December/January 2023

Research highlights installer views on heat pump demand

Daikin UK’s research found that 84% have seen an increase in the number of inbound enquiries for heat pumps from homeowners over the last three months. Installers believe this increase has been driven by the opening of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (69%), the introduction for zero VAT on cost of heat pumps (42%) and the energy price cap increase (38%).

The two sepearate installer surveys were undertaken on behalf of heat pump manufacturers Samsung and Daikin UK.

Samsung consulted 200 heating engineers and plumbers about their changing attitudes to heat pumps. The study reveals that 78% of heating industry professionals believe that demand for heat pumps has increased in the last five years, with seven out of ten professionals now seeing heat pumps as a more viable solution.

Prison time for repeat offender

A plumbing and heating engineer has been jailed for 20 weeks after carrying out illegal gas work.

Peter Read, who traded as A.C.E Plumbing and Heating in Portsmouth, was contracted to install a new gas central heating boiler for a customer in January 2020 . A few days later the customer experienced problems

Nearly four in five (79%) heating industry professionals say global issues were driving demand, with 66% citing energy efficiency as the most important consideration for their customers.

However, despite the rising demand, only 23 % of those surveyed are already fully trained to be an air source heat pump installer, while 57% admitted that they were not considering training at all. 59% said they are waiting for more accessible training

with the boiler. On inspection by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register, the installation did not meet current standards. Further repair work was then required by a Gas Safe Registered engineer to ensure that the installation was in a safe condition.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Peter Read was not competent to carry out gas work and not on the Gas Safe Register at the time he carried out this work. Mr Read had previously been prosecuted by the HSE in April 2016 and had been found guilty of carrying out unregistered gas work. He

and education to support the workforce, indicating that despite demand increasing, there are still difficulties turning this demand into reality.

Meanwhile, Daikin UK’s latest Installer Confidence Monitor, which surveys members of its Sustainable Home Network, found that over half (53%) predict that between half and all their business will come from installing heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps in the next five years.

was fully aware of his legal responsibilities when carrying out gas work.

The installer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998 and section 22 of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was handed a custodial sentence of 20 weeks at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 2 December 2022.

HSE Inspector Karen Morris said: “Peter Read continued to carry out gas work while he was not competent to do so and while not Gas Safe registered.

“He has shown a blatant

However, 93% agree that more must be done to make heat pumps affordable and accessible. And more than half (59%) agree that the government should support hybrid heat pumps as an important transitional technology for homeowners.

Over half (62%) of the installers surveyed believe that homeowners’ understanding of renewable technology is below par at present, while nine out of ten (93%) think educating homeowners is important to helping to drive demand for hybrid systems and heat pumps.

disregard for the law and continues to put people at risk despite previous enforcement against him by the HSE. His actions have not only caused considerable stress for the customers concerned but have also resulted in additional financial outlay required to put right his poor-quality work.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone who needs gas work doing to make sure they check that the engineer has the right skills and is registered with Gas Safe Register. This is very easy to do and by law, anyone working with gas must be listed on the register.”

Two recent surveys reveal that a growing number of installers acknowledge that heat pumps represent the future of domestic heating, but there are concerns about the need for further training

Editor’s Viewpoint

by Chris Jones

When temperatures drop

It seems that the relatively mild weather at the start of this year’s winter might have lulled many of us into a false sense of security. Just when we thought we wouldn’t be burning through quite as much energy as we anticipated, minus temperatures and deep frosts in the early days of December have provided a reminder as to just how dependent we all are on a reliable source of heating. As the cold starts to bite, installers up and down the country will be having to respond to the needs of shivering customers who, possibly after years of neglect, might discover that their heating system has let them down when they needed it most.

For anyone in the heating sector, a harsher winter, with a corresponding rise in demand for services and appliances, is not altogether unwelcome, but it further helps to emphasise that a large slice of sales are the result of distress purchases rather than considered investments. When a boiler fails to fire up and can’t be fixed, most people will be looking to pay for the quickest and cheapest solution and are unlikely to want to enter into a conversation about a complete system overhaul. Anything but a like-for-like replacement is not going to go down well.

For that reason, while there is undoubtedly a growth in demand for heat pumps, hopes that the market will overtake that of gas boilers within the next few years seem overly ambitious – at least that’s without more generous incentives or, ultimately, further legislation. Rising energy costs have helped to focus minds on the need to reduce our energy use, and heat pump manufacturers have a good story to tell when it comes to efficiency levels and carbon emissions, but with many household budgets stretched to breaking point, it would be a brave politician who wants to look at narrowing our heating options to more costly alternatives.

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Malcolm Farrow

Easy energy savings are being overlooked says BESA

Thousands of commercial and residential building owners are missing out on straightforward, low-cost ways to improve energy efficiency, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). Quick and easy measures are not being widely adopted, says the Association, such as turning down thermostats and heating flow temperatures, having boilers and other plant serviced, improving insulation, and replacing inefficient light bulbs with LEDs.

While BESA welcomes the government’s recent interventions to help people cut their energy use, it argues for “more ambitious” financial incentives and policy measures to deliver the scale of building upgrades required to properly address energy costs and climate change.

New research from the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) has found that UK businesses and homeowners are missing out on over £3bn worth of savings every year due to lack of energy efficiency awareness and financial incentives.

The ‘Powering Energy Efficiency’ report published in collaboration with Grundfos found that 14% of the 500 businesses owners contacted have either never had a

boiler service or have not had one in the last five years, despite 75% saying they wanted to make their heating system energy efficient. 20% of business owners admitted they had not had an energy efficiency audit for more than five years – and many had never had one.

Of the 2000 homeowners surveyed for the report, 12% said they didn’t know when they last had their boiler serviced and 23% were not sure when their system was last checked for potential efficiency upgrades – despite 64% saying their biggest concern was rising energy prices.

While welcoming the government’s energy saving information campaign, BESA argues that more incentives and longer-term investment could unlock far greater savings by improving the energy efficiency of all UK buildings.

“We need to transition away from fossil fuel use in the built environment, and to decarbonise heating and cooling,” says chief executive David Frise. “This would make our buildings more resilient to climate change and improve long-term energy security – as well as delivering fantastic economic and societal benefits for future generations.”

Merchant sales driven by inflation

Price inflation and not volume is driving sales of plumbing and heating products through merchant outlets, which saw 10.8% growth in Q3 of this year compared to the same time last year.

The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows that volume sales remained flat, with just a 0.3% rise compared to last year. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like sales were 12.5% up. Year-to-date value sales from January to September 2022 were 7.1% above the same period a year earlier.

Sales in the 12 months to September were 3% higher than the same period a year before (October 2020 to September 2021). Volume sales were 4.9% lower while prices were up 8.3%. With two less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were up 3.8%.

September’s value sales were

9.1% above the same month a year ago, but volume sales were down 3%, with price inflation of 12.4%.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research, which produces the report, comments: “What we are seeing in quarter three seems to mark a return to normal seasonal trends, with the traditional ‘heating season’ giving specialist plumbing and heating merchants a bounce in sales. Double digit growth yearon-year looks remarkable given the country’s economic outlook and record lows in consuming confidence, so it’s no surprise to find that growth is essentially the

result of inflation as volumes remain flat.

“RM&I work has been knocked back in the mid to budget sectors as the affordability crisis forces younger and less well off homeowners to prioritise spending, but mainly older homeowners who have paid off their mortgages or are near to doing so are still spending.

“Both energy and water saving products are expected to benefit as property owners seek to minimise bills with improved energy efficiency and increasingly, water efficiency too.”

Vaillant opens UK heat pump production line

Responding to increased demand for heat pumps, Vaillant has unveiled a new multi - million pound heat pump production line at its headquarters in Belper, making it the first manufacturer to produce both heat pumps and highefficiency boilers in the UK.

Vaillant has been supplying heat pumps for the UK market since the early 2000s, but this latest addition to the Belper plant further enforces the company’s commitment to investing in the factory’s low carbon capabilities.

The new heat pump line will be dedicated to producing Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus air-to-water heat pump. The aroTHERM plus is the first UK manufactured heat pump available in the market to use the natural refrigerant R290

Giving the inaugural tour of the new heat pump line, Henrik Hansen, MD of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland said: “Vaillant has seen many ‘firsts’ in its nearly 150-year history, and I’m delighted to now be announcing the commissioning of the company’s new heat pump manufacturing line in the UK. It’s a huge testament to our incredibly talented and dedicated team, and their vision and commitment to taking the business forward, that we are celebrating this latest milestone.

“This important move means we can help increase the availability of UK made heat pumps and further our support for installers via supply, training and installation guidance, as they make the shift to new heating technologies.”

Marking the official opening of the new heat pump production line: Vaillant MD Henrik Hansen (right) with plant director Joe Dunn (left) and John Forkin MBE, MD of Marketing Derby, and Pauline Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire

Oil boiler ban could cost MPs votes

The proposed ban on oil boilers from 2026 could cost sitting MPs votes at the next election, according to polling undertaken by the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA). The trade body says that many MPs will face the wrath of voters if they try to enforce the ban, with 85 % promising not to support their MP if they enforced the ban. The ofgrid boiler ban is also viewed as “unfair discrimination” by 79% of those asked.

The EUA points out that a broken oil boiler is likely to cost the average home around £2000, but if a ban were to be put in place, a heat pump replacement would cost an extra £11,000

EUA’s chief executive Mike Foster says: “The government consulted on this issue and has

yet to publish its response, but the ban is part of their Heat and Buildings Strategy. It is due to start in 2026 and voters are not really aware of the consequences. It has not been spelt out to them that government is not going to pay; they, as homeowners, will have to fnd the extra £11 grand

themselves to ft a heat pump.

“What is particularly unfair and discriminatory is that those who live on the gas grid won’t face a ban until 2035, and then only if heat pumps have fallen to the same price as a gas boiler. Those using oil or LPG have no such protection.

“Homes using oil or LPG are viewed as ‘low hanging fruit’, easy to pick of, but MPs have been warned. Rural homeowners are not fush with cash; they often live in hard-to-warm homes and frankly a heat pump may not be suitable for them. With 79 % of voters arguing that such a boiler ban is unfair discrimination and 85% promising to withdraw support for any MP backing the ban, it really is a matter now for politicians to take notice.”

Easy access to BUS funding

MCS - certified heat pump installers should fnd it quicker and easier to apply for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding thanks to the launch of a new online installer portal.

Up and running since the end of November, installers are now able to apply for the scheme on behalf of customers via the easyto - use portal, where they can check the progress of their application and review any outstanding actions.

Installers who have a Boiler Upgrade Scheme account with Ofgem should have received an email with login details in order to start using the portal.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/06

Scheme to fund and support apprenticeship training

Connor does the UK proud

best

“We are all very proud of Connor and his achievements,” says Dale Thomson, SNIPEF training manager. “Receiving a Medallion for Excellence is an outstanding feat, and Connor performed fantastically and gave it his all. He is an excellent ambassador for the plumbing and heating industry, and is an example to anyone considering a career in our industry.”

Screwfix has launched a new scheme to help fund the training of apprentices. Working in partnership with fexi-job apprenticeship agency, TrAC, Screwfix will cover the cost of training for apprentices looking to start a career in the trade. TrAC will match individuals with an employer, from plumbing and electrical apprentices through to other skilled trades. Both apprentice and employer will receive ongoing support and guidance, alongside receiving fnancial support.

Screwfix marketing director Jack Wallace says: “We recognise the industry needs more apprentices, so to understand more about the specific challenges facing apprentices and tradespeople seeking to hire one, we listened to what they had to

say and how we can support them. This scheme is an initial step in helping tradespeople to take on an apprentice, and apprentices to start a career in the trade by overcoming one of the biggest challenges they both say they face – the cost of training.”

The pilot will initially be available in the Northampton and Bedford areas, with the aim to roll this out across the UK in 2023 ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/07

Low carbon and renewable technology specialist Green Building Renewables (GBR) has expanded its UK nationwide network into Oxfordshire and the South West by acquiring local business, Steve Cross Plumbing and Heating.

◼

◼ The sealant and adhesive specialist, CT1, is now a corporate partner of Band of Builders (BoB), supporting the charity in its quest to help tradespeople battling illness or injury. BoB has just completed its 28th project and has plenty more in the pipeline for the coming year, so CT1’s support will go a long way in helping it continue its work.

◼ As part of an ambitious fveyear growth plan to double the size of the business, Hansgrohe is investing more than £5m into its UK subsidiary. The money will help it focus on increasing employee numbers across all functions, enhancing marketing programmes and developing a UK-specific product roadmap.

◼ Aquatronic Group Management (AGM), a provider of coldwater boosting installation and maintenance equipment and services in the UK, has been acquired by Stuart Turner. The move will expand the overall product range from Stuart Turner and bring servicing capability into the business.

◼ Ventilation manufacturer Manrose is increasing the use of recycled plastics from the circular economy in its products as it looks to cut the use of virgin plastics. The manufacturer is currently developing fans made from recycled sources, with 90% of the plastic used in its facilities to be from recycled sources by the end of 2025. Products made from recycled plastic will be clearly labelled.

Connor Cruden, a gifted plumber from Aberdeenshire and Cowie Plumbing & Heating, represented the UK at the WorldSkills Plumbing competition, held recently in Germany. Although he ultimately fell short of winning gold, Connor came away with the Medallion for Excellence, ranking as 7th

in the world and just 13 points away from the eventual gold medal winner from Austria.

Winners walk away with prizes and honours

The winners of SkillPLUMB 2022 have been announced, following a two-day final event at Middlesborough College. The Gold Medal went to Ruben Duggan, employed by Powerserv Ltd and trained by Coleg y Cymoedd, (pictured second from right) with the other finalists and Nic Drew of main sponsor Monument Tools (centre).

The Silver Medal winner was Sean Esslemont from McDonald & Munro Ltd, UHI Moray College and SNIPEF, while Bronze went to Royal

All finalists received prizes including two BPEC training manuals, CIPHE membership, cash

vouchers, and tools and products donated by competition sponsors, alongside a SkillPLUMB framed certificate. Monument Tools provided all the finalists with a Pipe Bending Machine and McAlpine Plumbing products supplied knee pads.

Birmingham base to expand operations

Spirotech has invested in a new UK head office, centrally located in Birmingham, which will be home to the UK sales, marketing and technical teams, including newly appointed sales support and technical sales support representatives, with a particular focus on servicing and commissioning. The office will also house a training

Roadshow gets rolling

Showroom opening

Plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin is bringing its range of products and expertise to merchants and installers across the UK in a national roadshow. Travelling in a custom mobile display vehicle, dubbed the ‘WaVan’, Wavin kicked off the tour partnering with Wolseley to visit 16 of the merchant’s distribution centres before the end of 2022, with further trips planned in the new year.

During the visits, experts will provide hands-on demonstrations with its products, including Hep2O, the Osma Soil & Waste range, as well as the rainwater systems. Visitors can pick up free samples and information guides to help them find out more.

Karen Stables, head of marketing communications at Wavin, says: “Getting the WaVan on the road has been a goal of ours for a number of years, providing us with an opportunity to meet our merchant partners

Engineer Thomas Bentley from Mid Kent College. Finalist Charlie Oliver of Shrewsbury College and Bishton & Cowles Plumbing & Heating received a Medallion of Excellence.

Sustainability at heart of new HQ

As Grant UK continues to expand in the sustainable heating sector, the company has relocated to new premises, with the company’s head office, warehousing and training academy now based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Previously located in Devizes, the company’s new site includes offices and storage facilities that are three times larger than their previous premises, totalling over 80,000ft2 The new site has been developed with sustainability in mind. A biomass heating system has been installed to provide heating and hot water, while 768 solar panels and storage batteries have been installed as part of the 303kWp solar PV system. Fitted on the roof of two units, the PV system will meet Grant’s electricity demand while also feeding renewable electricity into the grid.

Film highlights importance of qualifications

A new film has been released by WaterSafe, the register of approved contractors working with drinking water, to urge people to always use a qualified plumber. It comes after a recent survey revealed that the average cost to put right shoddy plumbing work is £285

The survey questioned 2000 consumers and found more than a quarter of people have employed a plumber who did not carry out the task properly. Most people then had to employ another plumber to fix the poor work.

WaterSafe director Julie Spinks says: “I’m concerned that with the cost of living crisis, people will be tempted to cut corners. We’ve made this film to reinforce the message that work on your home’s plumbing system should always be carried out by someone who is competent and qualified. If they’re not, there’s the chance your drinking water could become unsafe, putting you and your family at risk.”

The film can be accessed using the online reader link below.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/09

Competition for young learners

Returning in 2023 for its 14th run, the HIP Learner of the Year student plumbing competition is calling for young learners to put their skills to the test for the chance to win the title and an array of prizes to help them start their career.

Organised by HIP Magazine, the competition is on the lookout for levels 2 and 3 plumbing students to compete in six regional heats across England and Wales. Each of the six winners will then go on to compete against one another in the Grand Final, taking place at the Worcester Bosch HQ in April.

Last year’s winner was Ruben Duggan from Coleg Y Cymoedd, who also won gold at this year’s SkillPLUMB finals (see page 8). Asked what he would say to

someone who was thinking of entering the competition, Ruben said: “Definitely get in it! The competition is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a massive thing to put on your CV. I think it will impress any of the big manufacturers and it’s given me so much confidence.”

Females only HIP has launched its first ever national Female Skills Competition for female plumbing learners. Levels 2 and 3 plumbing students of all ages, from colleges nationwide, will be able to compete in a live practical installation for the chance to win a place in the Grand Final, which will take place at Loughborough College on 30 March 2023 ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/10

40 grand raised for NHS charities

A joint initiative between UK Plumbing Supplies Ltd and Vaillant has enabled them to donate a fantastic £40,000 to NHS Charities Together. Over a six-month period, Vaillant donated £10 for every one of its ecoTEC boilers purchased at a Grahams, HPS, Plumbase, Plumbcity, Gas Centre, Plumbstore, Willbond, Michael Pavis, MDS, UKPS and Plumbstop Profit Centre, which was matched by UK Plumbing Supplies. This valuable amount will go towards providing extra support for NHS staff, helping them with wellbeing sessions, peer - to - peer support, and one - to - one counselling.

Steve Cipriano, Vaillant commercial director, says: “This latest joint initiative with UK Plumbing Supplies has proven extremely successful, and thanks as ever must go to UK Plumbing Supplies and the installers who got behind the campaign to support such a worthwhile cause.”

Your Views

Star letter

We need to be positive about a hydrogen future

I was very disappointed to read the first three columns of the news report on the front page of the October issue of PHAM News regarding the viability of hydrogen heating. It is the most negative report I have read in a long time and, in my opinion, also very wrong. It was partially balanced by the fourth column, but there are numerous articles on the positive side of hydrogen.

I was delighted to read elsewhere on the same day a positive article about fuel cells.

I am a long standing environmentalist and heating engineer and have tried to push for the promotion of small scale CHP units. To put it bluntly: they are the bleeding obvious. Why can’t we get the so-called experts to agree that if we could get the boiler manufacturers to build CHP units that are hydrogen ready, they could be used to replace at least some existing natural gas boilers, thereby allowing the property owner / commercial customer to both be warm and make their own electricity? We could then use more wind, solar, hydro and tidal electricity to make cheap hydrogen gas.

Heat Pumps are not the answer for the existing markets. The cost involved, the disruption to the property, the replacement, the waste and the lagging required. They may be fine for new developments, but they are not right for existing properties.

Hydrogen is the answer for making cement, steel, ceramics, etc, plus for heating homes and commercial properties, cars, commercial vehicles, boats, trains, planes and even for making electricity. Hydrogen, by itself or as another blend, is the only future we need, apart from oil and LPG boilers – which can use bio fuels. So can we please stop all the negativity and get on with it. It is urgent!

Neil Husbands MCIHPE Bristol

Slow start

I see from last month’s issue that there has been a slow start to the government’s heat pump grant scheme.

Is anyone really surprised? There has been very little publicity about it and the few customers I have mentioned it to are totally unaware that such a scheme exists.

When I tell them that there is £5000 available to help with the installation of an air source heat pump they are initially quite interested – that is until I explain to them the total cost of the work, which of course remains significantly more expensive than purchasing another gas boiler.

When faced with having to replace a faulty boiler, I don’t know too many people who are willing to look at shelling out any money than is absolutely necessary to keep the heating and hot water running.

Mark Hastings via email

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

People on the Move

Viessmann has appointed Chris Johnson as UK director of sales, based at the company’s Telford headquarters. Chris will oversee Viessmann’s complete UK sales operation, covering domestic and commercial sales of all products and services within the company’s climate solutions division.

Looking to accelerate its growth of heat pump sales in the UK & Ireland, Baxi has appointed Harriet Evans to the newly created position of renewables director. Harriet arrives at the company with 30 years of sales experience in the heating and cooling industry and will be working with the Baxi sales team to communicate how to package up low carbon heating solutions.

The new area sales manager for the South East of England at Grant UK is Lewis Barr Lewis has worked for Grant UK for over a decade in the technical department and in his new role he will be providing sales and product support out in the field. As part of the company’s external sales team he will be working alongside eight other ASMs.

System water treatment specialist Spirotech has strengthened its workforce with the appointment of Neetu Ubbey (pictured) as senior sales support representative and Stuart Brown as technical sales support representative. Neetu has 17 years experience in operations management and Stuart has a background in technical roles, most recently at UK Building Compliance.

Two new appointments have been made at Lecico Bathrooms. John Richards (pictured) has been named head of product development while Marc Purcell joins as head of category management. John will help expand the Atlas Trade, Atlas Pro and Design Series product ranges and Marc will support the introduction of new products from an extended supplier base.

Apprenticeship provider JTL has welcomed Chris Claydon as its new CEO. Assuming the post in February of next year, Chris is currently chief executive of the ECITB, the skills, standards, and qualifications body for the development of Great Britain’s engineering construction workforce. He also spent 30 years in the army.

ATAG Commercial has appointed Peter Collins as area sales manager for Scotland, where he will promote the advantages of the company’s high efficiency boilers to contractors, merchants and installers. He will also strengthen key relationships with engineers and distributors, to bolster the company’s market share in Scotland.

Helping to lead Alpha’s expansion into the UK heat pump market, Neil Jarman is stepping into the newly created role of renewable sales manager. Neil has over 40 years experience in the industry and, alongside sales, will be working closely with Alpha’s technical product training teams, as well as monitoring government legislation.

the best bathroom accessory lives in the kitchen?

With a Dualflo Water Softener you can eliminate limescale from your property, meaning kitchens and bathrooms look newer for longer. Softened water also protects appliances and keeps the hot water system efficient; saving money throughout the home.

A Dualflo Water Softener: Fits under the sink Provides 24/7 softened water Is non-electric Requires no maintenance Is easy to install

Scheme to cut the cost of heat pumps

A new pilot scheme has been launched by Octopus Energy and Lloyds Banking Group which will enable Halifax mortgage customers to get a heat pump installed from as little as £2000

Under the scheme, Octopus Energy will provide and install the heat pumps, while Halifax will award a £1000 Green Living Reward which can be used in conjunction with the £5000 government Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant.

Earlier this year, the energy supplier, which is the third biggest in the UK, acquired heat pump manufacturer Renewable Energy Devices (RED) in a move to build

cheaper and better heat pumps for the UK.

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy, comments on the partnership: “We’re always looking for ways to help people save money while accelerating the shift to a clean energy future. The pilot with Lloyds Banking Group comes at a crucial time for consumers facing a dual climate and cost of living crisis. It no longer needs to be a question

of prioritising one over the other. Heat pumps are greener than gas boilers, and thanks to Octopus, the government and Lloyds Banking Group they can be cheaper too.”

The pilot is said to be the first step in the partnership between Octopus Energy and Lloyds Banking Group, with more projects in the pipeline aimed at reducing energy bills for customers and helping them to decarbonise their heating systems.

Get on with delivering on hydrogen

Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), is calling on the government to get on with delivering the vision it laid out in 2019 to make the UK a ‘world-leading hydrogen economy’.

“The UK government needs to stop dithering and get a grip otherwise it will lose yet more of our industrial base as investors will go elsewhere,” says Foster. “It’s a time-old problem, we have the good ideas, we develop them ready to go and Whitehall bureaucracy holds up progress so investment goes overseas instead.”

The EUA argues that hydrogen suppliers need the confidence to invest by knowing that domestic demand will be there to

convert appliances to run on hydrogen.

“The consultation on hydrogen-ready boilers was promised last year, and we are still waiting,” adds Foster. “The Energy Bill, delivering hydrogen villages, has been paused and we are waiting to see what happens next. Both these policies are needed to stop consumers being ripped off in the name of net zero.”

“Having a hydrogen-ready boiler means the consumer doesn’t have to shell out tens of thousands of pounds to go green, they can wait for the gas to be switched to hydrogen instead. No more ripping boilers off walls or radiators replaced, just a simple in-home conversion.”

Roof-mounted heat pump trial

Claiming a UK first, housebuilder Bellway has installed a roof-mounted air source heat pump as part of a trial exploring new ways to incorporate low-carbon technology into homes.

Bellway worked closely with Worcester Bosch to prepare for the trial, with the company providing the Bosch 3400i Hydrotop Solution unit. It will be tested in an experimental eco house, The Future Home at the University of Salford, which exists inside a climate-controlled chamber and will test low-carbon technologies and their impact on the cost of living.

The house has been specially engineered to support the 200kg air source heat pump within the roof space. A second unit will be fitted to an external wall to enable comparisons to

be drawn between the two installations.

The trial is designed to help overcome barriers to heat pump installations and make them a more attractive option to homeowners. It will also test underfloor and infrared heating, as well as other low-carbon innovations. These include mechanical ventilation, double versus triple glazing, battery storage for solar energy and a shower which transfers

heat from wastewater to warm the incoming mains supply.

Jamie Bursnell, group technical and innovations manager for Bellway, says: “During the research period we will have people living within the home to test the performance of the heat pump during real-life use. If the unit in the loft performs well, it could create a new way for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on space or aesthetics.

“We will be able to compare the data from the two heat pumps to determine the most viable option for the future. The results could influence how householders make decisions as they replace their boilers in the coming years.”

Planning for the Future Save energy with lower flow rates

Do you often still see boiler controls left at their maximum by the commissioning engineer or turned up by the customer after you leave?

While consumers may see piping hot radiators as a sign that the heating system is working well, they could be wasting money and unnecessarily increasing flow temperatures above what is needed.

With the current energy crisis, one key money-saving piece of advice for consumers is to start lowering their boiler flow temperatures.

Oversized boilers

Given the vast majority of condensing boilers installed in UK homes are combination boilers selected based on hot water flow rates, these are often significantly oversized for the central heating demand.

It is worth noting that condensing combi boilers typically have two temperature settings (one for the central heating and the other for domestic hot water). The central heating flow setting can therefore be reduced to 50°C or lower, without affecting hot water comfort or increasing the risk of legionella, cutting gas bills by 6-8%. This is also a simple and effective way to determine whether a property is suitable for a heat pump.

Lower flow temperatures can also slow damage to the heating system. This is because higher flow temperatures speed up metal corrosion, which generally doubles for every 10°C increase, damaging pumps and valves. Further to this, by running a boiler system at a lower flow temperature, there will be less system water expansion into the expansion vessel, meaning a slower depletion of the internal rubber membrane and a longer-lasting system. Other improvements include a reduction in system noise levels.

Aiming low

In contrast to the boiler market, the heat pump industry has been advocating the installation of low flow temperature systems for some time now, ensuring customers can maximise the efficiency gains and cost savings from their heat pump installations.

This approach is backed by the Future Homes Standard (England) which aims to deliver heat pump ready energy efficient new build

Head of technical services

homes by 2025. Underpinning this is Part L Building Regulations (which have been effective since June), and are the starting gun for decarbonising new build housing.

We have also seen Wales and Scotland uplift their own building regulations. These regulations are driving low flow temperatures, stating that newly installed or fully replaced heating systems must operate at a maximum flow temp of 55°C or lower, and roomby-room heat loss calculations must be used when sizing space heating systems to ensure heating systems are not significantly oversized.

On the right course

Despite this progress, quality and relevant training for future proofing installers to meet these regulatory requirements is lacking, particularly for low flow temperature systems. That’s why we have worked with LCL Awards and the CIPHE to deliver the NIBE Pro installer course on Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water in Dwellings.

The course provides comprehensive training on the latest industry standards and regulatory frameworks relating to heating design. It also covers requirements for room-byroom heat loss calculations as well as correctly sizing heat emitters, pumps, pipework, and domestic hot water systems.

The course is suitable for both fossil fuel and low carbon heating engineers and will help you upgrade systems in readiness for a future heat pump install or – even better – give you the skills to move onto a heat pump course.

Find out more

For more information about NIBE Pro, please use the online link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/11

Whether it’s a boiler or a heat pump, lower is definitely better when it comes to flow temperatures, as Neil Hope from NIBE Energy Systems explains.

Neil Hope

When it’s not possible to work in a warm, toasty room, the next best bet is to wear your own heat. Makita has created a battery-powered jacket that is a must-have for cold, harsh job sites or anywhere you need to take your own portable warmth.

Powered by an 18V LXT battery, the latest DCJ205 heated jacket offers maximum comfort and durability thanks to five heating zones. Users benefit from continuous warmth in the chest and back areas while also having control over the three heat level settings. The powerful battery offers long continuous runtimes, with a fully charged battery lasting seven hours on the highest setting,

11 hours on medium, and 29 (when powered by the BL1850 battery). You can use existing batteries or purchase one with the DCJ

The jacket’s olive coloured polyester outer lining makes it waterproof and windproof, while the inner fleece lining helps keep the user warm and comfortable, even when the power is switched off.

This jacket is also equipped with a two-way zip, offering more flexibility when wearing a tool belt, as well as six pockets.

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Multi-angle pressing rings S (PR-2B) from REMS are designed to swivel through 180 degrees, making them suitable for use in areas with difficult access, including close-to-wall pipework, rising mains, and shafts. They provide secure engagement and effective press fitting for guaranteed results.

REMS says that the rings are manufactured from highly durable and specially hardened quality steel with system-specific pressing contours and internal markings for press-fitting traceability.

The correct adaptor tong will be needed to drive the pressing rings. Compatible adaptor tongs include the 574700 Z8 mini adaptor (all mini pressing machines) and the 574702 Z8 adaptor (all pressing machines except mini).

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Safer handling and longer blade life are two of the benefits of the new utility knife from Laser Tools. It has a ceramic blade, which is described as being significantly harder than steel, therefore offering more wear resistance. This means it could last up to ten times longer than a comparative steel blade. Laser Tools says the difference is that steel is ‘softer’ than ceramic, so it needs to be sharpened to unsafe levels. Ceramic blades are much harder, so they don’t have to be as sharp, offering an effective but safer edge.

It is suitable for cutting through paper, cardboard, tape and plastic packaging. The handle features an ergonomic grip, suitable for both left and righthanded users, and has a storage compartment for a spare blade. No tools are required to change the blade, so it’s always ready to use.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/14

Helpful hints to land the job of your dreams

There is no shortage of jobs in the building services sector, but how do you land that dream position? In the second of an ongoing series of advice for new entrants, Mark Krull from Logic4training provides a handy checklist of what you need to do to make career dreams into a reality.

The building services sector is one of the fastest growing industries contributing to Net Zero 2050, but skills shortages present a serious challenge to decarbonisation goals. The good news is that those with training and qualifications in gas engineering, heating and hot water, renewable technologies and plumbing are in high demand and paid accordingly.

Being qualified is just the first step, however; the following tips will help you stand out from the crowd and bag the job of your dreams.

Employee benefits

Many tradespeople have ambitions to run their own successful business, but working for an established company in the first instance provides valuable experience for newly qualified engineers – plus benefits such as pension, paid holiday, ongoing training, use of a van and fuel expenses.

Common documents requested in job ads include:

• Qualifications, for example, an NVQ in plumbing and/or heating

• ACS certificates

• Gas Safe registration and/or Competent Person Scheme (CPS) details

• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if it involves working on a building site.

• A full UK driver’s licence

• Identification documents

• References from former employers or work placements.

Job search

• Visit job websites – set up email alerts for a specific vacancy

• Go direct – check employers’ websites or contact them directly to ask about vacancies. If you make a good impression, this can be an effective way to find work.

• Social media - many businesses will advertise vacancies on their social media accounts so make sure you are following businesses in your sector.

• Put yourself out there!

LinkedIn is growing within the skilled trades community and many large companies use it to search for new recruits. If you are looking for this type of work you could consider creating a profile.

Writing a CV

There is no quick and simple way to create a winning CV – you only get out what you put in!

Top tip #1: have a general CV that can be edited to suit each application.

Top tip #2: keep all the important stuff near to the top and the whole thing less than two sides of A4.

Top tip #3: excellent spelling and grammar are essential!

Word of warning: do not send a generic CV out to lots of potential employers!

Your CV must include specific and targeted information based on the role. So what should your CV include?

• Contact details – name, phone and email at the top

• Personal profile/statement – three to four sentences, for example, ‘I am recently qualified in x, I want to develop my career in y’.

• Key achievements/skills –optional but could help you to stand out from the crowd. For example, did you work on a specific project during your training work placement? Three to four bullet points max.

• Professional qualifications/ accreditations – check which have been specifically requested.

• Employment history – list where you’ve worked, including work placements and voluntary roles together with your responsibilities, tasks and experience.

• Hobbies/interests – maybe! If you have done something exceptional, for example, trekked through the Himalayas and raised lots of money for charity, put it in. Otherwise, skip this section.

• References - contact details of two people who can vouch for your character, skill and work performance.

Write a cover letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to tell your story to potential employers, explain recent gaps in your employment record and highlight what makes you the best person for the job.

Top tip for career changers: Focus on transferable skills –how have your previous jobs and experiences prepared you for the role? Top tip for college leavers: Demonstrate your commitment and willingness to develop your skills and learn.

Interview like a boss! Don’t forget that you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so from the outset consider these important points:

• Presentation - wear neat and tidy, practical work clothes.

• Attitude – it’s not all banter on the building site! You need to be personable and polite to win over employers.

• Respect – turn up on time, listen to what’s being asked. You’ll need to be a team player and keen to learn.

I hope this has given new entrants some inspiration and food for thought. You are the future of this thriving sector that offers so many opportunities –go out and grab them!

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Many tradespeople have ambitions to run their own successful business, but working for an established company in the first instance provides valuable experience for newly qualified engineers

Mark Krull Director at Logic4training

Underfloor Heating

install UFH

Underfloor heating offers better comfort levels and more efficient use of the primary heating source compared to other heat emitters, and with the current cost of living crisis, it has never been more relevant to heating system design, argues Chris Ingram from Continal Underfloor Heating.

It’s never been more important to have an efficient heating system in the home. The global energy crisis has caused an eleven-fold rise in UK wholesale gas prices, and while the energy price cap has prevented the predicted £6000 annual heating bills for now, fuel costs are still significantly higher than they were in 2019. That’s why it’s more important than ever that installers build and renovate properties using the most efficient heating systems, to help keep household energy costs as low as possible.

We here at Continal have long been extolling the benefits of underfloor heating (UFH) in terms of comfort, warmth and efficiency. UFH is, quite simply, the most efficient way to heat a property, reassuring homeowners that they’ll be able to enjoy years of heating that is more energy efficient than can be provided by radiator-led systems.

With the government also announcing that natural gas boilers will be banned in new build properties in England from 2025, those people looking to reduce their bills and to protect their homes from potential legislative changes would do well to seriously consider UFH. In June 2022, Part L of the Building Regulations changed

to specify maximum heating system flow temperatures of 55°C whenever a new heating system is installed, or when older systems are replaced. This makes UFH the inevitable future of home heating in the UK.

Sized to perfection

Lower-flow temperature systems need larger heat emitters with a much greater surface area. This can be challenging for systems that use radiators, unless installers are prepared to fill a property with more, and larger, radiators in each room. In contrast, UFH turns the entire floor of a property into a giant heat emitter, making it a more efficient, low-temperature system and maximising the living space available inside the home.

Building Regulations may have only recently changed, but the efficient UFH technology needed to meet them is already well established. At Continal we’re used to designing low-flow temperature systems that work with a wide range of fuel sources including gas boilers, heat pumps and solar panels – and we’ve never had a system failure.

UFH suits all types of heat generation, so whichever fuels are chosen to replace natural gas in the coming decades, the UFH systems being fitted now will be ready and able to work with them.

Think holistically

which controls will ensure the system operates as efficiently as possible. Installers will also need to establish the property’s existing insulation levels and, if necessary, see where insulation can be added to help reduce heat losses. Of equal importance are the floor coverings the customer wants, since different materials will have an impact on the system’s heat transfer levels through the floors and into the room above.

UFH systems exist that can work with every type of building, floor construction and covering, but understanding the building’s needs right from the start of the project will allow the installer to choose the most efficient UFH type for that building, so that their customer gets the warmth, comfort and cost savings they are looking for.

Mix and match

Installers can even combine different UFH solutions into a single system in the same property to get the very best efficiencies. For example, they could use a traditional screed system on the ground floor, then switch to a low-profile system such as our UltraSlim-15 to minimise build-up heights on the first floor. Each area of the property will then have the most efficient solution to maximise the occupants’ comfort levels and minimise fuel consumption.

Virtually any building can benefit from UFH, as there are a wide variety of systems available to meet a project’s particular needs

To maximise the efficiencies available through UFH and to design a truly efficient system, it’s important to understand every aspect of the property. Every part of the system will have an impact on the final heat outputs and efficiency levels, so installers need to take into account the fuel source being used (as well as any possible fuel sources being considered for the future), what pipe spacings will give you the best outputs, and

If you’re in any doubt about how to make UFH as energy efficient as it can possibly be, always seek advice from a trusted manufacturer. Continal can offer every different type of UFH solution, so we will always be able to offer the best and most unbiased advice. Our dedicated technical sales advisers are on hand to help at every stage of your project, and we can supply full CAD designs for every type of

and UFH system.

Chris Ingram

Founder of Continal Underfloor Heating

property

Why there has never been a better time to

Installers can combine different UFH solutions into a single system in the same property to get the very best efficiencies

The best solution for installer’s own home

we

Underfloor Heating

One of the founding partners in an Exeter based heating company has opted to make use of Omnie’s latest and most advanced underfloor heating system during the refurbishment of his own home, along with two other products from the company’s extensive range.

Jack Butt set up DC. Plumbing & Heating seven years ago with his business partner, Michael Clapp, and has built up a strong reputation working with builders doing high end refurbishment and new-build projects across Devon and Cornwall. The MCS registered firm has completed numerous commercial as well as residential projects where the

Omnie underfloor systems have helped them to optimise the performance of air source heat pumps.

Jack’s own home is a 1960s semi-detached, three-bedroom house that is being completely stripped out and refitted, as well as having a ground floor extension constructed.

Connecting the various zones of the new TorFloor 2 system to the building’s heating circuits, one of Omnie’s six branch manifolds has been installed in a utility cupboard.

Easy to fit

Jack Butt commented: “As with the original TorFloor, which we’ve used extensively in our work over the years, TorFloor 2

offers ease of installation –avoiding the need to lay a separate chipboard deck across the floor joists. Being able to install a panel, which has the routed grooves ready to receive the heating pipe, is a real advantage and also represents a low-build solution which can be very important in retrofit situations; while it’s also a fairly speedy process.

“As well as the TorFloor 2, we are also going to be laying Omnie’s Staple system within the new extension which is still being built, while the existing parts of the ground floor will have Ultimate 2 laid over the prepared substrates. We have in the past also fitted the company’s Zehnder MVHR and different controls for a whole-house system. Whatever

Next level

While the original TorFloor panel provides an easy way to integrate underfloor heating pipes into a quick-to-install structural flooring panel, the UK based manufacturer Omnie claims to have taken both the practicality and the performance to a new level with the introduction of TorFloor 2

The latest generation has evolved to include a 6mm thick chipboard upper panel with prefoiled aluminium heat diffuser.

Crucially, both panels feature matching routed channels to align around the 12mm water pipe, while the printed upper face clearly indicates the pipe’s position and the points where screws can be safely fixed.

Not only does this arrangement greatly reduce the risk of the pipe runs being accidentally damaged when floor coverings are installed or replaced, but the location of the routed channels places the warm water pipes closer to the surface –delivering faster warm-up times.

This design means that an output of 50W/m2 can be achieved

with a flow temperature of 41°C, making TorFloor 2 ideal for coupling with the air or ground source heat pumps offered by Omnie, while a 50°C flow will raise the output to 84W/m2

Further information

To find out more about Omnie’s TorFloor 2 panel, please use the online reader link below ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/17

When an underfloor heating installer wanted to fit the best solution for his own refurbishment project, he knew that he didn’t need to look any further than the system he regularly recommends to customers.

are doing, we always find Omnie’s sales and technical people very helpful.”

Guide to fitting the AmbiClip system

Providing affordable warmth for homeowners, underfloor heating is fast becoming the leading solution for newly built properties. Here, Carson Remmington from Ambiente, provides a guide to installing AmbiClip – a system that is designed to provide a quick, flexible and effective form of UFH within a screeded floor.

Hydronic (water based) underfloor heating has always been a low temperature system which offers many benefits, right from initial installation, through to the long-term energy bills of the homeowner. These advantages have been brought further into the specification spotlight following the low water temperature update to the Building Regulations and Part L. New build homes must prove a 31% reduction in CO2 in new houses, compared to previous standards, and a maximum flow temperature of a heating system to 55°C.

At this newly regulated low water temperature, standard radiator systems would have to increase in size and therefore take up more wall space, while also adding to material and build costs. On the other hand, underfloor heating systems designed specifically for screeded new-build scenarios provide the ultimate flexible and efficient solution.

Underfloor heating, by its very nature, is designed to use less energy as it covers a much greater surface area than radiators and will run at a lower temperature 24 hours a day to create a comfortable environment. As there is less heat being used, it also makes underfloor heating 15-40% more efficient than an equivalent radiator system. When paired with a heat pump, this statistic increases to a huge 50%, allowing the residents to truly benefit from affordable warmth.

There’s a time-saving aspect too. When we carried out a study on 100 units to compare the installation of underfloor heating and radiators, underfloor heating was 15% quicker to install, making it an ideal option to meet every new build need. The following tutorial explains how to install our AmbiClip underfloor heating system, which is designed for new-build solid floors and provides a heat output of up to 100W/m2, while also being quick and efficient to install.

1

Lay the damp proof membrane (DPM) over the floor area, ensuring that it overlaps at least 150mm up the wall. When using certain types of screeds, we recommend laying DPM over the top of the insulation prior to installation.

Roll out the border edge insulation and staple to the wall to secure, if necessary, before laying the insulation panels. Top tip: we recommend using border edge with skirt when using a liquid screed.

Refer to the UFH designs supplied to show pipe layouts, loop lengths and recommended cliprail installation layout. You can now begin laying the cliprails. Remove the backing strip, place the cliprail onto the insulation and secure with cliprail clips. We recommend installing cliprails 1m apart.

New refurbishment solutions help to keep a low profile

The new VLo range of lowprofile hydronic UFH systems from Warmup are said to represent the next generation of energy-efficient underfloor heating.

Designed for renovation projects where a low floor build-up is required, the VLo range is comprised of three different solutions, with each system built for a specific application.

The VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System (pictured top) is for use with uninsulated floors, the VLo Nexxa-12 Castellated System (middle) for insulated floors, and the VLo Econna-12 Joisted Floor System (bottom) for use with joisted floors.

The lightweight systems can be used with both traditional heat systems and heat pumps, to provide energy saving warmth and low long-term running costs for the end user.

At the heart of the VLo range is the VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System –an upgrade to Warmup’s established

Total-16 Low Profile System. It is a hydronic floor heating system for both off-plan projects and for retrofitting in home refurbishments, adding only 18mm to the floor height.

Offering a screedless installation, VLo Ultra-12 features in-built insulation and an aluminium diffuser for

even heat spread. The dedicated panels also feature a decoupling option, making them suitable for use with tiled floors. The system also uses Warmup’s new and improved 12mm PERT heating pipe.

The VLo line can be operated using one of the company’s Smart underfloor heating controllers.

Wireless control

The Konekt Wireless Controls provide automated, precision heat for the end-

Taking the trouble out of installation

Designed to save time and money on site, the OneBoard system from Continal Underfloor Heating is a low-profile, in-deck suspended floor solution that comprises a structural composite chipboard panel which can be laid directly onto floor joists without the need for a sub-base.

The OneBoard system helps to reduce floor build-up heights since the panel depth is just 22mm – less than the diameter of a pound coin – giving installers more flexibility in where they can lay UFH systems.

channels at 150mm pipe centres and returns to make it easier to lay pipes, even when working alone.

user and allow a low-impact installation, with no need for the chasing out of walls for cabling.

“The Warmup VLo range is our latest innovation in smarter, more sustainable ways to heat the homes of millions of people around the world,” says CEO Andrew Stimpson. “These low-profile systems coupled with the Warmup Intelligent Wi-Fi thermostats bring together low energy, low carbon, super-efficient floor heating for all rooms in all homes and Warmup’s post-installation energy saving advice.”

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Each universal panel has a built-in heat dissipation foil to ensure excellent heat outputs of between 50 and 65W/m2, depending on room temperature and floor covering. The panels also deliver fast heat-up response times, with pre-routed pipe

The system incorporates SUPERflex – a flexible, kinkresistant pipe that offers a bend radius of less than 100mm and has been designed specifically for use with UFH systems. Installation is completed with a 6mm plywood capping layer and is suitable for use with all floor coverings such as wood, marble, vinyl, carpet or laminate.

OneBoard can be combined with a

wide range of control solutions, including digital and manual thermostats, to suit the user’s needs, as well as app-controlled thermostats so householders can control their heating through their smart device.

To further aid installation, all installers who purchase UFH from Continal will be assigned a dedicated technical sales adviser who will work with the installer from the start of the project to its completion.

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Choose components or a complete system

A bespoke underfloor heating package from Unitherm has been designed to provide installers with either a complete UFH solution, ready for installation, or individual components, as required.

The company says it has looked at all the underfloor heating components available and sourced what it considers to be the very best options, from the dynamic balanced stainless steel manifolds, to the underfloor heating pipework.

Unitherm can provide an accurate quotation within 24 hours and a full design within 48 hours of the order being placed. The vast majority of the components are available in stock, with solutions for both the ground floor and upper floors. There is also a selection of

◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/21

Whatever the project we have the solution

aluminium radiators, if required. The company supplies and designs full renewable heating

systems to include heat pumps, to go with UFH and radiators.

Underfloor Heating

A solution for both new and existing floors

Available from Grant UK, the Uflex underfloor heating system is ideally suited for new builds and extensions. Embedded into the floor construction, the Uflex pipework needs to be fitted during the initial stages of the property’s development. The pipework is then positioned and clipped into place once the flooring’s insulation and membrane have been fitted, after which a flow screed is laid over the top and allowed to fully dry before the heat source is introduced.

Uflex uses a quick drying flow screed system and comes with a self-adhesive edging strip which is located around the surrounds of the areas in which the screed will be laid. The system is designed to be used with 16mm PE-RT and PEX-AL-PEX pipe. As well as being flexible and easy to work with, PEX-AL-PEX pipe offers the

additional benefit of being suitable for other general plumbing uses.

Also available is the Grant Uflex MINI system which is specifically designed to provide underfloor heating for retrofit and renovation projects. With a 15mm finished floor height, the low profile system is ideal for installations where changes to existing floor and door arrangements needs to

Railing system delivers a flexible heating circuit

The Enviroair Underfloor Heating system from Firebird is suitable for a wide range of ground and upper floor constructions and can easily be combined with radiator systems for extensions and conservatories.

Running at low temperatures, typically at 45°C, it helps to save

energy and running costs, especially when used with a renewable heat source like Firebird’s Enviroair air source heat pump.

The multilayer railing system features multilayer pipe with an embedded aluminium layer. The flexible underfloor heating pipe is installed with the use of self-adhesive fixing rails which have the advantage of allowing heating circuits to be changed as desired without risk of damaging the underlying insulation.

The rails help to reduce noise levels too, as there is no need to penetrate the impact noise insulation.

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be kept to a minimum.

The Uflex MINI underfloor heating system comprises sturdy self-adhesive mini panels which are placed on top of a sealed floor. The pipework is then clipped into the castellations within the panels without the need for staples before a self-levelling screed is laid over the top.

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Dry-fix grooved board system is ideal for any retrofit project

The Wundatherm underfloor heating system is the flagship product from Wunda Group. With no need for screed or cement, it is a dry-fix solution that can simply be laid directly on top of existing flooring.

The system uses lightweight, strong, grooved boards, covered with a thick aluminium foil and featuring close pipe centres, which hold 16mm plastic pipe with an aluminium core.

Input temperatures for Wundatherm can be as low as 45°C, making it compatible with low carbon heat appliances. It can work with traditional boilers, but

is suitable for any heat source, including heat pumps. It is also compatible with almost any floor type.

The company claims the Wundatherm can react quickly to a call for heat, saying it can be adjusted to reach desired temperatures in as little as 30 minutes.

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UFH delivered with minimal disruption

The LoPro range of underfloor heating options from NuHeat includes the LoPro Lite – a wholehouse underfloor heating system that is also available as a OneZone kit for single rooms or areas. It is a completely dry system which means there is no waiting for screed to dry, and floor coverings

can be fitted immediately. Consisting of high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) prerouted boards and castellated panels, diffuser plates and 10mm FastFlo tube, the system is claimed to be exceptionally strong and lightweight, with a total height build-up of just

15mm before a floor deck is fitted over the top.

The pre-routed, high-density EPS boards are designed to provide excellent point-load strength, while the diffuser plates ensure even heat distribution.

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Energy Saving Awards

The winners have been announced!

The winners of the very first Energy Saving Awards can now be revealed. The Tower Hill Hotel in London provided a fitting stage for the Awards to be presented at a glittering prize-giving event held at the beginning of December. Read on to find out who were the worthy recipients on the day.

Celebrating the very best professionals, products and projects across the plumbing, heating, ventilation and energy management sectors, the Awards are designed to acknowledge the important work that has been achieved in reducing carbon emissions and raising efficiency levels.

Organised by PHAM News, in partnership with our sister publication Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI), the new event provides an opportunity to recognise those companies and individuals who have taken positive steps to reduce energy

consumption, either through the design of energy saving products or the completion of an installation project.

We received a good number of entries for all of the different Awards categories, and readers were then invited to cast their votes online. Following a great response, over 5000 votes were processed and were the sole factor in determining the victors in each category.

The winners were announced by talented comedian Marcus Brigstocke who entertained guests and helped to ensure that everything ran smoothly on the day.

Headline sponsor

Domestic Installation of the Year

Winner: Blakemore Plumbing Heating Renewables

Highly commended: Viessmann

Sheffield-based Damon Blakemore, owner of Blakemore Plumbing Heating Renewables, took the trophy in this category for making a dramatic cut to the energy demand in a Yorkshire home –from 76kW down to 21kW.

All of the energy efficiency upgrades

Damon specified and installed have resulted in a 60% cut in the householder’s gas usage.

At the heart of the new system is a Viessmann Vitodens 222-F floor standing storage combi boiler. This gas condensing unit features an enamelled

DHW cylinder with internal indirect coil, with a rated heating output 1.9 to 32kW. Fitted alongside the boiler was a Stuart Turner Mainsboost accumulator to improve water pressure in a cost effective and energy efficient way, easily meeting the property’s high demand for hot water.

The home is served by underfloor heating throughout both levels. Carpeting upstairs meant the UFH runs at a maximum temperature of 36°C , while the downstairs tiled surface enables it to run at 31°C, for a design day of -2.8°C.

Low temperature weather compensation ensures maximum efficiency throughout the year. The simple sensor saves the typical end-user anything from 10 to 30% off their energy bills, or a good £40 to £100 or more per year.

The home is controlled with Viessmann’s ViCare app, which also gives Damon, as the installer, remote monitoring. This ensures he can make sure the system runs perfectly and he can quickly rectify any problems, should they arise.

Commercial Installation of the Year

Winner: Samsung and AXD Environmental

Highly commended: EvoEnergy

Samsung and AXD Environmental worked to improve the energy efficiency of Warrington-based Element House, a multi-teneted building providing over 42,000ft2 of office space across three floors.

A key requirement for the remodel was that it should be sustainably built as an environmentally conscious workspace. The building needed a heating and cooling system that offered the capability to determine the cost per kilowatt hour of each system for each tenant. All elements in the system have been linked via Samsung’s B.IoT control platform. This has a number

of features designed to promote energy efficiency, including providing efficient building operation with energy usage analysis and monitoring, data-based comfort control, target-based energy usage to certain zones where needed most, and tenant-based power usage distribution.

The ventilation (MVHR ERV) is controlled via CO2 sensors within the ERV which monitors CO2 levels so that occupied spaces always have the correct amount of fresh air, thereby minimising energy usage during periods of low occupancy.

Campaign of the Year

Wates Group launched the Wates Innovation Network (WIN) portal to accelerate the transition to net zero buildings and support the uptake of sustainable innovations. The WIN portal connects companies directly, and free of charge, with partners that can offer solutions to help meet sustainability targets. It aims to create an industry-leading network that will accelerate the transition to net zero by showcasing smarter solutions to design, construct and maintain buildings.

For sustainable technology companies, particularly SMEs, finding a route to market and identifying the key people to pitch the ideas and products is always difficult. For large

Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year

Winner: Clivet Group for the ELFOFresh EVO

Highly commended: Titon for the Ultimate dMEV

The ELFOFresh EVO operates with an ecological R32 refrigerant, active thermodynamic recovery and inverter technology applied to the compressor and fan, to boost seasonal energy efficiency and comfort. It grants air renewal by eliminating both external pollutants from the inlet air flow and internal pollutants such as mould. Clivet group claims the ELFOFresh EVO is “the best solution for total comfort not only for air renewal, but also for temperature and humidity control of the air introduced into the environment.”

The product features an innovative heat recovery system that fulfils over 85% of the building’s demands, plus intake air humidity control which allows for coupling with radiant panel cooling systems. It purifies the air with an (optional) high efficiency electrostatic filter. An inverter DC compressor and constant flow DC fan gives the best modulation operation and management via the dedicated MSmartLife App or via the Modbus port with ELFOControl3 EVO (included as standard) which allows advanced connectivity.

Public Sector Project of the Year

Winner: Wates Group

Highly commended: Triton showers

companies with multiple stakeholders, sourcing innovative technologies with the potential for green efficiencies across a property portfolio can be challenging to deliver in practice.

The WIN portal aims to bridge this gap and position Wates as a catalyst and an innovation intermediary between endusers and providers of sustainable innovations, by providing a platform for new and emerging technologies and helping companies to source innovative solutions to accelerate their transition to net zero buildings.

The campaign has received over 200 new applications from suppliers to join the network as Innovation Partners and there have been over 100 connections via the WIN Portal.

Commercial Ventilation Product of the Year

Winner: Lindab for Ultra BT

Highly commended: Gilberts Blackpool for MFS Hybrid Solution

The Lindab Ultra BT is a demand-controlled ventilation system that can be installed one room at a time, which does not require any remodelling of walls or long-term closure of offices, and claims a reduction of ventilation costs by 73%, an impressive 68% energy saving, and gives the property owner a payback period of only 4.5 years.

It combines the Lindab UltraLink ultrasonic VAV controller with new bluetooth sensors and specially designed apps which allow the building owner to configure, monitor and control everything from CO2 levels, airflow, humidity, and temperature with great accuracy.

The UltraLink damper can be connected to control & feedback systems, such as Modbus, or be installed as a stand-alone system using a phone app – called OneLink – to address, connect sensors to the damper, commission and test the array.

Users can see and adjust the room temperature, measure the humidity, CO2, presence, and airflow levels of individual rooms, and determine whether selected employees should have control over certain rooms.

Highly commended: Viessmann – installation at the RSPB’s Visitor Centre

A grant of £13m through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and having a contract in place with partner Vital Energi Utilities has enabled Westminster City Council to drive forward its Carbon Management Programme. The project will see renewable heat and energy measures installed alongside energy conservation measures in some 60 buildings and is set to revolutionise the way the Council will generate and consume energy across the corporate estate.

Extensive installation works have been completed in buildings across its operational portfolio, including offices, leisure centres, day centres, schools and community centres.

The types of work considered included measures

such as pipework insulation and draught proofing, through to more innovative solutions such as air source heat pumps and solar PV panels.

Air source heat pumps, ranging from 20 to 600kW, have been installed across 10 sites, while a total of 1649 solar PV panels have been fitted across the rooftops of 12 buildings.

There have been LED lighting upgrade works in more than 50 buildings and pipework insulation works have been completed across 26 buildings.

Draught proofing has been implemented within 14 sites.

The council expects to see a reduction in existing emissions of approximately 20%, saving some 1600 tonnes CO2 and 88m kWh of energy.

Winner: Westminster City Council for its Carbon Management Programme

Sponsored by

Water Saving Domestic Product of the Year

Winner: Neoperl for the Pressure Compensating Washer

Highly commended: Aqualisa for the Quartz Smart Shower

The drought conditions in many parts of the country this summer focused minds on the importance of conserving water, and with baths and showers accounting for an estimated 34% of water used in the home, it’s an important area to look for savings. Pressure Compensating Washers (PCW), also known as flow regulators, are designed to save water when showering. They are retrofittable products that can be easily installed by replacing the

incumbent washer with a ½” PCW, available in various flow rates from 2 to 15 L/pm and offering a constant flow rate independent of line pressure.

Heating water uses an estimated 20% of a typical home’s gas bill and with energy prices soaring, water-conserving products are increasing in popularity.

The PCW-01 for shower hoses and the PCW-02 for shower handles and wall mounted taps are both available with

different colour coded flow rates.

A standard European shower uses 18 litres of water per minute but by fitting a PCW, a very comfortable shower can be achieved with a flow rate of 8-12 litres per minute. This gives a minimum saving of 42 litres of water per 7-minute shower, a quick and inexpensive win with a short payback time.

All products are made from Neoperl’s factory in Malvern.

Water Saving Commercial Product of the Year

Winner:

Several years ago, the concept of ‘Leaky Loos’ started to gain traction, and attempts were made to identify the potential scale of water leaking from the outlet of a WC drop valve seal. According to figures supplied by Thames Water and Waterwise, this can be as much as 215 litres per unit per day, or over 78,000 litres per year. Recognising the scale of the issue, Cistermiser set about developing a flush valve that would directly address the problem, while still offering a mains or battery powered infrared sensor operation.

Traditionally, siphonic flush valves lift water over a spillover water level to initiate a siphon which pulls the water out of the cistern. The

siphon principle was flipped on its head and rather than lifting the water, the spillover level is dropped. Computational Fluid Dynamics was utilised to tune the concept to maximise the flush rate and allow for flush volume adjustment.

Cistermiser launched the innovative Easyflush EVO in July this year and claims it will revolutionise WC flushing, by bringing together the previously unattainable benefits of non-touch and leak-free flushing. By saving as much 78,000 litres of water per unit per annum, the product can give payback in as little as eight months.

Lighting Product of the Year

Plurio LED is a family of decorative outdoor post-top luminaires that control light to offer urban planners, lighting designers, and building owners up to 86% energy savings for residential streets, urban areas and car parks, without compromising performance. It minimises light pollution and prevents light from radiating upwards – ideal for sensitive areas and protecting local wildlife, flora and fauna.

A selection of variants provides the freedom to integrate the lighting

system into the built environment by night and day. The range’s versatility helps give outdoor spaces a unique identity without compromising lighting quality.

The indirect version of Plurio LED is equipped with NightTune technology, which adjusts the light level and colour temperature to match the time of night and traffic density to support wellbeing, protect the night ecosystem, and lower energy bills. A mixture of neutral and warm-coloured LEDs provides

Influencer of the Year

Winner:

Highly

Adam Chapman is the founder of Heat Geek, a company that provides training on heating design for heating engineers. At the core of all his work, Adam is advancing an energy saving proposition through information on quality installations designed for peak performance.

Heat Geek’s YouTube channel has over 21,000 subscribers and includes dozens of videos, all distinguished by high quality production values. One of the latest uploads is called ‘11 ways to reduce your energy bills’, part of the ‘Reduce your energy bills’ playlist, where Adam presents ideas like lowering the flow temperature on a boiler and adding aerators to taps and showers.

The Heat Geek video channel also has sections on renewables and a playlist dedicated to ‘enlightenment’, where Adam looks at subjects like hydrogen, underfloor heating and water treatment.

Not content with just YouTube, the Heat Geek can be found on other social media sites, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

a moderate colour temperature in the early evening. Light levels are then lowered during the middle of the night by reducing the output of the neutral LEDs so that the light becomes dimmer and warmer. This respects the nocturnal ecosystem, provides a relaxed atmosphere and saves energy.

As morning approaches, the output of the cool LEDs increases again to offer brighter, cooler light, meeting the higher safety demands as traffic and activity build up.

Commercial Heating Product of the Year

Supplied in the UK by Klima-Therm, the Engie Spectrum Water is an ultra-high efficiency heat pump designed for industrial and commercial applications or integration into heat networks and district heating in housing developments. The heat pump features a combination of turbo compressors with magnetic bearing, flooded shell and tube condensers, and an open-flash economiser that maximises seasonal efficiency and performance with a minimal footprint. Instead of employing a single compressor, overall capacity is split among multiple compressors, which creates redundancies to enhance operational reliability.

Operating companies can choose between the R1234ze A2L low-GWP refrigerants and the high-efficiency A1 safety refrigerants R515B, R513A and R134a. There is also an extensive package of options and accessories, and the modular condenser design ensures that the machines can be perfectly adapted to the feed and return levels on the user’s premises.

Oil-free operation ensures a simple and low-maintenance machine design since no oil management peripherals are required. Moreover, there is no need for labour-intensive oil changes on the compressor, saving time, money, and effort.

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Domestic Heating Product of the Year

Winner: Navien for the NCB700 ON Gas Boiler

Highly commended: Drayton for Wiser Heating Controls

‘Game-changing’ is how Navien describes its energy saving NCB700 ON combi gas boiler, which can deliver hot water for up to three bathrooms simultaneously, achieve water savings of 7787 litres per year, and reduce gas usage by an average of 38% per year. The boiler is also hydrogen-ready, 94% efficient and achieves an industry-leading ErP A+ energy rating when used with a single Navien Smart Plus controller.

The NCB700 ON maximises recirculation of domestic hot water to significantly reduce water wastage and offer flow rates up to an industry-leading 22 litres per minute (at 35°C temperature rise).

The NCB700 ON features an outstanding turndown ratio of 15:1, meaning domestic hot water can be heated quickly, efficiently and economically. From an end user perspective, the combi boiler is more economical to use than system or regular boilers, as there are no operational costs in terms of preheating,

Special Recognition Award

Winner: Peter Thom of Green Heat Ltd.

The Special Recognition Award is designed to acknowledge the work and achievements of an individual who has been influential in helping to raise awareness about the importance of conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

The 2022 Award goes to Peter Thom who, over a career spanning more than 57 years, has long campaigned to raise levels of professionalism and has been a strong advocate of renewable and sustainable technologies.

As well as running a successful family business, Green Heat, Peter has dedicated a lot of his own time to industry bodies such as the Institute of Domestic Heating & Environmental Engineers (IDHEE) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), and has frequently been an effective ‘voice of the industry’ when engaging with government decision makers and other organisations.

One of Peter’s key objectives in setting up Green Heat was to develop and introduce a methodology to measure and rate the energy efficiency of homes. He has pioneered and developed home energy ratings and lobbied to get these into legislation. He achieved

or heat losses when stored inside a cylinder. Combi boilers also use less gas than alternative models – which is of particular benefit given the ongoing increase in UK gas prices.

Being a combi boiler, energy is further saved as there is no need to keep heating up water in a separate cylinder or having to use an electric immersion heater. For example, pre-heating a 210L cylinder at 63°C takes 44 minutes and 30 seconds, using 867L (8.2kW) of gas and 1612.8Wh of electricity, at a cost of £1.08. In contrast, a combi boiler using a secondary return (cut off at 65°C) runs for 4 minutes and 45 seconds, using 84L (0.8kW) gas and 7.77 Wh electricity, costing 24.5p a day for a family of four to take a shower each every day.

Navien calculates that using the NaviCirc recirculation valve on the secondary return enables a cut off at 35°C, while taking just 1 minute 40 seconds to heat enough hot water. Only 39L (0.4kW) gas is used – which is 54% less than a standard combi boiler.

that goal in 1995 when SAP Ratings were first required by Part L of the Building Regulations.

Over his long career, Peter has helped thousands of customers to reduce their energy use and thereby played a not insignificant part in helping the country to reduce its carbon emissions. Championing the need for home energy audits and an early supporter of

domestic condensing boilers when they were first introduced in the UK, Peter’s installation business was one of the first to promote the benefits of energy saving technologies to UK consumers.

Peter is a well deserving recipient of the Award for his unstinting service and time dedicated to improving standards within the plumbing and heating industry.

Many congratulations to all this year’s winners. Look out for more details of the 2023 Awards when we’ll be doing it all again!

Heat pump carbon cutting

A London hotel has recently upgraded its hot water generation plant using the Q-ton air-to-water heat pump system from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioning Europe.

The Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London originally had gasfired boilers, which provided potable hot water to the apart’hotel’s 192 apartments and communal breakfast area. Citadines required a replacement that could provide water at high temperatures, while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The project at the hotel, which is part of The Ascott Ltd portfolio, is part of CapitaLand’s 2030 Sustainability Master Plan. Under this Plan, a phased installation will also see the Q-ton system deployed at four other Citadines sites across the capital.

In addition, the hotel is equipped with a Q-ton Remote Monitoring System (QRMS), a tool that monitors Q-ton’s operation, provides the team with a quarterly report comparing energy usage and efficiencies against gas and electric equivalents, and self-analyses to highlight any potential operation or maintenance requirements.

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Modular solution in the restaurant

The latest modular commercial boiler systems from Vokèra by Riello are providing a flexible, space-saving solution for a restaurant chain in Glasgow.

Local heating specialists, ACR Contractors, installed a Riello Steel Pro Power modular floor standing gas condensing system to replace an existing Vokèra appliance that had come to the end of its life.

ACR looked to Vokèra for a high efficiency replacement that could also overcome the project’s siting challenge. As well as matching

the busy restaurant’s heating and hot water demands, the

new boiler had to be installed on the flat roof of the multi-storey building, as no internal plant room space was available.

The standalone 230kW Steel Pro Power was supplied with auxiliary accessories for outdoor installation. Ready for simple and quick installation, the system consists of pre-built technical cabinets comprising an assembled frame in anodised aluminium and painted panels. On the Glasgow project, ACR was able to partially dismantle the cabinets into smaller sections that could be carried up stairwells and onto the roof without the need for a crane – saving this additional cost and minimising disruption for the restaurant.

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Monobloc perfect for zero carbon homes

Exeter-based Unitherm Heating Systems has provided Vaillant air source heat pumps for a development of zero carbon homes, to supply heating and hot water.

Truro-based Verto Homes selected the aroTHERM heat pumps for The Green, a development of 30 sustainable homes. These homes all come with an EPC rating of ‘A’ and benefit from exceptional levels of insulation. The monobloc heat pumps use the natural refrigerant R290, which has a low global warming potential (GWP) of 3. The units can reach up to 75°C to help with the production of hot water without the need for an immersion heater to protect against legionella.

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Water Heating & Cylinders

Untapped potential of home thermal stores

One of the challenges of managing the UK’s electricity grid is balancing supply with demand, and when supply exceeds demand, energy can be wasted. Isaac Occhipinti from the Hot Water Association explains how hot water cylinders offer a way to absorb excess energy and cut energy bills.

The household hot water cylinder not only provides homeowners with all their hot water needs, it can also act as a thermal home battery, storing excess energy in the form of hot water, as well as supporting the grid during times of lower demand and higher input.

Here at HWA, we have long supported the ‘home battery’ concept, utilising the domestic cylinder to serve household hot water needs, utilising ‘free’ energy. And it seems that energy companies are starting to realise the opportunity that hot water cylinders offer to the wider grid, not just the homes they serve. Some energy companies now pay consumers to use the excess grid electricity. Cylinders often have spare water that could be heated with an electrical immersion heater. With the right setup, consumers can allow the system to turn on their immersion heater at these times to use up that excess electricity. Seems so obvious when you think about it, doesn’t it?

Director

Untapped potential

The energy storage potential associated with the UK’s installed capacity of domestic hot water cylinders is comparable to our entire fleet of pumped-hydro-electric storage, and with just a fraction of this resource it would be possible to absorb the largest surpluses of renewable power that arise from offshore wind and solar PV.

A standard 150 litre hot water tank can hold approximately 7kWh, with a range of anywhere between 90 litres (4.2kWh) and 300 litres (14kWh). This is comparable to the storage capacity of a home battery system from brands such as Tesla, Sonnen, Powervault and Moixa. With over 9 million domestic hot water tanks installed, we potentially have 70GWh of untapped energy storage – around seven times the capacity of the UK’s largest pumped hydro facility, Dinorwig in Wales.

Grid benefits

Connected hot water tanks can also deliver a service to the grid like that of home battery storage systems. Not only this, it can be delivered with a considerably lower environmental footprint. For example, a home battery consists of upwards of 100kg of materials such as cobalt, lithium and copper, which all come with a hefty environmental footprint. In comparison, a modern hot water tank weighs around 30kg and is

made from recyclable materials such as stainless steel.

Hot water cylinders also come at a lower cost to the end consumer. A hot water tank can be installed to provide grid services for around £200/unit. When you compare this to a home battery storage system, which currently costs upwards of £3000 without installation, the savings are significant.

Fuel poverty case study Utilising smart grid assistance appliances can help the UK meet its Net Zero targets, but not only that, it could also help us tackle fuel poverty. An ever-growing societal and political challenge.

Social Enterprise EnergyCloud aims to create solutions to divert surplus renewable energy - which would otherwise be wasted - to Irish homes, with a primary focus on those in fuel poverty. EnergyCloud estimates that 1448GWh of renewable energy was wasted in 2020, with approximately 461,000 homes in fuel poverty across Ireland. Their pilot scheme, which started in March 2022 uses existing cylinders in 50 homes to provide ‘free’ hot water from excess renewable sources.

Early indications of results from the scheme are promising. At 2.15am on the 7th April 2022, the first EnergyCloud message was sent to nine properties and remotely switched on nine immersions drawing a total of 26.576kW. As agreed, they were switched back off at 2.17am (two mins later).

There was estimated surplus wind on the grid that would have enabled EnergyCloud to switch on approximately 500,000 hot water tank immersions to use up all available surplus over a two hour period.

Government aims

The government has announced a number of plans to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technology to ensure the UK’s transition to Net Zero by 2050. The list of measures includes a target to quadruple wind power production by 2030. This, alongside the deployment of more nuclear energy, will significantly reduce the carbon intensity of grid electricity.

In response to these market dynamics, there are now hot water cylinders which operate with conventional gas boilers whilst at the same time are able to make use of low carbon electricity whenever there is an over-supply of wind or solar generation relative to demand.

Climate benefits

The Climate Change Committee has identified that load shifting through behavioural change will be a key part of our transition to Net Zero. In particular, ‘pre-heating’ as opposed to ‘peak-heating’ is essential and, for this, we need to encourage the uptake of flexible energy storage through domestic hot water cylinders and smart controls.

From a consumer’s perspective, replacing an old hot water cylinder with a modern, well-insulated cylinder, coupled with smart controls, provides an opportunity to use low cost or even negatively priced electricity alongside their existing heating equipment. This is an attractive proposition. Additional benefits such as ease of control, enhanced system boiler efficiency and future retrofit options for heat pumps or hydrogen ready gas boilers add further appeal.

Isaac Occhipinti

of external affairs at the Hot Water Association

Water Heating & Cylinders

Why cylinders have a critical part to play

Air source heat pumps are a key solution for decarbonising homes, and their installation as an alternative to fossil fuel boilers is critical to meeting the UK’s legally binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. The adoption of low carbon heating systems is being driven by the government through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which provides £5000 towards the cost of air source heat pump installations in England and Wales, and the ECO4 scheme which provides grants for homes that have never had a central heating system fitted before.

However, what is often overlooked when installing an air source heat pump heating and hot water system is the important role a hot water cylinder has to play in maximising efficiencies.

Contrary to popular belief, not all air source heat pumps operate in the same way. The correct specification of a hot water cylinder is therefore essential if the heating and hot water system is to operate at maximum efficiency. Integral to any central heating system, a hot water cylinder is the gobetween for renewable heating technologies and needs to be given the consideration it deserves to maximise operating efficiencies and ultimately keep the homeowner happy.

Key considerations

Through a range of hot water cylinder options, air source heat pumps are capable of supplying domestic hot water up to 65°C.

They have the flexibility to be used as a standalone heat source with a single renewable coil, or as a twin coil option in conjunction with other renewable heating technologies such as solar thermal. So what does the heating engineer need to take into consideration when selecting a hot water storage cylinder for use with an air source heat pump?

David Hall Sales director at Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders Ltd.

Heating Coils

To maximise the transfer of renewable energy into the stored water, air source heat pump cylinder coils are larger and have a greater surface area than traditional hot water cylinder coils. Specifically designed to work at lower temperatures, coils are available with smooth, ribbed, dimpled or finned surfaces.

The specification of the heating coil directly affects the recovery time / reheat performance of the hot water cylinder, so comparing the kW and not the surface area of a heating coil is far more accurate.

Minimising heat loss

Introduced in 2017 under the ErP Directive, the efficiency of an indirect hot water cylinder is determined by standing heat loss. Heat loss is minimised by effective insulation, and hot water storage cylinders have to meet at least band ‘C’ heat loss requirements.

All hot water storage cylinders need to display an energy label, and if a package system is supplied, a fiche and a label that provides the combined energy efficiency rating for the whole system must be provided to the end user.

The positioning of immersion heaters

Domestic immersion heaters are typically rated at 3kW and are used to provide back-up heat. In a single coil cylinder, the immersion needs to be positioned below the coil and in a twin coil cylinder, the immersion needs to be positioned between the coils. This ensures that the different temperature layers are maintained and each heat source is used to maximum benefit.

Immersion heaters should comply with BS EN 60335-2-73: 1997 or be specifically designed for and tested as part of the water heater to which they are fitted.

Managing legionella

Preventing legionella is an important consideration when designing hot water systems, particularly those which operate at lower temperatures than traditional systems.

Many air source heat pumps, including the Clivet Elfo-Energy 2.0 which is supplied as part of a package by Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders, incorporate an anti-legionella function which automatically heats the cylinder (via the immersion) on a weekly basis to de-sanitise. This negates the need for a hot water boost kit, which not only adds an extra component to the system but also increases energy use.

Installation and maintenance

As air source heat pump heating and hot water systems incorporate unvented hot water cylinders, they must be installed and maintained by a competent person in accordance with Building Regulations Approved Document G3 These strict safety regulations have been put in place due to the pressurised performance of an unvented cylinder. To assist heating engineers, the Hot Water Association’s ‘Hot Water Storage Cylinder Servicing Guide’ details service checks to be carried out every 12 months.

Smart controls

The use of SMART controls (Self-Monitoring Analysis & Reporting Technology) manage every minute of a home’s heating schedule and can be used to maximise potential energy savings.

Alternatively, an air source heat pump system controller can automatically run the entire heating system with intuitive, wired programmable thermostats or by intelligent remote room sensors.

Multiple heat sources

Air source heat pumps can also be used in conjunction with thermal stores and buffer cylinders. These have a number

of direct connections which allow for the integration of multiple heat source / zones to deliver domestic hot water and space heating.

For heating systems where there are different temperature and flow-rate requirements (underfloor heating and radiators), a low loss header can be incorporated to hydraulically separate the individual heating circuits. This ensures a constant temperature supply of water reaches the multiple heating circuits downstream of the lowloss header connection.

Package solutions

As a hot water cylinder forms such an integral part of a heating and hot water system, Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders have developed a compact air source heat pump, heating and domestic hot water package, with a pre-plumbed, indirect, unvented stainless steel hot water storage cylinder.

The air-to-water air source heat pump package incorporates an external Clivet Elfo-Energy 2.0 monobloc unit which is available in single phase outputs from 5 to 16kW. Utilising Telford’s technical expertise, the complexities of the system are covered from the initial design, right through to the completed installation. This not only makes the design and installation process of the heating and hot water system easier for the heating professional, but it also saves valuable time.

In summary

Historically, the important role a hot water storage cylinder had to play in a traditional heating system was often overlooked. However, with the rapid adoption of renewable heating technologies and the necessity to maximise efficiencies (now more than ever), the correct specification of a hot water cylinder with this type of heating and hot water system has never been more

Water Heating & Cylinders

Ready for hydrogen when the time comes

Commercial hot water specialist Adveco now produces its range of ADplus and AD condensing gas water heaters, and MD gas boilers, as hydrogen 20% blend ready, without the need for any modifications.

Adveco says its current range of high efficiency gas-fired condensing water heaters and boilers deliver advanced burner technology and feature titanium stainless steel heat exchangers that ensure optimal operation and longevity. For models with multiple heat exchangers, smart balancing helps reduce operational costs, further extending the life of the appliance, and provides built-in redundancy to ensure there is no downtime for business-critical demands for domestic hot water.

By installing the ADplus, AD and MD, Adveco claims they will continue to operate well into the 2030s, while being prepared to make the switch to

hydrogen blending when it becomes more common. Bill Sinclair, technical director at Adveco, says: “Customers working on commercial projects can continue to commit with peace of mind to gas-fired water heating applications where connections already exist. With our instantaneous ADplus and semi-instantaneous AD, as well as the MD boiler range, all hydrogen 20% blend ready, they instantly gain an opportunity to embrace more sustainable gas supplies by the end of the decade.”

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Addressing emissions targets

Aiming to deliver zero on-site emissions, Lochinvar has unveiled a range of high performance electric storage water heaters for commercial and large residential applications.

The Cavalier ECO floor standing range comprises seven models, all of which meet the requirements of the EcoDesign (ErP) directive, and can operate at working pressures up to 8 bar, with storage capacities of 173 and 264 litres.

They have been designed to meet growing demand for all-electric hot water solutions that produce zero on-site carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s Net Zero targets.

Each water heater features factory-fitted multiple immersion elements for rapid hot water production. This ranges from three 3kW elements in the lowest output model (9kW) up to nine

6kW elements powering the highest output (54kW) water heater, which can provide hot water recovery rates from 155 to 930 litres per hour, based on a temperature rise of 50°C.

The immersion elements operate in sequence to provide fast recovery of hot water and better efficiency, especially during off-peak demand periods. The independent operation of each element provides stand-by in the unlikely event of any individual element failing.

The enamelled steel storage vessels include an integral magnesium anode for cathodic protection to maintain the integrity of the units over longterm operation. They are insulated with 65mm polyurethane foam and encased in an enamelled grey jacket.

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Stratified heating method

Now featured in the Appendix Q product database, Mixergy’s smart hot water tank only heats what is needed, unlike a conventional cylinder which heats the whole contents. This minimises the primary carbon used to generate a dwelling’s hot water, while maximising the availability of cold water for storing renewably generated energy – from solar PV, for example.

This stratified method of heating water is now factored into the SAP Appendix Q database, allowing social landlords (under RdSAP) and new developers (under SAP 2012 and SAP 10) to recognise the full benefit of using Mixergy in their projects, whether new build or retrofit.

For more simplified systems using a standalone Mixergy cylinder, the SAP assessor can factor a partial state of charge, rather than standing heat losses at 100% of the heated volume. While this offers a modest carbon saving itself, the maximum benefit is achieved when the dwelling uses Mixergy’s solar PV embedded cylinder.

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Green brand is dedicated to efficiency

Building on its expertise in stainless steel heat transfer technology, Fabdec has created the sub-brand, Excelsior Water Heating.

Stuart Doggrell, head of Excelsior Water Heating, says: “The Excelsior name has a long association with Fabdec so it was a natural fit to create Excelsior Water Heating by Fabdec. The division has grown serving both domestic and commercial customers, offering bespoke and niche solutions.”

The brand encompasses direct, indirect, solar, heat pump, slimline, and horizontal water heaters, which are among Fabdec’s standard range of domestic and commercial products.

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There’s more than one way to learn

Many manufacturers in the sector now offer installers the opportunity to learn about new developments online, as well as providing face-to-face product training. We find out what training options are available from Glow-worm and how installers can best ensure they keep up to speed.

Following the launch of the Glow-worm Academy this year, we caught up with Mark Wilkins, the company’s training and technologies director, to discuss some of the biggest training trends from the last 12 months, and look at what might be on the horizon for installers wanting to enhance their product and industry knowledge.

What have been the most popular training courses you’ve seen installers taking advantage of this year and have you seen a rise in online learning?

MW: Our most popular courses have covered a variety of different topics, from Installation & Commissioning, Diagnostics & Fault Finding, to Commissioning a Glow-worm gas appliance, all of which ensure that installers are equipped with the knowledge they need for today and into the future.

Online learning has continued to grow in popularity, with 47% of our installers completing online courses this year. However, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of installers seeking out face-to-face training again, with 57% of all courses delivered this year hosted in person at one of our six Centres of Excellence.

By combining online and in person training, this blended learning approach means installers can complete their modules in the comfort of their own home, while the in-person training provides valuable time hands-on with the products to supplement their theory-based knowledge and skills.

You launched the Glow-worm Academy at the start of the year. Can you talk about the installer benefits of the platform?

MW: We’ve had some great feedback on the Glow-worm Academy. The new online portal has allowed installers to follow a tailored learning journey to develop their technical skills with our heating systems.

With everything moving to one convenient platform via the Academy, it also gives installers access to their certificates, while tracking their progression through the platform. In addition, it offers more on-demand, blended learning and business support tools, so that training can be worked around their schedules as and when convenient, even when on the go.

Following the launch of the Glowworm Academy, we’re already seeing some interesting trends. Courses such as Energy Product Overview and Heat Exchanger Cleaning for Glow-worm boilers being the most popular online courses, while Energy Diagnostics and Fault Finding, and Energy Installation & Commissioning have been the favourites for in-person training. This shows a blended approach to learning is providing installers with a flexible option that minimises the amount of time away from paid work. Interestingly, as more homeowners

look to increase the energy efficiency of their home heating system, we’ve also seen an increase in the number of installers signing up to our range of heating control courses so they are able to support customers.

What is on the horizon for Glowworm training in 2023?

MW: We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help installers to ‘Keep Britain Glowing’, and staying up to date with new technologies and theory is part of this.

We’re continuing to invest in our training offering to ensure that installers can access the support that extends beyond product alone and instead looks at wider topics that are affecting our industry.

Looking towards the future, another training area we’re keen to provide support on is the development of future talent –something that will be instrumental to the success of our industry. We are developing our relationship with colleges to support the needs of the future and help to close the skills gap, both technically and by developing business skills.

One such face-to-face session was recently delivered to apprentices at the Hybrid Training Centre in Aintree, Liverpool, an industry accredited training facility supporting apprentices and existing installers. The interactive business awareness session included practical support and advice on marketing, plus top tips on how to successfully build a brand to attract and win new customers. Importantly, the session also covered mental health and wellbeing, equipping apprentices with the knowledge and information they can implement in their own businesses.

Find out more

For more information on the Glowworm Academy, please enter the online reader link below in your browser: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/37

Mark Wilkins

Glow-worm training and technologies director

The changing market calls for new skills

Low carbon and low temperature heat systems are a growing market, which means the installer base, comprising largely gas and oil experts, will need to upskill to meet the demands of the future, says Martyn Bridges from Worcester Bosch.

For almost all of our 60 years in existence, Worcester Bosch has been training installers, and as we go forward we will continue to invest in future technologies and upskill the next generation of young professionals.

Training is at the forefront of our brand’s ambitions, and with new technologies up and coming, there is a need for new training and to upskill the next generation, which is a huge priority for us.

Training within the industry, historically, was always on gas and oil-fired boilers. However in recent years with the net zero target fast approaching, the emphasis on and interest in low carbon and zero carbon technologies has increased dramatically.

Like other manufacturers, we introduced new heat pump training courses in 2022, along with complementary courses such as low temperature heating design.

Sector

With increasing numbers retiring and too few new recruits coming through, it’s past time to broaden the male dominated installer base and bring on more people who don’t fit the stereotype, says Mark Krull from LCL Awards.

The skilled trades workforce, including heating engineers, plumbers and electricians, is made up of 99% men, with women and other groups vastly underrepresented. Yet the workforce is suffering from a critical skills shortage, with more people retiring than training. We need a new approach to encourage people from all walks of life to enter this thriving sector – something that starts in the training centre.

Director

We have also seen an increase in training for heat interface units, typically used in high density housing, such as tower blocks and apartments. The government is aiming to see around 20% of all the housing stock heated by heat interface units and district heat networks by 2050. A very ambitious target indeed.

Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest demands we’ve had for training is for hybrid heat pump courses, a relatively new technology that is becoming more and more accessible to homeowners. This type of heating system combines the best of both worlds where we have a heat pump heating the home for around 80% of the time and we

have a boiler as back up support for the colder periods and also to continue to generate domestic hot water, should it be one of the 17 million combi boilers installed.

Hydrogen hope

In addition to heat pumps, we get a significant amount of interest for hydrogen boiler training, a product not yet available on the market. Training on hydrogen appliances is mostly theory based and often conducted via distance learning rather than face to face.

As it stands, the government is still in consultation on the future of hydrogen in the UK heating mix, and there is no market for it, so training in this area is more interesting than necessary.

Alongside an appetite for hydrogen, we have also seen an increase in demand for controls training. With the cost of living crisis hitting everybody we believe installers are getting increased inquiries from homeowners on how to run their heating system more efficiently. And of course, controls, particularly modulating type controls, are one of the major ways to reduce energy consumption at a low cost.

In summary, the thirst for training is there and very much of a low carbon nature. We have had a packed diary for the entirety of 2022 and will hope to see no less than this in 2023

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take steps towards making their facilities more accessible - from not tolerating offensive language, to developing courses which can be delivered online and/or in the evening and at weekends, providing training opportunities to parents and people re-training around the day job.

Inclusive training

The BSE sector has so much to offer but it has not been especially welcoming to women. We’ve had conversations with female trainees who have experienced sexist comments in the classroom passed off as harmless ‘banter’. Training centres provide a first impression of the sector as a whole, and comments like this do real harm.

To move our industry forward we need input from a wide variety of people. We must ensure that our training centres reflect modern society and values, something that will then filter up to workplaces and ultimately change the perception of the skilled trades as

a career only suitable for certain demographics.

We believe that training centres should be welcoming environments that promote respectful behaviour and set a precedent for the workplace. That’s why we worked with Hattie Hasan to develop our award-winning Inclusivity Charter. Hattie is the founder of the all-female plumbing business, Stopcocks Women Plumbers, and recently received an MBE for her services to women in the plumbing and heating industry.

The charter encourages our centres to review where they are in terms of inclusivity and

Hattie explains why creating an inclusive environment at this early stage is the best foundation for change: “Training is the first step in most people’s careers, so getting this bit right in terms of ensuring people feel they can move into a sector that might not be considered ‘the norm’ is crucial.

“Having experienced firsthand sexism and ignorance when it comes to being a female plumber, making a difference at this grassroots level should have a real impact. If women and other under-represented groups have a good experience in the training centre, they will start their careers with more confidence. An inclusive environment attracts learners from different backgrounds and helps to dispel myths that trainees may have too.”

Inclusive training benefits everyone – trainees, employees and the wider industry. For our centres, apart from being the right thing to do, attracting more people is good for business. There are also benefits for staff; workplaces where well-being is valued tend to have better staff retention and greater productivity.

We need more people if we are going to meet the demand presented by a low carbon future. Skills gaps are rapidly evolving with the development of new technologies and techniques. Ultimately, we can only achieve the numbers, variety and skills that we need by providing equal opportunities for everyone.

The last two points of the Charter summarise these aims:

• Our ambition is to help as many people as possible access the building services engineering sector, to improve lives, improve the sector and combat skills shortages.

• We believe that inclusion creates an environment where everyone is valued, feels valued and is therefore able to achieve their highest potential.

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Martyn Bridges

of technical services at Worcester Bosch

must become a broad church

Time to adapt your skills

Significant changes are coming down the track for the off-grid sector and the government’s commitment to deliver low carbon heating cannot be ignored. But while the focus is often on the technological solutions, the vital role of installers must not be overlooked. The industry is at an important crossroads but, through training and diversification, technicians have a real opportunity to be front and centre of the move to greener heating.

After years of uncertainty, the government set out its roadmap for the off-grid sector in its Heat and Buildings Strategy last year. It proposed that, from 2026, replacement fossil fuel oil boilers should no longer be installed in homes and small commercial premises. The same applies to larger commercial buildings from 2024. This means that once an existing oil heating system breaks down, in most cases, dependent on a measure of ‘reasonably practicality’ which hasn’t been defined, a heat pump will need to be installed.

Delivering training to the installer and technician base has always been important to keep up with evolving technology and new legislation, but it’s going to be even more so over the coming years, given the scale of the changes on the horizon. If the government’s proposals go ahead, a huge number of heat pumps will need to be

Malcolm Farrow OFTEC head of public affairs

installed. The challenge is that, at the moment, even with relatively low numbers, there is already a shortage of technicians. This is particularly true in more rural parts of the country where demand is lower.

Maintaining standards

We can’t ignore that heat pumps will have a central role to play off-grid, which is why OFTEC has launched a new suite of training courses to help technicians diversify and futureproof their business. It also ensures high standards are maintained and work in the home is compliant and safe.

The course and assessment packages have been developed with industry experts alongside MCS, including Grant UK, Panasonic, Vaillant, Nationwide Training, Cert-Ain Certification and ERS Certification. The programme already covers air source heat pump installation, commissioning, and servicing, and design of heat pump systems. A further course focussed on ground source heat pump installation, commissioning and servicing will be available shortly.

Once completed, technicians can apply for MCS certification to install heat pumps through government schemes such as the Home Upgrade Grant or Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They will also be able to self-certify their own installations as compliant with

Training & Education

Building Regulations.

The courses have been designed to offer maximum flexibility through incorporating theoretical and practical assessment across different heat pump products. They are being delivered through OFTEC’s existing network of training providers and most heating technicians should already hold the necessary skills and experience to meet the course pre-requisites.

At OFTEC we recognise the role of heat pumps in delivering net zero and continues to support the technology as more technicians enrol on our courses. However, we’re pragmatic and understand that not every property is suitable for a heat pump. This is particularly true off-grid where homes are older with low energy efficiency and may require extensive renovations, such as additional insulation, new radiators and a hot water tank, for the technology to work effectively.

Low carbon alternative

That’s why OFTEC, alongside industry partners, has been demonstrating the renewable liquid fuel hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in nearly 150 properties over the past two years. The existing oil heating systems, which ran on kerosene, were converted in a few hours at an estimated cost of £500. The project has been a huge success with each property immediately reducing its emissions by nearly 90% upon switching.

HVO is also very adaptable and has been used in a range of buildings from churches, schools to pubs which were unsuited to a heat pump. The fuel is sustainably sourced from waste, without impacting deforestation or land

use for food or feed crop, and we’ve been engaging with BEIS to secure support through a pricing mechanism to lower the cost.

The benefit of HVO is there are already over 10,000 OFTEC technicians working with homes on oil heating. Again, training will be central to widescale HVO adoption and we have created a HVO handbook and are close to finalising a major update to our technical books. Our extensive list of training centres across the country, in combination with our inspectors who ensure high standards are maintained, means we can deliver the transition efficiently, safely and at speed with minimal disruption to consumers.

The reality is there is no one size fits all solution to decarbonise off-grid homes. Through a technology neutral approach which supports training for both heat pumps and HVO conversions, OFTEC can equip technicians with the skills to install a full range of non-gas technologies. Not only does this mean that technicians can lead the way in delivering a greener future, but diversification helps to protect installers in a changing landscape.

Consumers are understandably confused about what they need to do and what low carbon solution is most practical for their home. OFTEC technicians, equipped with the full scope of skills, can provide impartial advice to their customers while upholding high standards of safety in the home.

The direction of travel towards low carbon heating is clear and we believe our industry should be at the forefront, rather than being left behind the curve.

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Based in Hoyland, Barnsley, just one mile from Junction 36 of the M1 motorway, ECS Gas Training Ltd specialises in upskilling plumbers who need their gas qualifications.

“Due to our very competitive prices, and the excellent service that we provide, our customers come from as far afield as London,”says MD Graham Hawkes. “We have extremely helpful, competent staff who make our customers feel welcome, and they actually enjoy our relaxed atmosphere.”

Rewarding success

For the first time since the restrictions of the pandemic, Steve Willis Training has been able to reintroduce its Graduation Ceremony for apprentices. The event was attended by friends, family and employers as well as Mimms Davies, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, and local councillor Stephen Hillier. The training provider says that this was a culmination of a successful couple of years for its apprenticeship team, following on from being awarded Excellence in End Point Assessment delivery by City & Guilds and achieving a 92.5% pass rate for its gas apprentices.

With a combination of over 400 gas and electrical apprentices currently on programme supported by 305 employers, the team are getting ready to start recruiting for future apprentices early next year.

With the right training and assessments, oil heating technicians can help lead the way to decarbonistaion, says Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC.

OFTEC technicians, equipped with the full scope of skills, can provide impartical advice to their customers while upholding high standards of safety in the home

award

Gibbons,

Centre for latest in heat pumps

A new training centre and showroom has been opened by Stiebel Eltron at its UK headquarters in Bromborough, Wirral. The 280m2 training facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 16 trainees at any one time and has been fitted with the company’s latest heat pumps.

Visitors will be able to benefit from hands-on experience on a range of ground and air source heat pumps, available in different models to meet a range of needs including commercial settings, houses, or flats.

As well as training installers, Stiebel Eltron says it is committed to providing them with a package of post-training which ensures that technical support is available to them throughout the duration of any installation or project, not just at the point of purchase.

MD Mark McManus comments: “It’s our support package which really sets us apart. Not only do we ensure all trainees are equipped with the expertise and knowledge to excel in the industry, we make sure everyone on our courses receives technical support and advice which goes well beyond their training so they can meet any challenge in their line of work head-on.”

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Hydrogen awareness courses

Kiwa Energy provides training in Hydrogen Awareness for installers, Commercial Hydrogen training, and also an IGEM-approved course for professionals working in the gas supply and appliance industries.

Courses include the one-day ‘Hydrogen and the Natural Gas Network’ CPD course, which covers the main aspects of hydrogen as a utility, and why this is seen as a potential route to meeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Kiwa UK has the only live hydrogen manufacturing facility in the UK and is able to provide a tour of the production facility as part of its training.

Also available is an online hydrogen awareness course – a two hour interactive webinar addressing key themes and the potential role of hydrogen in the future of the gas network.

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Catering for all experience levels

With the commitment to providing high levels of service and after-care to customers of its commercial heating solutions, Hamworthy Heating offers a wide range of courses tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. Training is available to cover all levels of experience, from beginners through to seasoned engineers and specifiers, and cover all Hamworthy Heating product categories, including boilers, hot water heaters and air source heat pumps. The training centres are also accredited for BPEC and City & Guilds courses.

For its latest product release –Tyneham Heat Pumps – Hamworthy’s experts will explain how heat pumps work and provide hands-on product training, guiding participants through the servicing of products to ensure they are operating at their maximum efficiencies. With heat pumps still a relatively new technology, these courses are suitable for building managers,

Relaxed training environment

The Gas and Electrical Academy at Nescot is a specialist training and assessment centre at Nescot college in Ewell, near Epsom. It has been delivering qualifications for more than 20 years.

The Academy offers domestic or commercial gas, electrical and LPG tuition. Courses include Beginners Domestic Gas (MLP), ACS Reassessment, Unvented Cylinder, LPG, Water Regulations, Commercial Catering, Commercial Gas, 18th Edition, Electrical Testing and Reinspection.

Delegates can expect a relaxed, friendly training environment along with free,

installers and specifiers.

Hamworthy is also accredited with CIBSE to deliver approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, which are available on request.

Training is provided onsite, online or at one of the company’s dedicated training centres and is provided by engineers with years of product knowledge and industry experience.

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secure parking and easy access by train, and competitive prices with no VAT to pay. All the assessors are qualified engineers. The Academy says it can work with groups and organisations to tailor sessions for individual times, qualifications packages and prices.

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Learning about hybrid systems

In tandem with the unveiling of its latest product launch, the E-Tec Hybrid, Alpha has announced that it will be rolling out training in packaged heat pump solutions.

The new one-day hybrid course is free and includes: key features of the Alpha hybrid solution; considerations when fitting a heat pump; system design; positioning; and installation.

Currently available in Wrotham Heath, Kent, and Barnsley, South Yorkshire, this training will be rolled out to further locations in 2023 to ensure that training is accessible to everyone.

In the meantime, those who cannot get to Kent or Yorkshire can watch an on-demand introduction to the E-Tec Hybrid from the company’s renewable product manager, Daniel Wilden.

Alongside this training, Alpha will continue to run commercial one-day boiler courses which run out of Wrotham Heath and Barnsley, as well as domestic boiler courses held at various locations across the country.

Available to Gas Safe registered engineers, there is no charge to attend, and refreshments and lunch are provided.

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PHAM

Heating Controls

Efficiency upgrades will pay off in the long run

With the cost of living on the rise, customers are generally not looking to spend money they don’t have to, but the spiralling price of energy means holding back on making efficiency upgrades could be a false economy. Martin Wilson from Resideo looks at some of the simple improvements customers can make for big savings in the long term.

With everyone tightening their belts, it’s understandable that heating engineers may be cautious when talking to customers about additional products – even if they will help save money in the long run.

Therefore, when talking to a customer with a tight budget, a simple check of the existing heating control during a boiler service or upgrade could be a good place to start. Take a few minutes to check that a customer’s thermostat is set correctly – and that they know how to use it effectively. This will really add value to the visit.

For instance, a common misconception still seems to be that turning the thermostat way up will warm a home more quickly. In fact, this inadvertently burns through more fuel, working the boiler harder to reach the higher temperature and not heating the home any faster.

There are also simple things that you can advise homeowners to do to make those extra savings. An example of this is turning the thermostat down by one degree, which could save them around 10% on their energy bills.

Match making

It pays to identify the upgrade most suited to your customer. Millions of properties across the UK have inadequate controls for their heating system. The result is that the boiler is either on or off, continuing to pump out heat long after the room reaches the required temperature.



a room thermostat in one room, and TRVs in all other rooms.

Simply upgrading your customer’s manual radiator valves for TRVs could also save them £327 a year, so it is well worth mentioning as an investment for the future.

Big changes

BY NUMBERS

43%

in a survey of 1000 people, 43% would pay for the latest heating controls if they helped save money in the long-term

£181

amount of money per year that can be saved by swapping a mechanical thermostat for a digital, load compensating one

10%

potential savings on energy bills by turning the thermostat down by 1°C

£327

Potential annual savings by simply replacing manual radiator valves with TRVs

Of course, individual energy savings are dependent upon existing controls and the nature of the building itself, but where people can or need to change their boiler, controls or even the radiator valves, a range of options can be suggested to suit differing budgets.

What is reassuring is that Resideo’s recent survey of 1000 UK homeowners found that 43% would be willing to spend money on the latest heating controls if it meant they could save money in the long term.

To give an idea of the savings available, Resideo has worked with BEAMA to typify how switching controls can help, based on an older mechanical thermostat being in place.

For instance, based on current energy prices, simply swapping an old mechanical thermostat for a digital, load compensating thermostat can save up to £181 per year. Go further and upgrade a mechanical stat to an OpenTherm (load compensating) thermostat, such as the Honeywell Home T6R or T4R, and this could see it increase to £218 a year.

Radiator check

Customers tend to see the boiler as the heat provider and can easily overlook the impact radiator valves have on the heating system and its efficiency. However, swapping manual radiator valves for thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) ensures that each room is maintained at a comfortable temperature to help avoid any overheating in those rooms that will be a waste of energy.

In addition, the latest changes to Part L of the Building Regulations in England will mean that when a boiler is replaced, thermostatic room controls must be provided in every room. The most straightforward way to meet this new requirement is by installing

For those customers looking to completely upgrade their heating controls, whereby manual radiator valves and a mechanical thermostat is replaced with electronic TRVs and installing a modulating, OpenTherm zoning thermostat solution, such as the Honeywell Home T6R or evohome, customers could be looking at savings of over £585 a year.

When checking the TRVs it’s also important to check the heating system is balanced correctly, as an unbalanced system can cause inefficiencies such as over- or under-heated rooms. A balanced system will ensure all radiators in a property receive the correct flow of hot water and even heat distribution across the property.

This can be a lengthy and sometimes difficult process, as all radiators need to be opened up and balanced by adjusting the lockshields. However, with Honeywell Home TRVs, an adjustable insert is fitted as standard and can be used to balance the system with the added advantage that the TRV can be closed and re-opened without affecting its setting. Used in conjunction with the Honeywell Home TRV balancing app, the process is simple, and you only need to balance once.

Industry campaign

To support installers in providing advice and guidance to their customers, Resideo has launched a new campaign to highlight the practical recommendations installers can make to help mitigate rising energy bills now and into the future.

The campaign – which uses the tagline ‘Every crisis needs a hero – installers, this is your time’ – will highlight the everyday heroism of the installer community, demonstrating the true value of the work installers do and the impact they can have, particularly as the energy crisis looms.

Martin Wilson Sales director at Resideo

The Evohome wireless heating and hot water WiFi connected thermostat works with wireless radiator controllers for greater user control

Honeywell Home TR6-HW wireless heating and hot water thermostat

Sure-fire ways to make systems more efficient

With homeowners experiencing an unprecedented rise in their energy bills, Remi Volpe at Drayton discusses the crucial role of simple and smart changes that can be made to heating systems now to help minimise energy costs, increase efficiency and reduce emissions.

With the updates to Part L of the Building Regulations expected soon, which are set to boost the efficiency of gas systems, and with over 83% of the UK population relying on gas boilers to heat their homes, there’s no better time for installers to start encouraging homeowners to think about how they can improve their heating systems.

One of the most significant changes due to be introduced by the updates is to help prepare homes for lower flow temperature technologies, by adjusting how a new or full system replacement must be commissioned. Under the new updates, any new or full system replacement gas combi boiler must operate at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C, which is much lower compared to the current maximum of 80°C.

While this helps to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, it also prepares homes for the move to renewable heat sources, such as heat pumps, which operate at lower flow temperatures of between 35 and 45°C.

Savings potential

With recent research undertaken by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) finding that households can save up to 8% on their gas bills just by lowering the flow temperature, this is a simple change that installers can make that will not only instantly start saving money for the homeowner, but will also work towards increasing the efficiency of a gas heating system. The type of heating control that is installed with a gas boiler can also make a huge difference when it comes to efficiency. In 2018, Boiler Plus set out the requirement for time and temperature controls to be fitted with any combi boiler installation, as well as the need to feature one of four additional measures: load compensation, weather compensation, a smart control, or a flue gas recovery unit.

There is also the expectation that this summer it will be expanded to include conventional boiler installations, meaning that every gas boiler will require adequate heating controls to be installed too. With this in mind, heating engineers will need to carefully consider which of the additional measures will be the best fit for their customer and how to achieve this.

Compensation features

This is where smart controls have a real role to play, for the homeowner as well as the installer. For example, many smart controls on the market today offer load and weather compensation tools – such as Wiser’s Eco Mode. This combines

With smart apps, customers are able to monitor their energy usage in detail and see their consumption in real time

WAYS TO SAVE

Heating Controls

weather compensation and optimum stop to adapt heating schedules according to changing weather conditions. This means that installers can easily meet not just one of the additional measures, but multiple measures mandated by Boiler Plus to offer enhanced efficiency improvements.

Another key selling feature of a smart heating control is the ability to be able to manage the heating remotely. Many homeowners don’t have regular schedules, so smart controls that offer a fully personalised heating system that can be changed from anywhere via an app on their phone is a large draw to many different types of customer – from commuters through to busy families and multi-generational homes.

Convenience matters

Whilst having to alter settings on a more traditional programmable thermostat can be an inconvenience that homeowners would rather not worry about, having a smart control makes it easier than ever to adjust heating schedules and ensure energy isn’t wasted by heating an empty house. Research shows that by upgrading to a smart programmable thermostat, such as Wiser, homeowners can save 18% on their energy costs.

Over the past few years, thanks to the advent of increased home working, homeowners have also become more conscious about the ways in which they heat their homes, especially when it comes to heating empty rooms, which is where multizoning comes in. Previously, heating engineers would have used a low loss header system to create different zones. However smart heating controls and smart radiator thermostats have made this easier than ever to achieve.

Smart TRVs make it easier than ever for installers to provide their customers with zoned heating and greater control

Remote access to a heating control through an app makes it convenient to stop the heating when no-one's home

Smart radiator thermostats make it easier for installers to give their customers multi-zoned systems, while giving the end user more control

Some smart heating controls, such as Wiser, can also feature smart radiator thermostats, helping to achieve room-to-room control. This type of heating control means that homeowners can control the time and temperature schedules for each individual room rather than the house as a whole, saving energy by not heating empty rooms. Recent research carried out by BEAMA and BRE show that people can reduce their energy usage by 19% by preventing unnecessary overheating in rooms.

On display

As many homeowners are now struggling with the increase in energy costs, being able to see where energy is being used is a huge bonus.

Another feature that many smart controls offer is a display of energy consumption in real time, allowing homeowners to see exactly how much energy is being used, enabling them to make changes if required. This can prove to be a useful tool, as turning the heating down by 1°C can reduce a homeowner’s annual energy bill by £80 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 320kg.

Wiser offers this type of overview in Insights, which can be enhanced by integrating data from a smart heating system with the Wiser Home app to access Insights+, where homeowners can see their energy savings in monetary values.

In a time where a large focus is placed on not only helping to reduce homeowner’s energy costs, but also striving to reach our carbon neutral targets, these energy saving features can go a long way in helping the boiler to work smarter, resulting in reduced emissions and lower energy bills. By being clued up on the latest smart heating controls and the features they offer, installers can play a crucial role in helping homeowners across the country make their energy bills more manageable today.

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Remi Volpe MD of Drayton Controls

Solutions to help save on energy costs

Available from Alpha is a range of controls to enable users to programme their heating systems to suit their lifestyle and also reduce their energy costs.

With products like Alpha Connect, users can control their heating from anywhere thanks to a wireless thermostat which links to Wi-Fi control via a mobile device. These controls are compatible with all of Alpha’s combi boiler models, with the Alpha Connect app available on iOS and Android to help with remote heating adjustments.

Another option is the Alpha Climatic control.

Available in both wired and wireless versions, this load compensating remote control has been specifically designed to maximise boiler and system efficiency when working with the company’s E-Tec range.

The multi-channel programmer features an integrated thermostat to transfer data between the boiler and controller. This enables the controls to measure and maintain room temperature while continuously adjusting the CH flow temperature to ensure the least amount of energy is used.

Smart controls now come in anthracite grey option

With the aim of catering for the needs of heating engineers and installers, tado° has unveiled new updates to its Professional Installer App. The app now contains interactive wiring diagrams, fault code libraries for diagnosing potential issues, system checks for troubleshooting, and a customer handover feature.

The company says that the updated app will allow installers to handle all of their customer needs during installation, and better diagnose any potential issues or wiring setups.

With higher energy prices, tado° now predicts that its devices will save an annual £294 per year, or 22% on annual costs, meaning that homes should find a return on their investment within just four months.

Recent additions to the range include the Black Edition Smart Thermostat (pictured), while, in response to feedback

from installers, the controls manufacturer also recently brought back its OpenTherm compatible model to the UK market. More

The company has also launched a cashback scheme with participating retailers, where installers will be able to receive up to £20 per installation of tado° products.

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Sophisticated controls are also at the heart of Alpha’s new E-Tec Hybrid packaged heat pump solution. The system’s Smartech controls monitor energy prices alongside the outdoor temperature to choose the most efficient pump/boiler combination to provide high efficiency heating and hot water, as and when it is needed.

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TRV guarantee gets high five treatment

A five-year warranty is now available on Altecnic’s Ecocal Thermostatic Radiator Valves and Ecocal twin packs. The Ecocal TRV uses a liquid filled element to automatically control the opening of the valve to maintain the desired ambient temperature of the room.

The brass TRVs with a chrome

With consumer demand for decorative and cast iron radiators continuing to increase, Drayton has expanded its range of Wiser heating controls to include a room thermostat and TRV in anthracite grey.

As well as enabling heating to be adjusted remotely from anywhere in the world, Wiser also features a number of energy-saving Smart Modes. This includes Away Mode, which acts as a quick and easy way to turn their whole heating system off with just the tap of a button, and Eco Mode, which combines optimum stop and weather compensation to learn about the thermal properties of a dwelling, allowing Wiser to know when to turn off the heating early to save energy, whilst still delivering the desired room temperature and comfort levels.

The new Wiser Room Thermostat and Radiator Thermostat in anthracite are now available to purchase in selected merchants, including the Smart Thermostat Shop.

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the level of temperature control needs to be more accurate than is available through a manually operated valve.

Supported by an ‘I-rated’ TELL (thermostatic efficiency labelling) classification, the Ecocal fulfils the requirements which are in line with EN 215 for energy efficiency.

plated finish are particularly suitable for use in conventional twin pipe heating systems where

The five-year warranty covers the Ecocal thermostatic control heads and the Ecocal twin packs, which consist of the control head, body and lockshield valve.

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New air source heat pumps to meet demand for low carbon commercial applications

The new Tyneham air source heat pump range from Hamworthy Heating has been designed to meet demand for low carbon heating solutions in UK commercial applications.

Said to be one of the smallest commercial heat pumps on the market, the monobloc units feature a co-efficiency of performance (CoP) rating of up to 4.85 and operate with RG32 refrigerant. The seven models in the range boast six nominal outputs of between 14 to 70kW, which can also be cascaded to achieve higher outputs in larger installations.

Each model features an inverter controlled compressor to accurately match heat demand and anti-corrosion coating. Available to purchase with

variable options such as flexible hoses, anti-vibration feet, externally mounted control units, and single-phase units, Tyneham air source heat pumps can also be combined with Hamworthy modular boilers for a hybrid heating system.

All models come with a two year guarantee as standard, but this can be extended by a further three years if the heat pumps are commissioned by a Hamworthy engineer.

Kevin Potter, Hamworthy regional sales manager, comments on the new range: “With decades of commercial heating experience behind us, we understand the importance and value in finding ecologically efficient solutions, now more than ever. As heat pumps play an important role, we’re proud to be adding our new Tyneham range to our innovative product offering.”

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Service and maintenance made easy

The Smart Service Toolkit from Navien has been designed to make it easier for heating engineers to conduct servicing and maintenance on the company’s range of gas and oil boilers.

The device can be used to monitor and diagnose a customer’s boiler based on live data, thereby enabling Navien’s technical engineers to advise installers working onsite how to deal with any issues according to the boiler’s status. It can also be used to review error logs and service history, as well as to customise settings according to a customer’s requirements.

The device is connected to

Smart source of bathroom warmth and extra storage

Providing both energy saving comfort and additional storage space in the bathroom, the Niva Bath from Vasco offers additional hanging space and shelving while providing a rapid and powerful source of heating.

The steel designer radiator only uses 4 litres of water and is set 325mm from the wall to enable enough space for three fitted

the

view a technical graph, enabling a visual assessment of a boiler’s status, while the unit also allows each sensor to quickly be checked and monitored.

Sean Keleher, national technical manager at Navien, highlights some of the key benefits: “The Navien Smart Service Toolkit now makes it even easier for installers to conduct boiler servicing and maintenance. Because it uses live data, it is always up to date with the latest product information, plus the ability to customise settings according to an individual’s needs and property type ensures maximum levels of efficiency and comfort.”

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Increased output

A new 35kW output model has joined the Vitodens 050-W range from Viessmann. The latest addition provides domestic hot water (DHW) output from 2.9 to 35kW and heating output from 3.2 to 32kW, with a modulation range of 1:10 for increased seasonal efficiency.

The new boiler is also able to boast an ERP efficiency rating of 92% (Class A) thanks to Viessmann’s MatriXPlus burner with Lambda Pro combustion-control system, which ensures permanent high efficiency and low emissions.

As with other models in the Vitodens range, weather compensation can be incorporated with the simple addition of an outdoor sensor. In addition, due to in-built WiFi, the boiler can be connected to Viessmann’s ViCare app to enable fault diagnostics and ensure it receives software updates.

Suitable for one-bedroom properties, the Vitodens 050-W boiler is certified for a blend of 20% hydrogen and up to 20m for horizontal and vertical flue systems. It comes with a three-year guarantee as standard, increasing to seven years if fitted by a Viessmanntrained installer and registered on the company’s installer portal, with an option to increase to 10 years.

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Matt black showers are right on trend

Responding to consumer demand, the Vernis shower system from Hansgrohe is now available in a matt black finish and in two minimalist and modern designs. The Vernis 240 Shape features an overhead shower in a square format, while the Vernis 240 Blend (pictured) offers a round overhead shower with a diameter of 240mm that envelops the user in a shower of water. The hand shower delivers two different spray types – a revitalising Rain shower spray or a more powerful IntenseRain.

shelves, plus a rail where shirts and robes can be hung to be aired or warmed before use. The radiator is available in 55 colours, to either

blend or contrast with bathroom walls, while the shelves are available in black or white.

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Integrated swivel joints prevent the shower hose from bending out of shape after the hand shower is removed from the bar. The thermostat, which is also minimalist in design, regulates the water temperature and allows seamless switching from overhead shower to hand shower. Complete with Hansgrohe’s EcoSmart technology, the showers can help to reduce household bills, with a maximum consumption of 9 litres of water per minute.

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boiler via a supplied cable, while also linking to a dedicated smartphone app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Installers can use the Smart Service Toolkit app to

New heat pumps up to the big jobs

The new range of monobloc air source heat pumps from Ideal Heating are designed to help improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on natural gas in commercial buildings.

Available in six outputs and seven models – 14kW (single phase) and 14, 18, 26, 32, 50 and 70kW – the ECOMOD range provides a minimum A++ Energy related Products (ErP) efficiency rating and high co-efficient of performance (CoP) rating of up to 4.85. R32 refrigerant ensures a low global warming potential (GWP).

The heat pumps also include an inverter-controlled compressor that can control the building temperature based on specific requirements of the space, further enhancing the efficiency of a building. They can be used alone or cascaded to meet the heating requirements of larger commercial buildings. They can also be installed alongside other Ideal solutions, such as the EVOMAX 2 and the IMAX XTRA 2 commercial condensing boilers, to build a low carbon hybrid heating system.

All products also come with a five-year warranty (when commissioned by Ideal Heating) and noise levels as low as 68dB(A).

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Wider range of options to meet demand

Further extending its range of radiator options, Stelrad has added a number of new sizes of its popular radiator series to the premium panel, K3 Henrad range and Cast Iron Column ranges.

Designed to meet the increased demand for ground and air source heat pump driven systems, the new additions are in the Stelrad Compact with Style range, in the Vita, Softline and Henrad

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Durable tray is more than a good looker

Spanish brand Aquabella has unveiled the UnicSlate as its newest shower tray. Designed with a soft curve, the tray allows water to flow smoothly in a choice of three decorative wastes (Deco, Dune, or Drop). With a ‘chalkboard effect’, the tray offers an anti-bacterial anti-slip surface via the company’s Akron material – a compound of polyurethane and mineral fillers, which is compacted in mass to achieve a solid finish. Here, the tray is pictured in a navy finish featuring a Deco waste. The UnicSlate can be ordered in any colour from the Standard, Naturally Made or over 2000 RAL/NCS colours. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/63

CO detector mandated for cascade flues

Bosch Commercial & Industrial has announced that anyone installing its boiler systems using cascade flues, where there is more than one appliance, will be required to include a carbon monoxide (CO) detector.

Given CO detectors that incorporate boiler shutdown are more readily available, the company considers them an essential way of ensuring CO incidents are identified and dealt with almost immediately, protecting the end user.

The requirement covers cascade flues because they have a naturally higher level of risk than a single boiler, and it applies

Dark mode softens up industrial chic

In a move to ‘soften’ the look of the industrial aesthetic, Unidrain has launched the black framed GlassLine shower screen, which is 10mm of clear tempered glass. Available in three sizes it can be mounted to the left or right and is installed discreetly and securely without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings, or joins. The screen is lowered into Unidrain’s ShowerLine drain located under the bathroom flooring, before being attached to the wall, creating a secure, stable, and watertight showering space.

The black frame sits against the wall, covering any edges to generate a smooth finish. For an additional industrial touch, install the screen with Unidrain’s colour coordinated black HighLine frame and panel.

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only to new installations and is not a retrospective requirement. This will affect the manufacturer’s Condens 7000 WP, 7000 F and FP range, GB402 and Condens 8000 F boilers.

Pete Mills, commercial technical operations manager, says: “It may seem like a no-brainer that CO detectors should be included on cascade boiler systems to protect end users from CO, however there is no national mandate for them to be included. We hope that by taking the first step we can encourage the rest of the industry to follow suit, after all it is our duty to ensure that the public are able to access warmth and power without risk to their safety.”

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A crop of new electric towel rails have joined the line-up from Haverland. All products in the electric towel range are designed to be easy to install and provide a comfortable, energy-saving heat.

A standout model in the range is the Hercules (pictured left), which features white tempered glass, with ultra-slim profile and two stainless steel towel rails. It features a special glass that spreads heat through a hot air convection system (1500W) , providing instant and even heat for the bathroom.

In addition, it has four

modes: comfort, economy, antifreeze and user. It can be used in manual or auto mode and has 24/7 programming and a safety thermal limiter. Like all Haverland products, it is guaranteed for two years.

Another new item is the TOD electric towel rail (pictured above, right), with a highprecision digital thermostat. It includes nine preset programs and safety thermal limiter. In addition, it has a consumption indicator, programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and an open window detector.

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Henrad Compact K3 and Stelrad and Henrad Cast Iron Column ranges.

Convection fan towel rails really spread the heat

Silhouette white and concept ranges, the Vita and Softline Deco and Henrad Everest Line – both white and Concept ranges, the

Distribution deal for modular energy system

The Offgen energy storage system from Aceleron will be distributed in the UK by environmental products supplier, Nuenta, in a new partnership.

The all-in-one modular device is designed for both residential and light commercial use and works with solar photovoltaic systems. It gives homeowners the flexibility to use their own PV-generated electricity, low-tariff grid energy, or both.

The modular nature of the Offgen system means users can choose the appropriate capacity for their needs, adding more batteries should power demand increase. It can also run in series – up to three units, providing a maximum of 33kWh.

With integrated remote monitoring capabilities, users and service engineers have the ability to check the system’s status, monitor the solar/grid inputs/

outputs, send maintenance requests and receive updates.

Nuenta will be working with Aceleron to develop an installation training programme, as well as providing pre and post sales support to customers throughout their energy storage journey. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/67

Sleek screens now come in black

in toughened safety glass finished with LifeShield, an easy-clean, protective coating, and twin element SmartSeal for protection from leaking. Available in 6 or 8mm glass and in single, two, three and four panel options, the Inspire screens are larger than average, measuring 1500mm in height and from 850 to 1250mm wide to provide a more generous showering area.

About the prize:

About the 3D design tool:

The Inspire collection of over-bath screens by Kudos are now available in a matt black finish. Characterised by a minimalist frameless design, products in the range feature the company’s click-to-lock hinges that hold the screen in place. All models are manufactured

All options come reversible for left or right hand fixing and feature an adjustment on the profile for out-oftrue walls. Previously only available in chrome, the 6mm glass options will be available in black from January.

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With the growing popularity of mixed metal finishes in the bathroom, Hudson Reed is highlighting its collection of Matt Black and Brushed Brass brassware, now available across the Tec Lever, Tec Crosshead (pictured) and Revolution collections. The designs incorporate ceramic disc technology for long life and smooth operation, and are said to create a sophisticated and bold statement in any bathroom space.

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Water calculator

To help cut water and energy waste, Methven has launched an online water calculator. It will support installers when advising customers on showerhead selection to meet their needs and tailor calculations according to household water usage. The company claims the reduction in water and energy bills could save a household over £250 a year.

Featuring a savings breakdown where customers can view the payback period for their showerhead, the calculator also provides tradespeople with an opportunity to recommend Methven showerheads as a worthwhile investment. The calculator is available using the online reader link below.

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There’s a fuel efficient van that’s right for you

Fuel prices have reduced since their record-high spike over the summer, but fuel is still significantly more expensive now that it was a year ago. Toolstation has conducted research to discover the best fuel-efficient vans – petrol, diesel and electric – for tradespeople, not only helping to save those extra pennies on the day-to-day job, but also helping the environment.

Toolstation analysed the fuel efficiency of some of the most popular petrol and diesel vans on the market. Electric alternatives have also been analysed for their distance on one full charge for those who are looking to drive green.

Most efficient diesel Diesel vans tend to be more common than their petrol counterparts, as they offer a much more fuel-efficient drive. The power of a diesel engine suits it for larger makes and models. Taking the top spot for diesel is the Vauxhall Corsavan, travelling as far as 847 miles on a full tank - that’s equivalent to driving from London to Manchester and back, twice over. The diesel model also boasts the cheapest cost to

purchase from new at £13,875 - so it’s great for those on a budget. This van, however, is rather car-like and on the smaller side, so while it’s a perfect run-around van, it may be less suitable for tradesmen carrying hefty cargo.

A larger alternative is the Peugeot Partner which ranks second overall on the list. This van

will cost £15,825 to purchase from new and £290 per year in road tax. The distance on a full tank for the Partner is also one of the longest in the data, at 884 miles.

The only van to beat this distance is the Citroen Dispatch (ranking third overall) which will return a total of 968 miles on a full tank. It does cost a little more, coming in at

£20,495 from new, but thanks to its fuel efficiency, many may deem it worth the extra investment.

Most efficient petrol

Though petrol is cheaper than diesel at the pump, the distance on a full tank is lower across the board, meaning a petrol van will likely have you spending more on fuel overall.

The Vauxhall Corsavan comes in as the most fuel efficient van in the petrol ranking too. It costs just £12,038 to purchase from new, and just £190 per year in road tax. At 52.3 MPG, this petrol van will take you 517 miles on a full tank.

The Citroen Berlingo ranks

fifth overall, but will take you the furthest of all petrol vans at 574 miles per full tank. The model misses out on a higher ranking due to a greater cost to purchase and tax per year - but with its large fuel capacity and distance on a full tank, it could be worth the investment.

Most efficient electric

Electric vans are continuing to grow in popularity, but they do come with a higher price tag.

While some are on the more affordable side at £27,855 (Fiat E-Doblo), some are priced as high as £70,665 (Mercedes-Benz EQV).

The Fiat E-Doblo takes the top spot as the most economical electric van thanks to its more affordable cost of £27,855. The model also boasts a large battery capacity and will reach 173 miles on one charge. The vehicle you’ll have to charge the least is the Renault Zoe Van, which will take you 245 miles per charge - that’s 112 miles over the average.

Finishing off the list of most economical electrics is the Peugeot e-Expert (£ 25,053), the Vauxhall Combo-e Crew (£31,110), and the Renault Kangoo E-Tech (£33,055).

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Reinforced van designed to combat tool theft

Aiming to tackle one of tradespeople’s top concerns, Renault Trucks has announced the launch of a reinforced Trafic Van to combat theft from van break-ins. To safeguard tools and other expensive items, the Trafic can now be specified with a Cat 1 alarm, fully lined interior and floor, internal security system and fully sealed steel mesh internal door system with an internal five-point locking mechanism fitted to rear and side, with apertures finished off with an external high impact clear Perspex covering.

Renault points to research that found van theft costs tradespeople £264 million per year, and tool theft costs a tradesperson £5584 on average each time their van gets broken into. Additionally, a

van break-in also puts the average tradesperson out of work for 30 days, costing them £5982 in missed jobs, on top of the cost of replacing tools and materials.

Grahame Neagus, head of LCV, says: “We have designed this vehicle to deter thieves in the first instance, protect valuable content and to offer total peace of mind for tradespeople who rely on their tools for the continuity of business.”

Available now on the new Trafic L1H1, L2H1, and L2H2 Red Edition and Exclusive models, the on-board tool safe is flushmounted into the vehicle, reducing internal space by only 30mm, and weighs just 105kg. It is produced by PD Stevens & Sons in Market Drayton.

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As the weather turns colder, fuel card provider fuelGenie is reminding SMEs and fleet owners to ensure their vehicles and drivers are ready for the winter. The company has come up with a top 10 of handy tips to keep drivers – and other road users –safe this winter:

1) Tyres need to be at the correct pressure. Stopping distances can increase significantly in wet or icy conditions.

2) Windscreen washer fluid needs to be used at a higher concentration level to prevent the risk of freezing during very cold conditions.

3) Drivers should adjust their style to allow for poor weather or road conditions, cutting speed and using more gradual acceleration and braking. This also includes using high gears when travelling uphill and low gears when going downhill.

4) In the event of a skid on ice, the driver should take their foot off the accelerator and avoid sharp braking – turn into the skid to regain control.

5) In snowy conditions, try to stick to major roads,

which are more likely to have been cleared or gritted.

6) Drivers should take the time to fully de-ice their vehicle before they depart, ensuring they can see properly through the front and rear windscreens, and all windows.

7) Fuel levels should be checked too; every vehicle should have at least a quarter of a tank as delays are more likely in poor weather conditions.

8) Clear all snow off the vehicle before departing.

9) Drivers should not drive if they have cold or flu symptoms or are taking medication which could make them drowsy.

10) And finally…if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, consider putting cat litter around the tyres to provide traction.

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Partners to provide tool theft protection

ARMD and Van Guard have teamed up to help prevent and protect tradespeople against tool theft and van crime. The partnership brings together Van Guard’s range of tough van security products with ARMD’s smart insurance and fast digital claims. The plan offers a number of ways help to ease the risk of van crime.

First, Van Guard offers security products including locks and shielding, preventing and deterring thieves. Its ULTILock range includes the first Gold Standard Sold Secure hooklock, which is also Secured by Design accredited.

ARMD offers a free Tool Inventory app to record and insure your tools, and its insurance provides dedicated tool protection for fast digital claims, said to be easy and hassle free

Using the ARMD app means it can easily see what tools belong to a tradesperson, avoiding any disputes when making a claim. Meanwhile, the ARMD Guard watches over movement in the back of the van, alerting drivers with a phone call if a break in occurs. Finally, users can easily replace any stolen tools in ARMD’s tool shop.

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t The Mercedes-Benz Citan appears in the top five on both the petrol and diesel lists

t The Fiat E-Doblo tops the list of most economical electric vans and can go 173 miles on a single charge

Winter is coming: are you road-ready?