant twist or added extra - an option that allows the bathroom to be seen as a setting for relaxation, a home style spa, and a place to unwind. There is a growing trend for new builds and refurbishments to have a large and spacious shower in place of the traditional bath. The KEUCO Shower Light is a spectacular centrepiece that also provides a unique showering e perience, o ering a perfect combination of water and light. The dimensions are 00mm in

Lighting adjusted to a warmer setting

 The KEUCO Shower Light is a fully integrated light and showerhead that provides the perfect lighting to enliven or relax when showering

No more over-spray with deﬂector panel

diameter which incorporates a 00mm shower head. The large shower head and its integrated light surrounding can be set to either a cool or warm light option. This dramatic combination of light and water also has a positive and restorative e ect on the person showering. he water streaming from the shower above covers the body and, depending on the temperature selected, it cools and invigorates or warms and relaxes. The light can be changed in brightness and also intensity - from a warm light

Lighting adjusted to a cooler setting

2700 kelvin to white light 00 kelvin and dimmed as desired. This light choice is especially good in winter time, as it allows the user to have a brighter ‘daylight’ shower with a warming e ect for the od in the morning, and this activates the circulatory system. A warmer, softer light during an evening shower creates a relaxing ambiance. It is similar to the e ects of sunset and helps to release the hormone melatonin, encouraging sleep. phamnews.co.uk

A door style for every possible design The Exclusive Solutions collection from Aqata includes an extensive range of options, designed to offer every kind of shower door to meet the needs of almost any bathroom project. The wide range of screen sizes are suitable for both corner or recess showers and are then matched with the appropriate door fitting for the style and size of the room. The choice of doors includes pivot, sliding, bi-fold and hinged, all with ClearShield Eco-Glass and alternative coloured finishes as an option. The ES2 0 and the ES2 are suitable for smaller spaces, and they can either be located in the corner of a bathroom or a recess. The door pivots to open, to save on space and ensure a clean minimalistic look. The enclosure height is 1 0mm, but non-standard sizes are available with the company’s made to measure option. Sliding doors such as the ES 00 work for wetroom style recess showers, and ES2 0 is a bi-folding door option for smaller bathrooms. phamnews.co.uk/

oosting water performance and sales The new fold-away glass Deflector Panel from Kudos is a stylish and practical solution designed to work with the company’s Ultimate collection of showering panels. As a hinged deflector panel, it is designed to minimise overspray and contain splashing within the showering space, making it suitable for smaller walk-in enclosures. It folds neatly behind the fixed panel when not in use and, when opened, stops at 1 º to provide optimum protection. The 00mm deflector is available in both 8 and 10mm glass thickness and can be easily retro-fitted to any existing Ultimate panel, no tools or silicone required. They come as standard with Crystal Clear seals for minimalist appearance and a choice of silver chrome or matt black fixings. phamnews.co.uk/

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The 0 Xtra from Salamander Pumps is the company’s best-selling shower pump, with sales having increased by over 0% in the last 12 months. The range provides a quiet solution for boosting water performance for a single shower or hot or cold tap. The entire range was awarded the Quiet Mark by the Noise Abatement Society after independent testing at the University of Salford. The compact pumps are said to offer an easy installation process, included

with a three-year warranty, and are available through plumbing merchants and wholesalers. Chris Vallance, sales director at Salamander Pumps, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see that our CT Xtra range remains the go-to choice for plumbers when installing shower pumps. We designed this range to provide an affordable and effective solution to boosting water performance, and the continued increase in sales every year clearly demonstrates the popularity of the products amongst the trade.” phamnews.co.uk/

29/03/2021 12:49

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Test

e s

ing nst

There’s a much smarter way to measure

t eg s t e test en t e ic t ns s t ne t

Time saving

Starting with something as simple but vitally important such as balancing the radiators within a heating system, the traditional method would have been to reach for a digital thermometer from the toolbox, and take temperature measurements at the ﬂow and return legs to look at the temperature di erence or Delta T) across the radiator. With a traditional digital thermometer you have the issue that maybe you only have a single-channel type unit so have to take the two measurements separately and then calculate the di erence. Even if a dual-channel type device is used, taking the measurements will still take a considerable time. Also there is the potential issue of cables on temperature probes that can get twisted or broken during any measurements – this all adds up to time and e ort.

 e test designed inst ing nd se icing e t s nd e ige ti n s ste s i in t ee st nsite e ting nd d c ent ti n

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Product manager HVACR, Testo UK

n se s s c s e e s e ents e ed t et

e ess

Jon Bawden

combined with the ability for a digital manifold to link to a free app to allow fast on-site reporting and documentation, these smart manifolds o er a considera le user ene t against analogue versions.

Smart instrument technology is enabling heating engineers to speed up measurements and calculations by simply using their smartphones and tablets – Jon Bawden from Testo UK explains more. any heating engineers are now accepting that their smartphones or tablets are becoming part of the everyday toolbox that they use, whether its using the various apps that are available to help with calculating or sizing a system, through to the actual invoicing of the job to the customer. But how many engineers are also taking advantage of the possibility to make their job simpler and easier by looking at the many options available to them to also use smart instruments that connect to their phone or tablet?

ents

Surely a much simpler idea would be to use a product such as a Testo smart probe. These low cost devices simply connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and use a free app that allows measurement of many parameters such as temperature, pressure, airﬂow, etc. For the radiator balancing example as above, you can connect up to six pipe clamp

temperature probes with no cables to the radiators in a s stem, which e ecti el can allow balancing of three radiators at once. Alternatively, you can balance a single radiator and have clear information on oth ﬂow, return, and Delta T value all on a single screen, and without any wires to worry about breaking or tripping over.

gene

ti n

Another developing area for smart instruments is within the heat pump sector. With the move towards decarbonising the UK heating industry there is a lot of development towards putting heat pumps forward as a trusted and reliable option for domestic heating. With this rise in heat pump installations there will be a new generation of engineers looking towards service tools for this type of product. Traditionally, engineers working on heat pumps would use an analogue gauge set to monitor the operating pressures within the heat pump system as part of any evaluation needed during fault nding or repair. owe er, many heat pump engineers are seeing the ene t from moving towards digital smart manifolds, such as the testo x range, where the ability to get more accurate pressure measurements combined with extra functionality to monitor critical temperatures around the system are bringing the ability to gain a faster understanding of the system operation. When also

When it comes to testing of existing boilers there are also options for using smarter ﬂue gas anal sers that allow a paperless wor ﬂow. Products such as the testo 00 can allow engineers to save measurement values to a pre-formed report which can then be transferred across to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, or even directly emailed from the analyser by using a WiFi hotspot. These reports can contain customer details as well as measurements taken on site, and it is this digital reporting that is the key aspect of all these smart type instruments, in that compared to any handwritten reports the measurements are proof of actual measured values taken at that time and date. Smart measuring technology also gives you a much more professional image with your customers. For instance, you can clearly compare readings with one another using the graphic display options on the smartphone or tablet and can present the results straight away to your customer in an easily understandable way. All this without any troublesome accessories, such as thermal printers, and without any special software for data readout or long waiting times. The fact that the data is digital and cannot be easily manipulated allows your clients to have trust in the site readings taken.

ining

ent

What is clear is that smart instruments are gaining the attention of many of today’s engineers. At Testo we are celebrating this month the th birthday for our original launch of our rst smart probe product range, and with many hundreds of thousands sold worldwide, the appetite for innovative and low-cost measurement instruments that work with your smartphone to make jobs simpler and more efficient shows no sign of stopping. ne s c

29/03/2021 12:52

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PHAM APR21:Layout 1 31/03/2021 15:04 Page 45

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Test & Measuring Instruments 45 Flue gas analyser is a real all-rounder

Carbon monoxide detection The Extech CO˚˞ Carbon Monoxide Meter can be used to detect carbon monoxide (CO) up to ˢˢˢppm. It is suitable for a number of applications, including ambient air safety checks on domestic appliances, CO levels in industrial environments, and for home inspections. Described as easy to use, the meter includes a simple operating system which is engaged with the press of a button. When it detects carbon monoxide levels which are in excess of the user-ùāƩłÖðķā ķĢĿĢŶ̇ ŶĞā !z ùāŶāóŶŋũ ƒĢķķ ĢŭŭŽā

Suitable for all basic measurements on domestic heating systems, including direct O2̇ !ż ƪŽā ėÖŭ Öłù ambient temperature, the testo ˜˚˙ Flue Gas Analyser is said to combine simple functions with a high level of measurement accuracy. Users can also easily switch between natural gas, wood, biomass, fuel oil, and propane. The battery lasts up to ˚˙ hours, and its easy handling and compact design make it a robust tool for daily work. The FGA does both basic and more complex combustion analysis, performs maintenance and ŭÖĕāŶƘ óĞāóĴŭ̇ Öłù óŋłƩũĿŭ ðŋĢķāũ āƧóĢāłóƘ̍ DĢŶŶāù ƒĢŶĞ ĢłŶāėũÖŶāù ĿÖėłāŶŭ Ŷŋ ƩƗ ĢŶ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ðŋĢķāũ̇ ŶĞā DF also includes a condensate trap. The ˜˚˙ is quick to start up, enabling testing within ˜˙ seconds of turning the device on, and simple icons show the current measurement functions. It can be purchased with an optional printer kit if desired. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˞ˢ

Cameras reveal hidden problems Available from Hikmicro is a range of handheld thermal imaging temperature measurement cameras, said to be the ideal tool for working plumbers and heating engineers. Small, light and easy to use, they provide highly accurate, intuitive point-andshoot temperature measurement in a clear, visible format. They’re also suitably rugged in construction, making them perfect for day-to-day working use. The company’s handheld thermal imaging cameras can be used to monitor temperature óŋłùĢŶĢŋłŭ ƒĞāł óĞāóĴĢłė ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ āƧóĢāłóƘ̇ ÖĢù Ģł ŨŽĢóĴķƘ Öłù āÖŭĢķƘ ĢùāłŶĢĕƘĢłė Žłùāũƪŋŋũ heating, and can provide invaluable assistance in locating hidden hot and cold water pipes. ¦ĞāƘ óÖł Öķŭŋ ðā āŨŽÖķķƘ āƦāóŶĢƑā ƒĞāł óĞāóĴĢłė ùŋŽðķā ėķÖơĢłė ĢłŶāėũĢŶƘ Öłù ŶĞā āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ÖĢũ conditioning units. Delivering a clear image of the target object, the user can select to choose only thermal, only optical, or see the thermal image combined with an optical image, full or part screen. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˟˙

Ö óŋłŶĢłŽŋŽŭ ðāāť̇ Öłù ĢŶŭ ùĢŭťķÖƘ ƒĢķķ ƪÖŭĞ Ģł order to alert the user. These visible and audible alarms will continue until the CO levels return to an acceptable/ normal range. The alarm is set to ˛˞ppm as default, however the user can alter this to suit the situation at hand. In addition, the meter includes three calibration points: ˙ (default), ˚˙˙ and ˞˙˙ppm. This feature is said to improve the reliability, accuracy and versatility of the instrument. The operator is able to utilise these adjustable calibration and alarm features in order to adapt the carbon monoxide meter for a multitude of applications. A backlit display ensures that the instrument can be used in low light conditions. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˝˛˚̓˞ˡ

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Test & Measuring Instruments

Why should you invest in thermal imaging? As the modern-day plumber evolves, so does their tool kit. Technological advances are revolutionising the way plumbers and heating engineers work, and thermal imaging is one practice that every professional heating engineer should consider. Scott Holliday from Kane International explains more.

ere at Kane, we have a long history of providing high-tech tools to help plumbers and heating engineers. In fact, we have been designing and manufacturing portable test equipment since our inception in 1 – always innovating and staying one step ahead – giving our customers what the need to e a le to ful l their job. That’s why it made perfect sense to launch the KANE-TCAM earlier this year, our rst fora into the thermal imaging market. We really do believe that thermal imaging will transform the way that new age plumbers work, saving them time and earning them money.

Scott Holliday

Marketing executive at Kane

Why guess wrong?

Picturing heat

Thermal imaging cameras convert thermal energy (heat) into visible light and illustrate it on a screen. Most objects emit heat - this includes mechanical equipment making them visible to thermal devices, even in the dark. Thermal imaging cameras are precise and they only require a small amount of heat to work, making them

ideal for fault nding. As humans we make use of visible light to be able to see, whereas thermal imaging cameras use infrared thermal radiation to capture and evaluate heat being absorbed, transmitted or reﬂected. he hotter an object is, the more radiation it will emit to the environment. A thermal imaging camera is capa le of di erentiating heat sources and minuscule di erences in thermal radiation. It accumulates it into a heat map that distinguishes between di erent le els of heat.

Through simple point and shoot technology you can quickly and efficient nd system faults at the push of a button

With thermal imaging, gone are the days of guesswork. Through simple point and shoot technology you can uic l and efficientl nd system faults at the push of a button. With a thermal imaging camera, it is easy to detect things that the human eye cannot – saving time and money in the process. For example, a customer has a leak coming through the ceiling or under the ﬂoor. n the past you would have to excavate an area to nd the source, often Easy to use, with simple point and shoot technology, a thermal imaging camera can quickly pinpoint any heating issues

 Being able to show the customer a clear image of a cold spot on a radiator could help highlight the need e s

46.indd 1

 The KANE-TCAM infrared thermal imaging camera features a large LCD colour display and four surface measurement modes, measuring any surface temperature from to

getting it wrong, but now you can take out the presumption with the use of a thermal imaging camera.

ene t t e

Another handy use is to pinpoint underﬂoor heating circuits. ou can e ortlessl see a gap in the pattern of the pipework, suggesting that there may be a blockage or leak. Alternatively, the camera will be able to highlight a potential ﬂaw in the surrounding insulation where the pipework is heating the earth rather than the room itself. It clearly pays to get things right rst time, ecause

when a customer invests in underﬂoor heating ou can et your bottom dollar that they want it working correctly.

Blocked pipes

Thermal imaging cameras are especially handy in being able to detect when a pipe or radiator is blocked. Imagine being able to show your customer a clear image of a loc age or inefficient radiator – allowing you to be able to highlight the need for a powerﬂush. t is instances li e this where a thermal imaging camera really does come into its own, helping to justify the initial outlay and enabling you to earn more money as a result.

Seeing is believing

There are many other instances where a thermal imaging camera can come in useful. They can help to confirm heating system cold spots, showing which parts of the system are not operating as they should. They can also be used to highlight any inefficiencies in an old system, showing variable heat distribution in each room With so many potential ene ts, a thermal imaging camera should be seen as a great investment. It will not only save you time but also allow you to earn more money. phamnews.co.uk

29/03/2021 12:55

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Product News 47 New boilers o er advanced technology Featuring a new WiFi-integrated control platform, automatic combustion control and a new stainless steel burner, the latest ersion of the itodens 100-W condensing oiler from iessmann o ers impro ed efficienc le els plus easier commissioning and ser icing. escri ed as compact, uiet, and a orda le, the 100-W comes in outputs ranging from .2 kW to 2 kW, including the recent addition of an 11 ersion. When combined with the company’s ViCare control system app end-users can operate the oiler ia a smartphone or ta let, while the itoguide app pre iousl onl a aila le with iessmann s Vitodens 200-W model – makes it possible for engineers to monitor and ad ust the oiler online. he new mechanical design of the Vitodens 100-W has also reduced the number of spare parts typically needed for routine maintenance by about 0%, meaning installers should e a le to carr less stoc . A new MatriX-Plus stainless steel burner and am da ro automatic com ustion control ha e een designed to deli er low fuel consumption com ined with low and emissions. he am da ro

Fully electronic small storage water heater Aimed at both domestic and commercial applications, the SNE t from Stie el ltron is said to be the first fully electronic small storage tan water heater a aila le in the . t offers oth

Plumbing sealant has been made to last

is able to detect and adjust performance when gas quality fluctuates to ma imise efficienc le els. Also launching is the new Vitodens 111- com i oiler. ntended for famil homes where there is high hot water demand, the 111-W features a cylinder loading system and -litre integrated stainless steel storage tank, allowing it to pro ide a flow rate of up to 1 1 litres in 10 minutes. he unrestricted flow rate suits it for multipoint-of-use, e.g. a shower and a ath or asin. All of Viessmann’s latest condensing boilers are hydrogen-read , certi ed for a 20 h drogen lend. phamnews.co.uk/

With the launch of MacXseal, McAlpine Plumbing roducts now o ers a sealant and adhesi e which has een tested and appro ed for use on its own products. The company says that MacXseal does not cause degradation of plastic plumbing products, unlike some which are acetoxy which can cause plastic to splinter and rea , e entuall leading to lea s. The product contains a fungicide to combat mould and bacteria growth, and once applied, the cured product has good a rasion, oil, and sol ent resistance. sed correctl , it will last o er 20 years, and it’s suita le for tas s li e sealing aths, sin s, anit units and toilets, tiles, mirrors, metals, wood, stone, concrete, mar le and ric . t can e en e used on wet surfaces. he formula uic l stic s, seals and lls without the risk of causing any future damage to products and is also resistant to UV radiation and general weathering. a seal is aila le in rilliant hite and Super Clear and, unlike some other sealants with a lower speci cation, it will not discolour or turn ellow o er time. phamnews.co.uk/

efficiency and comfort with precise temperature selection, configurable timer programmes and userfriendl digital controls ia a clear interface. he product also includes an mode to sa e energy, accompanied by a specific hygiene function that heats the water to 7 ºC for 0 minutes once a wee to pre ent the growth of acteria. A thermostop function further bolsters the product s renewa le credentials, pre enting heat loss from mi er taps. he product also features anti-drip technolog that reduces limescale deposits and sa es on water consumption. The launch is said to mark another step in Stiebel Eltron’s commitment to an all-electric future, strengthening the business’s offering on this front as the loo s to fulfil its net ero targets and transform the en ironmental credentials of oth e isting and new uildings. ar c anus, at Stie el ltron , comments: “The pandemic has showed just how important home comforts are, as more of us are e pected to li e and wor in the same space under loc down measures. ur products reflect this and are designed to streamline the wa that we li e, while making sure our energy usage is sustainable and its sources en ironmentall friendl . phamnews.co.uk/

District heating pipe

ange upgrade brings more benefits he i en a lus range of asin and toilet products from AKW has een redesigned to gi e greater ersatilit and fle i ilit . he toilet has a rimless pan, which helps pre ent the uild-up of acteria, ma ing it easier to clean. There is also a toilet seat option made from a highly durable, stain-resistant and easy-to-clean UF (urea-formaldeh de . he range s asins ha e een designed with flat tap dec s, making the surfaces easier to keep clean, and their rounded edges also o er protection in the e ent of trips or falls. For ease of installation, AKW

47.indd 1

has included a bottom inlet water entry to simplify pipework when tting the , and also incorporated a hori ontal outlet to increase installation speed. he i en a lus is full compliant with UK water and ritish Standard regulations. t has S 7 appro al for impro ed ﬂush performance, and an o erﬂow pipe that has een increased to 00ml to meet current water regulation re uirements. The toilet also has a bottom water entr inlet with a one piece, isi le top- ll water inlet al e and an all-round air gap. phamnews.co.uk/

ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/421/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

escri ed as the ne t generation of pre-insulated pipes for heat networks, Uponor has launched coﬂe hermo a high-performance product claimed to e a le to signi cantl minimise heat and energ losses. he design com ines onded and unbonded insulated pipes to create a solution that is said to deli er up to % lower heat loss compared to unbonded pipes, and compared to onded pipes. The new pipes are suitable for use in both local heating networ s that suppl indi idual properties, and where house-to-house connections are required, as well as the district heating networks on large complexes and multi-residential de elopments. The outer diameter of the pipe is up to 0% smaller than other alternati es a aila le on the mar et. his means that the trenches running from a heating networ to a uilding can e smaller, sa ing on time and labour while also making it easier for the installer to nd suita le pathwa s for the pipes to run. coﬂe hermo can e na igated around o stacles or laid across bumpy ground without requiring additional connections. his minimises potential wea points that could lead to lea s after the pipes ha e een laid. phamnews.co.uk/

31/03/2021 16:31

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Product News rofessional image

Latest addition expands range of outputs The Quinta Ace 1 is a new addition to Remeha’s premium Quinta Ace 0-1 0 range of high efficienc , low , wall hung condensing boilers. ow a aila le in 0, , , , 0, 11 , 1 and 1 0kW outputs, the comprehensive Quinta ce series pro ides speci ers and contractors with e en more ersatile options for oth new and retro t installations. The new Quinta Ace 1 has similar dimensions and connections to the Quinta Ace 1 0. With its compact design, it is suitable for both individual installation and as part of a multi-boiler cascade or rig system. As with all the models in the Quinta Ace range, there is the additional opportunit to mi and match outputs for added design fle i ilit . his ena les more accurate matching of heat demand for reduced energy consumption and waste. aul rnold, product manager at a i eating, sa s he uinta ce has become the byword for quality and reliability in wall hung boilers. ow, with a choice of eight outputs, as well as e tensi e cascade and bespoke-designed rig options, our customers ha e all the fle i ilit they need to meet individual project requirements.” uilt on emeha s ce control platform, the new uinta ce 1 o ers increased fle i ilit and efficienc of operation, from installation to commissioning to maintenance. In-built 0-10V and volt-free contacts pro ide direct connection to an uilding anagement S stem S for impro ed s stem control at no e tra cost. The new boiler comes with a seven-year warranty, including parts and labour. phamnews.co.uk/

With the rise in professionally-styled appliances in the itchen, lanco has introduced the lancoculina-S uo tap. The tall, bendable arched outlet can be rotated 0° and can be pulled deep into the bowl, preventing splashes. It’s held in place with a practical magnetic outlet holder. There are four models in the portfolio. The lancoculina-S, the standard ersion, comes in oth a stainless steel and chrome nish and features a dual spray option. The Duo option (pictured) comes in chrome and has a separate control unit, which can be positioned alongside the sin , suiting it to Steel rt sin s or an without a tap ledge. The low-height, compact Mini model, in chrome or stainless steel, is perfect for installation on worktops with wall units, and features a single jet mousseur spray. The Mini twin lever tap completes the versatile collection. phamnews.co.uk/

ective system cleaning and protection ar ing its return to the eld of water treatment, Salamander has launched two new products aimed at the domestic plumbing and heating mar et in the Salamander 1 Protector and Salamander leaner. he 1 is a corrosion inhibitor which is designed to prevent rusting and scaling inside a central heating system. It helps to ma imise the ser ice life of gas oilers and pre ents radiators from developing cold spots caused by sludge and scale deposits. It also prevents pin-hole leaks due to metal corrosion in radiators and pipes. he is a universal cleaner designed to remove the build-up of sludge, scale and corrosion debris. It helps to optimise heating efficienc and minimise the ris of oiler rea downs. One 00ml bottle will treat 100 litres of system water, e ui alent to appro imatel 10 radiators, and both products are eing sold e clusi el online, ia ma on.co.u . phamnews.co.uk/

Minimal packaging for replacement jobs As part of a drive to be more environmentally conscious, Aico has launched the Eco- t range of alarms. They are suitable for upgrading and retro tting properties where Easi- t ases are already in situ, making asset management greener and more sustainable. The range is designed for the 000 Series of single and multi-sensor alarms (heat and carbon mono ide , pro iding ma imum protection with minimal packaging. While retaining all of the features and ene ts of the 000 Series, the new

Guttering looks great in grey pdating its sma eep ine semi-elliptical guttering range, Wavin has launched an anthracite grey addition. The product matches the increasingly popular colour scheme being used for e ternal windows and doors across the . sma s eep ine semielliptical systems have been engineered to handle more rainwater than similar sized systems, all from a hydrodynamic

48.indd 1

Manual bidet seat retroﬁt

Eco- t range is a aila le as a head unit onl , meaning there are no Easi- t ases, screw pac s or dust covers included. This is due to the fact that the base is universal to all current Aico products, so unless damaged, the bases do not need replacing and are often redundant, contributing to waste plastic. This alternative to individually packaged alarms uses up to % less cardboard and paper than individual 000 Series alarms. onse uentl , the reduction in packaging means that the Eco- t range is 20% smaller, taking up less storage space. phamnews.co.uk/

outlet. eep ine products are said to be easy to install, as the le iclip seal ointing mechanism makes it simple to connect gutter units to ttings with an e pansion line and stopper. Ste e S eldon, a o e ground product manager at Wavin, sa s re e ternal accents on homes and buildings have been growing in popularity, and research suggests that anthracite grey is now the most popular shade of grey for new windows and doors in the . colour-matching prominent yet peripheral features like guttering, buildings can really be brought to life.” phamnews.co.uk/

Responding to the popularity of Japanese-style shower toilets, Grohe has launched a manual bidet seat, with easy installation and no electricit re uired. s a retro t product, the au eramic anual idet Seat can transform an e isting toilet into a h gienic shower toilet at a more a orda le price. Its retractable spray arms feature an antibacterial coating and a self-cleaning function. The spray function works with water pressure (1-10 ar high water pressure rst the spra arm e tends into position, then an inner al e opens to allow the water ﬂow to egin. efore and after use, the user can simpl clic the le er at the side of the seat once in an upwards or downwards motion to activate a pre- or post-rinsing of the spray nozzles. When the sprays are no longer in use, they contract back into position, hidden from view until the ne t use. Described as easy to install, easy to use, practical, hygienic and stylish, its soft-close seat and lid match perfectl with rohe au eramic toilets as well as man other -shaped toilets, and paper templates are available to help check if a particular project is compatible with the product. phamnews.co.uk/

30/03/2021 11:16

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2021

Product News

as fires reach new heights Extra tall models have been added to DRU’s aestro premium gas re range. eaturing the compan s namic lamer urner, which generates high, dancing flames and glowing em ers, the res can e controlled using the co a e app, ena ling users to set their preferred flame pattern and regulate gas consumption. In addition to the Maestro 7 model, there are now 7 Tall (pictured) and 7 Tunnel all models, oth with a height of 1. m. he 7 Tall has matt black or mirrored Ceraglass interiors and the 7 Tunnel Tall is designed to be installed into room dividing walls and

other architectural features. All three models have ‘A’ energy labels and over 0 energ efficienc . ecause the are alanced ﬂue gas res, the can e installed in a wide ariet of locations. nd with the ower ent e tended, fan-assisted ﬂue s stem the are suita le for lu ur apartments, hotels, restaurants and other domestic and commercial settings. The Maestro range includes an additional 10 models in single-sided, two-sided and three sided options, with widths from 0 to 10 cms. phamnews.co.uk/

elvet lack on steaming taps

that enables users to set the desired temperature of the water in the tank from °C to . nl e er deli ering ust the right amount of water needed, 1 reduces water waste the in the home, as the user no longer has to wait for hot water to reach the tap. he el et lac range from InSinkErator now consists of seven taps to meet a variety of consumer needs, including com ination 1 ouch, taps, such as the that also dispenses ltered cold water, and standalone additional models. phamnews.co.uk/

The 1 steaming hot water tap from InSinkErator is now available in the on-trend nish of el et lac , and in two shapes pictured and . hese taps safel dispense ltered steaming hot water, alongside regular hot and cold options. he are encased within a st lish, one-piece, Italian-designed ture. he eo an that is supplied with the 1 ene ts from a digital, ad usta le thermostat

Space saving bath ﬁts in the corner The freestanding bath range from PJH includes three new styles as well as impro ed speci cations to four e isting models. escri ed as mid-market products, these aths are o ered as an a orda le option in traditional aths. The new range also addresses the space saving sector with a number of back-towall roll top aths, including a corner solution.

45.indd 1

hile o ering old fashioned charm, the baths are made with the latest design technologies and use high grade acr lic. This gives them modern features such as a ﬂawless white nish, streamlined cur es and edges, heat-retaining surfaces, and a dura le design. or smaller athrooms, the new le edon orner roll top ath pictured , featuring ‘Raven’s Claw’ feet and a back-to-wall corner design, slots into a bathroom corner and is available in two lengths, 1 00 and 1700mm, with a width of 7 0mm and height of 0mm. oth the race and inchl ac -to-wall freestanding aths also o er space-saving solutions with their shapes that sit neatly against the athroom wall. Other new additions include a slipper ath, the i erton freestanding model that measures in at 1 20mm x 710mm x 770mm, with ornate ion s feet in chrome, and the lu urious, double-ended, areham model, also with ion s claw feet and a traditional twist on PJH’s best-selling contemporar ﬂoorstanding ath, the elmont. phamnews.co.uk/

COMPETITION

FIVE to be won

We've teamed up with VanGuardian to offer readers the chance to win a Dual Alarm, offering targeted, zonal protection for vans against would-be tool thieves

New weapon against van theft VanGuardian is a brand new approach to protecting vans from thieves. Invented by Michael Horsfall, a heating engineer from Leeds, VanGuardian is an alarm system designed to both deter thieves and stop them in their tracks by emitting a 110dB alarm t is a multipoint e i le onal alarm system t at pro i es security or everything from the roof racks, down to the body of the van. It is a system designed to combat door tampering, lock damage, and door peeling.

Inventor Michael Horsfall shows off the Dual Alarm

The Prize Five winners will each receive a Dual Alarm system, which is designed to provide a highly responsive, visible and audible alarm alert from two independent alarm mechanisms. It acts as a visual deterrent to would-be thieves, but also reacts to tampering with a 110dB blast. The Dual Alarm is designed to guard the rear doors of a van, or the racking on top, offering a zone of protection. The device is attached simply with 3M waterproof high-bond adhesive tape, and the system is remote controlled.

t s quic an easy to install ta in ust ﬁ e minutes, with no tools or drilling required. “Factory-fitted alarms or other devices t at ﬁt insi e t e e icle only or after the doors have been forced open an ama e as een one e plains the inventor, Michael Horsfall. “The VanGuardian instead activates upon first contact, before damage is done, and before the doors are opened. This gives van owners an early warning and motivates the thieves to move on.”

HOW TO ENTER: To be in with a chance of winning a VanGuardian Dual Alarm, simply answer the question below. All correct entries received before the closing date will be entered into a prize draw. Only one entry will be allowed per person.

Please email your entry before the closing date of 4th May 2021

How loud is the VanGuardian alarm? A. 8dB

B. 66dB

C. 110dB

Email your answer to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘VanGuardian competition’ in the subject line. Please make sure you include the following:

* Your name * Your company’s name * Contact telephone number * Please type ‘YES’ or 'NO' after your answer to indicate if you are happy to receive email offers from Van Guardian

www.vanguardian.co.uk

30/03/2021 11:29

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Enhanced Visibility and Safety With Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis This range of Hi-Vis protective wear is streets ahead of anything else. With updated styles and designs added to the extensive range for men and women, there’s a host of garments to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels. These ‘outstanding' products combine Snickers' unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and comfort with the requirements of the EN20471 standard for high visibility warning clothes and can be custom-profiled to ensure 'stand out' coverage for your corporate brand. Check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue; or enter the code shown below.

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Office 01375 841 804 Mobile 07958 783 681

Advertiser’s Index

Boiler Breakdown and Fault Finding PLUS Parts Replacement and Service Course

Learn how to repair ALL types of combi/system boilers PLUS learn how to use your mul meter the correct way, PLUS the essen al safety checks you MUST know NEW • Parts Replacement and Service Day get hands on experience removing and replacing boiler parts • Mul meter days max 8 people • Parts and Service days max 3 days • Both courses can also be booked 1 on 1 to suit you • Company discounts available

WOODYS TRAINING

Special o ers on the day, FREE tea & co ee all day. We are s ll open for Training Courses

www.boiler training.co.uk

Woodys Training, Unit 62c Thames Industrial Park, Princess Margret Road, East Tilbury, Essex RM18 8RH

Al lc to our s St Por es o ud o p en lio en ts

Online shop at www.boiler training.co.uk/shop Give us a call and we will help you Tel: 01375 841804 Mob: 07958 783 681 Email: info@boiler training.co.uk

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Approved Training Courses in Gas, Electric, Plumbing & Heating & Renewable Energy Established in 1997 Basildon, Essex SS13 1EU

Small relaxed and friendly classes

Altecnic Ltd

Ambiente Systems UK

BES Ltd

Boiler Guide Ltd

Bosch Power Tools (Robert Bosch Ltd)

Bristan Group Ltd

Continal Underfloor Heating Delabie For more information visit www.gas-training-and-assessment.co.uk Telephone 01268 727797 or Email gastraining@btconnect.com phamnews.co.uk/421/113

EXTENDED HOURS AND SAFETY DUE TO COVID-19

O ering training & assessments in: Domes c Gas Commercial Gas LPG

Unvented Hot Water Water regs Legionella

OFTEC Oil

For all enquiries please contact our team:

0115 9201144

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No ngham, NG5 6BB

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