November 2021 by PHAM News

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NOVEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 9

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Will the Heat and Buildings ŶũÖŶāėƘ ĿÖĴā Ö ùĢƦāũāłóā̎ Last month saw the publication of the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy which sets out plans on how the UK will cut carbon emissions by changing the way we heat and power our homes, workplaces and public buildings – but how likely is it to achieve its goals? The much heralded Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out the government’s plans to incentivise investment in low carbon heating systems, with the aim of significantly reducing carbon emissions from the UK’s ˜˙ million homes and workplaces and keeping the country on track to meet its net zero target by ˛˙˞˙. The strategy includes the introduction of new grants of £˞˙˙˙ – available from April next year for homeowners in England and Wales – as part of a ‘Boiler Upgrade Scheme’ to support the installation of low carbon heating systems in homes. The grants will be issued from a £˝˞˙ million pot to encourage the take-up of heat pumps, covering the installation of ˢ˙̇˙˙˙ systems over three years. It also confirms the government’s intention to outlaw the installation of traditional gas boilers in all UK homes by ˛˙˜˞, but stops short of committing to any legislation.

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as well as making heat pumps as affordable as boilers, so all consumers can soon access and enjoy the benefits of affordable, reliable low carbon heating that stands the test of time. “It is perfectly well timed to take advantage of the Heat Pump Association’s recently launched training course, with the industry now ready to retrain the UK’s army of installers, with the capacity to train up to ˝˙̇˙˙˙ per year, to ensure consumers can find a suitably trained and skilled heat pump installer when they need one.”

Lost opportunity A decision on the widespread use of hydrogen gas in heating systems has been delayed until ˛˙˛˟, but it is hoped that a new £˟˙ million Heat Pump Ready innovation programme will help to grow the electric heat pump market and expand British manufacturing. The scheme will provide funding to drive technological innovation, which is hoped will make systems smaller, easier to install, and cheaper to run over the coming years.

Reducing costs A key part of the strategy is to narrow the relative costs of installing a heat pump system compared to a fossil fuel boiler, providing consumers with more choice when it comes to replacing their ageing heating systems. “As the technology improves and costs plummet over the next decade, we expect low carbon heating systems will become the obvious, affordable choice for consumers,” said Business

and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng when announcing the government’s plans. “Through our new grant scheme, we will ensure people are able to choose a more efficient alternative in the meantime. UK manufacturers are already making electric heat pumps more attractive to consumers, and more affordable, and the government wants to incentivise consumers to make the switch as quickly as possible.” The government’s funding pledges have been broadly welcomed by the heat pump industry, who see the grants as an opportunity to raise public awareness and encourage installers to undertake more training in low carbon technologies. “The announcement will give industry and installers a huge confidence boost,” says Phil Hurley, chair of the Heat Pump Association. “Now is the time to scale-up and retrain in preparation for the mass rollout of heat pumps,

However, while many in the industry have acknowledged that the strategy includes a number of positive announcements, it has also been widely criticised for not doing more to address the importance of improving the energy performance of existing housing stock through a fabricfirst approach. “Despite the positive headlines on heat pumps, the government has failed to deliver a coherent insulation strategy, which would make heat pumps even more attractive to consumers,” says Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders. “The government appears to be only listening to one half of the story,” adds Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders. “If there is no detail in the strategy on how we can address the megatonnes of carbon lost through the leaky walls and roofs of our homes, it will have failed and the benefits of installing heat pumps risk being lost.” āā ťÖėā ˚˟ ĕŋũ Ŀŋũā óŋĿĿāłŶ̍

Inside this issue News Review Calling green heating heroes See page ˡ

Product News A round-up of the latest launches See page ˝ˠ

COMPETITION Win bathroom wall panelling! See page ˝ˢ

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Inside this issue 5 NOVEMBER 2021 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 9

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

Putting heat on the agenda Whatever your thoughts on the merits of the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, it has at least succeeded in getting people to think a bit more about how we heat our homes. Many media outlets may have expressed horror about the potential future disappearance of traditional gas boilers and the signiﬁcant cost of replacing them with heat pump systems, but a general raising of awareness of the need to improve the efficiency of the country’s heating systems has to be good for the industry. However, if the government is serious in its ambitions to get homeowners to embrace heat pump technology then some people might question the level of funds that have been made available. A £5000 grant to help cover the extra cost might sound like a reasonable incentive, but when the £450m budget will only be enough for 90,000 installs over three years, then it will do little more than help to save some money for those who may have already been convinced to make the switch. Rather than giving a helping hand to homeowners who are likely to be at the wealthier end of society, would the money not be better spent encouraging poorer households to improve the efficiency level of their existing heating systems? While there is general agreement that the days of fossil fuels are numbered, the road to net zero is a long one and any move that helps to reduce our fuel use in the meantime can only be a good thing. There are many ageing, inefficient gas boilers still in operation that could easily be replaced by a modern condensing boiler and most users wouldn’t need much of a ﬁnancial incentive to make the upgrade – at considerably less cost to the Treasury. It seems that the government is determined to do nothing that might encourage the installation of more gas boilers, but can we afford to ignore such an easy way to reduce carbon emissions?

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

News Review

RķķāėÖķ ėÖŭ Ʃ ŶŶāũ ŭāłŶāłóāù A self-āĿťķŋƘāù ėÖŭ Ʃ ŶŶāũ ĕũŋĿ ŽũłķāƘ ĞÖŭ ũāóāĢƑāù Ö ˚˞-month óŋĿĿŽłĢŶƘ ŋũùāũ ÖĕŶāũ óÖũũƘĢłė ŋŽŶ ėÖŭ ƒŋũĴ ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ðāĢłė FÖŭ Safe registered. He was also ordered to pay ͎˝˙˙ compensation to the homeowner and to pay costs of ͎˟˙˙˙. ũāŭŶŋł !ũŋƒł !ŋŽũŶ ĞāÖũù ŶĞÖŶ ùÖĿ bĢķðũĢùā ƒŋũĴāù ÖŶ Ŷƒŋ ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ Ģł ŽũłķāƘ Ģł 'āóāĿðāũ ˛˙˚ˡ and January ˛˙˚ˢ, while ĕÖķŭāķƘ óķÖĢĿĢłė Ŷŋ ðā FÖŭ Öĕā ũāėĢŭŶāũāù̍ ¦Ğā ðŋĢķāũ ıŋð óÖũũĢāù ŋŽŶ Ģł `ÖłŽÖũƘ ˛˙˚ˢ ƒÖŭ óķÖŭŭĢƩ āù Öŭ ̨ÖŶ ũĢŭĴ̪ ðƘ Ö FÖŭ Öĕā ĢłŭťāóŶŋũ ƒĞŋ ĕŋŽłù łĢłā ĕÖŽķŶŭ ŋł ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̍ złā ŋĕ ŶĞā ĕÖŽķŶŭ ƒÖŭ ťŋŋũķƘ Ʃ ŶŶāù ŭÖĕāŶƘ ťÖłāķŭ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ óŋŽķù ĞÖƑā Öķķŋƒāù ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ŋĕ óŋĿðŽŭŶĢŋł Ŷŋ āŭóÖťā̇ ťŽŶŶĢłė ŶĞā ŋóóŽťÖłŶŭ Ģł ùÖłėāũ ŋĕ óÖũðŋł ĿŋłŋƗĢùā āƗťŋŭŽũā̍ ùÖĿ bĢķðũĢùā ŋĕ ŽũłķāƘ ťķāÖùāù ėŽĢķŶƘ Ŷŋ ðũāÖóĞāŭ ŋĕ Regulations ˜̛˜̜̇ ˛˟̛˚̜ and ˜̛ˠ̜ ŋĕ ŶĞā FÖŭ ÖĕāŶƘ ̛RłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł and Use) Regulations ˚ˢˢˡ.

Report says cylinders are essential to net zero goals The Hot Water Association (HWA) has issued a new report – ‘No Place Like Home’ – that highlights some of the ‘huge gaps’ in government policy which could result in the UK falling short of Net Zero. Launched in the wake of the Heat and Buildings Strategy, the HWA report comes with a stark warning for government to step up its āƦ ŋũŶŭ Ŷŋ ùāóÖũðŋłĢŭā ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ ŋũ ũĢŭĴ losing out on untapped energy storage. Commenting, HWA director of āƗŶāũłÖķ ÖƦ ÖĢũŭ RŭÖÖó zóóĞĢťĢłŶĢ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦Rł ŋũùāũ Ŷŋ ĿāāŶ pāŶ Ñāũŋ̇ Öķķ b homes will need low-to-ơāũŋ óÖũðŋł ĞāÖŶĢłė̍ mŋŭŶ óŽũũāłŶķƘ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ ũāŨŽĢũā Ö ĞŋŶ water cylinder.

“There is much excitement around the role that energy storage can play to help accommodate more low-to-zero óÖũðŋł āłāũėƘ ŭŋŽũóāŭ̇ ðŽŶ ũāķÖŶĢƑāķƘ ķĢŶŶķā ÖŶŶāłŶĢŋł ĞÖŭ ðāāł ťÖĢù Ŷŋ ĞŋŶ water cylinders. There are currently approximately ˢ million hot water cylinders in homes across England, which is less than ˝˞% of homes, down from ˠˠ% in ˛˙˙˚. However, this still āŨŽÖŶāŭ Ŷŋ ˠ˙GWh of untapped energy

storage, around seven times the capacity of the UK’s largest pumped hydro power facility, Dinorwig in Wales.” ¦Ğā NÂ ðāķĢāƑāŭ ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ óƘķĢłùāũ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā āùŽóÖŶāù on its full potential and encouraged to retain it in order to future-proof their heating system and maximise the UK’s energy storage potential. “Homeowners are not replacing ŋũ ĢłŭŶÖķķĢłė ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ ÖŶ ŶĞā ŭťāāù ũāŨŽĢũāù Ŷŋ ĿāāŶ ŋŽũ ùāóÖũðŋłĢŭÖŶĢŋł ŶÖũėāŶŭ̧̇ Öùùŭ zóóĞĢťĢłŶĢ̍ ̦ ķŭŋ̇ ƒĞāũā Ö ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŭŶŋũā ĞÖŭ ðāāł ũāĿŋƑāù̇ ŶĞā ŭťÖóā is often repurposed for additional ŭŶŋũÖėā ŋũ ðÖŶĞũŋŋĿŭ̇ Öłù ŶĞāũāĕŋũā re-introducing a hot water store can prove challenging. Storage systems Öũā āŭŭāłŶĢÖķ ťÖũŶłāũŭ Ŷŋ ÖłƘ ũāłāƒÖðķā energy input, as these sources need to ðā ĞÖũƑāŭŶāù Öłù ŭŶŋũāù̍ NŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ storage is the only practical solution to turning the energy into something ŽŭāĕŽķ Öłù ðÖłĴĢłė ĢŶ ĕŋũ ƒĞāł ĢŶ łāāùŭ Ŷŋ ðā Žŭāù̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙˛

Ministerial backing for new centre A new Customer Experience Centre, ðÖŭāù ÖŶ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ̪ŭ b ĞāÖùŨŽÖũŶāũŭ Ģł āķťāũ̇ 'āũðƘŭĞĢũā̇ ĞÖŭ ðāāł ŋƧ óĢÖķķƘ ŋťāłāù ðƘ 1ƗóĞāŨŽāũ āóũāŶÖũƘ Ŷŋ ŶĞā Treasury, Helen Whately. The new ĕÖóĢķĢŶƘ Ģŭ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ŭŽťťŋũŶ ðŋŶĞ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ Öłù ŭĢŭŶāũ-ðũÖłù Fķŋƒ-worm in reinforcing the company’s history of product innovation and the transition Ŷŋ ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢāŭ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ĞāÖŶ pumps and hydrogen-ũāÖùƘ ðŋĢķāũŭ̍ Speaking at the opening, Klaus Jesse, m' ĕŋũ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ FũŋŽť b Öłù RũāķÖłù̇ ŭÖĢù̆ ̦¦Ğā łāƒ óāłŶũā ĞÖŭ ðāāł designed to provide an immersive and interactive environment, where óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ óÖł ŭāā ŶĞā ðũāÖùŶĞ ŋĕ ŋŽũ āƗŶāłŭĢƑā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ʃ ũŭŶ-hand, get a feel for how they work and gain a deeper understanding as to how they might ĿāāŶ ŶĞāĢũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ̪ łāāùŭ ðŋŶĞ łŋƒ̇ and in the future. This newest addition sits perfectly alongside our network of ĕŽķķƘ āŨŽĢťťāù ŶũÖĢłĢłė óāłŶũāŭ Öóũŋŭŭ the country, and further helps ensure heating professionals are fully āŨŽĢťťāù Ŷŋ ùĢƑāũŭĢĕƘ Öłù ĿÖƗĢĿĢŭā Öķķ łāƒ ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶĢāŭ̧̍ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ ũāóāłŶķƘ ÖłłŋŽłóāù Ö ͎˜

(l-r) Mark Wilkins, Vaillant’s technologies and training manager, Helen Whately, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, and Klaus Jesse, Vaillant MD million investment to expand the Belper manufacturing facility to serve growing demand for its aroTHERM plus heat pumps, alongside its range of ėÖŭ óŋłùāłŭĢłė ðŋĢķāũŭ̍ ¦Ğā óŋĿťÖłƘ has reported a significant rise in demand for heat pumps this year and Ğŋťāŭ Ŷŋ ðā ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũĢłė ŶĞā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ģł ŶĞā b ðƘ ˛˙˛˛. NÖƑĢłė āłıŋƘāù Ö ŶŋŽũ ŋĕ ŶĞā manufacturing facility, Helen Whately ťāũĕŋũĿāù Ğāũ ũĢððŋł óŽŶŶĢłė ùŽŶĢāŭ ÖķŋłėŭĢùā mÖũĴ ÂĢķĴĢłŭ̇ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ̪ŭ technologies and training manager, and Klaus Jesse. Welcoming the

óŋĿťÖłƘ̪ŭ ĢłƑāŭŶĿāłŶ Ģł ũāłāƒÖðķā ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ ŭĞā óŋĿĿāłŶāù̆ ̦Âā ĞÖƑā helped thousands of households and ðŽŭĢłāŭŭāŭ ŶũÖłŭĢŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł heating, through schemes like our āłāƒÖðķā NāÖŶ RłóāłŶĢƑā̇ Öłù ĢŶ Ģŭ ėũāÖŶ Ŷŋ ŭāā óŋĿťÖłĢāŭ ķĢĴā ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ investing in technology to support ŶĞĢŭ̍ ÂĢŶĞ óÖũðŋł āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ ĕũŋĿ heating accounting for around ˛˜% of all emissions in the UK, the industry ĞÖŭ Ö ƑĢŶÖķ ũŋķā Ŷŋ ťķÖƘ Ģł ðŋŶĞ investment and consumer awareness Öŭ ƒā ŶũÖłŭĢŶĢŋł Ŷŋ łāƒ ũāłāƒÖðķā heating technologies.”

Don’t get caught out by a lack of spares ŭ ÖłŋŶĞāũ ðŽŭƘ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭāÖŭŋł ÖťťũŋÖóĞāŭ̇ ÖƗĢ Ģŭ ŽũėĢłė ĞāÖŶĢłė āłėĢłāāũŭ Ŷŋ ťŽũóĞÖŭā ÖùāŨŽÖŶā supplies of genuine spares well ahead of time, to āłŭŽũā ŶĞāƘ ĞÖƑā ŶĞā ũĢėĞŶ ťÖũŶ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā ƒĞāł łāāùāù̍ RŶ Ģŭ ÖũėŽāù ŶĞÖŶ ŭŋĿā ĕŋũƒÖũù ťķÖłłĢłė ĿĢėĞŶ Öķŭŋ help to avoid any potential supply chain issues. Asif Ali, commercial manager for Baxi Genuine ÖũŶŭ̇ āƗťķÖĢłŭ̆ ̦¦ŋ āłŭŽũā łŋ ĞŋĿāŭ Öũā ķāĕŶ ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ vital heating and hot water during what is expected to ðā Ö ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũķƘ óŋķù ƒĢłŶāũ̇ ĢŶ ĿÖĴāŭ ťāũĕāóŶ ŭāłŭā for installers to plan in advance and order supplies now. Any increased need for repair work could mean ŶĞā ÖƑÖĢķÖðĢķĢŶƘ ŋĕ ŭťÖũāŭ Ģŭ ťŽŭĞāù Ŷŋ ŶĞā ķĢĿĢŶ ŶĞĢŭ year, particularly as some areas of the industry have ðāāł ĕÖóĢłė ŭŽťťķƘ óĞÖĢł ùĢƧ óŽķŶĢāŭ̍

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“While we haven’t yet experienced any issues with ŋŽũ ŋƒł ŭŶŋóĴ ŋĕ ėāłŽĢłā ŭťÖũāŭ̇ ėķŋðÖķ ŭŽťťķƘ óĞÖĢł óĞÖķķāłėāŭ ĢĿťÖóŶĢłė ĕŽŶŽũā Ŷũāłùŭ óÖł ðā ùĢƧ óŽķŶ Ŷŋ predict. To ensure there are no delays in completing essential maintenance work, installers are therefore ÖùƑĢŭāù Ŷŋ ŭŶÖũŶ ðŽĢķùĢłė Žť ŶĞāĢũ ŋƒł ŭŽťťķƘ ŋĕ Ŀŋũā commonly needed parts now, to reduce time spent sourcing spares further on down the line.” The company is also keen to emphasise the ĢĿťŋũŶÖłóā ŋĕ ŭāķāóŶĢłė ėāłŽĢłā ŭťÖũāŭ̍ ŭĢĕ Öùùŭ̆ ̦ ķÖũėā ťũŋťŋũŶĢŋł ŋĕ ðũāÖĴùŋƒłŭ ŋóóŽũ ƒĞāł Ö łŋłėāłŽĢłā ťÖũŶ ðāóŋĿāŭ ùāĕāóŶĢƑā̍ ŭ Ö ũāŭŽķŶ̇ ƒā ƒŋŽķù encourage heating engineers to check what they are ðŽƘĢłė̇ āŭťāóĢÖķķƘ ƒĞāł ŋũùāũĢłė ŋłķĢłā̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙˜

04/11/2021 09:43

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PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 03/11/2021 17:34 Page 8

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

News Review Calling green heating heroes

Report looks at the prospects of a heat pump price reduction NāÖŶ ťŽĿť óŋŭŶŭ óŋŽķù ĕÖķķ ðƘ Öŭ ĿŽóĞ Öŭ ˝˙% over a ˚˙-ƘāÖũ ťāũĢŋù̇ ÖóóŋũùĢłė Ŷŋ 'āķŶÖ-11 Ģł ĢŶŭ ũāŭťŋłŭā Ŷŋ ŶĞā ũāóāłŶ ťŽðķĢóÖŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ̪ŭ NāÖŶ Öłù ŽĢķùĢłė ŶũÖŶāėƘ̍ NŋƒāƑāũ̇ ĢŶŭ ũāŭāÖũóĞ Öķŭŋ ŭÖƘŭ ũāÖóĞĢłė Ö ˛˞-˞˙% cost reduction by ˛˙˛˞, as suggested Ģł ŶĞā ŶũÖŶāėƘ̇ Ģŭ ŽłķĢĴāķƘ Ŷŋ ðā ÖóĞĢāƑāù̍ ¦Ğā ũāťŋũŶ āƗÖĿĢłāù Ŷƒŋ ŭóāłÖũĢŋŭ ĕŋũ óŋŭŶ ũāùŽóŶĢŋł̍ ¦Ğā ŋťŶĢĿĢŭŶĢó ŭóāłÖũĢŋ projects a ˝˙ͮ ùũŋť Ģł óŋŭŶŭ̇ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ðÖŭā case sees just a ˛˞ͮ ĕÖķķ̍ ŭ ĿŽóĞ Öŭ ˛˙ͮ ŋĕ Ö óŋŭŶ ũāùŽóŶĢŋł Ģł āĢŶĞāũ ŭóāłÖũĢŋ ƒĢķķ ķÖũėāķƘ ðā ùũĢƑāł ðƘ ĿÖũĴāŶ óŋĿťāŶĢŶĢŋł ŭŨŽāāơĢłė ĿÖũėĢłŭ Öóũŋŭŭ ŶĞā ŭŽťťķƘ óĞÖĢł̍ zŶĞāũ ĕÖóŶŋũŭ óŋłŭĢùāũāù ƒāũā ŭĢĿťķĢĕƘĢłė ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̇ ĢłóũāÖŭĢłė ðŽķĴ ŋũùāũŭ̇ Öłù ŋťŶĢĿĢŭĢłė ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũĢłė ťũŋóāŭŭāŭ̍ 1ÖóĞ ŋĕ ŶĞāŭā ĕÖóŶŋũŭ óŋŽķù óŋłŶũĢðŽŶā Žť Ŷŋ Ö ˚˙ͮ ũāùŽóŶĢŋł̍ ¦Ğā ĿÖũėĢłÖķ óŋŭŶ ŋĕ Ö ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ Ö ėÖŭ ðŋĢķāũ óŋŽķù ðā ðũŋŽėĞŶ ùŋƒł Ŷŋ around £˝˙˙˙ Ģł 'āķŶÖ-11̪ŭ ŋťŶĢĿĢŭŶĢó ŭóāłÖũĢŋ̍ NŋƒāƑāũ̇ ŶĞĢŭ ƒŋŽķù łŋŶ ðā āłŋŽėĞ Ŷŋ ðũĢłė ŶĞā Ŷƒŋ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢāŭ ĢłŶŋ ťũĢóā ťÖũĢŶƘ̍ ùùĢŶĢŋłÖķķƘ̇ Ŷŋ ũāÖóĞ ŶĞā ŋťŶĢĿĢŭŶĢó ŭóāłÖũĢŋ̇ ŶĞā ũāťŋũŶ łŋŶāŭ ŶĞāũā ƒŋŽķù łāāù Ŷŋ ðā ĢłŭŶÖķķŭ Ģł ŶĞā ĞĢėĞ ĞŽłùũāùŭ ŋĕ ŶĞŋŽŭÖłùŭ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ Ö ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶ ŭŶāť Žť ŋł ŶŋùÖƘ̪ŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķ ƩėŽũāŭ ŋĕ an expected ˞˙̇˙˙˙ in ˛˙˛˚̍

̦ÂĞĢķā Ö ũāùŽóŶĢŋł Ģł ŽťĕũŋłŶ óŋŭŶŭ Ģŭ ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ̇ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ óŽũũāłŶķƘ óÖł̪Ŷ óŋĿťāŶā ƒĢŶĞ ėÖŭ ðŋĢķāũŭ ŋł ũŽłłĢłė óŋŭŶŭ̇ āƑāł ƒĢŶĞ Ö ėÖŭ óũĢŭĢŭ Öŭ ŶĞā ðÖóĴùũŋţ̌̇ ŭÖƘŭ dĢłùŭÖƘ Žėùāł̇ ĞāÖù ŋĕ ĞāÖŶ ÖŶ 'āķŶÖ-11̍ ̦zŽũ ĿŋùāķķĢłė ŭŽėėāŭŶŭ ŶĞÖŶ óŽũũāłŶ ũŽłłĢłė óŋŭŶŭ ĕŋũ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ łāāù Ŷŋ ðā Ö ŶĞĢũù ķŋƒāũ ŶĞÖł ŶĞāƘ Öũā ŶŋùÖƘ Ŷŋ ÖóĞĢāƑā Ö ťÖƘðÖóĴ ÖėÖĢłŭŶ Ö ėÖŭ ðŋĢķāũ̍ ŭĞĢĕŶ Ģł ķāƑĢāŭ ĕũŋĿ āķāóŶũĢóĢŶƘ to gas, as currently being discussed, could ėŋ ŭŋĿā ƒÖƘ Ŷŋ ÖùùũāŭŭĢłė ŶĞĢŭ ĢŭŭŽā̍ ŽŶ ŶĞāũā Öũā Öķŭŋ ŋŶĞāũ ƒÖƘŭ Ŷŋ Öùùũāŭŭ ŶĞĢŭ̇ ĕŋũ āƗÖĿťķā̇ !z˛ taxes, and time-ŋĕ-Žŭā ŶÖũĢƦŭ̧̍ Rł ŶĞā ðÖŭā óÖŭā ŭóāłÖũĢŋ ƒĞāũā ŶĞāũā Öũā ķāŭŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķŭ Öłù ĿÖũĴāŶ óŋĿťāŶĢŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā ũāťŋũŶ ŭŽėėāŭŶŭ ŭŶÖðķā ťŋķĢóƘ ŭŽťťŋũŶ̇ ŶũÖĢłĢłė āłŋŽėĞ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̇ ĕŋŭŶāũĢłė ĿÖũĴāŶ ĢłłŋƑÖŶĢŋł̇ Öķķ ƒĞĢķā ťũŋĿŋŶĢłė ťŽðķĢó ÖƒÖũāłāŭŭ̇ ƒĢķķ ðā āŭŭāłŶĢÖķ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ĿÖƗĢĿŽĿ Öłù ŭŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā óŋŭŶ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ̍

ÂŋũóāŭŶāũ ŋŭóĞ ĞÖŭ ķÖŽłóĞāù Ö łāƒ sustainability campaign across TV and ŋłķĢłā̇ ƒĞĢóĞ ķŋŋĴŭ Ŷŋ ĢłĕŋũĿ Öłù ĢłŭťĢũā ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Ŷŋ ðāóŋĿā Fũāāł NāÖŶĢłė Nāũŋāŭ ðƘ ĞāķťĢłė ŶĞāĢũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ũāùŽóā ŶĞāĢũ óÖũðŋł ĕŋŋŶťũĢłŶ ŋł ŶĞā ƒŋũķù̍ RłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öłù ŶĞāĢũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ óÖł Öóóāŭŭ Ö łāƒ ùāùĢóÖŶāù ťÖėā ŋł ŶĞā ÂŋũóāŭŶāũ ŋŭóĞ ƒāðŭĢŶā̇ ƒĞĢóĞ ťũŋƑĢùāŭ ŶĢťŭ̇ D ŭ Öłù ĿƘŶĞ-ðŽŭŶāũŭ ŶĞÖŶ āƗťķÖĢł Ğŋƒ Ŷŋ ķĢƑā Ŀŋũā ŭŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķƘ̍ RŶ Ģŭ Öķŭŋ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ Ğāķť ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ŶÖķĴ óŋłƩùāłŶķƘ ÖðŋŽŶ ŭŽŭŶÖĢłÖðĢķĢŶƘ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞāĢũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ̍ ¦Ğā ¦Á ÖùƑāũŶĢŭĢłė óÖĿťÖĢėł̇ ũŽłłĢłė ŶĞũŋŽėĞŋŽŶ pŋƑāĿðāũ̇ ƒĢķķ ũÖĢŭā ÖƒÖũāłāŭŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ̪ŭ ėũāāł ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢāŭ Öłù ŭĞŋƒ ƑĢāƒāũŭ Ğŋƒ ŶĞāƘ óÖł ĿÖĴā ŭŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā óĞÖłėāŭ Ģł ŶĞāĢũ ŋƒł ĞŋĿā̍ ¦ŋ ðāóŋĿā Ö Fũāāł NāÖŶĢłė Nāũŋ̇ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ŭĞŋŽķù ķŋė ŋł ŋũ ŭĢėł Žť Ŷŋ ŶĞā 1ƗóāķāũÖŶā ŋũŶÖķ̇ ƒĞāũā ŶĞāũā Ģŭ ėŽĢùÖłóā Öłù ÖùƑĢóā ŋł Ğŋƒ ŶĞāƘ óÖł Žŭā ÂŋũóāŭŶāũ̪ŭ óÖĿťÖĢėł ÖķŋłėŭĢùā ŶĞāĢũ ŋƒł ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ̍

Bad weather hits the bottom line

łāƒ ŭŶŽùƘ ĕũŋĿ RũŋłĿŋłėāũƘ 'ĢũāóŶ ĞÖŭ ĕŋŽłù ŶĞÖŶ b ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā ķŋŭā ŋƑāũ ͎˚˜˙˙ Ö ƘāÖũ ùŽā Ŷŋ ðÖù ƒāÖŶĞāũ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ťķŽĿðāũŭ ŶĞā ĞÖũùāŭŶ ĞĢŶ̍ ¦Ğā ũāťŋũŶ ŭŽėėāŭŶŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ ŶƘťĢóÖķķƘ ķŋŭā ŋƑāũ ͎˚ˠ˙˙ ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŭāƑāł ùÖƘŭ ŋĕ ķŋŭŶ ƒŋũĴ̍ RũŋłĿŋłėāũƘ'ĢũāóŶ ŭŽũƑāƘāù Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞā ĢĿťÖóŶ ŋĕ ðÖù ƒāÖŶĞāũ ŋł ŶĞāĢũ ƒŋũĴ Öłù ĕĢłÖłóāŭ̇ Öłù ĕŋŽłù ŶĞāƘ Öũā ĿĢŭŭĢłė ˠ̍˛ days a year ðāóÖŽŭā ŋĕ ĕÖóŶŋũŭ ķĢĴā ũÖĢł̇ ŭłŋƒ Öłù ƒĢłù̍ ķŽĿðāũŭ ĿĢŭŭ ŭķĢėĞŶķƘ ĕāƒāũ ùÖƘŭ ŶĞÖł ŶĞā ŋƑāũÖķķ b ÖƑāũÖėā ̞ ıŽŭŶ ˟̍˞ ťāũ ƘāÖũ ̞ ðŽŶ ŶĞāƘ ŭāā ŶĞā ðĢėėāŭŶ ĞĢŶ Ŷŋ ŶĞāĢũ ĢłóŋĿāŭ̍ ÂĢŶĞ ŶĞā ÖƑāũÖėā ťķŽĿðāũ óĞÖũėĢłė ͎˛˟˞ a day, by missing almost a

Submit UFH snaps for prize potential

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ł ĢłŭŶÖķķāũ ťÖóĴ ŋƦāũŭ ŭŋĿā ĞÖłùƘ ŋłāťÖėāũŭ Ŷŋ ėĢƑā Ŷŋ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ƒĞŋ ƒÖłŶ Ŷŋ ķāÖũł Ŀŋũā̇ Öłù ĢŶ óŋĿāŭ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ĕũāā Fũāāł NāÖŶĢłė Nāũŋ Ŷ-ŭĞĢũŶ̍ ŭā ŶĞā ũāÖùāũ ķĢłĴ ðāķŋƒ Ŷŋ ƑĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā 1ƗóāķāũÖŶā ŋũŶÖķ Öłù ıŋĢł ŶĞā óÖĿťÖĢėł̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙˝

ƒāāĴ ŋĕ ƒŋũĴ āÖóĞ ƘāÖũ̇ ŶĞāƘ ķŋŭā ͎˚ˠ˛˜̍ ˚ˡͮ ŋĕ ŶĞā ťķŽĿðāũŭ ŭŽũƑāƘāù ŭÖĢù ŶĞāƘ ĿĢŭŭ Ŀŋũā ŶĞÖł Ö ƒāāĴ ŋĕ ƒŋũĴ ťāũ ƘāÖũ ùŽā Ŷŋ ŶĞā ƒāÖŶĞāũ̇ ƒĞĢķā ˚˚% miss more ŶĞÖł Ö ĕŋũŶłĢėĞŶ̍ ũŋŽłù ˟ͮ ŋĕ ťķŽĿðāũŭ ŭĢĿťķƘ óÖł̪Ŷ Öĕĕŋũù Ŷŋ ĿĢŭŭ ÖłƘ ƒŋũĴ ÖŶ Öķķ̇ ƒĞÖŶāƑāũ ŶĞā ƒāÖŶĞāũ̇ Öłù ˛˞ͮ ŭÖƘ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢķķ ƒŋũĴ Ģł ÖłƘ ƒāÖŶĞāũ̍ !ķĢāłŶŭ Öķŭŋ ťŽŶ ťũāŭŭŽũā ŋł ŶĞāĿ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ˚˚ͮ ŋĕ ťķŽĿðāũŭ ŭÖƘĢłė ŶĞāƘ Öũā āƗťāóŶāù Ŷŋ ƒŋũĴ ũāėÖũùķāŭŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā óŋłùĢŶĢŋłŭ̍ zĕ Öķķ ŶĞā ŶũÖùāŭ ŭŽũƑāƘāù̇ ĿŋŭŶ ŭÖĢù ŶĞāƘ ùŋł̪Ŷ ėāŶ ťÖĢù ĕŋũ ùÖƘŭ ŶĞāƘ ùŋł̪Ŷ ƒŋũĴ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ āƗťķÖĢłŭ ƒĞƘ ÖķĿŋŭŶ Ö ŶĞĢũù (˛ˢ̜ͮ ŭÖƘ ŶĞāƘ óÖł̪Ŷ Öĕĕŋũù Ŷŋ ťÖŽŭā ıŋðŭ̍ In a prize promotion aimed at installers, łŽė łùāũƪŋŋũ NāÖŶĢłė Ģŭ ķŋŋĴĢłė ĕŋũ ŶĞā ŽķŶĢĿÖŶā ̌ łŽė łÖť ŶĞĢŭ ƒĢłŶāũ̍ RłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öũā ĢłƑĢŶāù Ŷŋ ŭŽðĿĢŶ ŶĞāĢũ ̨ łŽė ŭłÖťŭ̪ ŋł ŭŋóĢÖķ ĿāùĢÖ Ŷŋ ƒĢł Ö ĞŋŭŶ ŋĕ ťũĢơāŭ̍ ¦ŋ ðā Ģł ƒĢŶĞ Ö óĞÖłóā ŋĕ ƒĢłłĢłė Ö ťũĢơā̇ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ łāāù Ŷŋ ŭĢĿťķƘ ŭĞÖũā ŭŋĿā ťĢóŶŽũāŭ ŋĕ ŶĞāĢũ ƩłĢŭĞāù łŽė ĢłŭŶÖķķŭ̍ 1łŶũÖłŶŭ Öũā Öķŭŋ āłóŋŽũÖėāù Ŷŋ ŭŽðĿĢŶ ĢĿÖėāŭ ŋĕ ŶĞāĿ ťŽũóĞÖŭĢłė Ö łŽė ťũŋùŽóŶ ÖŶ Ö ĿāũóĞÖłŶ̇ ŽłðŋƗĢłė Ö ťũŋùŽóŶ̇ ŋũ āƑāł ĞÖƑĢłė Ö ðũŋƒŭā ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŋłā ŋĕ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̪ŭ ðũŋóĞŽũāŭ̍ ¦Ğā ̌ łŽė łÖťŭ óŋĿťāŶĢŶĢŋł Ģŭ ũŽłłĢłė Öóũŋŭŭ ŶĞā Žłùāũĕķŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭťāóĢÖķĢŭŶ̪ŭ DÖóāðŋŋĴ Öłù RłŭŶÖėũÖĿ ÖóóŋŽłŶŭ Öłù ŶĞā ƒĢłłāũ ƒĢķķ ðā ùāóĢùāù ðƘ Ö ŶāÖĿ ŋĕ ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ āƗťāũŶŭ̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė N m pāƒŭ āùĢŶŋũ !ĞũĢŭ `ŋłāŭ̇ łŽė m' ŶāƑāł 'Žłłā̇ Öłù ŶĞā ĞĢłŋ ũŋùŽóŶŭ ŶāÖĿ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙˞

03/11/2021 16:32

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News Review Digital support package

WaterSafe urges checks for lead pipes A recent report by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has found that many older properties in 1łėķÖłù Öłù ÂÖķāŭ Öũā ŭŶĢķķ ÖƦāóŶāù by lead pipes, and some plumbers are continuing to use lead solder illegally. WaterSafe, which operates a national register for plumbers, and the DWI are encouraging homeowners and businesses with a plumber working in their property to ask them to check for lead pipes. The use of lead pipes in the UK was banned more than ˜˙ years ago, as

well as the use of lead solder. This is because water supplied through lead pipes and used for drinking and cooking can create a build-up of lead in the body - a danger to human health. Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, says: “We’d encourage anyone who has an approved

plumber working in their property to ask them to take a couple of minutes to check for lead pipes, and to check their plumber is only using unleaded solder.” WaterSafe has produced a video on lead pipes, available using the readerlink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙˟

Start gathering points for a trip of a lifetime From now until ˜˚st December ˛˙˛˛, installers can start collecting points towards winning a place on Ideal Heating’s third Premier Club incentive trip. The last installer trip went to Miami, and details of the next one will be revealed in the next few months. Installers can bank points towards their ‘passport’ by registering the installation of a Logic MAX, Logic +, Vogue or Vogue MAX boiler on Installer Connect. Extra ways to earn ťŋĢłŶŭ ĢłóķŽùā ũāėĢŭŶāũĢłė ŶĞā ƩŶŶĢłė ŋĕ NÖķŋ D Öłù ÂĢ-Fi controls and the Gledhill Stainless Lite Plus. For further details on Premier Club, use the readerlink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˙ˠ

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Looking to enhance its support for UK installers, Sentinel has launched a new online tool designed to help build, professionalise and boost their ŭāũƑĢóā ŋƦāũĢłė̇ ƒĞĢóĞ Öķŭŋ ĢłóŋũťŋũÖŶāŭ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̪ŭ ƩũŭŶ āƑāũ ķŋƘÖķŶƘ scheme. The free portal includes service plans, an integrated loyalty ŭóĞāĿā̇ ťũāĕāũāłŶĢÖķ ťũĢóĢłė Öłù ťũŋùŽóŶ Ʃłùāũ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ Öóóāŭŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā water treatment company’s technical support network and materials. Described as a ‘digital tool belt’, users can add customers and tailor plans, add-ons and pricing to suit their needs and requirements, as well as access training and marketing resources. dŋƘÖķŶƘ ðāłāƩŶŭ Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞā ŭóĞāĿā̇ ƒĞāũā ťŋĢłŶŭ ĕũŋĿ Sentinel products can be cashed in for items like branded workwear and online vouchers. Prizes for those installers with the most points are also available. Further benefits include access to preferential pricing and a ̨ťũŋùŽóŶ Ʃłùāũ̪ Ŷŋ Ğāķť ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ķŋóÖŶā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ģł ŶĞāĢũ ÖũāÖ̇ ƒĢŶĞ Žť-todate stock information. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙ˡ

03/11/2021 10:43

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

News Review Shortages drive up plumber pay

A quiet place at home To help consumers contextualise the noise levels of air source heat pumps compared to other household appliances, Grant UK has launched a new video featuring its Aerona³ in operation. Noise levels are a common concern for customers researching air source heat pumps and can play a role when selecting the best appliance for their home. The video was created to reassure them that heat pumps can be an unobtrusive addition to a household. Grant’s video features the Quiet Mark-approved Aerona³ ˚˜kW heat pump working, providing viewers with the sound levels of the unit both close up and further away. Sound levels of other household appliances are played to serve as comparisons before returning to the quietly operating Aerona³. “We are pleased to share this new resource for homeowners,” comments Kevin Ellis, renewables sales manager at Grant UK. “Our latest video will help overcome a misconception about heat pumps, demonstrating that they are not noisy and highlighting just how quiet the Aerona³ unit is.” Watch the video on YouTube using the readerlink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˙ˢ

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The cost of hiring a plumbing contractor rose to the highest level in ˚ˡ months during September, according to Hudson Contract’s latest analysis of construction industry pay trends. Average weekly earnings for self-employed plumbers increased over ˝% to £˚˙˛˚, the highest since March ˛˙˛˙ and the first time this year to have broken through the ͎˚˙˙˙-per-week barrier. The North West (+ˡ̍˞%), London (ˠ̍˟%) and the East Midlands (˞̍˟%) saw the biggest increases in the cost of hiring plumbing contractors in September. According to MD Ian Anfield, this

mirrors what’s happening in the other trades. “We estimate that through Covid the construction industry has been short of as many as ˚˝˙̇˙˙˙ tradespeople, or ˚˙% down on where we could have been, which has helped drive up labour rates in ŶĞā ĕÖóā ŋĕ ĞĢėĞ ùāĿÖłù̧̇ ŭÖƘŭ łƩāķù̍ “The industry only suffered a twoweek lockdown in March ˛˙˛˙ and were it not for labour shortages and material supply blockages it would have fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels fairly soon after. “Materials shortages continue to be a óĞÖķķāłėā ĕŋũ ðŽĢķùĢłė ƩũĿŭ̍ !ķĢāłŶŭ Öũā telling us there are supply problems with plastics products such as polypropylene pipes, which in some builders’ merchants are out of stock.”

Riders raise riches Last month the PHG Revolution ˚˞˙ Charity Cycle Ride, hosted by PHG Plumbing Heating Group, raised over £˚˛˝̇˙˙˙ for the Surfers Against Sewage and The Woodland Trust charities. Over ˠ˙ riders from the plumbing, heating and bathroom sectors took part in the event, including PHG members and suppliers, covering ˚˞˙ miles across Yorkshire. Both charities were delighted with the incredible amount ũÖĢŭāù Öłù ŶĞā ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶ ĢĿťÖóŶ ŶĞĢŭ ƒŋŽķù have on their work in marine and woodland environments.

A number of prizes are up for grabs in Baxi’s new winter promotion. Aimed at both new and existing Baxi Works members, the Baxi Prize Drop includes six weekly prize draws between ˚ November and ˚˛ December ˛˙˛˚. Those who register and install Baxi ˟˙˙, ˡ˙˙ or Platinum+ boilers during the six-week campaign period will be in with a chance of winning a number of great prizes each week, including an Apple Watch Series ˟, Apple MacBook Air, Apple iPad Air, Apple AirPods Pro, Sonos Roam Wireless Smart Speaker, Ring Video Doorbell Pro + Spotlight Cam, a Nintendo Switch, and a ͎˚˙˙ John Lewis gift card. Winners will receive a call to let them know they have won, and the prize will be revealed upon delivery. For further information, plus full terms and conditions, use the readerlink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˚˙

03/11/2021 10:47

PHAM NOV21 DAIKIN:Layout 1 01/11/2021 12:26 Page 1

Talent Show

Plumb App Uk presents images sent in by users of the app showcasing the top work that earns them their wings.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

People on the Move

ELCO Heating Solutions has named Andreea Manoiu as national sales manager. Having worked in the commercial heating sector for over six years, Andreea has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to grow sales across the business. Previously she was the company’s solution centre manager.

Filling a new role on the Baxi specification team, Anthony Watton has been promoted to head of residential specification. Anthony has 21 years of experience including eight years in the specification team at Baxi. He will act as the point of contact for all heating and hot water new build residential requirements.

Aqualisa has welcomed Jessica Clarke as senior channel marketing manager. Jessica joins from travel network Busabout, where she led sales and marketing. In her role with Aqualisa, Jessica will be focusing on product launches and promotional campaigns, and will report to the company’s head of marketing Kate Lovell.

Suspensions solutions ﬁrm Gripple has welcomed Gerard Shevlin as its ideas and innovation director. Gerard joins Gripple from Dyson, where he was head of engineering. At Gripple, he will be responsible for the team of product design engineers and project managers, and will work closely with the product management, marketing and sales teams.

Baxi has announced the appointment of Rob Erwood as sales and speciﬁcation director of its commercial solutions division. Rob brings over 20 years industry knowledge and commercial experience to the role. A former group sales director of Nuaire, he joins Baxi from FlaktGroup.

John Vaughan has been appointed to the position of senior adviser to Highbourne Group Ltd. John is highly experienced across the plumbing and heating sector, having undertaken senior leadership roles in BSS, Travis Perkins, Wolseley and latterly as CEO of Adey, before helping complete the sale of the business to Polypipe.

Basildon-based air conditioning supplier Aermec has enhanced its sales team with the appointment of Michel Marsal, who joins as a senior applications engineer. Michel has a refrigeration background with multi-brand experience and has held various roles in the HVAC&R industry over a 20-year period.

The marketing team at Hansgrohe Group has been bolstered with the addition of Erika Dodds, who joins as the channel marketing manager for installers. With a background in the wellness, healthcare and personal care industries, in her new role Erika will be looking to explore opportunities within the trade, installer and retail parts of the business.

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Merchant & Distributor News 15 New branches expand SBS network Smith Brothers, a specialist supplier to the building services sector, has announced the official opening of SBS Sheffield. Located on ¦ĢłŭķāƘ ÖũĴ !ķŋŭā̇ ıŽŭŶ ŋƦ ıŽłóŶĢŋł ˜˝ of the M˚, the new ˛˛̇˙˙˙ft˛ unit has been procured with the future in mind, with space to support additional stock as the branch grows. ĞāƧāķù ðũÖłóĞ ĿÖłÖėāũ dāā ŽũėĢł ĞÖŭ ŋƑāũ ˛˛ ƘāÖũŭ ŋĕ Ĵłŋƒķāùėā Öłù āƗťāũĢāłóā ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞā HVAC industry, having previously worked for BSS. He comments: “My carefully selected team and R Öũā ÖĢĿĢłė Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā Ö ƩũŭŶ-class service. We

ƒĢķķ ðā ƒĞÖŶ ŶĞā ĞāƧāķù óŽŭŶŋĿāũ ðÖŭā ĞÖŭ ðāāł ƒÖĢŶĢłė ĕŋũ ðƘ ĕŋķķŋƒĢłė ŶĞā ťũŋĿĢŭā ŋĕ ŭŶÖƦ̇ stock and service. We are very lucky to have a team ƒĞŋ ťŋŭŭāŭŭ Ö ƒāÖķŶĞ ŋĕ ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ āƗťāũĢāłóā̇ ĕũŋĿ product knowledge to customer relationships, which in turn will enhance the customer’s āƗťāũĢāłóā̧̍ With additional branches in Cambridge and High Wycombe planned to open before the end of this year, the Smith Brothers’ network is set Ŷŋ āƗťÖłù Öłù ƒĢķķ ŭŋŋł óŋłŭĢŭŶ ŋĕ ˚ˠ branches across the UK.

Fast lane for quick parts collection

Group extends its reach

With the launch of a new click and collect service, Wolseley Plumb & Parts is aiming to make thousands of the industry’s most used heating spares available within ˟˙ minutes from ordering. The new service is available from ˝˞˙ branches nationwide on thousands of individual heating spare parts. To save waiting time for busy installers, Wolseley has also set up new fast lane queues and collection points. Richard Beeley, parts specialist at Wolseley Plumb & Parts, comments: “We believe the new ŭāũƑĢóā ƒĢķķ Ğāķť ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Ŷŋ ĢłóũāÖŭā ŶĞāĢũ ƩũŭŶtime-ƩƗ ũÖŶāŭ Öłù ťũŋƑĢùā Ö ðāŶŶāũ ŭāũƑĢóā Ŷŋ ŶĞāĢũ own customers, ensuring they spend less time waiting and more time working.

South of England merchant group – the Independent Builders māũóĞÖłŶ FũŋŽť ̛R mF̜ ̞ ĞÖŭ āƗťÖłùāù ĢŶŭ łāŶƒŋũĴ ŋĕ ŭťāóĢÖķĢŭŶ ťķŽĿðĢłė Öłù ĞāÖŶĢłė ĿāũóĞÖłŶŭ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ÖóŨŽĢŭĢŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŽŭŭāƗ Plumbing Supplies Limited (SPS). Established in ˛˙˙˙̇ Ģŭ ĞāÖùŨŽÖũŶāũāù Ģł ŋķāėÖŶā̇ 1ÖŭŶ ŽŭŭāƗ̇ and operates seven trade counters and four bathroom, heating and ĴĢŶóĞāł ŭĞŋƒũŋŋĿŭ Öóũŋŭŭ ŽŭŭāƗ Öłù bāłŶ̍ Glenn Vinall, SPS owner and MD, will continue to lead the business, working with Matt Bland, MD of IBMG’s plumbing and heating division, to realise the growth opportunities that this partnership will deliver. He comments: “The team and I are proud of all that we have built to date, but we recognise that our company will be able to achieve much more as part of a larger group. Partnering with IBMG will facilitate this growth and we look forward to continuing this ŭŽóóāŭŭ ŭŶŋũƘ ŶŋėāŶĞāũ̧̍

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“And, as we approach peak season for boiler breakdowns and repairs, the new service comes at ıŽŭŶ ŶĞā ũĢėĞŶ ŶĢĿā̧̍ For more details, please see the online link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˚˚

03/11/2021 16:30

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Energy Matters

Industry offers a mixed response to the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy Following a number of delays and mixed-signals, the government has ﬁnally unveiled its Home and Buildings Strategy (see this month’s cover story). While the extra funding for low carbon heating technologies has generally been welcomed by manufacturers and industry bodies, there has also been much criticism of the failure of the plan to address some fundamental issues, including fuel poverty and the need to invest in installer training. Speaking on behalf of the CIPHE, chief executive Kevin Wellman says that the Institute supports the grants to help kickstart the move to low carbon technologies but says that more needs to be done to support households on low incomes. “Swapping out-dated boilers for heat pumps will still be out of reach for the majority of lower income homeowners,” he says. “Heat pumps run at considerably lower temperatures to traditional boilers, so homeowners will have to pay for considerable upgrades to insulation if they are to run affordably. As it’s these households who often face the highest heating bills due to a combination of higher tariffs, poorly insulated homes and older, inefficient boilers, it’s vital they are not left behind.” While supporting the Heat and Buildings Strategy for providing a clear indication of ongoing investment, Worcester Bosch suggests that the £5000 grant won’t be enough to alleviate the costs of upgrading existing

properties. CEO Carl Arntzen says: “A home may need to be adapted to accommodate a heat pump, such as resizing radiators and making space for hot water cylinders, which carry cost implications. Therefore, the proposed grants may help with the cost to purchase a heat pump, but there will still be costly investment required from homeowners in existing properties.”

Hybrid systems

Heat pump manufacturer Daikin has welcomed the extra funding, but says more clariﬁcation is needed on whether the scheme will extend to hybrid systems. Iain Bevan, commercial manager of heating & renewables at Daikin UK, explains: “We believe that hybrid systems, where a heat pump works alongside a gas boiler, should be included as they are a vital stepping-stone for those who are new to renewable technology, and can still reduce household CO2 emissions by as much as 55% compared to a traditional gas boiler.” Responding on behalf of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, CEO Mike Foster points out that the grant will only be enough to fund 30,000 heat pump installations each year (for three years) which is well short of the government’s 600,000 a year target (by 2028). “The grant hardly sets the world alight and is insufficient to the scale of the challenge we face in terms of reaching Net Zero,” he says. Arguing that the strategy does little for the increasing

number of people sliding into fuel poverty, Foster adds: “The £5000 grant only pays half the cost of a heat pump, so those in fuel poverty will see no warmth from the government’s generosity; instead, it is a middle-class bung for people who were probably going to ﬁt a heat pump anyway.”

Training barrier

While supporting the government’s ambitions to move towards Net Zero, Grant UK says that there are a number of barriers that will have to be addressed before some of the proposals can be acted on, including the up-skilling of the country’s existing workforce. “It is imperative that both the government’s funding initiatives and retraining/up-skilling of the workforce work in parallel,” says Neil Sawers, Grant UK’s commercial technical manager. Speaking on behalf of Vaillant, Mark Wilkins, the company's technologies and training director, argues that the extra training needed is likely to be a signiﬁcant ﬁnancial burden for many installers and that more funding will be needed. “The number of heat pump installers needs to increase substantially in order to support the government’s agenda,” he says. “This does however come at a cost to installers as they have to lose valuable income when undertaking training courses and we urge the government to take the necessary steps to recognise and incentivise those wishing to

embark on the necessary training to become low carbon installers.” The need for more investment in training is backed by Mitsubishi Electric’s Russell Dean, head of residential heating and ventilation, who adds: “To ensure the costs continue to drop for the consumer, we must now see a concerted effort to train up a nationwide network of installers that can deliver on this new opportunity. This can be done by upskilling gas boiler engineers and installers to ensure they are not left behind as the country moves towards a growth in green jobs, and heat pumps receive the backing of the big energy network providers.”

Alternative fuels

Some manufacturers have expressed disappointment that the strategy has ignored the potential of other low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels. “It is a shame to see that a decision around hydrogen won’t be made until ﬁve years from now,” says Worcester Bosh CEO Carl Arntzen. “With hydrogen-ready boilers already successfully trialled, they

could be a strong alternative to fossil fuel boilers on the market today – yet this strategy seems to omit them. Neil Sawers from Grant UK adds: “We are concerned that as yet there has been no announcement regarding other off-gas heating alternatives, such as biofuels (HVO), and hybrid heating which would have a major impact on reducing carbon emissions and are more practical in terms of an immediate rollout.”

Digital technology

The need for energy management and more sophisticated heating controls is another issue that has been overlooked, according to Nico van der Merwe, VP Home & Distribution UK & Ireland, Schneider Electric. He explains: “With domestic energy consumption expected to double in the coming years, it will be more important than ever that people can easily manage the efficiency of their homes, including energy consumption, production and storage. This is only possible through connected digital technology.”

Report looks at heat pump running costs

Home is where the heat is The Sustainable Homes and Buildings Coalition – consisting of Worcester Bosch, NatWest, British Gas and Shelter – has released its ﬁrst comprehensive report titled ‘Home is where the Heat is’. Aimed at consumers, it offers clear detail on how the UK can decarbonise homes and buildings and aims to provide a better understanding of the technology options available. The report recognises that each consumer journey will be different, partly because of the diversity of the country’s building stock, and lays out six distinct customer pathways to help every household identify

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with a particular journey. Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch, comments: “There is no silver bullet to reach net zero emissions from home and building heating; it instead requires a mix of technologies working together. For homeowners, it is vital to have an understanding of what would work for their property and what support they can receive. The report is a step towards educating and empowering consumers and installers to make greener choices when it comes to their home heating.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/12

A new report published by Baxi looks at the costs of running air source heat pumps and suggests that the introduction of a Green Heating Credit for end-users could help to bridge the ‘affordability gap’ between low-carbon heating and gas boiler systems. The study concludes that the average running cost of an air source heat pump is currently £236 more than a gas boiler. The study also highlights the unfairness of the current 25.5% levy on electricity bills, used to help fund environmental and social policies, which stands at only 2.5% for gas users. Customers who switch from gas or oil heating to an electrically driven air source heat pump will inevitably be driving up their electricity consumption and as a result will see their contribution to the levy framework rise accordingly. The paper proposes that the extra levy paid by heat pump users could be offset by a £250-a-year Green Heating Credit.

Baxi MD Karen Boswell OBE Baxi’s research suggests that affordability is a crucial issue with most homeowners, with 66% of the 1277 households surveyed saying that saving money would be the main reason for switching to a heat pump. The survey found that a Green Heating Credit of £250 per annum would increase interest in a heat pump for 75% of surveyed

consumers, whereas the prospect of increased running costs is a disincentive for 40% of customers. For 43% of respondents, the saving of carbon emissions was viewed as another good reason to invest in a heat pump. As well as running costs, the study looks at the relative installation costs of four different property types, with an average of £7060 for an air source heat pump, compared to £1500 for a gas boiler and £3350 for an oil boiler system. “Heat pumps could play their part as we decarbonise the nation’s heating but we need to bridge this affordability gap,” says Baxi MD Karen Boswell OBE. “A Green Heating Credit would be fairer to heat pump users who are investing in decarbonising their heating, and it is fair to consumers using traditional forms of heating as it won’t affect their heating bills. It also leaves room for alternative low carbon heating technologies such as hydrogen to emerge.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/13

04/11/2021 13:14

Join the energy revolution and become a certiﬁed heat pump installer

ith the transition towards low carbon technologies now underway, renewable heating systems are inevitably part of the future. By 2025, new build properties will no longer be heated with gas boilers and the UK government has recently announced, as part of its Ten Point Plan, a target of 600,000 heat pump installations per annum by 2028. As heat pumps are clearly set to play a key role in the decarbonisation of heat in the UK, getting to grips with heat pump technology as soon as possible will ensure that you and your customers are involved in the journey to Net Zero and are aware of the benefits heat pumps have to offer. NIBE Pro is an installer partnership scheme designed to guide and assist you and your team towards making this change. By providing a streamlined, personalised route for plumbing and heating installers to become an MCS Certified heat pump installer, NIBE Pro gives you an industry recognised mark of quality, giving your customers confidence and enabling them to apply for schemes such as the Renewable Heat Incentive. Training costs towards becoming a NIBE Pro are fully redeemable through the NIBE Pro voucher scheme.

Full support Joining NIBE Pro not only sets you apart from the competition by working with one of the largest names in renewable climate solutions but also provides vital business, technical and digital support for your business.

Start your NIBE Pro journey today! Visit www.nibe.co.uk Or call us on 0330 311 2201

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Your Views Star letter Share your views and you could win £100 for writing the star letter

The Tweet Spot

Recent tweets that caught our attention Follow us on @PHAMnews

Sliding downhill With reference to the Star Letter, written by Mr W Wiltshire (September issue): Unfortunately, the whole plumbing and heating trade has been sliding downhill for decades. Who am I and what do I know? I am a young ˡ˜-year-old plumbing and heating engineer, who served an apprenticeship from ˚ˢ˞˝ – ˚ˢ˞ˢ, and did a spell in the Merchant Navy, working on tube boilers in the engine room, then spent some time in the army. 4 bL^ ʭ __TYR RL^ NPY_]LW SPL_TYR TY_Z houses when Margaret Thatcher’s government required councils to sell houses to the tenant, which was before CORGI. When gas registration became mandatory, I sat the exam and passed. During my career, I have been a plumber in charge of two factories, two supermarkets, one ice rink and a bowling leisure centre. I became self-employed in 1ˢˡ˙, then ˚˙ years ago tried to retire! After about four months I was asked to commission a Rayburn cooker (I was still registered) and the mess I saw was so bad I had to call in a building inspector. He said it was the worst installation he had ever seen! But that was not the only mess I have seen or have had to put right. We have various professional organisations, but most of the public know nothing about them.

What’s the point? We all know that you need to be Gas Safe registered to work on a gas appliance. However, a colleague of mine was recently called to repair a gas AGA – the fault was the gas valve, which the customer was able to purchase from the internet. What is the point of having regulations if the public NLY M`d RL^ ʭ __TYR^ LYO RP_ L NZbMZd _Z ʭ _ it? I have been trained to work on electric boilers. On one call out I asked the technical department of the boiler manufacturer for some information as I was not an electrician. I was constantly referred to the ˚ˠth Edition, yet I was able to buy an electric boiler with no questions asked. Now we come to heat pumps. When the government came out with the ‘Green Deal’ I thought I would have to RZ LYO ʭ YO L XLY`QLN_`]P] bSZ Zʬ P]PO training. This proved to be useless, as I was informed that you could simply remove an oil boiler and replace it with a heat pump. Since then, I have had ‘proper training’ which makes a mockery of short training courses. As W Wiltshire comments, we may be going ‘down the same road’, where the cowboy will spend three days sitting in a classroom, without learning any practical skills. This person will then go ZY _Z ʭ _ SPL_ [`X[^ LYO NL`^P YZ PYO ZQ problems! Heat pumps are a lot less tolerant to bad installation, so long live tough MCS \`LWTʭ NL_TZY^

R.S. Watt Aberdeen

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

02/11/2021 14:47

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Keeping Britain Glowing

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Open to Question

Decarbonisation deliberations Following the publication of Vaillant’s white paper on decarbonising home heating, we talk to one of its joint authors, technologies and training director Mark Wilkins, about how the heating industry can respond to the challenge of helping the country move away from its reliance on fossil fuels.

ast month saw Vaillant contribute to the ongoing debate about the future of the UK domestic heating market by the publication of a white paper – ‘Decarbonising Home Heating in the UK’ – which aims to offer a balanced overview of the mix of heating technologies. Divided into three chapters – Heat Pumps, Hydrogen and Hybrid Heating Systems – the document aims to help installers and their customers make knowledgeable choices about how they can heat their homes.

The white paper is technology neutral, but with all the recent talk of heat pumps and a potential future ban on gas boilers, do you think that the government is equally open-minded? MW The White Paper recognises that there is no one single solution. The government originally followed a strategy of electrification, with a recent swerve to green gasses and hydrogen, but now I think they are starting to realise that there is some middle ground. We have boilers, we have heat pumps, we have controls and we have connected solutions, and the way forward is to take a technology agnostic approach. I think the most important thing is to look at each application and base the technology on the requirement of the property. It’s generally accepted that any administration is more likely to listen to an industry if it is able to speak with one voice. Do you think there’s much difference in the views of Vaillant and your major competitors? MW I think broadly we’re singing from the same hymn sheet, although we might be out of tune a little bit here and there! The key messages coming through loud and clear are about training, upskilling and reducing our energy usage, but there will always be vested interests. There will be those companies who don’t offer heat pumps who will be advocating more the hydrogen side of things, whereas those who don’t have boilers will be advocating heat pumps. At Vaillant, we’re in the fortunate position to have both, so we can take that technology agnostic stance. A lot of the UK housing stock is going to need quite a big investment to get up to a level where heat pumps are going to be a viable option. Are those costs ultimately going to prove prohibitive? MW There are a lot of challenges, but if decarbonisation was going to be easy, we would have done it by now! When we look at UK properties, while there are a large number that are suitable for heat pumps – the majority of properties built between 1920 and 1980 – there are many where it would be very difficult for one to be installed without significant investment. And then there are others that would need some investment of one degree or another. What we can’t argue about is the need to make all properties more energy efficient. Using less energy has got to be the first step for everybody, whether that’s loft insulation or cavity wall insulation. There are grants and funds available and there are organisations like the Energy Savings Trust who can help homeowners understand what needs to be done. Any installer who visits a home is also a touch point for consumers. If they’ve had the right training, the installer should be talking to the householder about what more they can do to reduce their energy use. Perhaps that might involve making improvements to their existing system – adjusting the size of radiators, for example. It’s about devising a road map to

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ensure that the property is better suited to a lower temperature heating system. As we know, heat pumps work really well at a lower temperature, but condensing boilers also work brilliantly at 55°C, so you’re going to improve energy efficiency whether it’s a heat pump, a gas boiler or a hydrogen boiler. It was once thought that while heat pumps might be costly to install, they would be much cheaper to run. However, it now seems to be accepted that most users will experience next to no savings on running costs. Do you agree? MW At the moment running costs are probably about par with traditional gas boilers, but the chances of improving on boiler efficiency are quite small, whereas we can still improve and refine the efficiency of the heat pump. I’m sure that will happen over time. One challenge is that we are still very reliant on gas to produce electricity – so as gas prices go up, electricity prices go up too. So we need to break that link, with more solar power, offshore and onshore wind. Another issue is that electricity currently carries disproportionately high levies for decarbonisation, so it’s probably fair to switch some of those levies to gas, but that’s going to risk many more people getting into fuel poverty, and that then becomes a huge political challenge. Do you think the cost of heat pumps themselves will reduce in time? MW I think that’s wishful thinking. Heat pump technology is very similar to that of an air conditioning unit or a fridge, which is already bigger than the 1.6m boiler market in the UK – so we’re already at scale for the components. Yes, we’re going to learn how to make them quicker and more efficiently, but that will only take a small percentage off the end price. Another opportunity will come when more installers get involved and market forces start to work, but, while there will be some small change over time, I can’t see a big price reduction happening unless we want to encourage cheap Chinese imports – which would affect quality and product reliability. We understand that demand for Vaillant heat pumps is outstripping supply at the moment, but is the government’s target of 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2030 realistic? MW It’s going to be tough. We are on the back of the global pandemic, and there are all sorts of shortages in the supply chain, but hopefully it represents a short term blip. In the long-term, I think the investment we’ve announced recently – £3m in a new heat pump production facility in Belper – will ensure that we can play our role in helping the industry to meet that 600,000 target. But I think there are two bigger challenges. Firstly, taking the customer on the journey with us. It’s a great theoretical conversation to say we’re going to be selling 600,000 heat pumps a year – but where is the demand going to come from? We can do our bit with our TV campaign, and our competitors can do a bit too, but it shouldn’t be up to manufacturers who have a vested interest in any one technology to educate the market. This is where the government and organisations like the Energy Saving Trust need to step up.

Mark Wilkins, Vaillant technologies and training director

The other massive challenge is training installers. We have something like 1070 MCS accredited installers today, but we need something closer to 35,000 by 2028 – and that’s a massive step up in numbers. Installers have broadly got the skills needed to fit heat pumps, but it’s about designing and sizing the systems. You need to get your radiator sizes right, your flow rates right and your pipe sizing too. It takes a bit more planning and forethought. Training can represent a big cost to installers. You have argued that there should be more funding to help cover those costs, but are our decision makers receptive to that argument? MW We’re told by the Treasury that there is no money for anything. It would have been a different ask, I’m sure, if we were not on the back of a global pandemic. However, I think there is a willingness to engage and there is an understanding. And while we have a limited pot of money available, it’s about spending that wisely. In my view, rewarding and recognising the efforts that installers make to retrain and upskill to help the country deliver decarbonisation is definitely something that should be worthy of consideration. So let’s find a fiscal policy that will work to incentivise and reward those who invest in training. How optimistic are you that the heating industry can help the country to realise its decarbonisation goals? MW I’ve been in this industry since I was 15 and I’ve seen a lot of changes in that time. It’s an industry that’s willing to accept change, to embrace it and make the best of it. There are some massive challenges ahead, but it’s not just this industry – it’s a whole society thing and consumer education is of primary importance. It is a massive challenge, but the prize for success or, worse still, the booby prize for failure, is unthinkable. We’re already seeing flooding and bush fires – all directly attributable to climate change. Yes, climate change goes in circles, but it’s the speed of change since the industrial revolution which is the problem. Reducing our carbon intensity can make a difference, but we first have to recognise the scale of the problem and the scale of the challenge. To download a copy of Vaillant’s white paper, please use the online readerlink below:

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/17

04/11/2021 15:40

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Planning for the Future

Heat and Buildings Strategy – what you need to know Continuing his regular column, Neil Hope from NIBE Energy Systems looks at the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy and highlights some of the opportunities it presents for heat pump installers.

e know that meeting the climate change targets will require almost wholesale changes to the way we heat our homes and buildings. And that this will not happen overnight, with 86% of homes in England using natural gas boilers – but it is happening. So it is important that you are aware of the changes that will impact decisions your customers make. Electrification is the future, and the government has made it clear that heat pumps are likely to replace a significant proportion of the heat systems in the UK. Encouraging people to transition away from their traditional fossil fuel heating systems will not be easy, but it’s great to see a range of financial support mechanisms, standards and regulations being introduced by the government to help this shift.

What you need to know

As an installer you may get asked about these new policies, so here’s the rundown. The government is aiming to phase out the installation of new and replacement natural gas boilers by 2035 in line with the natural replacement cycle. They will also phase out the installation of highcarbon fossil fuel boilers in homes not connected to the gas grid by 2026, and 2024 for non-domestic buildings. This signal from the government is like that seen in the car market with EVs, and should act as a clear indicator to consumers that they will need to consider a heat pump sooner rather than later. To help customers finance a heat pump, the Boiler Upgrade Grant will replace the Domestic RHI, which closes to new applications on 31 March 2022. Owner-occupiers, private rent tenants, or custom builders can get up to £5000 for systems with a capacity limit of 45kWh. Heat pumps will only be eligible where they replace existing fossil fuel systems or direct electric systems and must have a minimum SCOP of 2.8. The scheme will be operated by Ofgem and there will be a voucher-based delivery mechanism led by the installer for

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Neil Hope

Head of technical services at NIBE

grant application and redemption. The Home Upgrade Grant will be continued with a further £950 million available over 2022-2025 via local government. The social housing decarbonisation fund will also receive a funding boost with £800 million over the same period. Similarly, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will continue to support projects with over £1 billion of new funding. Finally, the next phase of ECO will run until 2026, with a greater emphasis on improving the worst performing properties.

Growth opportunity

All the above measures present opportunities for you to expand your customer base and grow your business. The support is out there and the government really sees heat pumps as part of the solution to meeting our carbon targets. As you will have seen, heat pumps are getting increasing media coverage and demand is at record rates. There has never been a better time to join the energy revolution. All installers participating in these schemes must be MCS certified. If you are not yet MCS certified and want to learn more about heat pumps and the installation process, you can join our NIBE Pro training scheme, which will support you on your journey to becoming a certified heat pump installer. Start your journey today by visiting: www.nibe.co.uk

Training Update Heat pump vouchers for Level 3 course Following the announcement of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which will help fund the installation of heat pumps in the UK from next April, Logic4training is offering free air source heat pump vouchers on two of its plumbing and heating packages. The voucher can be redeemed at any time. For a limited time only, candidates on Logic4training’s Gold and Platinum plumbing and heating packages (new entrants’ programmes which start with a Level 2 Plumbing Diploma and end in Gas ACS and registration with Gas Safe) will receive an open-ended voucher for a Level 3 course on the installation and

maintenance of air source heat pumps. The ASHP qualification is designed for experienced heating installers who want to fit heat pumps in domestic and small commercial properties. The course is a recognised part of the criteria to join the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which heat pump installers will need to participate in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Mark Krull, director for Logic4training, says: “We want our trainees to feel

Up to speed with district heating As district heating continues to roll out across the UK, Rehau is offering its RE04 District Heating Installation Academy course, which covers the installation of pipes, accessories, shrouds and the company’s Everloc jointing system. It is a combination of theory-based classroom learning and practical sessions using the Rehau jointing system. The course is also available to be completed either on the contractor’s premises, on site, or at a local Rehau office, in order to provide support to installers looking to undertake additional training.

confident that when they sign up for plumbing and heating training they are laying strong foundations for the future. “Heat pumps are undoubtedly set to play a much bigger part in the UK’s heating landscape, so installers should be getting ready for this shift. There’s plenty of time, the transition away from fossil fuels will be gradual. That’s why we’ve left the redemption of the voucher open-ended, so training can be taken when it suits business needs.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/18

Completion awards Accredited Installer status, ensuring that practitioners are qualified to support the installation of Rehau district heating pipework. Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical, says: “Moving towards low carbon heating is a vital step in the nation’s move towards net neutrality. However, the integration of low carbon heating networks will need to be supported by increasing the number of specialist contractors. “Schemes such as the Rehau RE04 training course are an effective way of ensuring that contractors are equipped to deal with district heating network installations. With this supporting framework in place, we can ensure that low carbon developments are suitable for meeting emissions targets.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/19

CPD covers ventilation needs Breathing Buildings, a provider of controlled hybrid ventilation systems, is offering a CIBSE-approved CPD on meeting the requirements of BB101: Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools; and TM52: The limits of thermal comfort, avoiding overheating. The CPD examines the current ventilation and thermal requirements within BB101 and TM52 and provides an introduction to natural and hybrid ventilation strategies, how mixing ventilation works, and how these ventilation solutions can help meet regulations. The course also covers requirements of

design guidance, discussing overheating and IAQ criteria, and what is needed in order to achieve compliance. “Breathing Buildings has written this CIBSEapproved CPD course to help consultants understand the guidance in relation to both indoor air quality, energy

efficiency and thermal comfort, as well as Covid-19, and the role that natural and hybrid ventilation plays in creating healthy, comfortable and safe spaces within schools,” says Tom Wodcke, product manager at Breathing Buildings. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/20

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Training Update

New heat pumps centre

Best practice on drainage systems

ÂĢŶĞ ŶĞā ķÖŽłóĞ ŋĕ ĢŶŭ ƩũŭŶ ŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā NŋĿā !āłŶũā Ģł FũāÖŶāũ dŋłùŋł̇ 'ÖĢĴĢł Ģŭ ėĢƑĢłė ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öł ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ Ŷŋ ùāƑāķŋť ŶĞāĢũ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł Öłù óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė āƗťāũŶĢŭā̍ RłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ƒĞŋ Öũā ĿāĿðāũŭ ŋĕ 'ÖĢĴĢł̪ŭ ŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā NŋĿā pāŶƒŋũĴ óÖł ÖķũāÖùƘ ðāłāƩŶ ĕũŋĿ ĕũāā̇ ĞÖłùŭ-ŋł ŶũÖĢłĢłė ÖŶ ĢŶŭ ŶũÖĢłĢłė óāłŶũāŭ ÖũŋŽłù ŶĞā b̍ pŋƒ ŶĞāƘ óÖł Öķŭŋ Öóóāŭŭ ŶĞā łāƒ ĕÖóĢķĢŶƘ Ŷŋ łŋŶ ŋłķƘ ƒĢł ťũŋıāóŶŭ Öłù ŭŋŽũóā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̇ ðŽŶ Öķŭŋ Öóóāŭŭ ŶũÖĢłĢłė Öłù ũāŭŋŽũóāŭ Ŷŋ Ğāķť ŶĞāĿ ùĢƑāũŭĢĕƘ ĢłŶŋ ũāłāƒÖðķā ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ̍ ¦Ğā łāƒ ŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā NŋĿā !āłŶũā Ģŭ ŋťāł Ŷŋ ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̍ NŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ ƒĢķķ ĞÖƑā ŶĞā óĞÖłóā Ŷŋ ĕÖĿĢķĢÖũĢŭā ŶĞāĿŭāķƑāŭ ƒĢŶĞ 'ÖĢĴĢł ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Öłù ŭĢŶ ùŋƒł ƒĢŶĞ Öł āƗťāũŶ Ŷŋ ùĢŭóŽŭŭ Öłù Öėũāā ŶĞā ðāŭŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ŶĞāĢũ ĞŋĿā̇ ðāĕŋũā ðāĢłė ťÖũŶłāũāù ƒĢŶĞ Ö ŶũŽŭŶāù ķŋóÖķ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˛˚

New skills in Scotland ¦Ğā 1ùĢłðŽũėĞ ŋĢķāũ !ŋĿťÖłƘ is investing £˜ ĿĢķķĢŋł ĢłŶŋ Ö ŭāũĢāŭ ŋĕ āłāũėƘ ŶũÖĢłĢłė óāłŶũāŭ ÖũŋŽłù óŋŶķÖłù Ŷŋ ĢĿťũŋƑā ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̪ŭ ŭĴĢķķŭ ŭĞŋũŶÖėā Ģł ŶĞā óŋŽłŶũƘ̍ !ŋłŭŶũŽóŶĢŋł Ģŭ ÖķũāÖùƘ ŽłùāũƒÖƘ ŋł ŶĞā ƩũŭŶ 1łāũėƘ ¦ũÖĢłĢłė óÖùāĿƘ Ģł 1ùĢłðŽũėĞ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ĕŽũŶĞāũ ŭĢŶāŭ āÖũĿÖũĴāù ĕŋũ FķÖŭėŋƒ Öłù ŶĞā łŋũŶĞ-east of óŋŶķÖłù̍ ¦Ğā ƩũŭŶ ĕÖóĢķĢŶƘ ƒĢķķ ðā ķŋóÖŶāù Ģł ŶĞā ƩũĿ̪ŭ łāƒ ĞāÖùŨŽÖũŶāũŭ Ģł ŶĞā óĢŶƘ̍ ÖťĢù ėũŋƒŶĞ ĞÖŭ ŭāāł ŶĞā ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ ķŋóÖŶā Ŷŋ Ö łāƒ ðÖŭā ĕŋŽũ ŶĢĿāŭ ŶĞā ŭĢơā ŋĕ ĢŶŭ ťũāƑĢŋŽŭ ĞŋĿā̇ ÖŶ ˝˙˙˙ft˛̍ ̦¦Ğā ÖóÖùāĿƘ ƒĢķķ ðā Žŭāù ðƘ āłėĢłāāũŭ ķŋŋĴĢłė Ŷŋ ŽťŭĴĢķķ Ŷŋ ũāłāƒÖðķāŭ Öłù Ŷŋ ėĢƑā ŋŽũ óŽũũāłŶ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł Öłù ũāťÖĢũ ŭŶÖƦ Ö ťķÖóā Ŷŋ ķāÖũł Ģł-ĞŋŽŭā Öŭ ƒā ķŋŋĴ Ŷŋ óŋłŶĢłŽā ķāÖùĢłė ŶĞā ƒÖƘ Ģł ĞŋĿā ĞāÖŶĢłė Ģł óŋŶķÖłù̧̇ ŭÖƘŭ mÖũĴ FķÖŭėŋƒ̇ ŋƒłāũ ŋĕ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̍ ̦¦Ğāũā ƒĢķķ Öķŭŋ ðā ÖùŽķŶ ķāÖũłĢłė ťũŋėũÖĿĿāŭ̇ ĢùāÖķ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ėÖŭ Öłù ũāłāƒÖðķā āłėĢłāāũ ŋĕ ŶŋĿŋũũŋƒ ƒĞŋ Ģŭ ķŋŋĴĢłė Ŷŋ ėāŶ ĢłŶŋ ŶĞĢŭ ŭāóŶŋũ̍ Âā ƒĢķķ ĞÖƑā Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ óŋŽũŭāŭ ĕŋóŽŭĢłė ŋł ũāłāƒÖðķāŭ Öłù ÖóŶ Öŭ Ö one-ŭŶŋť ŭĞŋť ĕŋũ ŶĞāŋũƘ Öłù ťũÖóŶĢóÖķ̇ ÖķķŋƒĢłė łāƒ ŭŶÖũŶŭ Ŷŋ ŶũÖĢł ÖŶ ŋŽũ ÖóÖùāĿƘ Öłù ŶĞāł ùŋ ŶĞā Öķķ-ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ ŋł-ŭĢŶā ťŋũŶĕŋķĢŋ ƒŋũĴ Ģł ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ ŋĕ ŋŽũ āłėĢłāāũŭ̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˛˜

ŭ āƗťāũŶŭ Ģł ƪŽĢù ĿÖłÖėāĿāłŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ̇ ķĢÖƗĢŭ b ŋƦāũŭ Ö łāƒ ! ' ̞ ̨¦Ğā āłāƩŶŭ ŋĕ N' 1 'ũÖĢłÖėā ƘŭŶāĿŭ̪ ̞ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ðāŭŶ ťũÖóŶĢóā ÖùƑĢóā ŋł ŭťāóĢĕƘĢłė Öłù ĢłŭŶÖķķĢłė mÖũķāƘ N' 1 ŭŋĢķ Öłù ƒÖŭŶā ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ ¦Ğā ! ' āƗťķŋũāŭ ŶĞā ðÖóĴėũŋŽłù ŋĕ ŭŋĢķ ùũÖĢłÖėā ðŽĢķùĢłė ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ̇ ŶĞā ƑÖũĢŋŽŭ ŶƘťāŭ ŋĕ ùũÖĢłÖėā ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā ŋł ŶĞā ĿÖũĴāŶ̇ Öłù ŶĞāĢũ ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ̇ Öłù ŶĞā ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ Öłù ðāłāƩŶŭ ŋĕ N' 1 ̞ ĞĢėĞ ùāłŭĢŶƘ ťŋķƘāŶĞƘķāłā̍ ťťũŋƑāù ðƘ !R 1̇ ŶĞā ťũāŭāłŶÖŶĢŋł Öķŭŋ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ĕÖóŶŋũŭ Ŷŋ óŋłŭĢùāũ ƒĞāł ŭťāóĢĕƘĢłė N' 1 ùũÖĢłÖėā̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ðũÖóĴāŶũƘ̇ ıŋĢłŶĢłė ĿāŶĞŋùŭ Öłù ÖóóŋŽłŶĢłė ĕŋũ ŶĞāũĿÖķ ĿŋƑāĿāłŶ̇ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł ŋł ķĢÖƗĢŭ b̪ŭ mÖũķāƘ ũÖłėā ŋĕ N' 1 ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Öłù ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ̍ ¦ŋ ũāŨŽāŭŶ ŶĞĢŭ ŋũ ÖłƘ ŋĕ ŶĞā ŋŶĞāũ ! 'ŭ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā̇ ťķāÖŭā Žŭā ŶĞā ũāÖùāũ ķĢłĴ ðāķŋƒ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˛˛

JTL opens training Nottingham facility

Grasping the basics on CSST

MP Maggie Throup with JTL students at the centre

FÖŭ ŭťāóĢƩāũŭ Öłù ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ƒĞŋ ƒÖłŶ Ŷŋ Ĵłŋƒ Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞā ðāłāƩŶŭ Öłù óĞÖũÖóŶāũĢŭŶĢóŭ ŋĕ óŋũũŽėÖŶāù ŭŶÖĢłķāŭŭ ŭŶāāķ ŶŽðĢłė ̛! ¦̜ Öũā ĢłƑĢŶāù Ŷŋ ŶÖĴā ťÖũŶ Ģł FÖŭŶĢŶā̪ŭ łāƒ ! ' ŭāĿĢłÖũ̍ The one-ĞŋŽũ ŭāŭŭĢŋł Ģŭ óāũŶĢƩāù ðƘ ŶĞā ! ' !āũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł āũƑĢóā Öłù óÖł ðā ùāķĢƑāũāù ŋłķĢłā ŋũ Ģł ťāũŭŋł̍ māĿðāũŭ ŋĕ FÖŭŶĢŶā̪ŭ ŶāóĞłĢóÖķ ŶāÖĿ ƒĢķķ óŋƑāũ ŶĞā ĴāƘ ÖŭťāóŶŭ ŋĕ ŭťāóĢĕƘĢłė Öłù ĢłŭŶÖķķĢłė Ö ! ¦ ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍ mĢķāŭ 1ũũĢłėŶŋł̇ ŶāóĞłĢóÖķ ŭÖķāŭ ĿÖłÖėāũ ÖŶ FÖŭŶĢŶā̇ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦¦Ğā ŭāĿĢłÖũ Ģŭ Ö ėũāÖŶ ƒÖƘ ĕŋũ ėÖŭ ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ ťũŋĕāŭŭĢŋłÖķŭ Ŷŋ āłĞÖłóā ŶĞāĢũ āƗĢŭŶĢłė Ĵłŋƒķāùėā ŋĕ ƪāƗĢðķā ėÖŭ ťĢťĢłė ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ Öłù Ŷŋ ŽłùāũŭŶÖłù Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ Ğŋƒ ! ¦ óÖł ðāłāƩŶ āƑāł ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ óŋĿťķāƗ ŋĕ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋłŭ̧̍ 1łŶĢŶķāù ̨ ťāóĢĕƘĢłė łù RłŭŶÖķķĢłė Ö ! ¦ DķāƗĢðķā FÖŭ ĢťĢłė ƘŭŶāĿ̪̇ ŶĞā ŭāĿĢłÖũ Ģŭ ŋłā ŋĕ Ö łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ĕũāā-to-Öóóāŭŭ ŭŽťťŋũŶ ũāŭŋŽũóāŭ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ ŋƦāũŭ̇ Öŭ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ ĢŶŭ !āũŶĢƩāù RłŭŶÖķķāũ ŶũÖĢłĢłė ťũŋėũÖĿĿā̍ 'āķĢƑāũāù ĕũāā ŋĕ óĞÖũėā̇ ŶĞŋŭā ƒĢŭĞĢłė Ŷŋ ÖŶŶāłù ŶĞā ŭāĿĢłÖũ óÖł ũāŭāũƑā ŶĞāĢũ ťķÖóā ðƘ āĿÖĢķĢłė óťùͼėÖŭŶĢŶā̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̍

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`¦d ĞÖŭ ŋťāłāù Ö łāƒ ŶũÖĢłĢłė óāłŶũā Ģł pŋŶŶĢłėĞÖĿ ƒĞāũā ðŋŶĞ āķāóŶũĢóÖķ Öłù ťķŽĿðĢłė Öłù ĞāÖŶĢłė ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭĞĢťŭ ƒĢķķ ðā ùāķĢƑāũāù̍ DŋķķŋƒĢłė Ö ͎˚ ĿĢķķĢŋł ĢłƑāŭŶĿāłŶ̇ `¦d ũāķŋóÖŶāù ĕũŋĿ ķùāũóÖũ NĢėĞ óĞŋŋķ Ŷŋ ŶĞā łāƒ ˢˠ˜˝ft˛ óāłŶũā Ģł ÖłùĢÖóũā̍ RŶ óŋĿťũĢŭāŭ ĕŋŽũ Ŀŋùāũł óķÖŭŭũŋŋĿŭ Öłù ŭāťÖũÖŶā ĕŽķķƘ-āŨŽĢťťāù āķāóŶũĢóÖķ Öłù ťķŽĿðĢłė ƒŋũĴŭĞŋťŭ̇ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ Ö ũāĕāóŶŋũƘ ÖũāÖ̍ dĢÖĿ ÖĿĿŋł̇ ùĢũāóŶŋũ ŋĕ ķāÖũłĢłė Öłù ĢłłŋƑÖŶĢŋł ÖŶ `¦ḋ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦NÖƑĢłė ĞÖù Ö ťũāŭāłóā Ģł pŋŶŶĢłėĞÖĿ ĕŋũ ˚˜ ƘāÖũŭ̇ ĢŶ̪ŭ Öł āƗóĢŶĢłė ùÖƘ Ŷŋ ŋƧóĢÖķķƘ ŋťāł ŋŽũ łāƒ óāłŶũā̇ ƒĞĢóĞ óŋłŶĢłŽāŭ Ŷŋ Ğāķť Ʃķķ ŶĞā ŭĴĢķķŭ ėÖťŭ Ģł ŶĞā ŶũÖùĢŶĢŋłÖķ ŶũÖùāŭ ŋĕ āķāóŶũĢóÖķ Öłù ĿāóĞÖłĢóÖķ āłėĢłāāũĢłė Ģł ŶĞā ķŋóÖķ ÖũāÖ̍ Nāũā ÖŶ ŶĞā pŋŶŶĢłėĞÖĿ óāłŶũā̇ ƒā̪ũā ťũŋŽù Ŷŋ łŋŶ ŋłķƘ ðā ĞŋĿā Ŷŋ ˚˞˙ ķāÖũłāũŭ ðŽŶ ƒā̪ũā Öķŭŋ seeing a ˜˙ͮ ėũŋƒŶĞ Ģł ŶĞā łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭ ŶĞĢŭ ƘāÖũ̍ Âā ķŋŋĴ ĕŋũƒÖũù Ŷŋ ƒāķóŋĿĢłė Ŀŋũā łāƒ ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭ Öłù āĿťķŋƘāũŭ Ģł ŶĞā ĕŽŶŽũā̧̍ ŭ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā ėũÖłù ŋťāłĢłė̇ ŶĞā m ĕŋũ 1ũāƒÖŭĞ̇ mÖėėĢā ¦ĞũŋŽť̇ ıŋĢłāù ŶĞā ũĢððŋł óŽŶŶĢłė óāũāĿŋłƘ ŋł ˚ŭŶ zóŶŋðāũ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˛˝

04/11/2021 15:34

PHAM SEPT21 IDEAL HEATING:Layout 1 26/08/2021 14:02 Page 1

PHAM NOV21 EPH CONTROLS:Layout 1 04/11/2021 17:00 Page 1

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:29 Page 27

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Products in Action

Heat network solution with handy app

Eddie Irons (left) and Paul Winter

Gift of warmth to hospice 3PY]LO =LOTL_Z]^ [L]_ ZQ _SP >_PW]LO =LOTL_Z] 2]Z`[ SL^ OZYL_PO ʭaP of its Compact radiators to support Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. The radiators were requested by heating engineer Eddie Irons from Southampton, who regularly volunteers his expertise to help good causes in his area. Eddie’s latest project took place at the home of Rachel Beckingham who had purchased a maisonette that required ^TRYTʭNLY_ bZ]V TYNW`OTYR L YPb SPL_TYR ^d^_PX LYO PWPN_]TNLW bZ]V Eddie and his number two, Paul Winter, had to strip out the existing Economy ˠ electrical heating system Rachel had inherited from the previous owner and replace it with the Henrad radiators. ɭ?ST^ T^ _SP ^PNZYO dPL] bP SLaP ^`[[Z]_PO :LVSLaPY ɮ ^Ld^ 0OOTP ɭ4 am delighted that as a result of the support we’ve had we will be able to donate the full cost of the installation – close to ͎˞˙˙˙ – to the hospice at a time when they so badly need help with funding. “I’d like to thank Henrad and all the other companies that helped with this installation. It’s only through their generosity that I can do this and 4ɪX LW]PLOd WZZVTYR QZ]bL]O _Z OZTYR _SP ^LXP LRLTY YPc_ dPL] ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˛ˠ

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A pay-as-you-go web app for heat networks, developed by Kurve, has been chosen to provide dual-utility (heating/ hot water and cooling) metering at a high-[]ZʭWP YPb M`^TYP^^ and residential development in Central London. Kurve will be used in ˞˚ˠ W`c`]d LYO LʬZ]OLMWP SZXP^ Customers can access all their energy-usage data and manage their account from any internet

device. The app also helps to reduce capital and operational expenditure by up to ˞˟% because there is less hardware to install and maintain. In dualutility instances, Kurve’s smart M-bus technology provides two-way communication for all

meters across heating and hot water and cooling systems. The NZY_]LN_Z] T^ LW^Z MPYPʭ_TYR Q]ZX ^TRYTʭNLY_ ^LaTYR^ MPNL`^P the use of Kurve avoided the need to install wall-mounted display units in each home. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˛ˡ

bāāťĢłė ŶĞā ťĢÖłŋŭ Ģł ŶĢť Ŷŋť ŭĞÖťā ƒĢŶĞ ĞŽĿĢùĢƩāũŭ >_PLX S`XTOTʭP]^ Q]ZX .ZYOLT] L]P [WLdTYR L aT_LW ]ZWP TY maintaining the craftsmanship of Steinway’s famous pianos at a new London showroom in Marylebone. Steinway & Sons required its contractor to create the optimum environmental conditions to prevent the wood used to craft these precision instruments from warping. Condair’s resistive steam => S`XTOTʭP]^ bP]P ^[PNTʭPO LYO _SPY TY^_LWWPO TY _S]PP ]ZZX^ in the building, including the basement where the workshop is situated. All the units are feeding steam into air handling units to maintain the vital humidity levels required. Steinway MD Craig Terry says: “We need ˝˙% to ˞˙% humidity all the time to protect the wood, whether they’re in the showroom or the workshop. Condair’s units are ideal for the job. We also NZY_]LN_PO bT_S .ZYOLT] _Z ^P]aTNP _SP S`XTOTʭP]^ ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˛ˢ

01/11/2021 17:04

PHAM SEPT21 SENTINEL:Layout 1 18/08/2021 13:25 Page 1

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 03/11/2021 15:16 Page 29

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Water & System Treatment 29 W Sludge build-up is not just a problem for gas boiler systems – water in renewable heating systems need just as much, if not more, attention to quality

Cleaning up renewables 2L^ MZTWP]^ XLd SLaP L WTXT_PO SZ]TeZY O`P _Z YPb RZaP]YXPY_ WPRT^WL_TZY M`_ bL_P] _]PL_XPY_ bTWW NZY_TY`P _Z MP LY T^^`P TY^_LWWP]^ bTWW SLaP _Z OPLW bT_S PaPY bT_S ]PYPbLMWP^ ,/0Dɪ^ .ZWTY DPL][ LOaT^P^ ZY MP^_ []LN_TNP bSPY T_ NZXP^ _Z bL_P] _]PL_XPY_ _Z XLTY_LTY _SP [P]QZ]XLYNP ZQ ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^

n just four years, legislation dictates that the installation of gasʭ]PO MZTWP]^ TY YPb M`TWO []Z[P]_TP^ bTWW YZ WZYRP] MP [P]XT__PO ,^ [L]_ ZQ LY ZaP]LWW RZaP]YXPY_ ^_]L_PRd _Z ]PO`NP NL]MZY PXT^^TZY^ Q]ZX fossil fuel generated heating ^Z`]NP^ _ST^ bTWW MP L ^PT^XTN XZXPY_ QZ] SZXPZbYP]^ LYO TY^_LWWP]^ ,W_SZ`RS RL^-ʭ]PO MZTWP]^ L]P N`]]PY_Wd _SP XZ^_ popular choice for heating TY^_LWWL_TZY^ Md ˛˙˛˞ they bTWW YPPO _Z MP ]P[WLNPO bT_S LW_P]YL_TaP ^ZW`_TZY^ TY YPb M`TWO []Z[P]_TP^ ?ST^ bTWW WPLO _Z L ]T^P TY _SP ^[PNTʭNL_TZY ZQ ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR _PNSYZWZRTP^ such as air or ground source SPL_ [`X[^ LYO SdO]ZRPY [ZbP]PO MZTWP]^ _Z ^T_ L_ _SP SPL]_ ZQ _SP SZXP BSTWP ]PYPbLMWP^ ZʬP] L YPb LYO R]PPYP] bLd _Z []ZaTOP _SP ^`^_LTYLMWP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ ]P\`T]PO T_ T^ LW^Z TX[Z]_LY_ _Z ]PXPXMP] _SL_ _SPd _ZZ NLY MP LʬPN_PO Md L NZXXZY T^^`P _SL_ TX[LN_^ RL^-ʭ]PO ^d^_PX^ ɧ [ZZ] bL_P] \`LWT_d >W`ORP Z] NZ]]Z^TZY M`TWO-up ]P^`W_TYR TY [ZZ] ^d^_PX bL_P] \`LWT_d T^ _SP ^TYRWP MTRRP^_

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cause of the ˜̍˛ XTWWTZY MZTWP] M]PLVOZbY^ _SL_ N`]]PY_Wd ZNN`] PLNS dPL] ?Z _LNVWP _ST^ T^^`P TYN]PL^TYR PʬZ]_^ Md TY^_LWWP]^ _Z _P^_ _]PL_ XZYT_Z] LYO XLTY_LTY ^d^_PX bL_P] quality are helping to eradicate _SP NZ^_Wd LYO _TXP-NZY^`XTYR []ZMWPX^ [ZZ] bL_P] \`LWT_d NLY NL`^P

Colin Yearp Head of training at ADEY

While renewables ŋƦāũ Ö ėũāāłāũ way to provide sustainable heating, they too óÖł ðā ÖƦāóŶāù ðƘ poor water quality

Protecting investments >`NS []LN_TNP^ LW^Z YPPO _Z MP L[[WTPO _Z PXP]RTYR SPL_TYR _PNSYZWZRTP^ bT_S _SP Y`XMP] ZQ ]PYPbLMWP^-ML^PO TY^_LWWL_TZY^ poised to expand rapidly in the dPL]^ LSPLO 1]ZX L ʭYLYNTLW [P]^[PN_TaP ]PYPbLMWP _PNSYZWZRTP^ NZXXZYWd NZ^_ XZ]P `[Q]ZY_ bSPY NZX[L]PO to gas-ʭ]PO MZTWP] ^d^_PX^ ^Z T_ T^ TY L []Z[P]_d ZbYP]ɪ^ TY_P]P^_ to ensure that the ongoing Z[P]L_TZY ZQ _SP ^d^_PX T^ Q`WWd Z[_TXT^PO []Z_PN_PO LYO OZP^ YZ_ M]PLV OZbY MPNL`^P ZQ []PaPY_LMWP bL_P] \`LWT_d T^^`P^ Installers have a pivotal ]ZWP _Z [WLd 4_ T^ TX[Z]_LY_ _SP _]LOP WZZV^ _Z ^`[[Z]_ _SP

PL]Wd LOZ[_P]^ ZQ ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ SPW[TYR _Z PO`NL_P SZXPZbYP]^ LMZ`_ _SP N]T_TNLW TX[Z]_LYNP ZQ PʬPN_TaP bL_P] _]PL_XPY_ _Z ^LQPR`L]O _SPT] TYaP^_XPY_ YZb LYO bT_S LYY`LW bL_P] _P^_TYR LYO servicing in place, for years to NZXP ?SP]P L]P ^ZXP VPd PWPXPY_^ ZQ L ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX _SL_ OPXZY^_]L_P _SP YPPO QZ] bL_P] _]PL_XPY_ 1Z] TY^_LYNP _SP QLN_ _SL_ SPL_ [`X[^ Z[P]L_P L_ WZbP] _PX[P]L_`]P^ _SLY ^_LYOL]O SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ XPLY^ _SPd L]P XZ]P []ZYP _Z LWRLP LYO MTZWZRTNLW NZY_LXTYL_TZY ?SP]PQZ]P _SP `^P ZQ LY PʬPN_TaP MTZNTOP _]PL_XPY_ []ZR]LXXP T^ P^^PY_TLW 7TVPbT^P `YOP]ʮZZ] SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ bSTNS L]P NZXXZYWd ^[PNTʭPO L^ [L]_ ZQ L ]PYPbLMWP ^ZW`_TZY NLY LW^Z MP L M]PPOTYR R]Z`YO QZ] []ZMWPX^ TQ YZ_ _]PL_PO LYO []PaPY_PO ,T] NLY RP_ TY_Z _SP ^d^_PX aTL [T[P ʭ__TYR^ LYO LT] TYR]P^^ T^ L

WPLOTYR NL`^P ZQ XLRYP_T_P LYO NZ]]Z^TZY M`TWO `[ _SL_ bTWW PaPY_`LWWd NZX[]ZXT^P _SP SPL_TYR ^d^_PXɪ^ [P]QZ]XLYNP =`MMP] SZ^P^ LYO L`_ZXL_TN LT] aPY_^ NLY LWWZb LOOT_TZYLW LT] TYR]P^^ LYO bT_S T_ _SP [Z_PY_TLW QZ] NZ]]Z^TZY _Z _LVP SZWO ?SP RZZO YPb^ T^ _SL_ Md adopting a planned and proactive bL_P] _]PL_XPY_ []ZR]LXXP _SP [Z^^TMTWT_d ZQ [ZZ] bL_P] \`LWT_d LʬPN_TYR ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR _PNSYZWZRTP^ bTWW O]L^_TNLWWd WP^^PY Z] MP P]LOTNL_PO ^LaTYR SZXPZbYP]^ _SP TYNZYaPYTPYNP LYO NZ^_ ZQ M]PLVOZbY^ ,_ ,/0D bP LOaZNL_P L Q`WW Best Practice solution that professional installers can use _Z SPW[ []Z_PN_ _SP YL_TZYɪ^ SZXP SPL_TYR TYQ]L^_]`N_`]P ^PP MZc MPWZb -L^PO ZY _SP principles of testing, cleaning, []Z_PN_TYR LYO XZYT_Z]TYR ^d^_PX SPLW_S T_ []ZaTOP^ L NZX[]PSPY^TaP NSPNVWT^_ ZQ _SP essential steps installers can ZʬP] NWTPY_^ LYO SPW[ R`L]LY_PP Z[_TXT^PO ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX [P]QZ]XLYNP QZ] _SP WZYR _P]X ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˜˙

WATER TREATMENT BEST PRACTICE FOR RENEWABLE HEATING SYSTEMS A Best Practice approach to protecting renewable and Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ includes:

z TEST ÂÖŶāũ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ũāėŽķÖũķƘ ŶāŭŶāù̍

z CLEAN '1È̪ŭ mÖėłÖ!ķāÖłŭā ͽ m!˞ óÖł Ğāķť Ğāũā̍

z PROTECT '1È ũāóŋĿĿāłùŭ installation of MagnaClean ¦ƒĢł¦āóĞ ŋũ ũŋ˛Ç ĕŋũ ũāłāƒÖðķā ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̇ ÖùùĢłė m!˚͖ ũŋŶāóŶŋũ̇

treating with a biocide m!˚˙͖ ĢŋóĢùā̍ Dŋũ ėũŋŽłù ŭŋŽũóā ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ̇ ÖùùĢłė m!Ñāũŋ Öłù m!Ñāũŋ͖ łŶĢDũāāơā Ģŭ ũāóŋĿĿāłùāù̍

z MAINTAIN āėŽķÖũ ŭāũƑĢóā ŋĕ ŶĞā ƩķŶāũ̇ a ProCheck water test and a top-Žť ŋĕ m!˚͖ ũŋŶāóŶŋũ Öłù m!˚˙͖ ĢŋóĢùā óÖł āłŭŽũā long-ŶāũĿ ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł̍ Adopting a Best Practice ÖťťũŋÖóĞ Ŷŋ ƒÖŶāũ ŶũāÖŶĿāłŶ Öķķŋƒŭ ťķŽĿðāũŭ Ŷŋ ùāķĢƑāũ Ö best-in-class service to clients who are starting out on their ũāłāƒÖðķā ĞāÖŶĢłė ıŋŽũłāƘ̍

01/11/2021 17:15

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Water & System Treatment

Clear the air for better performance Dirt and air removal is essential for any heating system, no matter its size, to maintain optimal operation and prevent breakdowns. Spirotech’s Dave Goodyer looks at some of the technology available for larger heating systems.

f left untreated within a heating system, air in the form of microbubbles will eventually be reabsorbed into the system water, where the oxygen will react with any ferrous internal surfaces and gradually corrode the system. For domestic installations, this can cause a series of potential issues, from simple annoyances such as noisy pipework and radiator cold spots, through to premature parts failure within the boiler. However, for larger domestic and light commercial systems, the impact of trapped air within the system is often magniﬁed and can contribute to overall poor running of the system. This in turn can result in higher running costs as well as the need for more frequent and costly maintenance.

Good specification For the best results, it is important that an installer is specifying the right product for the job. With various solutions available, it is also important to understand the difference between them and know the benefits that each offers. Treating the presence of air and dirt in a light commercial heating system is similar to that of a domestic property, and so consequently similar technology can be used. For some light commercial projects, installers may be able to simply select a larger size of the deaerator and dirt separator than they would usually fit for a domestic system. When installers are sizing up, they will need to keep in mind the heat output of the boiler, as this will help determine what type of product is suitable. Additionally, deaerators and dirt separators are all designed to work based on a certain flow rate, and this will dictate which size fitting is required. If a deaerator or dirt separator is undersized, it will still work, however it will not perform at its optimum level and

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Dave Goodyer

Area sales manager at Spirotech

The impact of trapped air is magniﬁed in larger systems and contributes to overall poor running

can lead to further ineﬃciencies. Our brass SpiroVent RV2 and SpiroTrap MB3 units are available in connections up to 2in, which may cover some light commercial systems. However, for any pipework larger than this, the steel versions of the SpiroVent and SpiroTrap, which are available with larger connection sizes, would be required.

Hydraulic balancing When working on larger domestic and light commercial systems, heating engineers are more likely to be dealing with multiple zones. In these instances, a hydraulic separator may be required to ensure the circuits do not interfere with each other and cause system inefficiencies. A hydraulic separator such as the SpiroCross should be considered in systems where primary and secondary pumps are used, when primary and secondary flows are not equal, or when a constant primary flow is required. A well-designed hydraulic separator will not only perform hydraulic balancing, but will also have both deaeration and dirt separation capabilities too.

Vacuum degassing Used in light commercial jobs, a small degassing unit is ideally suited for low-temperature and low-pressure systems, where it is hard to predict where air will be released. A mini vacuum degasser, such as the SpiroVent Superior S250, creates its own environment  A deaerator such as the SpiroVent RV2 will help remove microbubbles from a heating system

 The SpiroTrap MB3 is available in connections up to 2in, suiting them for smaller light commercial applications

to release gases from the fluid, meaning it is not dependent on a specific location in the system – no matter where it is installed, it will remove air. The unit works by drawing off a portion of the saturated fluid in the system, then creating an ‘under pressure’ in the vacuum vessel of the unit that causes dissolved gases to be released. These liberated gases accumulate at the top and can then be expelled. Over time, as air inevitably finds its way back into the system during maintenance, water replenishment or from any leaks, the vacuum degasser can be set to operate at regular intervals to maintain an efficient balance between degassing and energy consumption. By being familiar with these various technologies and in which situations they should be used, heating engineers will be in a prime position to offer their light commercial customers the same level of system protection as their domestic clients. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/31

01/11/2021 17:26

PHAM NOV21 MONARCH:Layout 1 27/10/2021 14:35 Page 1

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Water & System Treatment

Treat and test to help reduce energy waste An ineﬃcient central heating system is a major contributor to higher carbon emissions and increased energy bills. Here, Richard Crisp from Fernox explains how water treatment can ensure systems continue to operate at optimum levels.

illions of UK households are likely to face higher energy prices this winter. Even with a price cap in place, those on standard tariffs are expected to see their heating and electricity bills jump by an average of £139 per year. Furthermore, a Climate Change Committee report revealed that heating homes and workplaces accounts for 19% of the UK’s greenhouse gasses. It has therefore never been more crucial for heating and plumbing installers to adopt a best practice approach to central heating system maintenance and ensure that systems are working at optimum efficiency – and continue to do so. For many years, the water treatment industry has been advocating the correct use of water treatment. However, recent research undertaken by Fernox has revealed that almost half of heating and plumbing professionals frequently encounter systems without an inline filter installed, and as many as 19% of survey respondents never test a system to confirm if the water is sufficiently treated. It is therefore no surprise that boiler breakdown was listed as the most common issue for a call out. It is paramount that installers adopt a best practice approach to system maintenance to ensure optimum performance and reduce the chance of costly

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 A simple dip test can be used for an instant check and results logged on the Fernox Water Test App

Richard Crisp

Head of chemistry at Fernox

Compliance with best practice will assist with maintaining system efficiency and, in turn, help to keep energy usage and bills to a minimum this winter The Fernox Water Quality Test Kit can be used to provide system samples for a full, in-depth diagnostic report 

fuel bills, by making sure that chemicals and ﬁlters are used in conjunction with regular testing to prevent the formation and build-up of harmful sludge, scale and debris. Oﬀering this level of service will also assist with encouraging repeat business to complete the customer’s annual boiler service – and can often lead to new business through positive word of mouth.

Why treat water? As the central heating system includes a lot of metal, it is prone to electrolytic corrosion (which occurs when this metal comes into contact with circulating water). This can lead to the formation of limescale, sludge and other corrosion debris building up and circulating throughout the system. If this is left untreated, it can block the pipework and force the boiler to work harder to heat the premises. As a result, the system becomes ineﬃcient and the homeowner will experience a sluggish system, increased carbon emissions and higher household energy bills. In a worst-case scenario, it can even lead to damage to key system components and premature boiler breakdown. The key to preventing these issues is correctly treating the central heating system with chemical water treatment and installing an in-line system ﬁlter, as recommended under BS 7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist. Once the system has been cleaned, it is important to dose with a

chemical inhibitor to prevent corrosion and the formation of sludge, scale and debris. Always make sure that the correct quantity is used, because if the system is under-dosed there is a significant risk that contaminants can still form and cause damage. To make it easier to calculate the correct dosage of chemical treatment required per system, we have formulated our ‘F’ range of chemicals so that one 500ml bottle or 400ml Express canister can treat systems up to 130 litres, 16 radiators, or underfloor systems up to 250m2 – which accounts for 97% of UK homes. In addition, an in-line filter should be installed to capture any debris that does form, to prevent it from circulating around the system. When selecting a filter, look for products that offer maximum installation flexibility and quick, easy and mess-free cleaning, as this will keep time on site to a minimum. Another key factor to consider when selecting a filter is the type of filtration it offers. It is recommended to select a model that can capture both magnetic and non-magnetic debris. For example, our TF1 Sigma and TF1 Omega filters both offer this benefit, thanks to a combination of a powerful neodymium magnet and Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology.

Regular testing Finally, BS 7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist recommends that the system should be regularly tested to make sure that the correct concentration of inhibitor is present and there

are no underlying issues with the system. As outlined in the regulations, an on-site analysis of the system water should be completed annually, and a laboratory test completed every ﬁve years. Some manufacturers have designed useful kits to make the process as easy as possible for installers, with everything needed to complete the tests. For example, the Fernox Express Inhibitor Test can be used to check for the correct concentration of inhibitor in seconds. This simple dip test provides a pass or fail result almost instantly and the results can be logged using the Water Test App, so installers have a permanent record that the test has been completed – and the system passed.

All you need In addition, the Fernox Water Quality Test Kit contains everything needed to take a sample of the system water and send it oﬀ to the Fernox laboratory for in-depth testing. The process is simple, and professionals will receive test result updates, passes and fails via the app within 24-48 hours of receipt of the sample. A full diagnostic report is also made available, which outlines any issues and advice on how to remedy them. Compliance with best practice and the guidance outlined in BS 7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist will assist with maintaining system eﬃciency and in turn will help to keep energy usage and bills to a minimum this winter. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/32

01/11/2021 17:28

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 03/11/2021 13:29 Page 33

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Water & System Treatment Clean, protect and test systems ¦Ğā !āłŶũÖķ NāÖŶĢłė ¦ũāÖŶĿāłŶ ƘŭŶāĿ ðƘ ĢĴÖ 1ƑāũðŽĢķù ŋƦ āũŭ Ö ŶĞũāā ŭŶÖėā ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł Ŷŋ óķāÖł̇ ťũŋŶāóŶ Öłù ŶāŭŶ óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ ¦Ğā ũÖłėā óŋĿťũĢŭāŭ ŶÖũėāŶāù ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ŭŋķƑā ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ óŋĿĿŋł óÖŽŭā ŋĕ ĞāÖŶĢłė ðũāÖĴùŋƒłŭ̇ ķĢĴā ķĢĿāŭóÖķā̇ ŭķŽùėā̇ ðÖóŶāũĢÖ̇ ĿŋŽķù̇ Öłù ũŽŭŶ̍ 1ÖóĞ ŋĕ ŶĞā łĢłā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ģł ŶĞā ŭƘŭŶāĿ Ģŭ ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā Ö ĞĢėĞ ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā̇ ũÖťĢù ũāŭťŋłŭā̍ ¦Ğā ŶĞũāā ťŋƒāũĕŽķ óķāÖłĢłė ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ ĢłóķŽùā ˛˝ ŋƒāũ !ķāÖłāũ Ŷŋ óķāÖł ùāðũĢŭ Öłù ŭķŽùėā ðŽĢķù-Žť̇ ˛˟ ĢŋóĢùā Ŷŋ āķĢĿĢłÖŶā Öłù ťũāƑāłŶ ðÖóŶāũĢÖķ Öłù ĕŽłėÖķ ėũŋƒŶĞ̇ Öłù ˛ˡ DĢķŶāũ DķŽĢù ƒĞĢóĞ āłŭŽũāŭ ĞāÖƑƘ ŭķŽùėā ťÖũŶĢóķāŭ ũāÖóĞ ŶĞā Ʃ ķŶāũ ĕŋũ ŭÖĕā ũāĿŋƑÖķ̍ ĕŽķķ ũÖłėā ŋĕ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Öũā Öķŭŋ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā Ŷŋ ťũŋŶāóŶ óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ ŋłóā ŶĞāƘ̪Ƒā ðāāł ŶĞŋũŋŽėĞķƘ óķāÖłāù̍ DũŋĿ óĞāĿĢóÖķ ĢłĞĢðĢŶŋũŭ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ŶĞā ˜˙ ũŋŶāóŶŋũ̇ Ŷŋ ĿÖėłāŶĢó Öłù āķāóŶũŋķƘŶĢó ŭóÖķā ĢłĞĢðĢŶŋũŭ̇ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ĢŶŭ ˜˛ dāÖĴ āÖķāũ̇

ŶĞāũā Öũā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ Öũā ĴāťŶ óķāÖł̍ DĢłÖķķƘ̇ Ö łĢƑāũŭÖķ ũŋŶāóŶŋũ ¦āŭŶ ĴĢŶ Öķķŋƒŭ āłėĢłāāũŭ Ŷŋ ŨŽĢóĴķƘ ŶāŭŶ ŶĞā ķāƑāķ ŋĕ ĢłĞĢðĢŶŋũŭ ťũāŭāłŶ Ģł ŶĞā ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˜˜

Filters designed to suit any application large or small ¦Ğā ¦D! FũŋŽť ŋƦ āũŭ ĿÖėłāŶĢó Ʃ ķŶāũŭ Ŷŋ ŭŽĢŶ Ö ƑÖũĢāŶƘ ŋĕ ùŋĿāŭŶĢó ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ The Trade˙˜ Ʃ ķŶāũ (pictured above, right) Ģŭ Ö ŭŶÖłùÖũù ŭĢơā Öłù ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ ˛ˠ˞ x ˛˛˞ x ˚˛˞ĿĿ̍ RŶ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ĕũŋĿ Ö ťŋƒāũĕŽķ ˢ˙˙˙ ėÖŽŭŭ neodymium magnet and ĿāŭĞ ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖŶā Ʃ ķŶāũ̍ Together, they trap any magnetic and non-magnetic contamination before it ũāÖóĞāŭ ŶĞā ðŋĢķāũ̍ ¦D1 ķĢłāù ĢŭŋķÖŶĢŋł ƑÖķƑāŭ Öķķŋƒ ŶĞā Ʃ ķŶāũ Ŷŋ ðā ŭĞŽŶ ŋƦ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ŭƘŭŶāĿ Ŷŋ ĕÖóĢķĢŶÖŶā ùũÖĢłĢłė̇ ũāĿŋƑÖķ ŋĕ contamination, and re-óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė̇ without the need to ùũÖĢł ŶĞā ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍ ¦Ğā

Trade˙˜ Ʃ ķŶāũ Ģŭ ŭŽťťķĢāù Ģł Ö ĕÖĿĢķĢÖũ ĕŋũĿÖŶ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ũŋŶÖŶÖðķā ŽłĢŋł ðāŶƒāāł ĢŭŋķÖŶĢŋł ƑÖķƑā ĿÖłĢĕŋķù Öłù Ʃ ķŶāũ ðŋùƘ̍ āóÖŽŭā ŭŋĿā ðŋĢķāũŭ Öũā ĢłŭŶÖķķāù Ģł ĴĢŶóĞāłŭ̇ ƒĞāũā ŭťÖóā ĿÖƘ ðā ķĢĿĢŶāù̇ Ö ĕŽķķ-ŭĢơāù ĿÖėłāŶĢó Ʃ ķŶāũ ĿÖƘ łŋŶ ÖķƒÖƘŭ ðā ĢùāÖķ̍ ¦ŋ ĿĢłĢĿĢŭā ŶĞā ƑĢŭŽÖķ ĢĿťÖóŶ Ģł ŭŽóĞ ŭĢŶŽÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ ŋƦ āũŭ ŶĞā mDRd¦ ̛ťĢóŶŽũāù ðāķŋƒ̜ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ ŭĢĿťķƘ Ö ŭĿÖķķāũ̇ ĿĢłĢÖŶŽũĢŭāù ƑāũŭĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā ¦ũÖùā˙˜ Ʃ ķŶāũ̍ RŶ ŋƦ āũŭ ĿÖłƘ ŋĕ ŶĞā ŭÖĿā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ̇ ðŽŶ ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ ŋłķƘ ˚ˢ˛ x ˚˝ˠ x ˟˙ĿĿ ĕŋũ Ŀŋũā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̍ ¦Ğā ¦D! FũŋŽť Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũŭ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ ŋŶĞāũ ƒÖŶāũ ŶũāÖŶĿāłŶ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė óŋłóāłŶũÖŶāù ŭƘŭŶāĿ óķāÖłŭāũŭ Öłù ĢłĞĢðĢŶŋũŭ̇ ťķŽŭ Ö ĿÖėłāŶĢó ĢłķĢłā ŭóÖķā ĢłĞĢðĢŶŋũ̍ ͻ phamnews. co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˜˝

Batteries mean no power point ¦ƒŋ łāƒ ðÖŶŶāũƘ ŋťāũÖŶāù ƒÖŶāũ ŭŋĕŶāłāũŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ķÖŽłóĞāù ðƘ mŋłÖũóĞ ÂÖŶāũ̍ ¦Ğā ŶƒĢł ŶÖłĴ̇ ùŽťķāƗ ŭāũĢāŭ̇ ĿāŶāũāù ŭŋĕŶāłāũŭ ıŋĢł ŶĞā āŭŶÖðķĢŭĞāù N1 ũÖłėā̍ ŋŶĞ ŶĞā łāƒ ķŶũÖ N1 Öłù ũāĿĢŋ N1 Öũā ĞĢėĞ óÖťÖóĢŶƘ̇ ĿÖĴĢłė ŶĞāĿ ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ĕŋũ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ ÂĢŶĞ ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ ŋĕ Žť Ŷŋ ˟˞ and ˟˚ ũāŭťāóŶĢƑāķƘ̇ ŶĞāƘ óÖł ŶÖóĴķā ĞÖũù ƒÖŶāũ Öłù ŶĞā ťũŋðķāĿŭ ĢŶ óÖŽŭāŭ̍ ¦Ğā ķŶũÖ̪ŭ ĞĢėĞāƧ óĢāłóƘ óÖťÖóĢŶƘ ŋĕ ˚˞˛˙ ķĢŶũāŭ ÖŶ ˜˙˙ppm between ũāėāłāũÖŶĢŋłŭ ŭŽĢŶŭ ĢŶ ĕŋũ ĕÖĿĢķĢāŭ Žť Ŷŋ ˚˙ ťāŋťķā̇ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ũāĿĢŋ̇ ƒĢŶĞ Ö capacity of ˜˙˝˙ ķĢŶũāŭ ÖŶ ˜˙˙ppm can accommodate ŋóóŽťÖłŶŭ ŋĕ Žť Ŷŋ ˛˙ ťāŋťķā̇ ŋũ ŭĿÖķķ óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ ¦Ğā ĕÖóŶ ŶĞÖŶ

33.indd 1

ŶĞāƘ Öũā ťŋƒāũāù ðƘ Ö ŭĢłėķā ķŋłė-ķĢĕā ķĢŶĞĢŽĿ ˢÁ ðÖŶŶāũƘ ĿāÖłŭ ŶĞāŭā ŶƒĢł ŶÖłĴ ŭŋĕŶāłāũŭ ùŋł̪Ŷ łāāù Ö ťŋƒāũ ŭŽťťķƘ̇ ĿÖĴĢłė ŶĞāĿ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ŭĢŶā̍ ŋŶĞ ŽłĢŶŭ ĢłóķŽùā Ö ùŽťķāƗ ŭāũĢāŭ ŋĕ̪p̪ťŋķĢŭĞ ŭƘŭŶāĿ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ùŋŽðķā ŶĞā óŋłŶÖóŶ ŶĢĿā ĕŋũ ŽķŶũÖ-ŭŋĕŶ ƒÖŶāũ̍ mŋłÖũóĞ̪ŭ ŋƒł ũāŭĢł ðāÖùŭ ĞÖƑā ĢłóũāÖŭāù ŭŽũĕÖóā ÖũāÖ ĕŋũ greater capacity per regeneration when óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ ũāėŽķÖũ ũāŭĢł̍ ¦Ğā ķŶũÖ N1 Žŭāŭ ðŋŶĞ ŶÖðķāŶ Öłù ðķŋóĴ ŭÖķŶ Öłù ĞÖŭ óķÖŭŭķāÖùĢłė ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ ŋĕ Žť to ˟˞ d̓ĿĢł̇ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ũāĿĢŋ N1 Žŭāŭ ŶÖðķāŶ ŭÖķŶ Öłù ùāķĢƑāũŭ ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ ŋĕ Žť Ŷŋ ˟˚ d̓ĿĢł̍ ͻ phamnews. co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˜˞

03/11/2021 12:54

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Water & System Treatment

Softeners and how to avoid the scourge of scale The hidden damage caused by hard water can lead to a host of problems that customers may not be aware of. Dario Palumbo from Monarch Water looks at how a water softener can help a home use both water and energy more efficiently.

s the global environmental crisis gains pace, there has never been a greater focus on protecting the world’s precious resources. As the nation is encouraged by the government to reduce its consumption of energy and water, people are looking at sustainable solutions for their homes. Although they have been around for decades, water softeners are found in very few homes, despite the numerous beneﬁts they offer, such as improved water quality and reduced energy consumption. The current boom in home improvements presents installers with the perfect opportunity to cash in on this lucrative market, while helping their customers to protect their homes and the environment.

are perfectly placed to educate their customers about the importance of quality water and the sustainable solutions that are available to them, such as high efficiency water softeners.

Affordable solution

Dario Palumbo

Marketing manager from Monarch Water

Home truths Hard water is a fact of life for 60% of UK homeowners, and although most will be familiar with the sight of scale deposits around their home, very few are aware of the true cost of limescale inside their pipes and household equipment. Limescale is a result of minerals calcifying when hard water is heated. These deposits coat heating elements inside boilers, showers, washing machines and dishwashers, reducing their efficiency. In fact, according to British Water, just 1.6mm of scale on a heating element can make it 12% less efficient and 3mm almost 25% less efficient. Not only does this mean equipment is more costly to run, which is bad for the environment, but it increases the likelihood of breakdowns and reduces its working life. Whatever job they are carrying out in people’s homes, installers

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 Showing customers images of limescale build-up on hidden components can help them understand what’s happening behind the scenes

 Monarch Water’s softeners come with reversible connections, which allow the softeners to be connected on the left or right hand side.

With around just 8% of hard water homes enjoying the benefits of a water softener, there is an untapped market for installers to exploit. Testing customers’ water is a great place to start a conversation about water softeners and the benefits they offer. Visual prompts, such as images of limescale build-up on heating elements, will help to show customers the extent of the hidden issues around their home. Cost will always be a consideration for consumers, but the financial savings that high efficiency water softeners offer homeowners makes the payback relatively quick. With lower utility bills and better results from washing machines and dishwashers, in addition to lower consumption of cleaning chemicals, detergents and toiletries, consumers can make

 The latest water softeners from Monarch Water include the Ultra HE and Premio HE battery operated water softeners (for more details see page 33)

savings of around £400 a year by installing a water softener. The latest generation of high efficiency water softeners are also more sustainable than ever before, using 24% less water and 12% less salt per regeneration than previous models. The fact that they prevent and remove existing limescale build-up means that they also reduce a home’s carbon footprint, as equipment is more energy efficient.

Insider information Water softeners can provide installers with a lucrative line of revenue, and all the beneﬁts they offer to end users make them an easy sell. The fact that there are compact water softeners on the market that are suitable for houses and commercial buildings means there is a solution for every need. Modern water softeners are also compatible with any boiler, so anyone can beneﬁt from installing one. The compact size of the latest water softeners makes them easy to site. Units that feature Hi-Flow Rapid-Fit bypasses remove the need for 80% of the equipment previously required, so are a quick install option. The latest innovations in the

water softener market now include battery-powered models as well as electric models. This means there is a product to suit any customer application. Heating and plumbing installers should ensure that water quality is a subject they broach with customers to ensure their homes are running at optimal efficiency. By testing customers’ water quality and highlighting all the beneﬁts that water softeners offer, installers will not only add a new line of revenue to their business, but play their part in the issues connected to global warming. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/00

CUT TO THE CHASE  Just 1.6mm of scale on a heating element can make it 12% less eﬃcient  The latest generation of water softeners are more sustainable than ever, using less water and salt per regeneration  Installers who offer water softener services add value to their customers’ homes while giving themselves a lucrative line of revenue

03/11/2021 16:50

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Company Spotlight 35

Growth based on good value and great service From humble beginnings – selling a handful of products from the back of a car – Mark Vitow Ltd has developed into a thriving business stocking over 3000 products and oﬀering an expanding range of exclusive brands. We recently caught up with MD Matthew Phillips to ﬁnd out more about the family-owned supplier to plumbing and heating merchants.

very business has to start somewhere, but it’s fair to say that the early days of Mark Vitow Ltd didn’t exactly help to raise expectations about its potential. Today the company is a thriving multi-million pound enterprise, but back in the mid-eighties, when Mark Vitow got together with his son, Brandon, to start selling some pipe freezing kits from the back of their cars, the prospects for future growth appeared to be limited. Now in the hands of a third generation – company MD and Brandon’s stepson, Matthew Phillips – the business has retained its family values and the basis of its success has remained much the same, namely sourcing quality products and selling them at a good price. “We had very humble beginnings, starting with next to no investment,” explains Matthew. “But the basic strategy hasn’t changed, and that’s to oﬀer quality products at competitive prices, in a friendly and ﬂexible manner.” The product range soon expanded to half a dozen core products and, following a lot of hard work and the building of some solid relationships, the company became limited in 1989.

Early experience

Matthew had a taste of the business from a young age, which helped to prepare him for joining the company as operations manager back in 2011 and assume the responsibilities of MD just three years later. “I’d always wanted to work in the business,” says Matthew,

Matthew Phillips

MD of Mark Vitow Ltd

Bigger network

We’re a family-run business which deals with people as human beings – our staff, our customers and our suppliers – but alongside that we have a hunger and ambition

 The FlowPro range of macerators offers a wide choice of waste pumping solutions, with free technical support from a team of experienced installers

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whose CV includes stints in accountancy and four years of teaching maths at a Bristol secondary school. “I remember helping to put the freezing kits together when we were kids and I also did summer jobs in the warehouse. I went oﬀ to study economics at university, but had a gap year where I worked in the sales and accounts department. I think it was good, though, not to go straight into the business and to ﬁrst get some life experience outside.” Matthew’s stepdad, Brandon, and mother, Melanie, are still company directors and retain their passion for the business, but are happy to no longer be involved in its day to day running. The company is clearly in capable hands, as turnover has more than doubled over the last three years and has grown to the extent that it now stocks over 3000 products.

Providing a reliable service to independent merchants has been and remains the core focus of the business, but the number of diﬀerent customers the company caters for has widened signiﬁcantly since those early years. “Our history is with independent plumbing merchants, but over the last few years we’ve started working with a number of buying groups,” explains Matthew. “We now work well with six of the leading industry buying groups and we do business with nationals as well. I think it’s fair to say that most merchants around the country now buy some products from us. We now deliver to all corners of the UK and all with next day delivery.” The expansion of customers and multiplying of the product range has been helped by a decision made some 15 years ago to move away from operating their own warehouse and instead partner with a logistics specialist in Northampton. “It’s proved to be a really good decision,” says Matthew. “It’s allowed us to focus on the other sides of the business - like customer service, building on our relationships with suppliers and customers, and product development.”

 The Mark Vitow range includes corrosion inhibitors and system cleansers, all produced in the UK

Exclusive brands

Another key to the company’s current success and its plans for further growth is the increasing number of brands that are either owned by the business or manufactured on an exclusive basis for Mark Vitow. There are now two divisions within the business – MV Distribution and MV Manufacturing – although Matthew is keen to emphasise that both sides of the enterprise are of equal importance. “They work in harmony alongside each other and I don’t think either of them are as strong without the other.” Many installers will be familiar with some of the Mark Vitow own brands, including Black Swan PVC cement, FlushDaddy cistern spares, FlowPro macerators and Korona toilet seats. While the company continues to source product from around the world, recent years have seen the business look closer to home and Matthew is happy to champion the cause of British manufacturing. “We deﬁnitely focus on that when we can,” he says. “It’s fantastic to have manufacturing here in the UK and it means we’re not so reliant on deliveries and lead times.” Recent additions to the range include the new MV250 PLUS, a WRAS-approved multi-purpose jointing compound produced in the UK by MV Manufacturing.

Covid challenge

Like many companies, the business has had to deal with the challenge of continuing to operate during the Covidimposed lockdown, but Matthew is happy to report that Mark Vitow has not only emerged unscathed but has actually strengthened its operation. “Make no mistake, we had to work damn hard, but we’re a lean, eﬃcient team and were able to adapt quickly. When Covid hit we were pretty blindsided as to how quickly we had to respond, but I’m very proud of the fact that we managed to remain open throughout. In just a few days we had to get everyone set up

for remote working and we didn’t close for a single day. “We used it as an opportunity to improve our eﬃciency and increase our stock levels. We also pressed the go button on a big investment in order processing software, which went live at the beginning of this year.” Other developments include the launch of a new online merchant portal that enables trade customers to view their account history, see their customised pricing, place orders and download invoices. It’s all part of the customer service that has helped to see the company thrive over the last few years – so is further growth the goal? “We’ve doubled up to £13m turnover in three years and the plan is to double up to £25m over the next four, and then push on from there,” says Matthew.

Social responsibility

Most experts are predicting a period of change and uncertainty for the UK heating industry as the country tries to move away from its reliance on fossil fuels to more sustainable solutions, but Matthew views such shifts in demand as another opportunity. “A big area of development for us is sustainability and social responsibility,” he explains. “So anything that fits in with our offering would be of interest. I’m passionate about having a positive impact – for both our staff and the wider society.” Despite the continued growth of the company over the last 30 years, the family-owned business remains true to its roots and Matthew says he understands that – despite the importance of being able to offer quality brands – success ultimately comes down to the work of individuals and building relationships based on openness and trust. “We’re a family-run business which deals with people as human beings – our staff, our customers and our suppliers – but alongside that we have a hunger and ambition for the business. Not just from myself and the family, but we’ve got a great team of people who have bought into that. We’re proud of where we’ve come from, but are looking forward to seeing how far the business can go.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/37

02/11/2021 16:03

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Gadgets & Tools New charger, app and saw among latest product releases

Blow torch keeps heat close to hand Suitable for a variety of heating and plumbing tasks, the butane ėÖŭ ŶŋũóĞ ĕũŋĿ dÖŭāũ ¦ŋŋķŭ ŋĕĕāũŭ two heat levels and three different head angles. The torch is powered by butane gas fuel – normal lighter gas or a propane mix. The flame can be adjusted hard or soft to suit soldering, brazing, shrinking, general heating of seized

components, etc. Maximum temperature is ˚˜˙˙°C. It features a safety childproof trigger, trigger ignition, and a button to keep the trigger depressed. The

flexible, adjustable head can be set to three different angles: ˢ˙΅̇ ˚˜˞° and ˚ˡ˙΅. It is supplied with a stand and stainless steel grip. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˜ˡ

Pliers set with pouch tackles many jobs The practical Mini Pliers Set XS from Knipex ensures that its two smallest all-rounders, the Cobra XS and the Pliers Wrench XS, are always to hand. Just ˚˙˙mm in length, the Cobra XS water pump pliers are described as small but fully functional. Also ˚˙˙mm ķŋłė̇ ŶĞā ķĢāũŭ ÂũāłóĞ Ç ĞÖŭ Ö ƒĢùŶĞ Öóũŋŭŭ ƪÖŶŭ ŋĕ up to ˛˚mm. In addition, it has a continuous gripping capacity for all common widths, both metric and imperial. Both tools are stowed in a compact tool bag made of hard-wearing polyester fabric with a hook-and-loop fastener and belt loop. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˜ˢ

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A raft of new products have been launched by Fein, including a Bluetooth charger, a metal chop saw and a brand new service app, ‘my.FEIN’. The app lets users access a variety of useful resources from, warranties and receipts to battery information and services. ̵¦Ğā łāƒ dF ˡ˙ BC charger has ˡA charging current for short charging times and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s compatible with Fein’s entire ˚ˡv cordless range, including MultiMaster and the ˚ˡV Combi Drill, as well as the new app, communicating charge status and cycles, ƒĞĢķā ŭāłùĢłė ťŽŭĞ łŋŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ ƒĞāł ŶĞā ðÖŶŶāũƘ Ģŭ ĕŽķķ̍ The MKAS ˜˞˞ metal chop saw (pictured) delivers precise rapid results when cutting metals. The cold cutting process means the material isn’t as heated, resulting in no metal dust extract. The saw also includes a powerful ˚ˡ˙˙W motor with soft start technology. With the my.FEIN service app, users can access all of Fein’s services in one place. The app will store all registered tools, including an individual inventory number for each tool, while making it easier to register tools. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˝˙

04/11/2021 15:37

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Taps & Showers 37

zƦāũĢłė ŶĞā ðāłāƩŶŭ ŋĕ Ö ĞŽłùũāù ƘāÖũŭ ŋĕ ŭĞŋƒāũĢłė āƗťāũŶĢŭā How has showering technology evolved and what advances are we likely to see in the future? Marking its centenary this year, Mira Showers is well placed to answer those questions. We caught up with the company’s marketing manager for product & service, Alex Hyslop, to discuss some of Mira’s recent product developments and how it plans to meet the ever changing needs of the market.

elebrating its ˚˙˙ year anniversary in ˛˙˛˚, Mira Showers can point to a number of showering innovations in its ŶĢĿā̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŶĞā ƒŋũķù̪ŭ ƩũŭŶ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶĢó ĿĢƗĢłė ƑÖķƑā̍ ̵ “Innovation is in our DNA,” says Alex Hyslop. “We’ve always approached design with a drive for pushing the boundaries. “This is evident as far back as the ˚ˢ˜˙’s, where we launched the dāŋłÖũù ƑÖķƑā̇ ŶĞā ƩũŭŶ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶĢó mixer shower to the market. āƑŋķŽŶĢŋłÖũƘ ĕŋũ ĢŶŭ ŶĢĿā̇ ŶĞā technology inside the Leonard valve ensured users were safe from sudden scalding or cold shots of water – making for an enjoyable and relaxing showering experience.” Since this early innovation, the company certainly hasn’t rested on its laurels and has continued to āƑŋķƑā ƒĞÖŶ ĿĢƗāũ ŭĞŋƒāũŭ óÖł ŋƦāũ in order to meet the needs of both consumers and installers. One recent example is the Mira Minimal mixer shower (pictured, ũĢėĞŶ̜̇ ķÖŽłóĞāù ŶĞĢŭ ƘāÖũ Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ a solution for the smaller, modern bathroom. The new range has been designed with simple installation and a smaller footprint than traditional mixer showers, solving the spatial challenges of many modern bathrooms without compromising on the best quality showering experience.

More choice̵ Additionally, Mira has responded to consumer demand for dual outlet ŭĞŋƒāũĢłė̵̍ ķũāÖùƘ Ö ťŋťŽķÖũ óĞŋĢóā with both mixers and digital mixer showers, the company is now also Öðķā Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ Ö ùŽÖķ ŋŽŶķāŶ ŋťŶĢŋł Ŷŋ its electric shower range, having launched the Mira Décor in ˛˙˚ˢ. Alex comments: “Enhancing our electric showers range with the addition of a dual outlet option gives our customers the opportunity to replace their standard electric with an electric shower that has a stunning overhead rainfall deluge alongside the standard handset. āĢłė Öðķā Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ŋŽũ āķāóŶũĢó ŭĞŋƒāũ customers the same luxurious experience that our mixers provide means it’s incredibly easy to upgrade your current electric with a little spa-

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like luxury, but with an easy installation.” The Cheltenham-based manufacturer prides itself on developing innovative technologies and design features, making it easier for both installers and consumers to use their products.

Inclusive design With a particular focus on inclusivity, Mira says it wants to ensure those with limited vision or dexterity are also able to ðāłāƩŶ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ŭÖĿā ėũāÖŶ āƗťāũĢāłóā whilst being able to shower safely. Launched in the ˚ˢˢ˙s, the Mira Advance ƒÖŭ ŶĞā ƒŋũķù̪ŭ ƩũŭŶ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶĢó āķāóŶũĢó shower. It has proved popular with both installers and consumers, thanks to the many options available such as visual and audio enhancements, as well as wireless connectivity for those with wetrooms and a ƒāŶũŋŋĿ ťŽĿť̵̍ One of the latest additions, launched earlier this year, is the Mira Activate - a ùĢėĢŶÖķ ĿĢƗāũ ŭĞŋƒāũ̍ zƦāũĢłė Öťť óŋłŶũŋķ̇ it provides the user with full autonomy over their showering experience, as well as providing a simple hassle-free installation for the installer. The Mira Activate uses digital showering ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ƒĢùāũ ðāłāƩŶŭ such as tailoring the user’s showering āƗťāũĢāłóā Ŷŋ ŶĞāĢũ ŋƒł Žŭāũ ťũŋƩķā̇ Öŭ well as including some functions to help save energy and water. Just as technology throughout the home allows consumers to monitor energy use through a smart meter or app-enabled home thermostat, Mira Activate allows for the monitoring ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ ŽŭÖėā̵ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ óŋłŶũŋķ ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā Öłù ƪŋƒ ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŶĞā mĢũÖ Showers app.

these considerations is at the forefront of our mind. These are continually growing parts of the industry and as such there are some exciting developments to come. ̦Âā ĞÖƑā Ö ũāŭťŋłŭĢðĢķĢŶƘ Ŷŋ óũāÖŶā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ŶĞÖŶ ƩŶ into the future government guidelines surrounding heat āƧóĢāłóƘ Öłù ŭŽŭŶÖĢłÖðĢķĢŶƘ̇ Öłù mĢũÖ Ģŭ ùũĢƑĢłė ŶŋƒÖũùŭ the net zero goal and developing products in line with this.” ̵ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˚˛˚̓˝˞

Energy saving Where sustainability is becoming ever more crucial, Mira’s latest developments in sustainability also include the Mira NāÖŶ!ÖťŶŽũā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ łāƒ ŋƦāũĢłė ťũŋƑĢùāŭ developers and housebuilders the ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ Ö ŭŽŭŶÖĢłÖðķā Öłù āƧóĢāłŶ ÂÖŭŶā ÂÖŶāũ NāÖŶ āóŋƑāũƘ ƘŭŶāĿ ̛ÂÂN ̜ Ŷŋ ŶĞāĢũ ùāƑāķŋťĿāłŶŭ̍ The HeatCapture uses heat from the bathroom wastewater to increase the āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋĕ Ö ùŋĿāŭŶĢó ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿ̇ which means that the boiler can apply less energy when delivering hot water. Alex comments: “As part of the design process, we use our knowledge and expertise to develop products for the future.” Looking towards the future, Alex says: “Sustainability and how we evolve with

03/11/2021 10:09

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Taps & Showers

Combining the latest design trends with functionality Adapting a bathroom to meet the needs of elderly or more vulnerable users doesn’t mean that practicality has to be prioritised over good design. Here Stuart Reynolds from accessibility specialists AKW highlights some of the challenges of combining the latest design trends with functionality in an adapted bathroom and what installers can do to embrace both.

ccording to the interior design bible, Wallpaper, trends for 2022 bathrooms look set to include large tiles, minimalist freestanding baths, dramatic stone surfaces, standout sinks and modernist taps. Alongside this, diverse material combinations and 1970s-inspired bathrooms will also feature strongly. Although bathroom trends come and go, there are some themes that stand the test of time. These include beautiful functionality and aspirational design features. The question is, how can beauty and functionality both be included when installing adapted bathrooms? This is because when the phrase ‘bathroom adaptation’ is used, what tends to come to mind is hospital style spaces with white or blue ﬁttings. However, things are changing. By 2040, the number of people in the UK aged 50 and over is expected to increase by 21%, with households aged 65 and over the fastest growing consumer group. As well as an ageing population, there has also been an increase in multigenerational living. A third of UK homes are now classed as multi-generational, with 14% of these including older relatives . Growing demand from older people to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and many households juggling the demands of both young and old alike, it is no wonder that demand for adapted bathrooms is on the rise. However, instead of being seen as a purely functional space, there is increasing need for the bathroom to meet the needs of a range of users, while being aesthetically pleasing.

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  Combining simplicity and practicality, this suite features a matt black Level Best glass screen and easy-to-use lever taps

marbling? AKW’s Origins cloudy marble and oyster marble wall panels are a great addition to traditional and adapted shower spaces alike.

Beautiful brassware

Stuart Reynolds

AKW head of products and marketing

Choice is the key

CUT TO THE CHASE  The number of people in the UK aged 50 and over is set to increase by 21% by 2040  A third of UK homes are now classiﬁed as being multigenerational  Grab rails and seats can be designed so that they are both stylish and functional  Neutral colour schemes and elegant aesthetics are set to be key themes for 2022  Lever taps can help to make life easier for anyone with mobility issues

So, how can the bathroom be both ‘adapted’ and ‘beautiful’? This is a question that AKW’s team of designers has been seeking to answer over recent years. The answer lies in oﬀering choice, particularly when it comes to showers and the ﬁnishing touches, and ensuring personal taste is embraced as far as is possible. A key feature of the adapted bathroom space is level-access showering. However, wetrooms don’t have to look functional to be functional. When it comes to safe showering, grab rails and seats are vital, although the tendency has been to use highly functional, hospital-like adaptation equipment. To bring aesthetic appeal to adapted showering, here are some tips for installers:

• opt for non-white grab rails and shower seat options that have been designed with sleekness in mind. There are ranges out there – such as our Onyx grab rails and seats - that have striking, monochromatic tones and bring style and safety together • think about the accents – one of this year’s trends is the matt black framed shower screen. Installing such a screen, like our full height single wall mounted glass screens in black framing, it is possible to bring style to any space, costeﬀectively • use more natural colourways – 2022 looks set to be the year of elegant aesthetics and neutral colour schemes for many. So, why not combine a neutral colourway with another of the year’s favourites –

Depending on the needs of those using an adapted bathroom, different brassware might be needed to promote safety. For example, if one of the users is living with dementia, they will respond better to taps that remind them of their youth, such as cross head basin and bath taps. However, for those with mobility issues lever taps are a better choice. Lever taps also enable touchless operation, as they can be opened and shut using an elbow or wrist – something of increasing importance in this postpandemic age. When it comes to taps and other fittings, chrome is the colour of choice and can create a classic finish that looks stylish and doesn’t date. Also streamlined single mix basins are becoming more popular. Whether the requirement is for pairs or single mixers, the myriad of options means there is a solution to suit any traditional or adapted bathroom space. The need to create beautiful showering and bathroom spaces has always been there, but the demand for beautiful, adapted areas is on the rise.

Guide to good design

Why not get inspiration to see what is possible with AKW’s Beautiful Showering guide? Click on the online link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/46

01/11/2021 17:56

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PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Taps & Showers

Sustainable solutions for the bathroom With many homeowners searching for appliances that will reduce their overall environmental impact, this puts installers in a prime position for sharing knowledge on simple ways to minimise water and energy consumption – Martyn Brown from Triton Showers explains more.

ecent research undertaken by Triton has revealed the emergence of a more sustainablyminded consumer, as 86% of those surveyed claimed water wastage was an important issue to them. This is likely a result of the growing concern around water scarcity, with estimates suggesting parts of England could run out of water within the next 20 years. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 50 litres of water per person each day is the minimum required to cover basic needs. Compare this with the average consumption of 141 litres per head in the UK, and it is clear action is needed.

Martyn Brown

Technical manager at Triton Showers

Domestic use

According to the Energy Saving Trust, 62% of a home’s water demand, as well as a large proportion of its energy usage, comes from bathrooms. This means that manufacturers and installers need to provide householders with a range of products that allow them to make environmentally-friendly choices. We recently developed a water and energy savings calculator that highlights how small actions, such as cutting shower

Helping households conserve valuable resources can be as simple as selecting solutions which are, by nature, more sustainable

times by a minute, can have a significant effect on monthly charges and expenditure. It is designed to be a consumerfacing point of reference that can be used to illustrate how precious resources are being consumed in UK homes. This information is presented in a relatable way, such as comparing how many bottles of water are saved by showering for just a minute less. The aim is to prompt genuine behavioural changes that are of tangible benefit to the environment, and assist installers in educating their customers on this issue.

Efficient appliances

Helping households conserve valuable resources can be as simple as selecting solutions which are, by nature, more sustainable. Electric showers only heat the water that is required – this makes them more efficient, which has the two-pronged effect of decreasing energy usage, as well as reducing household utility bills. Some models also offer the benefit of an economy heat setting, which saves more money in the warmer months when the ambient temperature is much higher, as less heat input is required.

Helping to care for our seas and oceans Triton Showers has joined forces with the Marine Conservation Society, supporting the charity in its mission to create a cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean. As part of the collaboration, the shower manufacturer will be highlighting the eﬀect that products used in the bathroom can have on the environment, helping empower consumers to choose more marine-friendly alternatives. MD David Tutton comments: “We are thrilled to announce our association with the MCS, in a collaboration that naturally aligns with our own environmental pathway. “Alongside challenges related to domestic water usage and energy wastage, pollution aﬀecting the seas surrounding the British Isles and on a global

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scale is reaching crisis point. As a shower manufacturer, Triton is perfectly positioned to make a diﬀerence when it comes to helping inform, educate and change consumer behaviours related to all of these areas – in particular those linked to people’s bathing habits and choice of toiletries.

“While we use face washes, shampoo and shaving foams on a daily basis, we probably do so without thinking about the effect these can have once washed down the drain. Some may include chemicals that can have a harmful effect on the wider environment, so our aim is to highlight the cleaner choices people can make. “Part of the programme we are putting in place with MCS will involve tackling this issue with our staff and customers. We are also planning to develop further initiatives, such as clean-up activities targeting beaches and inland waterways. “Partnering with the charity is an important next step for our business towards becoming the most sustainable shower brand in the UK.”

 Triton’s Amore electric shower, pictured with a brushed steel finish, comes with an ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency

BY NUMBERS

86% of those surveyed say that water wastage was an important issue for them

141 the number of litres of water used by an average person in the UK

62%

amount of a home’s water usage that comes from bathrooms

38% Triton has succeeded in reducing the company’s own water usage by 38%

Our electric shower range oﬀers a wide range of choices for those looking to switch to a greener option in the bathroom. For example, the T80 ProFit Eco is an electric shower designed to use less water, to aid the conservation of precious supplies.

Combined approach

In addition to producing units that are designed to be more eco-friendly, we have been carefully aligning other areas of our business with this green approach. Our ‘Moving the Dial’ campaign has been launched to raise awareness of a number of initiatives that are being undertaken to achieve ambitious, environmental objectives. In line with this movement, we have recently achieved the Carbon Trust Standard by lowering our CO2 footprint by 38%, demonstrating our commitment to becoming carbon net zero by 2025. In Triton’s case, the journey towards a more sustainable future is not new, but one that has been a core focus for several years. Having sent nothing to landﬁll since 2015, and with many other successes to report, including driving down waste pollution, reducing water usage by 38%, and investing in LED lighting throughout 85% of our production facility, we are now perfectly placed to make a real diﬀerence. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/47

02/11/2021 12:33

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:29 Page 41

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Taps & Showers

Black brassware adds luxurious touch -WLNV T^ MLNV TY _SP WTYP-`[ TY ;53ɪ^ -L_S]ZZX^ _Z 7ZaP M]L^^bL]P NZWWPN_TZY with the launch of Maira under the Vema W`c`]d 4_LWTLY M]LYO >TX[WT^_TN TY T_^ QZ]X _SP XL__ MWLNV ]LYRP TYNW`OP^ L _SP]XZ^_L_TN ^SZbP] NZW`XY NZYNPLWPO ^SZbP] aLWaP^ OPNV and wall mounted basin mixer taps, bath ^SZbP] XTcP] _L[^ L ʮZZ]-^_LYOTYR ML_S ʭWWP] LYO [`^S M`__ZY ML^TY bL^_P^ ?SP ]LYRP ZQ _L[^ LYO ^SZbP]^ L]P XLOP _Z L STRS ^[PNTʭNL_TZY `^TYR []PXT`X NP]LXTN

OT^N NL]_]TORP^ QZ] ^XZZ_S NZY^T^_PY_ Z[P]L_TZY LYO WZYR-WL^_TYR [P]QZ]XLYNP =TNSL]O 0L_ZY ML_S]ZZX []ZO`N_ XLYLRP] L_ ;53 ^Ld^% ɭAPXL T^ L []PXT`X M]L^^bL]P M]LYO _SL_ M]ZLOPY^ dP_ Q`]_SP] _SP L[[PLW ZQ _SP -L_S]ZZX^ _Z 7ZaP brassware collection. Maira presents our retail partners and their customers with some new bathroom inspiration at L aP]d NZX[P_T_TaP []TNP [ZTY_ QZ] L _]`Wd W`c`]TZ`^ M]LYO ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˝ˡ

Aerator delivers a óķāÖũ̇ ŭĿŋŋŶĞ ƪŋƒ ?SP .]d^_LW LP]L_Z] Q]ZX 9PZ[P]W RPYP]L_P^ a clear, turbulent-free water stream from a _L[ Z] ^SZbP] bSTWP LW^Z OPWTaP]TYR L \`TP_ splash-Q]PP ʮZb ?SP^P ]P_]Zʭ__LMWP LP]L_Z]^ ZʬP] ʮZb rates of ˚˞̟˛˞ WT_]P^ XTY LYO L]P [L]_TN`WL]Wd `^PQ`W TY ]PO`NTYR _SP YZT^P ZQ ]`YYTYR ML_S _L[^ Z] ^SZbP]^ ?SPd ]PO`NP ^[WL^STYR _ZZ ^Z L]P ^`T_LMWP QZ] Z[PY ^SZbP]TYR ^T_`L_TZY^ bSP]P _SP]P XLd MP XZ]P _SLY ZYP ML_SP] L^ in a commercial shower. The water stream ^_Ld^ NZX[LN_ PaPY bSPY QLWWTYR Q]ZX L SPTRS_ ZQ ˛̍˞m. ?SP .]d^_LW LP]L_Z]^ L]P LaLTWLMWP QZ] ^SZbP] SPLO^ VT_NSPY _L[^ LYO ML_S _L[^ LYO WTVP XZ^_ 9PZ[P]W ]P_]Zʭ__LMWP LP]L_Z]^ NLY ^TX[Wd MP TY^P]_PO L_ _SP ^[Z`_ PYO ZQ LY PcT^_TYR _L[ ]P[WLNTYR LYd TYN`XMPY_ ʮZb OPaTNP Z] TY L ^SZbP] ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˝ˢ

RłĕũÖũāù ŶÖťŭ ŋƦāũ ĿÖłƘ ðāłāƩŶŭ Infrared taps have been added to Cistermiser’s line-up, with the addition of the Vecta+ Sensor Spout, Vecta+ Sensor Tap, and Vecta+ Sensor Mixer Tap. With a host of MPYPʭ_^ TYNW`OTYR SdRTPYP PYP]Rd LYO bL_P] ^LaTYR ease of installation and maintenance, the new NS]ZXP ]LYRP T^ LW^Z NZX[L_TMWP bT_S PYaT]ZYXPY_LW M`TWOTYR ^NSPXP^ WTVP -=00,8 =TNSL]O -]LTO .T^_P]XT^P] 8/ ^Ld^% ɭ;ZbP]PO Md _SP WL_P^_ TY TY_PWWTRPY_ PWPN_]ZYTN^ LYO TYQ]L]PO _PNSYZWZRd _SP YPb APN_L >PY^Z] _L[ ]LYRP T^ [P]QPN_ QZ] _ZOLdɪ^ NZXXP]NTLW bL^S]ZZX ^PN_Z] 4_ Q`WʭW^ LYd OPXLYO XLOP ZY _L[^ Md QLNTWT_d XLYLRP]^ ^[PNTʭP]^ NZY_]LN_Z]^ TY^_LWWP]^ LYO PYO `^P]^ BP SLaP PYRTYPP]PO TY QPL_`]P^ _SL_ XPLY _SP _L[^ L]P TOPLW QZ] MZ_S YPb M`TWO LYO ]P_]Zʭ_ ]PQ`]MT^SXPY_ []ZUPN_^ L]P ^TX[WP _Z TY^_LWW LYO _Z maintain, with options for mains-QPO Z] ML__P]d [ZbP]PO ^_]LTRS_ Z`_ ZQ L MZc ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚/˞˙

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02/11/2021 12:41

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Taps & Showers

Rose gold and matt black add to the choice of finishes Two finishes have been added to the Naia (top picture) and Insignia (bottom picture) ranges by Roca: on-trend rose gold and brushed titanium black. With a square handle and a round body, Naia has a minimalist design combining cylindrical and square geometric shapes to complement a variety of bathroom decors. It is available in a range of heights to suit a variety of basin styles including vanity, in-countertop and on-countertop. With its soft profile and slim side handle, Insignia features gently curved lines and a sleek, elegant aesthetic. Insignia is a modern, single-lever brassware collection designed for bathrooms with an urban look. Both ranges feature Roca’s Cold Start technology to ensure the flow starts with cold water, and hot water systems are only activated when the handle is turned to the left. Naia and Insignia are available in a variety of basin (different heights available), bidet and shower mixers, along with matching bath fillers.

3 in 1 solution delivers purified water too The smart drinking water system range from Blanco now includes a 3 in 1 tap delivering cold, warm and filtered water out of a pull-out hose. The ‘drink.filter Fontas-S II’ tap has an integrated BWT multi-stage filter that purifies the water and reduces limescale and heavy metal content for better tasting water. There are two separate control levers: one for cold and warm water on the right-hand side, while the control lever for filtered water is on the left. The high filtering capacity extends the usage intervals, so the filter cartridges do not have to be changed as often. The multi-stage filter from BWT purifies the water from the pipe several times, getting rid of minute particles that affect the taste. The integrated activated carbon filter reduces the chlorine content, and the ion exchanger reduces any heavy metal content which would contaminate the drinking water. The filter also significantly reduces the water hardness.

The Blanco Flowmeter is built into the water pipe for the filter and measures precisely how much water is actually flowing through the filter. Depending on the hardness of the water, the Flowmeter will show the filter’s remaining capacity. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/52

Waterfall effect New from Hansgrohe is the Vivenis tap collection, designed to emulate a gentle waterfall. The tap features a wide but flat spout, and it integrates a Waterfall Stream that uses AirPower technology. This infuses the surrounding air into the water stream to create soft, full-bodied droplets of water. EcoSmart technology enables an economical water consumption of five litres per minute. Available in three finishes - chrome, matt black and matt white – the taps are come in several version in different heights for the sinks, as well as taps for the bath, shower and bidet. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/53

The Insignia and Naia brassware collections also come with Roca’s Everlux finish - a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating which is said to have excellent durability as well as being resistant to scratches and impacts. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/51

Square style lightens up the bathroom Featuring 90 degree angles and chrome surfaces with precise edges, the Edition 90 Square range from Keuco makes a striking addition to any bathroom. The range includes three single-lever mixers in different sizes for washbasins, a wallmounted spout mixer in various

lengths, and a bidet fitting. Alongside this are accessories including items such as towel rails and tumbler holders. With their highly polished reflective

Coordinating brassware ties the room together The VOS collection from JTP offers a range of coordinating brassware that combines style with function to provide a unified contemporary design. Included in the range is everything from bath and basin mixers to showerheads and radiators, all the elements needed for a coordinated scheme. Furthermore, many of the VOS thermostatic shower valves and basin mixers are WRAS approved. Available in a range of coloured finishes including Matt Black, Brushed Black and Brushed Brass – there is a colourway to suit bathrooms of all styles. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/55

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quality, Edition 90 Square fittings and accessories bring an airy lightness to modern bathroom design. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/54

Top choice from basin to bath Turning the finishing touch into a focal point of the bathroom, the RAK-Sorrento brassware collection from RAK Ceramics comes in four finishes. The range has a timeless elegance, with a long body and spout combined with single lever control for a modern twist. As well as polished chrome, the brassware can also be chosen in on-trend brushed gold, brushed nickel or matt black. The RAK-Sorrento basin mixers are available in three sizes – standard, medium and tall – enabling the brassware to be combined effortlessly

with any washbasin, with a wall-mounted basin mixer also included in the range. For the bath, RAK-Sorrento offers an abundance of choice, including deck-mounted, exposed and freestanding options. The sleek styling of RAKSorrento is carried through to the shower, with a choice of thermostatic valves that complete the streamlined look. Giving any bathroom a stylish makeover, RAK-Sorrento is said to deliver an excellent performance and is backed by a full manufacturer’s warranty. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/56

02/11/2021 15:27

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:29 Page 43

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Ventilation & Heat Recovery

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Air quality matters

Stuart Smith Nuaire group sales director

Businesses are now being presented with a challenge, but also a big opportunity to bolster the quality of air within workplace environments

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02/11/2021 14:37

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Ventilation & Heat Recovery

Assessing the quality of existing ventilation As temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors, the winter months can exacerbate poor indoor air quality problems and provide an environment where condensation and mould can thrive. John Bradley from Homevent looks at some of the tools available to those tasked with delivering residential ventilation.

ondensation season has always sharpened focus on the need for a good ventilation strategy in residential properties. As the outside air gets colder, issues such as condensation and mould become prevalent. With more people now working from home, the importance of adequate ventilation for the wellbeing of occupants, as well as protection of the building fabric and contents, has become even more critical. Although this is not a new issue, there is an increasing public awareness surrounding the problems associated with poorly ventilated spaces. A recent survey of renters revealed that poor housing is harming the health of one in ﬁve renters in England, with mould, damp and cold the main triggers of sickness. This arrives at a time when tenants are being given more power to act on ventilation that is perceived to be poor. The introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act in 2018 has put the onus on landlords to provide adequate ventilation or, to quote

government guidance in the Act, ‘enough ventilation’ for their tenants. Proving that there is enough or adequate ventilation in existing properties poses a unique problem. While newer homes in England should come with certiﬁcation that ventilation measures are installed in accordance with Approved Document F, such certiﬁcation doesn’t exist for the vast majority of existing dwellings.

John Bradley

Managing director of Homevent

Landlords are best served by having a detailed, technically robust, and independent ventilation assessment

Mixed results

Often, there is a mixture of different types of ventilation technologies that have been installed over the years, which can make it difficult for landlords to prove compliance if challenged by their tenants or advisors. It can also present issues to contractors who are tasked with either replacing or consolidating these systems into a uniﬁed strategy that delivers the correct level of performance. Typically, landlords have relied on ‘specialists’ to carry out ventilation assessments or surveys. These specialists may be manufacturers of solutions, which means they will adopt

Benefits for both landlords and tenants The Ventilation MOT has been developed by Cornerstone Professional Services, with technical input from Homevent. David Bly, director at Cornerstone Professional Services, comments: “It is in everyone’s interest to raise standards across the industry, but the associated challenges and lack of clarity for older dwellings was making this almost impossible to achieve. Indoor air quality is high on the news agenda for a number of reasons at the moment, so the time is right to help landlords and ventilation contractors in delivering adequate ventilation to their tenants. “As much as the Ventilation MOT will be of real benefit to landlords, it has to be recognised that it may also prove very beneficial to tenants. It could be the very thing they or their advisors use to prove that there is not enough ventilation. This is where a proactive approach is important, for both landlords and those who carry out ventilation surveys and assessments.”

44.indd 1

 A systematic assessment process can provide an accurate analysis of the state of an existing property’s ventilation system

different processes depending on their own product portfolio. This can lead to a huge range in the scope of such surveys or assessments provided, and ultimately means that the solutions speciﬁed are inconsistent from one survey to another.

Peace of mind

To provide peace of mind to landlords that they can provide the proof they need to ﬁght any claim made by a tenant that there is ‘not enough ventilation’, there needs to be a more standardised approach to the assessment of existing systems. This is the ethos behind our soon to be launched Ventilation MOT – this is a systematic assessment developed in partnership with Cornerstone Professional Services which allows trained and certiﬁed surveyors to input data on existing ventilation measures into an app. The program

evaluates this data and uses thousands of algorithms to quickly rate the ventilation measures installed against different recognised residential ventilation strategies. The user can then be advised whether or not the property has ‘adequate ventilation’. From both a contractor and landlord perspective, this is crucial in analysing how varied and separate systems, which may have been installed over the course of decades, work together to ventilate a space.

Ensuring compliance

Landlords are best served by having a detailed, technically robust, and independent ventilation assessment to determine if their property is compliant with the Homes Act. This will help to keep tenants happy, and prevent housing providers from falling foul of complaints and claims. That’s where expertise of contractors, in conjunction with tools such as the Ventilation MOT, will play a vital role in combating condensation this winter. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/58

03/11/2021 13:51

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:29 Page 45

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Ventilation & Heat Recovery 45 Bathroom fans now available in black and white The Lo-Carbon Svara fan from Vent-,cTL YZb NZXP^ TY MWLNV TY addition to the more traditional bST_P ?SP >aL]L T^ L X`W_T-purpose ML_S]ZZX QLY _SL_ ZʬP]^ L ^WPPV XZOP]Y OP^TRY NZXMTYPO bT_S quiet running. ?SP QLY T^ ^TX[WP _Z TY^_LWW bT_S the aid of an app. This removes the

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Extractors with extra colours Responding to the latest bathroom colour trends, such as grey, _`]\`ZT^P LYO YLad MW`P ,T]ʮZb /PaPWZ[XPY_^ SL^ LOOPO YPb colour options to its range of iCON fans. The coloured covers are easy _Z ʭ_ bT_S L ^TX[WP _bT^_ LYO NWTNV bSTWP L XL__ ʭYT^S XPLY^ the colours bTWW YPaP] ZaP][ZbP] L room. They are LW^Z PL^d _Z VPP[

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NWPLY bT_S L RPY_WP bT[P bT_S L damp cloth all that is needed to maintain their appearance. The quiet running extraction fans are designed to

Quiet but powerful fan keeps the air clear ^_]LTRS_QZ]bL]O TY L ]LYRP ZQ holes. Suitable for ceiling, panel or bLWW XZ`Y_TYR LYO MZL^_TYR LY IP˝˝ ]L_TYR LWW XLVP ^T_TYR simple. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˞ˢ

provide a balance to any room by extracting dirty air, and letting YPb Q]P^S LT] _LVP T_^ [WLNP ,T]ʮZb ZʬP]^ L ]LYRP _Z ^`T_ OTʬP]PY_ ]ZZX ^TeP^ LYO L[[WTNL_TZY^ bT_S the iCON ˚˞ and iCON ˜˙ suited for toilets, en-^`T_P^ ^SZbP] ]ZZX^ LYO ML_S]ZZX^ bSTWP _SP T.:9 ˟˙ T^ TOPLW QZ] VT_NSPY^ WL]RP] bathrooms and lounges. The fans can be ceiling or bLWW XZ`Y_PO LYO QZ] PL^P of installation, cantilever ʭcTYR W`R^ PYLMWP ]PNP^^PO installation on uneven ^`]QLNP^ ,WW QLY^ NZXP bT_S a three-dPL] bL]]LY_d ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˟˙

The latest bathroom fan from Manrose is the Quiet Fan X˞, promising ‘ultra-WZbɪ ^Z`YO WPaPW^ L^ bPWW L^ MPTYR 4;C˞ NZX[WTLY_ 4_ T^ LW^Z LaLTWLMWP bT_S a tile-WTVP QL¯LOP QZ] L OT^N]PP_ LYO L__]LN_TaP ʭ_ TY LYd ML_S]ZZX With an extraction rate of ˢ˙m3/hr, the fan operates at just ˛˞dB(A). The IPX˞ rating means T_ NLY MP ^LQPWd TY^_LWWPO bT_STY Zone ˚ bT_SZ`_ _SP YPPO QZ] L WZb aZW_LRP _]LY^QZ]XP] LYO T_ɪ^ suitable for a small bathroom, ^SZbP] ]ZZX Z] _ZTWP_ bSP]P space is at a premium. ?SP WZb PYP]Rd XZ_Z] SL^ L maximum consumption of ˟W LYO L WZb >1; ZQ ˛ˢW/litre, XLVTYR T_ LY PYP]Rd PʯNTPY_ NSZTNP ,aLTWLMWP bT_S L ]LYRP ZQ control options including Basic, Timer, Humidistat and PIR, the Quiet Fan X˞ is suitable for both bLWW LYO NPTWTYR XZ`Y_TYR QZ] TY^_LWW ʮPcTMTWT_d The Quiet Fan X˞ is also rugged, manufactured using high gloss

ABS thermoplastics for strength and durability. It comes complete bT_S TY_PR]LW MLNV-draught shutters and is double insulated so does not require an earth. The unit also includes a performance enhancing turning vane system located in the spigot to improve performance by maintaining a high output. The Quiet Fan X˞ ]LYRP NZX[WTP^ bT_S both Part F & L of the Building Regulations. ?SP XZ_Z]^ L]P bL]]LY_PO QZ] L minimum of ˜˙̇˙˙˙ hours or three years. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˙̓˟˚

02/11/2021 14:44

PHAM NOV21:Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:29 Page 46

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Ventilation & Heat Recovery NĢėĞ ƪŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ̇ ŨŽĢāŶ ũŽłłĢłė Öłù āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ŭāŶ

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/P^N]TMPO L^ L ZYP-fan-ʭ_^-all ^ZW`_TZY _SP ?T_ZY @W_TXL_P O80A T^ L \`TP_ ]`YYTYR WZb []ZʭWP QLY bSTNS T^ ^`T_LMWP QZ] YPb M`TWO Z] ]PQ`]MT^SXPY_ []ZUPN_^ BT_S LOU`^_LMWP NZY_TY`Z`^ LYO MZZ^_ ^[PPO ^P__TYR^ _SP QLY QPL_`]P^ LY PʯNTPY_ /. XZ_Z] LYO TYNZ][Z]L_P^ LY PʬPN_TaP

^_LYOL]O `YT_ NZXP^ bT_S LY TYQ]L]PO ]PXZ_P NZY_]ZWWP] bSTWP _SP APY_-,cTL ;`]P,T] =ZZX C SL^ LWW _SP Q`YN_TZYLWT_d ZQ _SP ;`]P,T] =ZZX [W`^ _SP LOOT_TZYLW MPYPʭ_ ZQ _SP ?`dL>XL]_ L[[ bSTNS PYLMWP^ NZY_]ZW ZQ L[[WTLYNP^ Q]ZX LYdbSP]P `^TYR L ^XL]_ [SZYP ?SP `YT_ T^ WTRS_bPTRS_ LYO [Z]_LMWP LYO ZYWd `^P^ L^ X`NS PYP]Rd L^ L WTRS_ M`WM 1Z] PL^P ZQ XLTY_PYLYNP L ʭW_P] ]P[WLNPXPY_ ]PXTYOP] ^SZb^ _SP `^P] SZb X`NS WTQP T^ WPQ_ MPQZ]P _SP ʭW_P] YPPO^ _Z MP NSLYRPO ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˟˛

TX[PWWP] R`TOP aLYP NZXMTYL_TZY _Z []ZO`NP STRS ʮZb ]L_P^ LYO []P^^`]P

?SP @W_TXL_P O80A T^ LaLTWLMWP TY _S]PP aP]^TZY^% ^_LYOL]O S`XTOT_d LYO S`XTOT_d NZY_]ZW bT_S OL_L WZRRTYR ?SP S`XTOT_d aP]^TZY T^ ^LTO _Z MP _SP [P]QPN_ ^ZW`_TZY QZ] SZXPZbYP]^ bSZ bLY_ _Z XLVP ^`]P _SL_ XZ`WO and condensation are not a NZY^_LY_ []ZMWPX 0LNS QLY ZʬP]^ _S]PP NZYʭR`]LMWP ^[PPO Z[_TZY^ ɧ _]TNVWP MZZ^_ LYO STRS MZZ^_ ɧ LYO NLY MP PT_SP] NPTWTYR Z] bLWW XZ`Y_PO , QZ`]-M`__ZY NZY_]ZW and easy-to-]PLO 70/ OT^[WLd PYLMWP^ \`TNV LYO PL^d commissioning and set-`[ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˟˜

1ƗŶũÖóŶĢŋł ĕÖł ėŋāŭ ÖłƘƒĞāũā Designed for small to medium sized ]ZZX^ /ZX`^ APY_TWL_TZY ZʬP]^ _SP new D-O80A ]LYRP ZQ ^TYRWP ʮZb continuous running decentralised XPNSLYTNLW aPY_TWL_TZY QLY^ ?SP /-O80A bSTNS NLY MP ʭ__PO TY L bLWW [LYPW NPTWTYR Z] window, extracts indoor stale air OT]PN_Wd _Z _SP Z`_^TOP []ZaTOTYR L XZ]P NZXQZ]_LMWP TYOZZ] WTaTYR ^[LNP 4_^ bTYRWP_-_d[P TX[PWWP] []ZaTOP^ PYSLYNPO LT] Pc_]LN_TZY QZ] XLcTX`X PʬPN_TaPYP^^ dP_ ]PXLTY^ aP]d \`TP_ TY Z[P]L_TZY ɧ down to ˢ dB(A) ɧ LYO SL^ L WZb

[ZbP] NZY^`X[_TZY ?SP /ZX`^ /-dMEV comes in ˞in and ˟TY Z[_TZY^ PLNS bT_S X`W_T ^[PPO ^PWPN_TZY QZ] ʮPcTMTWT_d LYO S`XTOT^_L_ LYO _TXP] BT_S L NZY_PX[Z]L]d XTYTXLWT^_ OP^TRY _SP /-dMEV range features a OT^N]PP_ Q]ZY_ ʮL_ NZaP] bSTNS T^ PL^TWd ]PXZaPO QZ] NWPLYTYR bT_SZ`_ _SP YPPO ZQ _ZZW^ 4_^ STRS \`LWT_d ^SZNV-[]ZZQ NL^P LW^Z XLVP^ QZ] L WZYR WL^_TYR `YT_ ?SP YPb /ZX`^ /-dMEV is WT^_PO ZY _SP -0,8, 2]PPY 3ZXP^ .ZX[WTLYNP >NSPXP

ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˚˛˚̓˟˝

02/11/2021 14:49

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Product News 47 More options with Wiser heating control system The Wiser heating control system from Drayton has been enhanced with the introduction of the Wiser Underfloor Heating Controller and Electrical Heat Switch, helping to ensure that the energy saving controls are suitable for all types of heating configurations. The product extension will enable homeowners to control both electric radiators and underfloor heating via the Wiser Home app, in addition to standard radiators, via Wiser’s userfriendly interface. The Wiser Underfloor Heating Controller (pictured top right) is modular in design and offers both heating and cooling functions. Each controller has the capacity to control up to six zones, which can be operated on separate schedules when paired with

Latest additions to combined cylinder and heat pump units a room thermostat. It can be integrated as part of an existing Wiser system or set up as part of a new installation, with easy set up and connection to the Wiser Hub on the Wiser Home app. The Wiser Electrical Heat Switch has a 16A relay for electrical heating and, because it is hard wired, can act as a range extender for the entire Wiser Home system. Also set up easily through the Wiser Home app, the switch is compatible with electric radiators and towel rails, electrical underfloor heating, plinth heaters and infrared panel heaters. MD Remi Volpe comments: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Wiser Home, as we take yet another step towards making this a full home management system that will be able to meet the needs of buildings in the future. The introduction of the Wiser Underfloor Heating Controller and Electrical Heat Switch means that not only have installers got an efficient and reliable solution for these types of jobs, but also ensures homeowners can have greater control over mixed heating systems for the highest level of efficiency.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/65

Alternatives to tiles Waterproof wall panel manufacturer, Fibo, has added two new designs to its Urban Collection, said to reflect the latest interior trends. The new Herringbone and Hexagonal patterns are designed to enable installers to help create contemporary bathrooms and kitchens, inspired by the architectural features and industrial styles found in urban environments. Both of the new designs are available in a choice of three decors: London, a high gloss, warm grey shade; White Silk, a clean, white colourway; and Black Silk, which provides a dark silky finish. Nicola Lewis, marketing manager at Fibo, comments: “The beauty of these designs is that they offer the appearance and realism of grout lines, thanks to our unique routering method, but without the regular upkeep that grout usually requires in order to prevent it from becoming worn, stained and unhygienic. Waterproof wall panels are also significantly easier to clean and maintain, and when fitted together, the panels have a virtually invisible joint, making them a beautiful and practical alternative to tiles in bathrooms and kitchens.”

The watertight wall panels are manufactured with a high-pressure laminate surface, bonded to a specially developed 9mm seven-layer plywood core, and an enhanced moisture barrier on the reverse. The panels are 2400mm high and 600mm wide and can be quickly installed thanks to the company’s Aqualock ‘click’ system. Pictured is Fibo’s new Herringbone wall panel in White Silk. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/66

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The new, A+ rated Nuos Plus Wi-Fi heat pump water heater is the latest addition to Ariston’s Nuos range of combined cylinders and heat pumps. Available as either a 200-litre direct (200D) or 250-litre indirect (250I) model, the units boast a CoP of up to 3.14, while producing no more noise than a typical domestic fridge-freezer. The new models are claimed to deliver 80% more energy savings than traditional cylinders of the same capacities and offer an extended operating temperature range of -10° to 42°C. They benefit from advanced levels of controllability, via a touch-button interface and connectivity with the Aqua Ariston Net app. The app enables users to shuffle through modes and turn the unit on remotely while benefiting from daily and weekly programming.

Water leak detection system Sonic is the name of an ultrasonic water leak detection shut-off and protection system now exclusively available from Aquilar Ltd, the authorised UK and Ireland distributor. The smart leak detection device uses ultrasonic technology to detect and identify any leakage and then automatically shuts off the supply before damage is likely to occur, while immediately alerting homeowners and building managers. The dedicated Sonic app also monitors how much water is being used at each point in the home, thereby not only protecting the property but also helping users to manage consumption and save money. The integrated shut-off valve is WRAS-approved and can be controlled from the app at any time, with full manual override, and can also be customised to suit individual lifestyles. Other features include freeze detection, which will help to guard against frozen pipes. Using HeroLink radio technology, Sonic is able to communicate over 300m (or through eight concrete floors). It is easy to install, working with almost all standard plumbing configurations, and the compact device is small enough to be fitted under most sinks. It can be powered from batteries or with a connection to the mains without any complicated wiring. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/67

Three modes

ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/1121/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

The heat pump water heaters benefit from three different modes: Green mode, which ensures the only heating source is the heat pump itself (heating the water up to 62°C); Comfort mode, with the heating element either replacing or assisting the heat pump to replenish hot water as quickly as possible, and Boost mode which switches on the heat pump and heating element at the same time until the desired temperature is reached. For enhanced safety and hygiene, each Nuos Plus Wi-Fi has an anti-legionella function, which regularly heats the contents of the tank to 65°C, pasteurising the water and preventing bacterial growth. There is also an anti-freeze feature, which keeps the stored water at a minimum temperature, even when the unit is turned off. Commenting on the new models, Victoria Gutierrez, head of marketing at Ariston, says: “Nuos Plus Wi-Fi has been designed with sustainability in mind. Units can be easily integrated with other heating products, including boilers and heat pumps, thanks to our Sensys interface, which helps create a fully ‘Eco’ system. Installation is also straightforward, thanks to the ‘plug and play’ design, which enables it to be fitted quickly, without requiring F-Gas qualifications. It truly is the future of smart, sustainable comfort.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/68

02/11/2021 14:53

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Product News Flues for high rises meet the requirements

Woodburing ﬁrebox that works with an app

New Multifit flue options are now available as part of the Baxi Assure suite of products and services, designed to offer a complete solution for futureproof domestic hot water and heating projects. This flue range is particularly suitable for high-rise installation, as they comply with the installation requirements in recent regulation changes. The latest additions to the Multifit

The double-sided Ecomonoblocco WT 16:9 fireplace from Palazzetti features tailored cladding and is said to offer exceptional environmental performance. It features integrated O2 Ring technology to reduce harmful emissions and a firebox made from Thermofix, a special refractory cement with high heat storage capacity that optimizes radiation and improves combustion. The Wood Combustion Control system controls primary and secondary air, making the firebox easier to turn on. Another benefit is the addition of ET4W (Easy Tech for Wood), which offers the possibility of controlling many of the firebox’s functions – such as opening and closing the door, the intensity of the fire and the air fan – from a smartphone using the Palazzetti App. The product range includes a matt, honed Bianco Mediterraneo marble bench with a metallic insert installed against black slate-clad firebox cabinetry. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/69

range are the 1.8m Highrise Horizontal Flue Terminal (60/100mm) and 2m Highrise Flue Extension (60/100mm), both of which are suitable for use in buildings over 18m. Both extensions are interchangeable

with standard flue terminals to support installers when refitting flues to meet new regulations. The extended length and a UV stable paint covering, which is also fire retardant, mean the flues are suitable to run outside of buildings and can pass through thick walls and cladding, with a reduced need for inspection hatches. These flues are treated to protect against condensation and prevent the exhaust deteriorating over time. The new range also features a Highrise plume displacement kit which comes fully equipped with flue, boiler elbow and wall sealing rubbers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/70

Soil system reduces noise and vibrations From Aliaxis comes the Marley dBlue acoustic soil system which is proven to reduce noise and acoustic vibrations to a level of 10dB at 2 L/s with the Phonoklip Bracket. A patented acoustic body bracket, the Phonoklip encompasses a unique body section which works to absorb noise generated from the pipework into the building structure. Alternatively, with the dBlue bracket, the system can provide acoustic properties of only 13dB at 2 L/s. Suitable for use in multi-occupancy applications, as well as hospitals, hotels and other commercial buildings, dBlue is also lightweight, resistant to temperature change and quick and easy to install, with a secure push-ﬁt jointing system. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/71

Actionable insight into mould and damp With the launch of HomeLINK Environmental Sensors, Aico is offering a system designed to help create healthier, energy efficient homes. The sensors are discreet and secure, placed throughout the home to monitor temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. There are two models available. The Ei1020 measures temperature and humidity, while the Ei1025 measures temperature, humidity and CO2. The Environmental Sensors provide actionable insights into conditions such as mould risk, draught risk, excess cold, heat loss and indoor air quality. This allows for preventative measures

Appendix Q and accurate calculations Following an assessment by the Buildings Research Establishment (BRE), Mixergy’s smart hot water tank is now featured in the Appendix Q product database. This allows designers and landlords to factor additional carbon savings into the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), upon which Environmental Performance Certiﬁcates (EPCs) and Dwelling Emission rates are based. Unlike a conventional cylinder, the company’s smart hot water

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and proactive maintenance, enabling landlords to adhere to requirements outlined in standards and legislation, such as the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing. These products integrate with Aico’s Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway. The Gateway extracts the data from environmental sensors and provides a central hub for data from both ﬁre and CO alarm systems and the sensors. The data provides clear, actionable insights which are available via the HomeLINK dashboard. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/72

tank only heats as much water as is needed, thereby minimising the primary carbon used to generate a dwelling’s hot water, while maximising the availability of cold water for storing renewable generated energy such as from solar PV. This stratiﬁed method of heating is now factored into the SAP Appendix Q database. The system enables accurate calculation and reports the tank’s effect on the energy efficiency of a heating and hot water system – and includes that information in the dwelling’s overall EPC rating. For systems which use a standalone Mixergy cylinder, the SAP assessor can now factor a partial state of charge, rather than standing heat losses at 100% of the heated volume.

Hand crafted solid wood furniture

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/73

Edition Lignatur is a new range of solid wood bathroom furniture from Keuco. The company has teamed up with Austrian firm, Team 7, to offer this furniture, which is individually crafted from premium woods: light oak, Venetian oak, and noble walnut. The surfaces of the wood are not sealed but treated with protective oil, mainly linseed oil, sunflower oil, soy oil, carnauba wax and beeswax. The collection includes, single or double washbasins that can be recessed or table-top, sideboards, tall units and benches. As the base units are made of premium woods, it is possible to combine washbasins made of Varicor or ceramic. The washbasins can also be combined with Keuco wall-mounted fittings and accessories for the finishing touch. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/74

03/11/2021 14:21

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Product News

COMPETITION

Win £1500 worth of Showerwall panelling

Get more energy out of fewer panels Targeting renewables specifiers, Marley has unveiled its Marley SolarTile range of integrated photovoltaics. The new system is said to offer easy installation, sleek design and energy cost savings. The enhanced panel comes with all the components, including fixings, to allow installers to complete the job quickly and without the need for third-party products. The connection of simply pushing the panels together to create a weather-tight and secure fixing means solar installations can be less than 45 minutes per kilowatt-peak. The new panels give specifiers the benefit of an increase in total power output from the roof area, or achieving the same output using

fewer panels. A higher power rating makes roof-integrated solar a more cost-effective option, with fewer panels and roofing kits needed to reach the project energy target. Stuart Nicholson from Marley says: “Our new enhanced panel further supports specifiers as they look to provide sustainable design solutions for the homes of the future as well as retrofit projects that enhance the energy efficiency of older properties. “With speedy installation and in-built flexibility to help achieve the required system power output, specifiers now have access to a great new PV product solution that can help to tackle the climate emergency we all face.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/75

Shower surface sits flush with floor The SuperPlan Zero from Kaldewei is a floor-level shower surface made of sustainable steel enamel. With concealed drainage and a subtle slope to the surface, it can line up precisely with surrounding floor tiles, offering step-free access. The design comes in over 50 dimensions, ranging from 70 to 180cm, and is available in a wide range of colour and surface variations. It is compatible with Kaldewei’s range of sealing sets, assembly systems and waste fittings. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/76

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WHAT IS SHOWERWALL?

SHOWERWALL is a fast and hassle-free alternative to tiling walls in the bathroom. The lightweight HPL and acrylic panels are available in a range of sizes with over 80 different designs to choose from. SHOWERWALL panels are extremely versatile, cost effective and are less time consuming to ﬁt and maintain than tiles. They can also be ﬁtted as single panels to create a statement feature area in the shower enclosure, behind the basin, or around the bathtub. To support installers in the growing bathroom panelling market, SHOWERWALL has launched the ‘Find a Fitter’ programme, matching bathroom installers, plumbers and joiners with homeowners seeking professional bathroom wall panelling installation.

HOW TO ENTER:

Better design for better burning The i51 wood burning stove from Contura has been redesigned to include a host of new features and design options. It now includes a concave cast iron base for better ash management and fire start-up, while more volume in the fire box gives more space for the fire and an enhanced visual effect. Enhanced external features make the stove easier to install. The i51 has the same factory-assembled principle as the Contura i61 , so the installer can place the insert in the desired space and simply hang the decorative panels. In terms of aesthetics, the stove is now available in Anthracite Artstone, plus with two new handles design options. And as well as new wood storage options, log boxes are now available with widths of 400 or 650mm that can be placed either side of the stove. With 80% heating efficiency compared to

SHOWERWALL has teamed up with PHAM to offer one lucky reader the chance to win stylish bathroom wall panelling

One person will win £1500 worth of their choice of bathroom panels directly from SHOWERWALL. To be in with a chance to win, email your answer to the question below. The winner will be selected from a draw of all the correct answers received. Only one entry is allowed per person.

only 20% of traditional ﬁreplaces, and thanks to a 3-9kW heat output, Contura stoves can heat spaces up to 150m2 with ease. Further beneﬁts include powerful convection and clean burning systems, ensuring less wood is used, which works to save the environment as well as money. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/77

SHOWERWALL offers a service that matches installers with customers looking for professional installation of bathroom panelling. What is it called?

(a) Fitter Finder (b) Fine Fitters (c) Find a Fitter

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

* Your name * Your company’s name * Contact telephone number * Please type ‘YES’ or 'NO' after your answer to indicate if you are happy to receive email offers from SHOWERWALL Please email your entry before the closing date of 30th November 2021

showerwall.co.uk

02/11/2021 15:24

50-51 PHAM DIRECTORY-TRAINING-INFO NOV21:Layout 1 04/11/2021 15:34 Page 50

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Directory Controls

The Copper King

Radiators

Instruments for control, regulation & protection

0161 946 0088 www.banico.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/1121/107

phamnews.co.uk/1121/102

Water Heaters

Heating Controls Next Day Delivery Available on 100s of Controls Thermostats, Programmers, TRVs,Underfloor

phamnews.co.uk/1121/105

www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk

phamnews.co.uk/1121/108

phamnews.co.uk/1121/103

Advertiser’s Index Airflow Developments Ltd

Knee Pads

BES Ltd CMR Controls Ltd Carrara & Matta - BEMIS Continal Group Ltd

46 1 43 4 10

MV Fluids NIBE Energy Systems Ltd

31 6 17

OFTEC

Delabie

Panasonic

Domus Ventilation

Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd

Screwfix

2, 3

EPH Controls

Ford Motor Company

Sentinel Performance Solutions 28

Geberit Sales Ltd

Spirotech UK Ltd

Glow-worm (B2B Campaign)

Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd

Testo Ltd

Triton Showers

The IPG

phamnews.co.uk/1121/106

Monarch Water Ltd

Daikin Air Conditioning

The Electric Heating Company 36

phamnews.co.uk/1121/104

Mitsubishi Electric Europe

Ideal Heating

Kamco Ltd

Kohler Mira Ltd

Valsir

Mark Vitow Ltd

Viessmann Ltd

Plumbpal Products

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50-51 PHAM DIRECTORY-TRAINING-INFO NOV21:Layout 1 04/11/2021 15:54 Page 51

PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2021

Training & Assessments Training & Assessments

Information Centre 51

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

Small relaxed and friendly classes

For more information visit www.gas-training-and-assessment.co.uk Telephone 01268 727797 or Email gastraining@btconnect.com phamnews.co.uk/1121/112

Information Centre

New Climate Control styles from Snickers Workwear

Not only will you stay warm with Snickers Workwear’s 37.5® Technology clothing, you’ll look and feel cool too. Available for both professional tradesmen and women, they excel at ventilation to keep you cool and moisture transportation to stop you getting cold. They work together to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site. So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Climate Control garments from Snickers Workwear. Visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

phamnews.co.uk/1121/152

Epson launches the new ‘Basin Mate’

Epson, who are part of TYDE, a Thomas Dudley Business, are proud to announce the launch of their all-new Leak-Free basin waste seal kit Basin Mate. All of Epson’s basin wastes now come complete with the LEAK-FREE basin mate seal kit which is manufactured from high quality materials and includes a sealing ring, washer and seating. The Basin Mate is also available on its own as a perfect solution for a leaking waste that is already in place. For further information visit the NEW TYDE WEBSITE www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde or enter the code shown below.

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Geocel launches brand new website

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Leading sealant and adhesive manufacturer, Geocel have a brand-new website, with dedicated Trade and Specification areas, which allows users to browse Geocel’s comprehensive product range, access technical data sheets and locate local stockists via a new stockist finder. Users can also keep up to date with regular news,company updates, and via a blog section providing product and application recommendations and advice. To celebrate the website launch, Geocel is hosting a free to enter competition online with a variety of prizes. To visit the new site, please go to www.geocel.co.uk. To enter Geocel’s free to enter competition, please visit: www.geocel.co.uk/launch-competition. Or enter the code shown below.

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Information Centre

New website from Supplies4Heat Supplies4Heat new website makes it easy for installers to access the information they need to specify radiators or towel rails for any project or space, with searches based on di erent criteria such as material, style, horizontal or vertical models, as well as column depth and colour. Installers can also quickly identify key specs, delivery timings, order colour samples and locate local merchant and showroom stockists. The new website also includes a useful BTU calculator, several video guides and its most recent range brochure which is available to download, or order a copy for delivery free of charge. Visit the new website at www.supplies4heat.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

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PHAM NOV21 FORD:Layout 1 19/10/2021 16:12 Page 1

November 2021

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