November 2022

Gas heating safety warning issued to UK home movers

and RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to highlight the ‘new home danger zone’ and help consumers be more gas safety savvy at home.

Gas Safe Register is also pushing for gas safety advice to be given more prominence in popular home moving resources after it found that none of the top homemoving guides found via Google Search mention any of the most crucial information homeowners should know about gas safety.

The study has prompted gas safety experts to warn of a ‘new home danger zone’ for UK homeowners who may be putting on the heating in their new home for the first time this winter. Of properties in which inspectors found faulty gas appliances over the past year almost half ( %) had new owners in the last five years, over a quarter ( %) had been purchased in the two years prior to the inspection, and % had changed hands in just the past year.

Slow start for heat pump grant scheme

The latest statistics for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme – which grants for the installation of a heat pump – reveal that under installations have received grant money since the programme launched in May. By the end of September, grant applications had been received and paid, the vast majority of

The findings are supported by new research conducted with Gas Safe registered engineers.

% of engineers want more priority to be put on gas safety in the home moving process, with two fifths pointing to the first year of owning a property as a particular danger for home and family gas safety. Engineers put this down to new owners being unaware of key information, such as where to switch gas off in an emergency, the safety record of

which ( %) have been for air source heat pump installations.

The statistics also reveal that the highest number of redemptions have been in the South West and South East, accounting for just under % of transactions, while gas has been the most common fuel type to be replaced (around %). For those vouchers that have been redeemed, the median cost of a BUS installation of an ASHP was , with a median capacity of kW. Only eight of the projects funded so far have been for replacing heating systems in non domestic properties.

gas appliances and whether there is a working carbon monoxide alarm in the new home.

To help prevent potentially fatal hazards, including gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning that can result from unsafe gas appliances such as cookers, boilers and gas fires, Gas Safe Register has joined forces with TV presenter Dion Dublin, and major players in the homes sector, including HomeOwners Alliance, Neighbourhood Watch

When the scheme was launched, it was hoped that it would help fund installations over a three year period, but the numbers suggest there would in applications for targets to be achieved.

Phil Hurley, UK MD at NIBE Energy Systems, comments: “I think it is an ambitious aim for the remaining vouchers to be redeemed and all installations completed by April without a real push from industry and the government. At this rate, we would need to be hitting per month to make up for lost time!”

CEO Jonathan Samuel says: “We’re urging all householders – especially new homeowners and people who are currently in the home buying process, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas appliances, and always making sure a Gas Safe registered engineer is used for any gas work. It’s time to make gas safety a priority when moving homes, so we don’t put our loved ones, or even our new neighbours, in danger.”

He has called for the government to invest more in promoting the scheme which has yet to benefit from a proactive marketing campaign.

“Our installers have emphasised the need for enhanced public awareness of the scheme,” says Hurley. “A successful scheme requires an engaged installer base, and current statistics from BEIS indicate there are only active BUS installer accounts from a pool of over MCS certified installers. With around % of these installers not engaged with the scheme, there is a real need to promote the BUS more widely.”

Unsafe gas appliances are most commonly found in homes that have recently changed hands, according to new analysis of the latest gas

carried out by the Gas Safe Register.

Editor’s Viewpoint

by Chris Jones

As we all know, steadiness and stability are not exactly words that would describe the country’s governance in recent times, so it is perhaps understandable that some people would hesitate before making any long term investment decisions. The government’s stance on the need to transition away from fossil fuels has been consistent in its inconsistency and, with increasing pressure to rein in public spending, there are concerns that there will be a shift away from policies designed to tackle climate change in favour of more short term goals.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, designed to encourage consumers to make the switch from traditional gas heating systems, has come under fire from both those who think it isn’t bold enough and from others who consider it a waste of taxpayer money. With the current cost of living crisis and the Treasury struggling to put the country’s finances in order, there is bound to be a temptation to scrap a scheme that has so far failed to gain much traction with the public, with less than 3000 subsidies issued since its launch in May this year (see this month’s front cover). However, irrespective of arguments about how funds might be better spent, surely a withdrawal of the heat pump grants just a few months into the initiative would send out all the wrong signals.

It wouldn’t be the first time that a much heralded incentive programme has been cut off at the knees before it has had a chance to gain any momentum, but what chance would future schemes have if there is no confidence in the government’s commitment to see it through? If the government is serious about getting close to its target of supporting 90,000 heat pump installations over the next three years, then now is the time to put some money behind raising awareness rather than quietly abandoning the project and hoping that it goes unnoticed.

Regulars

Mark Krull

Natasha King

Chris

HHIC survey reveals heating concerns

An overwhelming majority of UK homeowners are worried about the price of heating, and 9 in 10 (89%) plan to change their home heating behaviour this winter, according to a new survey commissioned by industry association, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC).

The survey of 2000 homeowners found that 93% of respondents were worried about heating costs, while 34% described themselves as ‘extremely worried’. A further 57% said that they would not turn their heating on if they can’t afford it over the coming months. Over a third of respondents (36%) said they will only be turning on their heating when it is ‘absolutely freezing,’ while half said that they will be using it sparingly.

The research also highlighted that over half of homeowners (57%) plan to have their heating at 19°C or above during the winter. This has prompted a warning from HHIC to homeowners to make sure they are taking all the measures this winter to best heat their homes. HHIC director

Stewart Clements explains: “The energy crisis has made everyone conscious of their heating habits and worries about affording bills are clearly making people question whether they can afford to heat their home. We want to make sure that people are heating their homes correctly and don’t fall into the trap of wasting energy through inefficient heating practices. For example, heating at

a higher temperature for longer may be consuming lots of energy, yet you will not notice it heating your home better.”

To help homeowners make their homes more efficient the HHIC has released a guide, ‘Improving the Efficiency of Home Heating’, which includes suggested efficiency measures for the home, such as insulation, draught exclusion, adjustments to the thermostat, and advice on servicing and maintenance to ensure the heating system performs at peak efficiency.

Stewart Clements adds: “The industry has a responsibility to protect consumers from the volatility of the energy markets as much as possible and so we have produced this guide to support consumers with reducing their consumption.

“We know this is not the silver

Underfloor heating report

bullet for ending the energy crisis and there is much work to be done by the government and industry to provide better energy security for the UK and reduce bills for households.”

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/03

Drink gets people talking

Lifting a glass to a greener future, Worcester Bosch has partnered with a sustainable cocktail bar to launch a limited edition martini. The heating manufacturer says that the quirky partnership is one way to encourage consumers to learn more about green heating over a drink or two.

The Hybrid cocktail was unveiled at Southwark based bar Boiler & Company and remained on sale for a month long period (until 13th November) priced at £10 per drink.

‘The Hybrid’ combines two bold flavoured spirits, the sustainably produced Discarded Grape Skin Vodka and Pineapple Riesling to form the hybrid base of the cocktail. The two ingredients are said to embody the working of a hybrid heat pump system, with two different sources working together to provide optimal

warmth for homeowners, while the clear appearance of the cocktail highlights the need for cleaner fuel sources in the future.

PR manager Nicola Fisher, explains: “We wanted to shine a light on the small changes that can be made to live more sustainably and to talk about how we can all do our part.”

GSHPA dinner raises money for charity

Blood Cancer UK, Walking with Giants Foundation, Young Persons Advisory Service, and The Florrie charity have all benefited from a share of over £2500 raised by members of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) at the Association’s Conference and Charity Dinner held at the Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa last month.

The one day event incorporated networking opportunities and a

Gas conferenceindustry

Postponed during the period of mourning for HM The Queen, the annual conference for the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) will now take place on Monday 28th November at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.

The event will offer an opportunity for leading experts to offer the latest insights from the front line of the transition of the gas industry. The session themes are focused on:

host of speakers, providing much to discuss for anyone with an interest in the ground source and renewable energy sector.

TV personality Ricky Tomlinson (of Royle Family fame) hosted the evening’s charity dinner that featured a live auction with TV auctioneer Steve Parkinson, live music from Viva Lucia, drinks reception and a gala dinner.

GSHPA operations manager and organiser Stephen Bielby

said: “We are once again overwhelmed by the generosity of our members, especially during these tough times. It’s great to see that we can make a positive difference to the lives of other people with our conference and charity dinner.”

The annual event (also open to non members) has already been arranged for 2023 and will take place on 29th September at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Hull.

New zero carbon facility

The latest market report from AMA Research suggests that the UK underfloor heating (UFH) sector bounced back last year with an estimated 16% value growth. With an increasing focus on low carbon heating technologies, it is predicted that the market will continue to offer significant growth potential, particularly in the residential sector.

Residential new housing, covering both new build and retrofit installations, accounted for around 67% of the UFH market value in 2021. The remaining 33% of market value

was made up from the non residential sector, including applications such as hospitals, clinics, care homes, schools and colleges.

Distribution within the market continues to be dominated by direct supply, although online sales are growing at a rapid pace.

Easier to fit systems, together with greater product awareness amongst installers, are also thought to have provided a boost to the market.

The UFH Market Report –UK 2022-2026 is available to purchase from the following link: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/04

· Gas Industry Today

Iron Mains Risk Reduction Programme

Safety of the Network

Delivering Hydrogen S peakers lined up include keynote speaker Rita Wadey, director of strategy at Beyond2050, who will be talking about the public affairs landscape and covering some of the current political issues that impact on the industry.

A full event programme can be found by using the link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/05

Demonstrating its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, UK ventilation manufacturer EnviroVent has relocated to a new purpose built zero carbon headquarters. The new 61,000ft2 premises in Harrogate brings together the company’s manufacturing facility, warehousing, head office and training suite into one facility.

The new self sustainable building will reduce the company’s environmental impact and includes a number of energy efficient initiatives. These include solar panels providing electricity, renewable energy sources, air source heat pumps to heat the premises and the latest mechanical ventilation heat recovery system to ensure high levels of indoor air quality. The premises feature optimum building design for insulation, electric charging points for vehicles, as well as featuring LED lighting units and responsive lighting, to minimise energy use.

MD Andy Makin comments: “We are truly committed to good environmental practices throughout our business and these purpose built premises allow EnviroVent to operate on an even more sustainable basis. With much larger premises, we have room to expand our ambitious plans. Working alongside our parent company Soler & Palau we fully expect to grow our brand, protecting and creating employee roles, benefitting our customers, our suppliers and the wider community.”

Bradford is happiest with its plumbers

Plumbers in Bradford receive the most positive feedback from customers, while those in Leicester get the most hate, according to new analysis from careers

The study of over online customer service reviews found that after Bradford, are most likely to see good comments from their customers online.

received the highest percentage of negative comments, followed by London and Salford. This year, the Institute of Customer Service revealed that the UK has seen the highest number of customer complaints since records began. The Institute said

all industries, but there are some trades bucking the trend and plumbers have some of the best customer reviews in the country.

% of reviews left for plumbers contained comments of praise, with Bradford leading the way with % of its reviews containing positive comments from customers relating to the business’s customer service.

reviews than positive ones, with only an average of % of reviews left for plumbers containing negative feedback. The majority of reviews ( %) were left without negative or positive feedback, often where users simply left star ratings with no comments.

to be a hero

‘Every crisis needs a hero’ is the name of Resideo’s new campaign designed to help installers inform their customers on practical ways to mitigate rising energy bills. The controls manufacturer will provide support to installers with informative online content and in person events over the heating

them to become ‘everyday heroes’ in the energy crisis.

Resideo’s Martin Wilson, says: “We want to do everything we can to support installers in giving their customers practical advice, backed up by a range of high quality, industry leading solutions.”

Find out more about the campaign by using the reader link below.

phamnews.co.uk/

Podcast explains Part L changes

part podcast series which breaks down the recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations has been released by Altecnic. Hosted by technical manager Ed Morris and product development manager Stephanie Allchurch, the podcast is each focused on a key change to the Building Regulations:

– What is a Fabric First approach?

– Heat Loss Calculations

– Lowering Flow Temperatures

– Heating Controls

– System Balancing

– Water Treatment

Each podcast will cover the changes from an installer perspective while also looking at the wider implications of the

changes for the industry.

Helen Cooper, head of marketing at Altecnic, comments: “We wanted to create an easy listen podcast series that gives installers all they need to know about the new updates to Part L –providing a clear break down, highlighting the key points installers need to know in a digestible format was our priority.

“As a responsible manufacturer, we take pride in providing our customers and installers with interesting and informative training materials from a trustworthy source. This latest podcast series adds to our ever growing library of free resources.”

Get the podcast by searching ‘Altecnic’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other streaming platform.

Consumer cost for poor plumbing work

The average cost to put right shoddy plumbing work is £ , according to a new survey by WaterSafe, the UK’s register of approved contractors working with drinking water. The survey, which questioned consumers, also revealed more than a quarter of people have employed a plumber who did not carry out the task properly. In most cases, they had to

Common problems included wrongly connected pipework,

cases, it cost more than £ to rectify the damage, and in some instances, more than £ Director of WaterSafe, Julie Spinks, says: “It’s alarming to hear that more than a quarter of people interviewed said

The destination of the Glow worm Mystery Trip for

Installers will visit the Riviera Maya region of Cancun this month, with winners having now received two tickets for what promises to be a trip of a lifetime. All they had to do was of installations via Glow worm’s Club Energy loyalty scheme to join the trip.

Worcester Bosch has been awarded the ‘Quiet Mark

recognises local authorities, in their efforts to reduce the

The Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS), the body for plumbing products and materials, has launched two new services to help speed up the product approval process for manufacturers. Fast Track Assessment and the Pre Application Advice Service are designed to make the approval process more

Independent rating provider Ecovadis has awarded Wilo Group the platinum medal for sustainability. The rating measures various indicators, such as sustainable objectives, implemented activities, certifications and recording

along the entire value chain.

Sanitaryware manufacturer Lecico Bathrooms has

distributor for Propelair, a low water and air toilet made specifically for commercial, public, and heavy footfall premises. Lecico will assume responsibility for all sales, marketing, and operational functions for Propelair in the UK.

the rogue installer they employed did not carry out the work

I would urge households who need plumbing work done to use an approved contractor registered with WaterSafe and follow our advice for employing a professional.”

phamnews.co.uk/

Go for gold in expansion vessel promo

A new ‘Golden Vessel’ promotion has been launched by Altecnic in

Getting the message out

prize draw which will put them in with a chance of winning a with both of our manufacturing roots being in quality European

there’s plenty of opportunities for installers to be in with a chance of

are delighted to be running the ‘Golden Vessel’ promotion with our customers as we want to say a big ‘thank you’ to them for all phamnews.co.uk/

Plenty to see and do at big industry event

Participating stockists will be randomly drawn to be sent one of they will then be presented with a £ will run until to April

on and are built on face to a hands

phamnews.co.uk/

reaching more than

worm is back in the public eye with its latest

Auto-balancing TRVs

Made for perfect balance.

Made for a permanently balanced heating system and reduced home energy bills. Reducing waste by an average of 8.8%, our auto-balancing TRVs ensure your customers are always happy, making cold spots and call-backs a thing of the past. They’re quick and easy to install too, helping you find more balance in your day.

Made for the UK, in the UK.

Put your hat in the ring for installer awards

Now in its eighth year, the Heating Installer Awards is once again open for entries, offering heating professionals a chance to showcase their impressive work to win an industry accolade.

Supported by Big Wipes, CIPHE, Danfoss, Polypipe, Refresh PR and Stelrad, the awards are free to enter and give installers the chance to show off their work to potential customers. There is a prize bundle worth over £10,000 on offer for the finalists, including products from sponsors and partners, as well as a trip to Danfoss HQ in Denmark. The awards will search for the best installers in each region of the UK, with regional winners being

crowned in April, before heading to a regional winner’s event. They will go on to do a technical challenge set by the previous national winner and moderated by awards partner, CIPHE, in a bid to be crowned the National Heating Installer of 2023 New for this time around is a category awarding installers for their commitment to more sustainable practices, with one winner of Most Sustainable Installer in the north, and one in the south. There is also the Rising

Star award which celebrates the work of apprentices.

Entries close in February, when an expert judging panel will choose the competition’s finalists, with the overall winners announced in June at the NEC.

To enter, installers should visit www.heatinginstallerawards.co.uk and fill in the short entry form. Or if you prefer, give the awards team a call on 0161 871 1188 and they’ll be happy to take your entry over the phone.

Sustainable centres opened around the UK

Daikin UK has opened the doors of three new Sustainable Home Centres, bringing its national network to around 40 strong.

The latest openings, jointly funded by local businesses partnering with Daikin, are located in Ambleside, with Express Plumbing Supplies; in Newport, with Robert Price; and in Nottingham, with FDG Group (pictured). These centres will educate homeowners on the benefits of renewable heating solutions in person.

Installers will be able to use these centres to access training, resources and stock to help them diversify into renewable heating solutions – and to ensure the long term competitiveness of their businesses as fossil fuels are phased out.

Iain Bevan, commercial manager – heating & renewables at Daikin UK, comments: “Reaching the UK’s net zero target won’t happen without collaboration and partnership between specialists up and down the country. Together, we can harness the collective expertise and regional reach to tackle the green skills shortage and play our part in ushering in a more sustainable future for the UK.

“At Daikin, we have the capacity to train more than 7000 installers on air source heat pumps every year, through our accredited courses and around 40 strong network of Sustainable Home Centres – and our goal is to equip around 30% of all installers in the industry with the skills they need to meet growing demand.”

Win back heating bills

In light of the rising cost of energy, ADEY has launched a new competition that will see installers and their customers win back the cost of their monthly gas heating bills. Installers simply need to fit any MagnaClean filter in a home and register the warranty via ADEY ProClub to be entered into the prize draw. At the end of each month a winner will be picked at random from the registered warranties and both the heating engineer and the homeowner will win their gas heating bills back for the month, up to a value of £500. In January 2023, one winning MagnaClean filter warranty will be selected from all the eligible entries, and both the heating engineer and the homeowner will receive three months’ gas heating bills back, up to a value of £1500 ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/10

aspects of UFH installation, from auto balancing manifolds to smart controls.

Dean Asher, head of technical and customer services at Polypipe Building Products, comments: “We believe that our Approved Engineer network will be very useful for installers and contractors as they enjoy the benefits of the specialist training our technical experts can offer.”

Although it is free to register to become a Polypipe Underfloor Heating Approved Engineer, anyone wishing to join will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience as an installer. Polypipe’s technical team will be vetting all new members.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/11

Reasons to join RPZ scheme

Qualified RPZ (reduced pressure zone) valve testers are being urged to join an approved scheme following a review by Water Regs UK of the testers who undertook its conversion training when the new RPZ AIM (approved installation method) was introduced in 2020. The review found that of the 370 testers who completed the training, fewer than a third have applied for approved scheme membership since. Water Regs UK says joining demonstrates to customers and water companies that you successfully completed tester training, have suitably calibrated equipment and are employed by a business with suitable insurance. Please use the online reader link below for more information on how to become an approved RPZ Tester, and links to the four Approved Contractor schemes.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/12

A new membership scheme for underfloor heating engineers has been launched by Polypipe Building Products. The company’s Approved Engineer (AE) programme gives members access to expert advice and support on design and quotation – with direct contacts in the Polypipe team. There will also be training opportunities covering all

Energy Saving Awards

Winners to be announced!

Awards will soon be unveiled. The inaugural awards event is set to take place at the prestigious Tower Hotel in London on Thursday 1st December and in the next issue we will be able to reveal the names of all those who have won acknowledgement from their industry colleagues.

Organised by PHAM News, in partnership with our sister publication Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI), the new event is designed to celebrate the very best professionals, products and projects across the plumbing, HVAC and energy management sectors.

The awards have been created to acknowledge the important work that has been achieved by manufacturers, installers, contractors, suppliers and organisations to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient.

On the st December, we look forward to giving professionals in this topical and increasingly critical area the opportunity to gain the recognition they deserve.

Many thanks to the sponsors of the Energy Saving Awards without whose support the event could not take place:

Navien

Navien has been designing and manufacturing reliable and easy to install products for over years, making the company the fourth largest boiler manufacturer in the world. From the latest oil and gas firing technology, to micro CHP and solar, Navien is committed to developing highly

The company’s state of the art facility in Seotan, South Korea is the world’s largest boiler manufacturing plant, with an annual capacity of million units. Navien utilises the latest research and development, along with high tech manufacturing

methods, to deliver heating

unbeaten performance and with superb reliability throughout their lifetime.

Clivet

Clivet Group UK Ltd is part of Clivet SpA, the Italian company with over years of experience on research and development of innovative, specialised air conditioning systems for different destinations. The

sustainable solutions for climate

Versatemp water sourced heat pumps, chillers, control systems and more.

From the administration centre located on the south coast, Clivet Group UK manages integrated engineering capabilities that

fully support a wide range of building management services and customised maintenance contracts. The company provides for both private and public sector organisations, with the availability of dedicated site based teams operating under a strong management structure.

Pegler

Part of the Integrated Piping Systems Division of Aalberts N.V., Pegler is one of the leading manufacturers of advanced plumbing, heating and engineering products in the world.

It’s a reputation earned through a

and customer service that’s been the hallmark of the company since it was established in the ’s (originally trading as Pegler Ltd and Yorkshire Fittings Ltd).

Energy and water conservation is very much at the forefront of product development, and the company’s extensive range of market leading product brands include: Yorkshire integral solder ring fittings, Pegler Terrier radiator valves, VSH Tectite push

Headline

NEW APPOINTMENTS

People on the Move

Mark Vitow Ltd has appointed Matt Smith (pictured) to regional sales manager for the South West, and Adam Hewlett to regional sales manager for London and the Home Counties. Together they bring the industry knowledge and collective experience that will support the company’s growth plans.

Taps and showers specialist Abode has welcomed Annette Wensley (pictured) and Victoria Hatton as area sales managers. Annette will operate in London and the South East, and Victoria will cover the North of England and Scotland. They will be responsible for maintaining sales programs and seeking new business.

CORGI Technical Services has appointed Matt Sharp as chief executive officer. Matt has also taken up the CEO position at the Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP) Group, for which CORGI are technical partners. He succeeds Claire Heyes who has become group president.

The new key account manager at InSinkErator is Amber Sheppard, who will look after the South West of England and West Midlands. Amber will support independent kitchen retailers, and plumbing and building merchants in these areas. She brings six years of experience to the role, having recently worked with Swift.

Bathroom specialist Duravit has announced the appointment of Matt Oakley to the position of international specification manager. Matt will be responsible for the ongoing development of the Duravit brand in international projects, working closely with architects and interior design practices.

Duravit has also welcomed Simon Brown as its new head of projects. Simon will be responsible for the strategy and growth of the company’s project sector within the UK and Ireland, including the management of the project pipeline and the ongoing development of project partners.

For further information about any of the stories featured in this issue, simply enter phamnews. co.uk/1122/ followed by the relevant enquiry number

of Glasgow.

Another recruit to the Stelrad Brand Specialists team is Emily Charalambous who joins to look after Wales and the south west region. A recent graduate from the University of Exeter, Emily says she is looking forward to going on the road to meet with merchants and installers, presenting Stelrad’s products.

Matthew Bainbridge has joined Stelrad’s Brand Specialists team, looking after the North of England. Matthew’s territory spans from the north of Manchester to the Scottish border in the north. He joins after completing his degree in Business Management at the University

Your Views

Star letter

No protection from the cowboys

Rob Chalmer’s letter (see October issue) is something I totally approve of. The government has opened the barn door wide to allow the cowboys and rip installers.

If I was unemployed all I would have to do is visit YouTube and download information about any trade I wish and experiment as I go. I could then set myself up and start advertising myself as whatever I want to do and I would not have a problem getting tools of the trade or materials. I would just have to go on the internet to get anything

employ me because there is such a shortage of tradespeople.

There is no need for me to have any public liability insurance, and why should I

house. I do not have to pay tax, national insurance or VAT and just get cash in hand. If I stay under the radar who is to know?

I have come across a lot of this in my daily work. I am a self employed professional plumber and have been since the s.

I am a member of several organisations, including SNIPEF and OFTEC, and I was CORGI registered back when I did gas, and carry public liability insurance.

The Sales of Goods Act has removed any protection for the public, especially when there’s a clear risk of scalding.

It would require a major incident before there is a change to the rules, by which time someone could be seriously maimed or killed.

Richard Watt Aberdeen Zero

sense

I have been a domestic heating installer most of my working life, having started out with an engineering degree. It is bewildering to witness the zero carbon madness in politics, and the consequential grants, taxes and insane regulations that ‘nudge’ us installers to ruin our customers’ heating systems, and pretend that it saves the planet.

Zero carbon makes zero sense. Humans have not caused atmospheric CO2 to rise from ppm to the ppm over the last years! Prove it to yourself by reading or listening to the solid, independent evidence. We are being scammed.

Another pet gripe is with Watersafe and Gas Safe Register. These are not safety organisations, but surveillance and tax collecting organisations. Less than people die from gas incidents a year, whereas over people die in road life savers, they are bloodsucking data collectors for HMRC.

George Robinson via email

The Tweet Spot

Please address your letters to:

The Editor, PHAM News

1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

Recent tweets that caught our attention Follow us on @PHAMnews

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

Let us know what you think...

Energy Matters

New campaign to promote hydrogen

The UK energy industry has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of hydrogen gas as an alternative fuel for heating homes, and is urging government to commit to a hydrogen future.

The ‘Hello Hydrogen’ campaign (www.hellohydrogen.com) is backed by gas distribution networks, boiler manufacturers and energy suppliers, and includes an information hub to teach people about new hydrogen ready boilers and cookers.

The campaigners claim a switch from natural gas to hydrogen for home heating could cut CO emissions by million tonnes a year, but they are looking for clear guidance from the government that it remains committed to hydrogen.

It is argued that producing hydrogen for homes in the UK could also create tens of thousands of jobs and help the country avoid future cost of living crises by ending its reliance on imported natural gas.

Hello Hydrogen will also highlight the ease with which hydrogen ready boilers can be

installed in homes which might not have space for alternative future heating options, like heat pumps.

Commenting on the launch of the Hello Hydrogen campaign, campaign director Angela Needle says: “As people start to turn on their heating again, we think now is the perfect time to begin the conversation about how we will all heat our homes in the future.

only heard about expensive options that take up lots of space, to make their homes greener. We want them

choices will be available.”

Campaign chair, Victoria Billings of Worcester Bosch, adds: “We want hydrogen ready boilers to play their part in heating homes across the country, knowing

traditional boilers and will cost the same price.” phamnews.co.uk

A new report from Nesta, the innovation and research agency, has found that for every heat pump installed, the UK can save around in wholesale gas costs at current prices, but these savings are not felt directly by households.

The report concludes that while heat pumps are an important part of the UK’s response to the energy crisis, describing them as “among

available”, most of the savings are not directly passed on to consumers.

Nesta’s analysts state that if all million homes with gas boilers switched to a heat pump without any change in the share of gas in the electricity grid, the savings in wholesale gas costs would be equivalent to around % of GDP. Because the UK imports around % of its gas, this saving is likely

However, as a result of UK electricity prices tracking gas prices, installing heat pumps are

Without policy intervention, a heat pump bought today will still have a higher lifetime cost – when both upfront costs and running costs are combined – than gas boilers.

Nesta is therefore calling on the government to make heat pumps suggests that government should on electricity prices, while still

market demand within renewables. In Nesta’s analysis, this could improve the relative lifetime cost per year of a heat pump by at least £ -£

Also suggested is the removal of levies from electricity bills. The environmental and social levies add up to around £ to the average bill under the October price cap. It

is claimed that shifting the cost of ECO to gas bills, and other levies to general taxation, would reduce the relative lifetime cost per year of a heat pump by £ -£ .

government to raise heat pump

standards in the market based mechanism for low carbon heating and the Energy Related Product framework. It should also require the industry to conduct more

of all heat sources, making this data more widely available to customers. phamnews.co.uk

Planning for the Future Bright times for solar power

Concerns about rising energy costs has sparked demand for combined with heat pumps – Jonny Hancock from NIBE

You’re probably expecting me to talk about heat pumps – and I will – but your attention to the recent increase in solar PV installations

of activity across the industry and it is something that must be celebrated. Figures from the MCS show that solar PV installations were completed between January and August this year. This is a % increase on the number installed over This upward trend is something we’ve seen in the heat pump market too and I think it signals a real shift in consumer mindset. We’re all concerned about energy costs right now and solar PV is being touted as a solution to tackling increasing bills. Installing solar PV as part of a property

massive impact on running costs and carbon emissions.

Perfect partners

Now you may ask what has this got to do with heat pumps? Well heat pumps is often a catalyst for the other. With the installation of solar PV by reducing households that already have solar PV may look to heat pump solutions as a means of lowering their heating costs.

two in our innovative multi source heat pump system using PV thermal electrical energy for the property.

for heat pump installers to not only provide low cost heating alternatives they can also further reduce household running costs by recommending solar PV or PV T alongside them to provide zero cost clean renewable energy. In

can be achieved by using solar PV to power immersion of households can get three times more to powering an immersion heater. This as data from across NIBE installations suggest that a cost saving of % could be achieved by adding a solar PV system to a heat pump.

solar PV systems can be used to power all household electrical appliances. out of petrol and diesel vehicles by and more of us are looking to electric reduce commuting costs.

Heat pumps also allow customers to make the most out of their solar PV system throughout the year. On those

store energy to run their heat pumps in the evening – this can be done in vessel during the day or by using battery storage. Installers can also gain

providing further peace of mind and options for customers.

Get involved

running costs are mainly felt in the winter months when there are naturally less sunny days.

year round and a well designed system can provide free hot water throughout

If you are interested in expanding your or if you are already a NIBE Pro and be more than happy to assist in your

Jonny Hancock Product manager at NIBE Energy Systems

Gadgets & Tools

Keep warm with a heated beanie

There might not be any truth to the old chestnut that you lose most of your body heat through the top of your head, but it still stands to reason that you need to keep your head warm when the cold sets in. A heated beanie takes that advice to a new level, with a built in battery powered warmer built right in. The Arris heated hat has a V battery hidden inside to give up to nine hours of operation, and from empty, the battery will take roughly four to five hours to fully charge using the charging kit supplied.

phamnews.co.uk

Battery is up to the demands of heavy duty tasks

Makita has launched its largest capacity battery to date with Wh of energy. The Ah BL runtime for its XGT products, meaning less downtime and improved productivity. Especially useful when used on higher drain XGT machines, Makita says this new battery pushes performance even harder.

Designed to be both robust and

Drill bit kit for cordless

New from Laser Tools is a bit set designed for cordless power tools, comprising bits together with a magnetic bit holder. Supplied in a folding plastic storage case (complete with belt clip), it can be easily unfolded and laid flat on the bench or hung up on the workshop wall. The bits are suitable for use with any cordless drill or electric screwdriver and are ideal for use as part of a portable tool kit, or for when storage space is limited.

phamnews.co.uk

intelligent, the battery is equipped with cells and has a higher power output that enables the XGT tools to perform heavy duty, continuous operation over extended periods of time.

Thanks to its heavy duty and durable

outer casing, the battery has a

It is also IPX4 rated with a water and dust resistant triple layer structure and an enhanced terminal structure to handle any job site condition.

The BL F works with Makita’s digital communication function between the tool, battery and charger to optimise the charging process, reduce charge times and protect the battery from damage. This real time digital communication actively monitors heat, overload, and over discharge as well as delivering up to twice as long sustained power during demanding applications.

phamnews.co.uk

Sealed with grey for a contemporary look

Now available in a new Manhattan Grey colour, Bond It’s Seal Pro hybrid sealant and adhesive is suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where warm, moisture laden air might be present. Seal Pro features a powerful anti bacterial agent which makes it resistant to mould growth. It is also easy to use and can be overpainted with water based paints.

The product can be used for both interior and exterior sealing and bonding applications, and is

most substrates - including damp surfaces and sanitaryware. It is also UV resistant, quick curing, and virtually odourless thanks to its solvent free formulation.

growing demand for grey tones in interior design. Kirstie Cooper, marketing manager at Bond It, explains: “Grey can be paired perfectly with almost every other colour or colour palette and provides an attractive alternative to other, frequently over used neutrals like white, beige, or black. It can be used as a statement shade in its own right or as a backdrop to help bright colours ‘pop’. It also works well across a century modern, rustic, and minimalist.” phamnews.co.uk

Cost-e ective home heating solutions

Proud manufacturers of the most efficient boiler on the market, we can guarantee savings of 25-30% on your fuel bills if you upgrade your standard efficiency boiler to a Firebird high efficiency Envirogreen condensing boiler. With 97.5% efficiency, our boilers use less fuel and are future-proofed for years to come. The Envirogreen boiler range is also ready to be used with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which is a fossil free fuel.

A selection of Grant’s heating products, including Aerona3 air source heat pumps, have Training Services Ltd (STS), where it runs a range of renewables training courses and assessments for heating professionals.

has two Aerona3 air source heat pumps, one of which is part of a

solar thermal roof is also being constructed, which will feature

Free technical YouTube videos

Grant solar thermal collectors. A

also be installed during a later phase of the redevelopment. As an LCL Awards Approved Centre, STS runs both the Level and the Low Temperature

Grant will be able to use the site to run its own product centre, beginning later this course. The manufacturer will its solar and oil equipment once phamnews.co.uk

assessments, training courses and learning materials in the wide

phamnews.co.uk

Partnership to deliver renewables courses Facebook forum

phamnews.co.uk

online training sessions and panel discussions, led advice. domestic hot water through to simple steps phamnews.co.uk

How push-fit valves can help to get you out of a tight spot

All bathroom renovation and retrofitting projects have their challenges, but often the biggest difficulty is having to work within the smallest and tightest of spaces. Lee Halstead, technical sales engineer at RWC, explains why Reliance Valves with Speedfit connections can be lifesavers on complicated bathroom updates.

When it comes to updating bathrooms in older

properties, one of the most common challenges faced by installers today is having to work within super tight spaces. Safely fitting modern systems into existing spaces can also quickly become a game of Tetris, where every valve, pipe, and connector must fit seamlessly together, with little room for manoeuvre.

Add to this the fact that many traditional properties are protected by regulations during modern renovations, meaning solutions must be both fit for purpose and a perfect fit. No small feat.

No tools required

While it is clear that many challenges exist, the perfect solution for working in the smallest of spaces is close at hand. The Reliance Valves with JG Speedfit connections range is quick and easy to install, with no tools required. So cramped spaces are easy to work in, and installers have greater flexibility when working with complicated and outdated layouts.

With JG Speedfit push fit connections, bathroom projects can be completed more efficiently and effectively, while complex configurations can be instantly simplified and

brought up to date. Hardly surprising, the push fit technology has revolutionised many industries, including plumbing and heating, where it is estimated that push fit accounts for around £225m of sales in the UK alone.

The valves and connectors are easy to use in emergencies too, as no special tools are required to create a secure fitting. This is particularly handy in older properties where complex and restrictive layouts can make repair work more challenging. Damage is also more likely to require greater man hours to repair than on a newer build due to the traditional construction methods used, so being able to make a secure connection by simply pushing the pipe into the valve you’re using can prevent repair costs from escalating.

Additionally, being able to use Reliance Valves with push-fit

connections offers benefits when having to install pipework in bathrooms where positioning is awkward, and visibility is near non existent due to space restrictions. In such cases, soldering copper pipes is simply not an option due to the dangers involved in working blind, whereas installers can 99.9% confident that a secure connection has been made the second a push fit has been twisted and locked, thanks to the unique design of the valve and the compression lock it creates.

Other benefits

While the space saving benefits of Reliance Valves with push connectors are plain to see, the benefits extend far beyond providing more room to breathe. For starters, push fit solutions are super easy to fit, as they lock into place the second an installer pushes them onto a pipe. They can also be rotated after installation, allowing for super easy access which again makes them ideal when working in a particularly confined environment.

Push fit solutions also require no soldering to take place, so specialist tools and heavy duty safety gear to protect installers from flames and fumes is surplus to requirements.

Fewer outlays on tools means healthier cashflow and profit margins, which are more important than ever as the plumbing and heating industry continues

renovating older properties, Reliance Valves with Speedfit connections offer clear benefits on newer builds, too, where style often comes at the cost of convenience. That is because most modern homeowners expect pipework to be out of sight, which is where the versatility of the size of Reliance Valves comes in. They prove invaluable for installers, because the need for flexibility increases the tighter a working space becomes.

installers deal with the ever increasing cost of living. Furthermore, because these valves are such a breeze to install, it is a job that can be completed by junior installers, enabling more experienced heads to focus their attention on other aspects of the job that require a deeper level of know how. This is particularly handy at a time when the plumbing and heating industry is facing a significant skills gap.

Setting standards

In addition to making life simpler when

The fact that the push fit connectors used require no soldering or any need for cleaning agents also makes it a more sustainable option than traditional installation methods, when compared to the alternatives.

Fitting solution

It is clear that Reliance Valves with Speedfit push fit connections offer sizeable benefits when it comes to working in tight and even awkward spaces. Add to this the aesthetic flexibility, enhanced long term safety, as well as the time and labour saving advantages it offers over traditional methods. There is little argument for not adopting this simple, yet undeniably effective technology.

paperwork

In the challenging economic climate, fuelGenie is highlighting

just savings at the pump.

MD Robert Pieczka explains: “Fuel cards go well beyond providing a rapid and easy way for business drivers to pay for fuel. Potentially far greater value for businesses lies in the reduced paperwork that drivers and other colleagues then must plough through, and the greater control

He says that traditional methods of fuelling business vehicles results in extra paperwork and time spent by the company checking expense reports and paying reimbursements.

“Where receipts are not available or have been lost,” adds Robert, “this can create additional headaches and even result in the company being unable to reclaim VAT that has been paid out on fuel.”

It can also be harder to track whether the driver has purchased additional items, like food and

drinks, which are not eligible for be sure that the fuel purchased was even put in the company vehicle.

“With fuel cards, the fuel purchased is charged to a single account, with the company having to make just a single payment. And, because the fuel card can only be used for fuel – or even just diesel if that is what the company wants - the days of other unauthorised items being bought at the same time, then claimed on the same receipt, are over,” concludes Robert. phamnews.co.uk/

A new partnership between Daikin and back app, Hiber, is enabling heat pump

options will be made available to Daikin’s approved residential installers from

pump and air conditioning installations. The installer can quote for the job using Hiber

and, once the customer has accepted, will be able to direct their customers to the Hiber portal for a range of payment options.

Doubt has been cast in recent months about the achievability of the government’s annual heat pump installation target, in large part due to the lack of

to help them pay for heat pump technology.

Hiroyasu Ishikawa, MD of Daikin UK, comments: “The decision to install a heat pump is a complex and considered one, with some barriers in the way of consumer decision making. This new partnership strips away at

competitive new way to pay, as to our installers and our heat pump customers.”

phamnews.co.uk/

Vaillant Advance installers can take advantage of expert marketing support via on demand smartTalks. Accessible online and available for free via the Vaillant Academy, smartTALKS are a series of short videos, each fronted by an industry expert sharing their knowledge and expertise in various areas of marketing and branding – including developing a brand, social media and digital marketing, and customer acquisition and retention–to help make the most of all opportunities available.

phase. The Vaillant Academy can be accessed both through the company’s loyalty programme and directly through the main website training pages. phamnews.co.uk/

Business Matters

Aaron McLeish Director at Together We Count

So you’re trained and qualified - what now?

Are you fresh out of the training centre and wondering which way to go next? Over the coming months, Mark Krull from Logic4training will be providing step by step advice for new entrants – helping to turn business goals into reality. First up, it’s an overview of things to think about and a few practical tips to get you started on your journey to business success.

You’ve qualified as a plumbing and heating engineer –congratulations! The time and effort you put into your training is about to pay off – now you need to take the next step and find work. Whether you have ambitions to be employed by a big national company or small local business, work as a sub contractor, or set yourself up as a sole trader, you’ve chosen a thriving sector that is evolving in exciting new directions. Your skills are in high demand.

Many tradespeople feel confident with the practical, hands on side of things but often come unstuck when it comes to things like administration, marketing and even getting paid. Being fully trained and certified is a great start, but business success encompasses a lot more.

Beyond qualifications

Firstly, consider joining a relevant trade association, Competent Person Scheme (CPS) or trade directory. Some of these are legal requirements, for example, Gas Safe Register. Others bring trusted reputations and certain practical freedoms. Registration with a CPS, for example, allows installers to self certify their work in accordance with the Building Regulations. Many also provide

Tradespeople losing work by failing to answer calls

A survey by Fix Radio has found that 34% of tradespeople believe they have lost work because they weren’t able to answer the phone.

In the survey of over 220 tradespeople, 60% of respondents said they struggled to answer the phone when they were at work. The research also revealed that only 22% had a landline number advertised on their website.

Only 4% felt the landline was a “primary method of client communication,” with the vast majority of respondents saying

the mobile was their main form of client communication.

Following up on the research, Fix Radio’s Clive Holland Show asked CEO of Voipfone Colin Duffy to discuss why

access to trusted sources of help and advice.

• Gas installers - Must be registered with Gas Safe Register

• Plumbers - Relevant trade associations include NAPIT, APHC and CIPHE

• Oil installers - Should be registered with OFTEC

• Renewable installers - Should be MCS approved and join a relevant CPS so customers can access government funding, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

• Solid fuel installers - Should be registered with HETAS

You can view a full list of CPS at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ competent-person-schemecurrent-schemes-and-howschemes-are-authorised to help decide which one is right for you.

What about directories?

Online trade directories have grown in popularity in recent years and are well used by consumers. For example, in 2020 12 million homeowners used Checkatrade to find a skilled and reputable tradesperson. Yes, membership for these schemes costs money, but they generally do provide value through increased exposure, marketing materials and in some cases, financial benefits, including discounts and customer guarantees.

If you train with Logic4training

on one of our plumbing and heating packages designed for new entrants, you get 12 months free Checkatrade membership.

Top tip! Once you’ve got the necessary qualifications, CPS registration and other affiliations, make sure you advertise this on your vans, website and any other promotional material.

Self assessment

Before you start selling your services, take a look at yourself:

• Presentation – first impressions count, so make sure you look clean and tidy, particularly when you first meet a client. You will of course need to wear practical work clothes, but there’s no reason why these can’t be presentable. Consider getting branded t shirts to add a smart and professional touch.

• Attitude – you need to be personable and helpful to win and retain clients. You could be the best gas engineer in the world, but if you don’t make an effort to relate to your customers, then it’s unlikely they’ll use you again or recommend you to others. Smile, explain things clearly and turn up on time. Communication is key.

• Respect – as a plumbing and heating installer, you’ll be working in other people’s homes. Respecting this is very important. Make sure you clean up after yourself, look after other people’s

property, and ask before you move things.

Organising and planning

This can be just for you, or you might need to share it with official institutions, but a business plan is essential for success. It will help you work out what resources you’ll need to set up and run your business – do you need to buy a van or tools, for example?

It will help you to define your services and how much you’ll charge, including contingency and mark ups, and risk assess for any problems that might crop up. Write down your business goals and how you plan to expand and grow, step by step.

What else?

Other things to think about:

• The law – HMRC, tax, insurance and business structure

• Winning work – CV/profile writing, interviews and LinkedIn

• Money – expenses, admin and getting paid

• Marketing – branding, websites and social media

• Becoming an employer – rights, responsibilities and managing staff

We’ll be digging deeper into these topics over the next few issues, so make sure you grab the latest issue of PHAM for more great tips for business success.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/29

goes, they can’t answer it very easily,” said Duffy.

“So, they really, really need a clever way of being able to answer, when they are not able to answer.”

Trusted numbers

Duffy went on to say that despite exponential growth of mobiles in the last ten years, a landline is still an important part of a tradesperson’s marketing arsenal. According to Ofcom research, telephone area codes are ‘more trusted’ than mobile numbers, because they are associated with larger, more established firms.

show. He estimated he had passed on between 20 to 25% more work simply by missing the initial call or by not calling back.

“You just can’t take all the calls – even if I do, I can’t take them on,” he said.

Brown, who has a landline directing calls to his mobile, finds his smart watch is a great way to keep track of missed calls. “The phone needs to be out of the working areas for at least part of the day for efficiency, cost and safety… You are better off ringing those people back at the end of the day,” he added.

tradespeople see so many business opportunities go begging. “Most tradespeople are small businessmen. If they are halfway up a ladder, or under somebody’s sink and the phone

“If it is a 07 number, that is less trusted than a 01 or 02, or even 0800 number, because you think that is a bigger company,” said Duffy.

Dan Brown from the Job & Knock Podcast also joined the

Voipfone offers several possible solutions for tradespeople, whether it’s a voice over IP unit sat on a desk, forwarding calls to a mobile, or a call answering service.

For more details, please use the online reader link below:

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/30

You’ve chosen a thriving sector that is evolving in exciting new directions, and your skills are in demand

Mark Krull Director at Logic4training

Safe to touch rads in extra care homes

Low surface temperature (LST) radiators from Stelrad have been new Extra

There are more than Stelrad LST radiators of varying sizes in the one and two bedroom apartments and carried out by sub contractor Gastech (North Shields) working

Pumping station on the rooftop

landmark the Queen Elizabeth improve its facilities to provide

The Queen Elizabeth Hall roof garden and café overlooking the venue saw that the existing and turned to Eleven London to construct a wooden toilet block

With no gravity drainage available in proximity of the new

the only way to discharge waste to the nearest soil stack some

a Sanicubic Pro lifting station with twin pumps and a wireless alternate pumps when operating event of a pump failure can switch to single pump operation in order to provide continuity of

phamnews.co.uk/ /

Lewis Aird says: “We were delighted to be selected for this impressive development and to see our LST range providing safe to touch radiators throughout the

casing that never heats up beyond making them phamnews.co.uk/ /

featuring a free joints that are suitable for multiple applications phamnews.co.uk/ /

Sussing out sustainable products

Whether it’s a full bathroom renovation or simply a quick update to the fixtures, customers are increasingly interested in the eco credentials of the products they are purchasing. Sarah Evans from Hansgrohe explains how technology can help customers cut their consumption.

In the last decade, UK homeowners have increasingly made sustainability an important consideration in their home renovation projects. In the bathroom, opting for a water saving showerhead can be an easy update for those wanting to save where they can. Alternatively, for customers wanting to go ahead with a full bathroom renovation, knowing what to look out for and taking notice of the eco credentials of products being chosen can add up to savings in the longer term.

Explaining eco However, to achieve a more sustainable bathroom, the last thing customers want to compromise on is performance. The technology included in eco showers and showerheads mean that installing water saving options can be effective, straight forward and, importantly, deliver the bathroom experiences many homeowners are looking for. What’s more, less water used is also less water that needs to be heated, so switching to a product with integrated sustainable technology will help your customers save on their heating bills.

Our EcoSmart technology, for example, reduces the water flow automatically to around 6 to 9 litres per minute using various methods, including mixing in air and using special flow limiters. EcoSmart can be integrated into hand showers and overhead showers to limit the water flow, meaning less water is heated, saving at least 43% of water compared to a conventional product. The technology also ensures a constant water flow, even when the water pressure fluctuates or is low – so the user experience remains the same.

User experience

Most importantly, your customer will still get an incredible shower experience despite the low flow rate. There are multiple spray patterns to

choose from with EcoSmart showerheads, including an invigorating Rain spray, a whirling massage spray and PowderRain – a fine spray of micro droplets that also help to reduce noise and minimise splashing, helping to create that relaxing showering experience so many consumers are looking for.

Water wise

Helping your customers to visualise the potential savings an upgrade to their bathroom can make through simple fi xtures can be a challenge. However, there are plenty of useful resources available online that help calculate the amount of energy a household uses. You can also look out for any useful information provided by your manufacturers and suppliers.

To help installers educate their customers on water reduction and how this translates in real financial savings, we have created the Hansgrohe Water Savings Calculator. By simply inputting the number of people in a household and the energy source it uses, you can access the financial savings made by switching to an EcoSmart product.

Your customers can also include their average shower

time, water costs and energy costs for more accurate results, and choose different EcoSmart products depending on their needs – including overhead showers, hand showers and taps.

Hold the hot water

In addition, CoolStart technology is another environmentally friendly option for basin mixers to help reduce water consumption and energy bills. The continuous flow heater or circulation pump starts up immediately on standard taps when the handle is in the middle position, yet this is needless if the user only requires cold water. With CoolStart, only cold water flows initially, meaning pipes are not filled unnecessarily with hot water.

Sustainability can often go beyond technology and be achieved simply by selecting products that are designed with longevity in mind. Customers are increasingly design savvy and therefore looking for high quality, stylish products that are built to last.

Tested extensively

Here, form and function must go together, with products incorporating precision engineering and high standards of testing to ensure they stand the test of time. For example, our products are tested with water or air to get as close to the bathroom experience as possible before leaving the factory. We also ‘over test’ to ensure robustness of all our showers and taps. In the UK, three bar working pressure tends to be the average, but our products are all tested to sixteen bar as standard.

To keep our FinishPlus finishes looking pristine even with daily use, we have invested in a refined PVD process that is resistant to external factors and durable enough to offer years of protection against wear and tear. While trend led colours such as Polished Gold Optic continue to prove popular with consumers, a colour intensity that will last ticks both the sustainability and customer experience boxes.

Our ‘repair over replace’ ethos is also backed by a spare parts guarantee, which is upheld even after the product is discontinued, for up to 15 years. We also manufacture our own mixer cartridges, so the whole product is guaranteed by a five year manufacturer’s warranty for both parts and labour.

Sarah Evans Head of product marketing at Hansgrohe UK

The Croma E Overhead Shower includes Hansgrohe’s EcoSmart technology, which reduces water consumption up to 8 liters per minute while still delivering on luxurious performance

Taps & Showers

Top bathroom trends

Installers are experiencing high demand from customers tackling home improvement projects, and bathrooms remain one of the most popular spaces to invest in. Here, Chris Tranter, senior product manager at Bristan, looks at some key bathroom trends that are shaping consumer demand.

Colour trends in the bathroom are getting warmer and we’re seeing a shift away from chrome taps and showers. Black, of course, continues to be a hugely popular colour trend. We have introduced black finishes across our top bathroom products and expect this to remain big with homeowners for some time. In addition to this, brushed gold and antique brass finishes are also gaining popularity, with trends like brushed metallic or gun metal emerging.

Chrome remains a popular option due to the fact that it is extremely hard wearing, easy to clean and long lasting – any alternative finish needs to be rigorously tested and checked to ensure that it too will survive in the real world. At Bristan, we submit all our finishes to the most stringent third party testing available before approval, so your customers can be confident when purchasing our products.

Water saving

Great value is a priority for customers, so installers should ensure that they can access a wide variety of versatile and sustainable products. One effective solution, for instance, for reducing water waste is fitting flow limiters to taps or on shower handsets or hoses. Again, we have recently upgraded our existing range of basin mixer taps to include Neoperl 5ltr/min aerators, reducing waste without affecting the feel of the water flow. This aerator is a small attachment that fits onto the

Smart and sustainable solutions

With a commitment to providing sustainable bathroom solutions, Grohe strives to produce products that offer the perfect balance between form and function.

The Rainshower SmartActive 130,for example, provides an opportunity for users to personalise the shower experience using a hand

shower. Its ‘one click showering’ feature is an ergonomic controller on the top of the hand shower that allows users to select between three different spray patterns: Rain, Jet and Active Massage, with a touch of a button. It is available with Grohe’s EcoJoy technology which uses a flow limiter to reduce water consumption by up to 50% without compromising on shower performance.

The handshower, which comes in 11 different

outlet of the tap, controlling the amount of water flowing through (see page 36).

Alongside creating products which keep up with the latest design trends and innovative designs, our products are versatile and easy to fit. For that extra piece of mind, our core products come with a five year parts guarantee. Our taps include a 10 year guarantee and are also WRAS approved, giving your customers peace of mind when it comes to purchasing our products.

Serene spaces

The bathroom is often a retreat for homeowners and therefore creating a spa like feel is a necessity for some, and the finer details will make all the difference here. For customers who desire the clean, streamlined look of recessed valves, our shower range is designed to fit in any UK wall cavity. Ideal for smaller bathrooms, the concealed valve will reduce the number of fi xings on the wall, creating a more open feel in the shower space.

While the spa feeling is desirable for many, some customers will be looking to create a more family friendly shower area and, therefore, installers should be aware of our selection of ‘safe touch’ bar shower valves that keep the exterior cool to the touch and avoid scalding. Our valves are family safe with thermostatic temperature controls that auto shut off, preventing surges in hot or cold water and maintaining constant water temperature.

Making a splash

Installers are often on the lookout for smarter ways of working to really impress their customers. Our smart Easyfit technology was introduced with this in mind, making kitchen taps easy to fit and change, and working out to be 70% quicker than a standard ‘C’ plate install. Replacing showers is another way installers can look to save time and work more efficiently. All showers from our core range comes with fast fi x Wallmount 12, which gives installers a quick and easy way to isolate the water supply at the wall. In addition, it provides the option of installing the mount on first fi x and then adding the bar shower itself on second fi x. This is perfect,

not only for jobs where you want to protect the whole bar shower whilst other bathroom work takes place, but also on larger commercial projects or new build projects. Installing a product like this also limits any changes to existing pipework. As an installer, it is important to stay up to date with products that meet regulatory needs to fulfil contracts with local specifiers and customer requirements. With an average of 82% of commissions coming through personal recommendations, it’s necessary to be able to recommend products and continue delivering a high quality service to all customers.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/35

metallic colour finishes, can be retrofitted onto existing shower systems or purchased with a complementing riser rail.

Temperature display

Also available is the Grohe Plus basin mixer with LED temperature display. Its slim, D shaped form has been designed to complement both traditional and contemporary bathrooms, and contains a range of user friendly technology. The upper surface of the spout

in white acrylic hosts an LED temperature display, which shows the exact water temperature as it flows.

The tap also employs infrared sensors to switch smoothly between a sustainable standard spray (5.7ltr/min) and even greater water saving with the spray function (4ltr/min). The user simply needs to wave a hand in front of the lit icon on the spout to activate.

The large size of this tap is said to offer the space for a more user friendly, comfortable

experience. It features a Grohe SilkMove ceramic cartridge, for smooth, precise control via the tactile solid metal lever handle. The swivel spout with easy docking system turns through 90° for added ease of use, while the integrated Grohe AquaGuide enables the user to adjust the spray angle of the spout with ease and precision.

For simple maintenance, the SpeedClean aerator can simply be wiped free of limescale.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/36

Bristan’s Vertico bar shower with rigid riser comes with a pre set temperature stop and automatic shut off in the event of hot or cold water supply failure

Chris Tranter Senior product manager at Bristan

Black continues to be hugely popular and we expect it to remain big with homeowners for some time

Cobalt basin taps from Bristan feature a striking black finish

Effective way to save both water and energy

There has never been a more important time to provide a simple water saving audit for your customers. We’ve all witnessed water shortage reports this year across the UK and, with the cost of heating water rapidly increasing too, providing advice on saving water from domestic taps and showers should be high on everyone’s agenda – as Chris Neath from Neoperl explains.

It’s certainly a subject that most homeowners would be willing to discuss at present, so offering a ‘Water Saving Audit’ while in a customer’s home or on their business premises would be a great service. It’s an environmentally responsible action that could provide them with a money saving solution and may result in additional business for you too. A check on the water flow for all taps and valve showers is all that’s needed, followed up by proposed changes to reduce the flow for relevant appliances.

And with retrofittable flow regulators now taking just minutes to fit, it’s an easy job for a qualified installer.

Flow rates

Taps and valve showers are manufactured and set with an optimum flow rate so that they work well in any area, no matter what the prevailing water pressure rate might be. The result is that in many circumstances showers and taps have a higher flow rate than required, resulting in water splashing out of the basin or shower enclosure. More importantly, it means that we are simply throwing clean water down the drain.

We now have the technology to reduce the flow of water very easily in valve showers and taps while maintaining a comfortable showering experience, but, for the best result, it’s important that it’s assessed by a qualified installer to reduce the flow to the required rate while not compromising the performance. It’s about assessing how well the tap works within the environment it’s fitted. If it’s only used for hand washing or cleaning teeth and not about filling a bath quickly, then the flow can be reduced significantly. When you consider the number of taps and showers we have in the home, the water savings soon add up to make a real difference.

TO THE CHASE

Under pressure

Let’s consider some facts that may help you persuade your customers to consider a water saving audit. Water is a precious resource under growing pressure as we build more homes and experience the increasing effects of climate change. It’s also a fact that each person in the UK uses on average 141 litres of water every day, the highest across all European countries. That equates to 9.7 billion litres used daily and needing to be replaced, a huge task for our water authorities.

The importance of saving water is well documented, but what about the energy used to heat it? This also has an impact on cost and increased carbon emissions. Around 20% of the cost of energy used in the home is for heating water for showers, baths and hot water taps. So, any device that can reduce our water usage must be considered because, the less water we use, the less energy we use and the more money we save.

Some consumers may be concerned that a reduction in the water flow will result in an inadequate shower, as many of us remember the days when a shower’s performance was often very poor. But technology and innovation in showering has changed all of that.

Most standard European showers today produce around 18 litres of water a minute, and yet an equally comfortable

About the company

shower is possible from a shower head delivering around 12 litres of water. If one considers a 7 minute shower a day, that’s 42 litres of water saved by one person per shower. Facts like these are hard to argue against in the current climate, especially when it’s estimated that 34% of all water used in the home is through showering and bathing.

Quick fit solution

It’s easy to see why the fitting of a water flow regulator to these appliances can help. These small devices can be retrofitted to convert an existing shower quickly and easily, simply by inserting it upstream of the shower outlet, to reduce and regulate the water flow.

A flow regulator device has an integral dynamic control ring (DCR) at its core. As water flows through it and as the pressure fluctuates, the DCR deforms into the core of the flow regulator, either reducing or increasing the size of the orifice, to enable a stable and constant flow, independent of pressure. Retro fitting a flow regulator is an easy job for a plumber – you simply need to decide which regulator to fit to retain adequate performance and to purchase a simple tool to fit it. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/37

Neoperl is a manufacturer of water saving flow regulators based in Malvern, Worcestershire. It’s part of a family owned German Swiss company, employing 1800 people across 17 countries globally, with 160 here in the UK. The Group is a technology business that offers innovation solutions for drinking water.

Their products shape the water stream, regulate the flow rate and protect water from contamination.

In the UK it largely manufactures the flow regulators and is one of the world’s leading producers. Its flow regulators and aerators can be found in most showers, taps and boilers across the UK. Many of its products can be retro fitted also, providing effective water saving solutions for the home.

The company produces over 100 million flow regulators each year, in all shapes and sizes, shipped across the world to help save water and preserve the life of appliances.

Chris Neath Sales manager UK & Ireland for Neoperl UK

  Neoperl produces Pressure Compensating Washers which are colour coded for different flow rates, including the PCW 01 for shower hoses and PCW 02 for shower handles and wall mounted taps

 Different functions of the water flow regulator

Taps & Showers

Time and energy saving instant hot water tap

has launched a new instant hot water tap. With contemporary kitchen trends focusing on simplicity, the tap will suit doctor’s surgeries and dental practices.

The HOT N Premium in conveniently delivers very hot water instantly, with the equipment able to maintain a constant water temperature of up to °C to allow users to quickly prepare hot drinks and food without the waiting time of using a kettle. People will only use as much hot water as they need, rather than over

Consisting of a space saving automatic boiler which can be placed under the sink, and a in kitchen tap, the tap includes a mixing lever for cold and hot water as well water from the appliance.

UK, says: “We’re thrilled to bring a new hot water tap. We’re always looking to expand the boundaries of what makes life

easier, by introducing products that work

“Our new instant hot water tap is the

way which is far better than an average kettle. The ease and convenience of the new product is perfect for use in homes

commonly used kettle.” phamnews.co.uk/ /

Sustainability and performance in one

with its large mm drencher overhead and halo design shower handset. It also helps to reduce household water consumption without any compromise on performance.

litres

at litres per minute, saving money on water bills and also energy costs for heating the water.

which gives up to % more spray coverage and twice the amount of skin contact. The shower comes with an integrated diverter, overhead and handset, and separate, easy to phamnews.co.uk/ /

Blade of water helps cut consumption

Designed for use in washrooms, the Waterblade can help cut water consumption while maintaining performance. The tap works by taking a trickle of water and spreading it out into a paper thin sheet that is good an unusual and attractive way to dispense water from the tap.

ltr/min aerator with the Waterblade, it achieved a % reduction in water usage, at the same time as getting favourable user feedback. This equated to a whole building water reduction of %, and % in energy. The payback period was under four months. phamnews.co.uk/ /

No ordinary finishes for this kitchen collection

Now available from Deva by Methven is the new Ashworth collection of kitchen taps. Consisting of four sink mixers, these products operate on low pressure systems from 0.3 bar. Available in black, brushed brass, chrome and copper (pictured from left to right) the finishes reflect the latest design trends. The sink mixers are said to combine style with performance,

Aeration keeps the pressure on

The new Flow Limited Tap Collection from Abode is a range of water efficient taps, said to use up to 97% less water per minute thanks to the specially designed flow limited aerators that reduce the flow rate, but not the pressure. The technology is built into six of Abodes’s most popular mixer tap designs, alongside two Pronteau steaming hot taps. The taps come in chrome, with other finishes available on request but subject to extended lead times. All kitchen taps in the new

Flow Limited Collection are WRAS approved and delivered pre assembled with 5 litres/min aerators to limit water flow rate.

Contemporary and distinct models include the Pico Swan AT1226, Pico Quad AT2134, Globe

AT2146, Althia AT1258, Quantic

AT2070 and New Media AT1180 (pictured in chrome) mixer taps, plus Pronteau Prostyle and Pronteau Prostream 3 in 1 steaming hot water taps, which provide hot, cold and filtered 98°C hot water on demand.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/41

Taps get their steam up

New from InSinkErator are the Moderno Side FHC3010 and FHC3020 taps which safely dispense filtered steaming hot water and filtered cold water, while the FH3010 and FH3020 provide instant filtered steaming hot water only. Designed to sit alongside a standard mixer tap, the InSinkErator Moderno Side taps are versatile and easy to use, benefitting from a 360° swivel spout and forward moving lever control. For enhanced safety, the hot water lever has a self closing, automatic shut off mechanism, ensuring the flow of water stops immediately.

The collection of Moderno Side taps is available in two shapes, J or U, and four finishes: brushed steel, chrome, velvet black, and polished nickel finish.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/44

Tulum is the name of the latest tap collection for bathrooms by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The range includes basin taps, shower mixers and bath mixers.

The Tulum basin taps are available as a single lever concealed installation for wall mounting. Thanks to AirPlus, which adds air, the water jet is pleasantly full. The HeatLock function limits the temperature, protecting against scalding.

The bathtub tap (pictured) offers a sleek and minimalist look with round and squared shapes, thanks to concealed installation.

The water jet is enriched with air to deliver a more satisfying

performance. It comes with an integrated hand shower holder, while the showerhead features a smooth hose and practical anti rotation design to avoid kinks.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/45

making them suitable for both residential and commercial developments. Featuring tilt and turn temperature and flow control, these taps also benefit from a ceramic cartridge for smooth operation and durability.

Complete with flexi tails, the

new tapware operates at a flow rate of 6 litres per minute to increase water efficiency and help developers achieve Part G, and homeowners to save on water bills. The sink mixers also feature a swivel spout, for ease of use.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/42

Colour adds flair to metal

With a focus on colour, Laufen has added new choices to its coloured brassware collection, which can help customers create an individualised look in the bathroom.

There is a choice of matt black, gold, rose gold or chrome and each features a PVD coating, creating a very fine layer that keeps the brassware’s shiny or satin finish constant over time. It also features an anti corrosive and anti limescale treatment, resulting in a surface that is extremely resistant to scratches and cleaning products.

The company’s Kartell brassware range is where Italian design meets Swiss innovation, with cylindrical columns which are softened by the elegant lines of the curved tap. Also available is a range of complementary shower packages in both thermostatic and non thermostatic options.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/43

Ultra smooth operation

Riace is the name of a new single lever mixer tap under the brand name, Prima. Available from distributor PJH, the tap is finished in chrome and includes a single lever U shaped mixer, a single lever L shaped mixer, a single lever L shaped mixer with pull out, and a single lever round mixer to match a range of high end kitchen styles. The taps feature ultra smooth handle operation and 360° swivel spout. Operating from a low 0.7 bar pressure, the Riace tap family is suitable for most domestic installations, while a five year guarantee provides extra assurance of durability.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/46

Shower head combinations

Italian manufacturer Ritmonio has launched the Diametro35 Wellness and Diametro35 Wellness Impronte, modular shower heads that can be combined to customise the shower area. The various showerheads deliver different types of water jet: the classic Rain (in the ceiling version) and Spray (side facing body jet) are joined by Atomyzed, a light spray, Blade for an invigorating hit, Massage for a more intense action on the whole body, and Soft, a generous and soft fall of water.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/47

Mixing up sleek, flat design delivers a modern look

Why it pays to protect against limescale

As increasingly alarming predictions about the future of energy costs continue to spread fear amongst Brits, as frontline workers it’s important that members of the heating and plumbing industry share their wisdom. From explaining the most efficient way to use their boilers to carrying out services –every little helps.

In order to counteract some of the inevitable increases in energy costs, homeowners need to ensure that their homes are efficient as possible, which is where installers can make a huge impact on people’s lives. Whether they are dealing with an elderly customer trying to keep warm on a tight budget or a family hoping to install a new boiler – sharing the ways that customers can reduce their energy and water consumption will prove extremely helpful.

Scourge of scale

One thing that can significantly contribute to consumers’ energy consumption is limescale. This seemingly innocuous side effect of hard water can often be overlooked when it comes to improving a home’s efficiency, but it can have a staggering effect on how much energy is used by household equipment, such as boilers, showers, washing machines and dishwashers.

With more than 60% of the UK connected to a hard water supply, many households within the UK will be, in many cases, unknowingly experiencing the detrimental effects of limescale.

Unless hard water is treated, when it is heated the minerals it contains will calcify and form a layer of limescale on heating elements. This is bad news for homeowners, as this build up of scale will make heating elements work harder to heat water, which means higher energy bills.

In fact, according to British Water, just 3mm of limescale coating a heating element

will mean it needs to use 24% more energy to heat water than if it was scale free. This extra pressure put on heating elements inside equipment not only makes them more expensive to run, but shortens their working life and increases the chances of breakdowns.

Thinking ahead

Who knows when the energy price increases will drop or even plateau, so for customers who want to reduce energy consumption and protect their homes from the issues that limescale causes, installing a water softener or scale

prevention product will help in more ways than one.

When it comes to water treatment equipment, all are not equal, so it is vital that installers recommend products that are not only good quality but are sustainable and have a long parts and labour warranty.

healthy filtered drinking water available from every tap.

Monarch Plumbsoft Smart Efficiency range of water softeners (for more details see page 44)

Smart Efficiency water softeners, with meter control, which remove existing limescale, prevent new build up and give numerous soft water lifestyle benefits, are a sustainable choice. These units only regenerate the resin that has been used, saving water and salt and therefore money.

Installers should opt for water softeners that are WRAS approved and feature a customer protect programme that offer homeowners numerous benefits, including detecting leaks within plumbing systems, delayed regeneration, determining water usage patterns to regenerate accordingly, and automatically adjusting to BST and GMT time changes.

These units are easy for installers to site and fit thanks to their slimline cabinet and use a Rapid Fit bypass, which reduces the components needed for installation by up to 80%.

Good taste

There are now products for homeowners that offer them other benefits, including whole house scale prevention and premium filtered drinking water at every tap.

New products on the market feature the latest technology, including an anti microbial filter housing for enhanced safety. They also remove chlorine, bad tastes, odours, pesticides, herbicides and organic chemicals from water, producing clean, fresh and

The great news for customers and a helpful selling point for installers is that these scale prevention products reduce hot water bills and increase water flow rates by removing existing scale. They are also easy to install as they don’t require a drain or power point and the easy change cartridges only needs to be changed once a year.

Soft approach

During a time of financial uncertainty installers may not feel that customers will be open to investing in sustainable solutions to limescale, such as water softeners and scale prevention products. However, it is important to give them all the information available to enable them to make an informed decision, as there are significant savings to be made.

Installing a water softener can improve a home’s efficiency up to 24%, which could equate to savings of as much as £600 a year on all hard water costs, with payback on the initial purchase in as little as 12 months. Additionally, the fact that they are compatible with any type of boiler means that every hard water home can benefit.

Work will undoubtedly get busier for installers as the colder months draw in, so it’s important that installers do everything they can to help their customers improve their homes’ efficiency. This will not only help homeowners minimise their water and energy consumption, and subsequently their bills, but also help to build solid and loyal customer relations, which will prove beneficial moving forward.

With energy efficiency rising to the top of the priority list for many householders, heating and plumbing installers need to champion energy saving technology to help support customers as well as their own businesses, says Dario Palumbo at Monarch Water.

Dario Palumbo Marketing manager at Monarch Water

Water & System Treatment

Clean water is essential for good system performance

The key to any high performing heating system is having and maintaining good water quality. Here, Spirotech’s Dave Goodyer discusses the different forms of water treatment available and the benefits they offer.

While most boiler manufacturers will now stipulate that a dirt separator must be included as part of the system for the warranty to remain valid or to obtain longer warranties, a recent survey by Spirotech found that only 2% of respondents had a dirt filter and/or air separator installed in their home. These results clearly show that more can be done to improve water quality in heating systems across the country.

The options available

To help ensure a heating system will run at its most efficient and to maximise its lifespan, water quality needs to be well maintained and monitored. It is generally advised that installers should carry out a water analysis to determine the nature and cause of any problems, to check pH levels and to identify any types of dirt present, before then deciding on the action necessary to correct the situation.

Commonly, one of the main factors that is negatively impacting water quality and damaging the system is the presence of air in the system. All water contains free air, microbubbles and dissolved gases, namely nitrogen and oxygen. Microbubbles are formed when there is either an increase in temperature or a decrease in pressure, and when dissolved gases become liberated from water – similar to when you boil a kettle or open a bottle of fizzy drink.

An automatic air vent (AAV) can be used for the ongoing release of free air, but it won’t remove microbubbles. They are so small that they have a hard surface tension, meaning they cannot

Goodyer Area sales manager at Spirotech



An open deaerator showing the removal of microbubbles from a heating system

join to form a larger bubble that can be released by an AAV. Failure to remove microbubbles can be hugely problematic in a heating system and can often be the cause of recurring call outs for installers further down the line. If untreated, microbubbles will eventually be reabsorbed into the system water, where the oxygen will then react with any internal ferrous surfaces and gradually corrode the system. This leads to a build up of magnetite and debris that will eventually clog up components and restrict system flow. As a result, these

components may fail earlier than expected, the heat output may be reduced, and there may be the need for regular venting. Customers might also notice noisy radiators and cold spots as well as higher than expected energy bills.

Best practice

As of June this year, BS 7593 became a requirement within Part L of the Building Regulations. This sets the best practice for the preparation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of domestic heating systems, for both new system installations and on systems where the boiler has been replaced. Within BS 7593, installers are required to fit a permanent in line dirt filter to capture and remove any magnetite that may form during the system’s lifetime. Our SpiroTrap MB3 is a highly effective solution that is available in a variety of connection sizes to suit any domestic system.

However, while the requirement for a dirt separator goes a long way in helping to ensure debris and magnetite are removed from the system, BS 7593 does not yet require installers to fit a deaerator, to tackle the cause of the problem – the presence of air in the system.

A deaerator, such as the SpiroVent RV2, should be fitted on the flow pipe at the point in the system with the highest temperature and lowest pressure, which will create the right conditions for

microbubbles to rise upwards out of the water, before being released by an automatic valve at the top of the unit. By removing microbubbles as soon as the water exits the boiler, the damaging effects of air are prevented from the outset.

Why it’s important

This winter, with energy prices continuing to rise, installers are now more frequently being asked by their customers about improvements that can be made to their heating system that will help improve their energy use.

While water might be the cheapest part of the system, it’s also one that, if not kept in good quality, can have costly implications. As well as causing premature parts failure and breakdowns, a contaminated system will also require the boiler to work harder to deliver the desired level of heat around the home, resulting in higher energy bills.

With the right water treatment solutions, homeowners can expect to see efficiency improvements that will help to offset their energy bills. For example, when installed together, the SpiroVent RV2 and SpiroTrap MB3 help to improve efficiency by up to 13%.

Find out more

Visit www.betterheating.co.uk to see how the hub can benefit your customers, or use the online reader link below for more information about Spirotech’s range of deaerators and dirt separators.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/49

Dave

While water might be the cheapest part of the system, it’s also one that, if not kept in good quality, can have costly implications

 Spirotech’s SpiroTrap MB3 can be used for dirt separation and is available in a variety of connection sizes

How to treat underused buildings

Covid 19 restrictions may have been lifted but working patterns are still far from ‘normal’. Many employers now offer ‘hybrid working’ – a flexible model where employees can split their time between home and the workplace; great for home/life balance but not so great for building services, particularly water based systems, which are vulnerable to bacterial overgrowths, such as legionella.

A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that while the percentage of employees working exclusively from home has fallen since February, the proportion of people hybrid working has increased to almost a quarter.

Breeding ground

This is quite a significant reduction in footfall for offices and workplaces, with building services designed for maximum capacity. Water systems and pipework in dormant buildings provide perfect conditions for dangerous pathogens such as legionella and other bacteria to thrive, risking the health of occupants and the degradation of high value assets.

of 2021

Wedd Guardian Water Treatment

colleagues and I observed many commercial buildings electing to manually run off taps and outlets as a preventative measure. Stagnation is one of the biggest risk factors for legionella growth, but even if done on a regular basis, this approach will not sufficiently replicate normal water usage in a building designed to host thousands of people.

Data collected over this period from buildings we managed showed that there was a 20% increase in positive legionella samples compared to pre Covid figures, particularly in buildings that favoured manual flushing regimes. The number of ‘out of specification’ TVC (Total Viable Count, which gives an estimate of the total concentration of microorganisms) results also rose in conjunction with the lockdowns, by more than 50%.

These results indicate that while flushing does help to prevent stagnation and legionella growth, overall microbiological control is likely to be compromised if flushing is treated as a stand alone solution.

Responding to change

Changes in building occupancy should always trigger a review to ensure maintenance practices are meeting demand. During periods of reduced occupancy, which can leave water outlets unused and therefore at risk of legionella, disinfection is a critical step in ensuring that occupants and reputations are protected.

Keeping systems clean and bacteria free is also a key strategy in mitigating against the risk of downtime, expensive/ disruptive repairs and poor performance, improving lifecycle outcomes and helping to manage running costs as we head into the winter season.

Secondary disinfection

There are two principals of disinfection:

• Primary disinfectionachieves the desired level of microorganism kill or inactivation, and

• Secondary disinfectionprovides enhanced, long lasting protection by preventing the regrowth of microorganisms harmful to human health as water moves through pipework and systems up to the point of use, for example, taps, showers and other outlets.

Corrosive chemical

Traditionally, secondary disinfection is delivered using powerful anti microbial chemicals including chlorines, chlorine dioxides and monochloramines.

One of the most commonly used substances is sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI), a hazardous and corrosive chemical that, while highly effective, requires significant safety measures to protect engineers and the environment.

HOCI – KEY

Safer option

Demand is growing for hypochlorous acid (HOCI) as a disinfection technique, an approach we are championing as a safer alternative to traditional methods.

HOCI is a naturally occurring substance that is chemical free and highly effective at fighting bacteria in water systems, including legionella. It is a particularly efficacious, fast acting biocide – according to HSG 274 (HSE’s technical guidance on Legionnaires’ disease) HOCI is ‘the form of chlorine that is most effective as a biocide’.

This approach can be used for flushing, shock dosing, mobile and emergency disinfection and continuous disinfection in acute applications. Depending on the product specification, it can be dosed into incoming mains, break tank or via fixed or mobile control systems.

Importantly, it is non toxic to both humans and animals, meaning it can be stored, transported and handled without danger to engineers and workers, and it is more environmentally friendly. Lower CO2 emissions, less wastage and low production costs also make it a more sustainable option.

Safest option

The development of new non toxic techniques such as HOCI for system disinfection services improves safety across the board – for people, including water system engineers and building occupants, for the water systems themselves, and the wider environment.

Whether the hybrid working approach endures as we put the pandemic behind us remains to be seen, but whatever happens,

must be vigilant with our buildings and prioritise safety

Secondary disinfection is a necessity for any building operating under capacity, focusing on maintaining water quality to prevent harmful bacteria such as legionella. Ian Wedd from Guardian Water Treatment explains the benefits of some of the latest disinfection techniques.

Ian

HOCI is a naturally occurring substance that is chemical free and highly effective at fighting bacteria in water systems

Water & System Treatment

Filtering system keeps water clean

X uses patented components to treat water percentage of the water every time it circulates around a system. It is and increase the lifespan of system components.

The X a percentage of water every time it circulates around a closed loop system and includes a non magnetic and magnetic grate which combine to extract suspended solids at the size of micron and above.

The automatic air separator also ensures that any micro bubbles and air are eliminated from the system, which reduces corrosion rates and stress on system components. This

dosing of water treatment chemicals can be achieved simply and safely without the time consuming need to shut systems down.

MAG

designed to protect pump and heat exchange equipment from unwanted foreign materials.

Featuring a patented dry pocket mesh/ micron via a stainless steel strainer mesh - helping to maintain and improve component performance and thermal comfort. phamnews.co.uk/

Heat transfer pumps

Responding to increasing demand for renewable heating systems, Fernox has extended its portfolio with the launch of Heat Transfer Fluid HP EG for use with air and ground source heat pump systems.

product, Fernox HP EG has been designed to extend the longevity of heat pump systems by protecting against corrosion and limescale. The solution will also protect against freezing from °C to - °C.

Formulated with ethylene

propylene glycol based products,

which means that it demands less energy to pump the heat transfer

Fernox HP EG is available in , and

litre drum should be enough to treat up to litres. phamnews.co.uk/

Test protection levels in minutes More advanced softeners

Testing heating system water quality before and after installation, servicing or general maintenance can be an important way of helping customers to reduce their energy costs.

Heating engineers can now reliably check the performance of a corrosion inhibitor on site in under i Test. Developed over a number of Test enables testing to be completed on site using a smartphone and a free to download app.

The inhibitor tester uses small tabs of dissimilar metals (typical of those used in the manufacture of central heating system components) which are introduced into just ml of mains and system water. Results from the system water are then used to give a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ indication of the level of corrosion protection currently achieved to comply with

The report generated by the app can then be sent directly to the customer, providing clear

recommendations for any corrective action which can be undertaken (and the water checked again) before leaving site.

Test unit is supplied in a protective tests.

Additional probes are readily available from

heating system chemicals and produces nearly a million bottles a year which are sold across the UK from merchant branches. The company uses a sodium nitrate formulation, which it claims works better in modern heating systems than commonly used molybdate based inhibitors.

phamnews.co.uk/

Latest additions to Monarch Water’s range of water treatment

year parts and two year labour warranty.

limescale protection for kitchens, bathrooms and entire plumbing systems, and features an anti microbial chlorine, bad tastes, odours, pesticides, herbicides and available for , and mm pipework and light commercial supplies.

Inhibitor, featuring a patented, food grade catalytic core treatment method within a stainless steel body to deliver a superior water conditioning performance. It is designed to protect water outlets and household appliances such as boilers, showers, hot water tanks, washing machines, approval and a year parts warranty. There are three phamnews.co.uk/

Ventilation & Heat Recovery

Taking care of those who live in poorly heated properties

Winter is looming and many social housing landlords are looking for solutions to help keep their residents comfortable and reduce the risk of condensation and mould. Contractors will also be receiving requests from private landlords and households on how to help combat the energy crisis by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. But without effective ventilation, this can lead to condensation and mould, exacerbated further by inadequate heating.

Latest regulations

Fortunately, future retrofits fall under the new Building Regulations which require ventilation to be improved if energy efficiency measures are added. Under Part F of the Building Regulations, when installing energy efficiency measures in existing properties, an assessment should determine what, if any, additional ventilation provision is needed, based on the estimated impact of the work. This will help to tackle condensation, mould and poor indoor air quality (IAQ) caused when moisture is unable to escape.

Contractors should therefore be recommending energy efficient ventilation that can adequately ventilate properties and deal with condensation and mould while recovering any heat from the air and using it to warm incoming fresh air. So, what’s the solution?

Although Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) does this very effectively, it is difficult to retrofit a whole house MVHR system. Luckily there are alternatives for existing homes and the retrofit market.

CUT TO THE CHASE

Decentralised mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (dMVHR) is simple to install through a wall and is very effective for single room use, such as in the bathroom or kitchen. Meanwhile, for households looking for a whole house solution, Alternate Flow Heat Recovery ventilation is ideal.

Retrofit solution

Energy efficient dMVHR offers a replacement solution to traditional inefficient intermittent units. Designed to work with natural air infiltration, dMVHR controls the air path through the home and so prevents the migration of damaging humidity and pollutants, providing effective ventilation. Running continually at low speed, rather than at a high rate for one or two hours a day, reduces power consumption.

Furthermore, a single room heat recovery unit can be simply retrofitted through a 100mm diameter hole in the wall, allowing standard 100mm extract fans to be easily replaced, offering significant savings on installation time and cost.

For example, our Lo Carbon Tempra dMVHR (pictured top right) offers low energy consumption combined with a compact heat exchanger capable of recovering any heat from extracted air and returning it back into the dwelling to provide up to 78% heat recovery. This performance, taken together with Tempra’s integral Lo Carbon DC motor with a twin impeller design, means the unit consumes as little as 2W of energy when running continuously 24 hours a day.

The IPX4-rated Tempra dMVHR is also available as a SELV version, making it ideal

for social housing. In addition, the fan boasts a low specific fan power (SFP) of 0.3W/L/s, and very low noise levels of 20dB(A) so households will be unaware fans are running continuously.

also easy to expand as needed, adding more units for a whole house solution which can all be controlled from one controller which can operate up to eight units in synchronisation, with the added benefit of heat recovery.

Fully customisable via a control panel, this type of technology achieves up to 84% heat recovery, via an innovative ceramic thermal accumulator. This new type of dMVHR technology uses the warmth from outgoing air to heat incoming air to reduce heat loss.

Meanwhile, for whole house applications, there is now decentralised heat recovery ventilation available that is ideal for retrofitting in existing homes and can be combined into a system of up to eight units to provide a whole house retrofit system. This innovative concept is Alternate Flow Heat Recovery, setting it apart from other decentralized heat recovery since it offers a balanced modular customisable ventilation system that can be easily retrofitted, supplying both supply and extract while recovering heat from the air.

This new type of technology, such as our Lo Carbon Heat Save, provides extract and supply ventilation to improve IAQ and supply fresh air to rooms as part of a modular system. Using two or more fans in habitable rooms, the units use a reversible fan that alternates between supply and extract modes every 70 seconds to extract dirty air from the room and replace it with outside air that has been passed through a filter to ensure that only clean air enters the room. It’s

The heat recovery is achieved by a thermal accumulator, which features a highly efficient design that maximises the surface area of the contact between the thermal accumulator and the air passing through it. This design is inspired by beehives and is one of the most efficient designs on the market.

Alternate Flow Heat Recovery is easy to install since there is no need for ducting – a wall sleeve is included and the unit simply goes through an external wall. For example, the Heat Save is adapted for wall thickness from 290 - 460mm so it is suitable for a wide range of building types. An extra length wall sleeve is available to accommodate up to 745mm.

For households dMVHR and Alternate Flow Heat Recovery offer ‘fresh air without the breeze’ – meaning there is no need to open windows and lose heat in the winter. These technologies are also energy efficient and cost very little to run, essential during the cost of living crisis.

This all adds up to dMVHR and Alternate Flow Heat Recovery offering the ideal solution for contractors to recommend to their customers to combat condensation and mould while preventing heat loss and avoiding high running costs.

Natasha King Vent-Axia’s RMI product manager

the energy crisis gathers pace, many households are having to make hard decisions about whether they can afford to properly heat their homes this winter, but poorly heated homes can lead to a rise in condensation and mould.

King from Vent Axia explains how effective ventilation can be the key to combating the issue.

p Vent Axia’s Lo Carbon Heat Save provides extract and supply ventilation to supply fresh air and improve indoor air quality

Ventilation & Heat Recovery

The benefits of fitting an MVHR system

With increasing concerns about the rising cost of energy, it makes sense to ensure there is minimal heat loss when ventilating a room, but that’s not the only reason to fit a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. Kiran Sagoo from Airflow Developments explains more.

The past three years have been a whirlwind and without a doubt it’s been tough adjusting to the new norm. The recent pandemic has meant that there have been many things to think about and air quality is high among them. In parallel with new Building Regulations to support the UK’s net zero ambitions, ventilation regulations have changed and many developers will be adopting Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) to meet their project’s requirements. Here are some of the key reasons why MVHR ticks a lot of boxes:

Air quality

Since Covid 19 swept the globe, there’s been more focus on air quality than ever before. Streets emptied, levels of pollution plummeted, and awareness of the issue increased globally

As a result, air quality has been a hot topic, and while MVHR has been around for decades, advances in technology have allowed intelligent engineering to drastically improve Indoor air quality (IAQ).

MVHR extracts stale air and supplies clean, filtered air that is warmed using the recovered heat from the extracted air. In return this helps reduce the risk of virus transmission and reduces the risk of a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, like asthma and strokes. Additionally, fresh air increases your serotonin levels, making you happier.

Kiran Sagoo Marketing assistant at Airflow

A Harvard University study also found that lowering carbon dioxide levels, boosting ventilation and removing toxic office based chemicals all increased productivity by 8%.

Prevents

moisture Homes are becoming increasingly airtight through efficiency measures such as insulation, draught proofing and double glazed windows. Thus, a lack of ventilation will create moisture from everyday activities such as cooking and washing. With nowhere to go, this moisture collects on cold surfaces such as windows and outside walls and causes condensation, damp and mould growth, all of which contribute to poor IAQ. Let’s not forget that some types of mould are toxic and contribute to illnesses like rashes and headaches too.

As MVHR constantly ventilates a property, everyday moisture will have no time to settle on surfaces. In addition to this, MVHR will remove harmful pollutants that come from within the home, like carbon monoxide from combustion appliances and volatile organic compounds from things like aerosols, candles and air fresheners.

Heat recovery

Heat recovery is one of the primary benefits, and MVHR systems can recover up to 90% of heat in a room. This means that stale air is removed but heat within that air is not lost. The less heat lost, the less heat will be needed to achieve a

comfortable temperature inside a building. And by avoiding large scale heat loss, MVHR systems can play a significant role in making spaces more environmentally friendly, empowering the UK’s net zero agenda to ‘Build Back Greener’.

Fuel costs

With inflation hitting us all around the country, there’s greater urgency to create energy efficient homes and buildings. And of course, sophisticated and intensive ventilation systems are required. Because MVHR recovers normally wasted heat and uses less energy than a traditional heating system, it saves on heating bills.

Comfortable levels

No matter what time of year it is, an MVHR system will ensure a consistent temperature in a home or office. Users can change the airflow manually if needed, with the option to boost the output. Furthermore, MVHR will help reduce allergy symptoms, especially in the summer, as hay fever is very common amongst the population. The filtering system traps pollen, so you’re no longer irritated by sneezing, sniffling, itching and so on. Odours are also a nuisance and unfortunately stale air has an unfriendly smell. Certain

foods and pets also have a distinctive lingering smell. Fortunately, with MVHR you’re constantly supplied with fresh air so users won’t have to worry about their house smelling unpleasant.

Alongside this, many of us still feel on edge about falling ill due to Covid circulating around the globe, and adequate ventilation will reduce anxiety over falling ill – therefore creating a comfortable environment for all.

No open windows

With an MVHR system you don’t need to constantly open windows to ensure you get fresh air. Consequently, you won’t have to deal with outside noise, and it will keep a house or building safe, as open windows create an opportunity for burglars.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/56

THE KEY BENEFITS:

 Extracts stale air and replaces it with warmed, filtered air

 Cleans the air and reduces the risk of virus transmission

 Removes harmful pollutants from the home

 Stale air is removed, but heat within the air is retained

 Improves comfort levels and helps to deliver a constant room temperature

 Avoids the need to open windows, which exposes occupants to outside noise

Heat recovery is one of the primary benefits, and MVHR systems can recover up to 90% of heat in a room

p Airflow’s Adroit range includes heat recovery ventilation units with triple filter design and a fully automatic control system

How to both save energy and improve on air quality

Our daily news feeds are full of alarming stories of environmental concerns and what we can do to create better efficiencies and make our buildings kinder to the planet. This, coupled with the astronomical rise of fuel prices and cost of living, has got many thinking about what can be done to make our buildings more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Developers are looking to more sustainable and cost effective means, such as better insulation, air or ground source heat pumps, solar panels and double – if not triple – glazing to futureproof buildings.

Airtight buildings

With modern methods of construction and developments in insulation and glazing, buildings are becoming more airtight – meaning that natural ventilation and air leakage is restricted. This is a good thing for energy efficiency, but there comes a greater need to ventilate effectively, and often mechanical means need to be employed.

Without effective ventilation in an air tight building, pollutants can become trapped as there is nowhere for them to escape. The lack of natural fresh air movement through the space results in a build up of carbon dioxide, VOCs and particulate matter as well as condensation, damp and mould, which can be harmful to not only the building but those occupying it.

Indoor air quality isn’t the only concern. Outdoor air should also be a factor of consideration. The quality of the air outside can alter dramatically depending

on environmental factors surrounding the building itself, having a further impact on the air quality inside. For example, built up areas will be at risk of higher levels of carbon and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which enter the building and cause harm to human health if not dealt with.

Providing adequate air filtration for the supply air into a building is as important as ventilating the air inside to keep a building healthy.

The solution

Typically, buildings are fitted with general extractor fans, which have a core purpose of removing moisture laden and polluted air in most cases. But this will include the warm air from within the building, dumping it outside into the atmosphere, which isn’t good for the planet or the occupants inside – so as the air is heated, it’s almost instantly removed again.

The best way to create healthier and more sustainable and energy efficient buildings and homes is to replace these extractor fans with a superior mechanical ventilation unit with heat recovery (MVHR).

MVHR systems work by combining supply and extract in one unit. Moisture laden, stale air is extracted, while the system will quietly and efficiently provide the building with fresh, filtered air all year round, improving the indoor air quality and reducing dust and allergen levels throughout.

Most systems are compact and lightweight, and also easy to install, including fan controls designed for quick and easy commissioning. Units are low maintenance and provide easy access to filters for cleaning.

MVHR heat recovery systems essentially provide optimised, balanced ventilation with heat recovery at 95%. So, unlike a simple air vent that allows heat to freely flow out into the atmosphere, these systems pass the extracted air over a heat exchange cell which recovers and retains the heat that would otherwise be lost.

As a result, occupants see a cleaner, tempered air supply coming into the building.

Not only does this improve the indoor air quality, by filtering the incoming air – it helps to keep the building warm – thus reducing the energy input it takes to heat it. Then, in the warmer months when cooling is required to maintain comfort levels, MVHR units offer a 100% bypass with no loss of resistance.

Intelligent control For added efficiencies, these solutions work best with a fully on demand ventilation system control base.

Currently, only one in five commercial buildings operate with a basic Building Management System (BMS)and only 80% are operating at class ‘C’ energy efficiency with timer based programming (rather than sensor based, demand orientated activation when it comes to ventilation).

But advanced functionality and expanded solutions when it comes to smart controls can provide impactful energy efficiency and cost savings with networked connectivity and site specific controls that monitor trends to adapt to meet site requirements.

With the adoption of smart controls for these operations, buildings would see better indoor air quality and greater efficiencies in each season,

from summer through to winter.

A greater focus needs to be placed on indoor air quality – something which currently appears to be a no man’s land within Building Regulations, with complete lack of emphasis on ventilation effectiveness. Although the government is trying to shine a spotlight on air quality, it’s not enough and these important considerations within any building, be it for schools, offices or at home, will be essential for the ongoing protection of the occupants who will be making use of that space.

Made to measure

At Nuaire, we focus on the design of low energy heat recovery systems and have been developing and manufacturing market leading solutions for years. We offer a wide range of MVHR systems to suit every size and type of building – from residential properties, such as small apartments and homes with multiple wet rooms, to applications for hotels, shopping centres, schools and offices.

We work closely with our clients to develop specific solutions for their requirements and share best practice advice.

Going forward I’d like to see a switch in new building installations, and ventilation retrofit, to consider heat recovery units over general extract fans to future proof our buildings and make them more environmentally friendly, heat efficient and provide clean filtered air into occupied spaces - in turn, saving money on fuel costs and keeping indoor air quality healthy for years to come.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/57

The best way to create healthier and more sustainable and energy efficient buildings and homes is to replace extractor fans with a superior mechanical ventilation unit with heat recovery

Effective ventilation is the key to more energy efficient, sustainable and healthy buildings, says Mike Brown from Nuaire.

Mike

Brown Nuaire commercial sales director

Ventilation & Heat Recovery

Easy control of temperature and air quality

The Aerotube wall mounted ventilation unit from Siegenia

which can be used singly or in pairs. The Aerotube DD or provides passive ventilation for air supply or extraction; the Aerotube WRG Smart can switch between air supply and extraction with heat recovery; and the Areotube AZ Smart can be used as an air supply or air extraction unit.

The WRG Smart and AZ Smart versions are now available with

The Manrose Quiet Fan X range operates with ultra low sound levels, as well as being IPX compliant, allowing it to be safely installed within Zone without the need for a low voltage transformer. The fan, which is available with a tile like façade, delivers a high extraction rate of m3/hr, while maintaining quiet running volume as low as just dB(A).

Available with a range of control options including Basic, Timer,

CO2

regulation, operated via the Siegenia Comfort app. The air

light display on the app, allowing

Humidistat and PIR, the Quiet Fan X is suitable for both wall and

for use in small bathrooms or shower rooms and comes complete with integral backdraught shutters and is double insulated, so does not require an earth. It also includes a turning vane system located in the spigot to improve performance and maintain a high output.

phamnews.co.uk

air quality to be constantly monitored and controlled via a smartphone. Both ventilators include integrated temperature and humidity sensors, while an LED status indicator, a continuous control of the air intensity with the aid of the app helps to ensure ease of use. phamnews.co.uk/

MVHR system meets the needs

Designed for use in a wide range of residential properties, the HRXE MVHR units from Domus Ventilation combine supply and extract ventilation in one system.

heat typically lost in waste, stale air and use it to temper the fresh air drawn into the building via a heat exchanger. HRXE HERA is suited to use in smaller properties of up to two/three bedrooms, while the HRXE AURA extends the range to larger homes of up to

All units feature % thermal (summer) bypass which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre set level, allowing in cooler, fresh,

through the heat exchanger. The HRXE has also been designed so that there is no reduction in mode.

Quiet running can be further reduced through the use of an anti vibration tray, which isolates the unit from the wall to reduce any low level vibration. An integral

humidity sensor accurately measures air humidity, while the HRXE’s extract speed automatically changes from background to boost as the level of humidity increases.

Spigots on the top of the unit are or mm, depending on the model, but with Domus Ventilation’s duct portfolio, adaptors are available to enable direct connection to the most common ducting size – x

phamnews.co.uk/

Freeing up

resources and cut energy

X

/room/year to /room/ m W/ m phamnews.co.uk/

Described as S&P’s quietest and EcoWatt ( EcoWatt (

accessories, day phamnews.co.uk/

Energy efficient heat pump is a quiet performer

Described as its most advanced air source heat pump to date, Samsung has unveiled the EHS Mono HT Quiet. This high temperature, low noise unit can consistently provide hot water of up to 70°C for domestic heating, suiting older residential spaces previously heated by gas.

The quiet performance of the EHS is backed up by the Quiet Mark certification. It features a double layered sound insulation system that blocks and absorbs noise produced by system vibrations, operating at noise levels as low as 35d(BA) and with a SCOP A+++ energy efficiency rating.

The unit can be remotely controlled from a phone with Samsung SmartThings, allowing householders to monitor their energy usage daily, weekly and monthly at a glance.

The EHS Mono HT Quiet is the first in Samsung’s premium high temperature heat pump line up. It became available in the UK at the start of November in three capacities (8, 12, and 14KW), including both the single and three phase power supply system. All capacities will come in the same chassis.

Commenting on the launch, Samsung president Wim Vangeenberghes says: “With the Future Homes

Standard requiring new build homes in the UK to be future proofed with low carbon heating by 2025, change is afoot and we’re likely to see an acceleration in the switch from fossil fuel heating systems to more energy efficient heat pumps.

“High temperature heat pumps are presenting an interesting alternative for homeowners looking to move away from traditional heating solutions, such as gas boilers, without compromising on performance. With the launch of the new EHS Mono HT Quiet, we’re proud to offer the UK market an innovative low carbon heating solution that can help them take that important step forward.”

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/63

Created in concert with installers

New from Danfoss is a range of energy saving Electronic Room Controls (ERC), co created with installers to make their life easier. From its industry standard backplate to the multiple cable access design and intuitive display, the ERC collection is designed for ease of use – from selection and installation to programming and everyday use. On top of all that, Danfoss has extended the warranty on the new range from two to five years, and all models are 100% Boiler Plus compliant.

Installer feedback helped to develop an ERC range, says Gareth Ash, marketing communications manager at Danfoss. “We’ve involved installers in every step of the design phase,” he explains. “We believe this approach shows the importance Danfoss places on continuous dialogue with

More precise and dynamic balancing

The 2 in 1 Vivax balancing and control valve from Comap has been enhanced to offer more precise and dynamic balancing. The NexusValve Vivax G2 EQM is a combination product consisting of a differential pressure independent flow limiter and control valve for hydraulic balancing in heating or cooling systems.

A new feature of the NexusValve Vivax G2 EQM is the equal percentage modulating valve characteristic (EQM), which means that the flow control is precise, independent of the differential pressure, and the unfavorable performance curve of a typical heating system is compensated.

Conventional and complex hydraulic balancing is no longer necessary, as the valve keeps the set flow constant, regardless of the load conditions in other

customers so we can reflect their needs in our products.”

With an ERC to suit all applications, Danfoss has streamlined the range to make choosing the right product for the job quicker and easier for installers. Models now include the TS710 and FP720 time switch and programmer, respectively; the TP5001 range of programmable room thermostats; the RET2001 digital room thermostat range; and the RET1001M dial room thermostat.

The control also features a multi cable access design which allows side, top, bottom and rear access. Depending on the model, other modifications include a new +1 hour booster button and indicator lights under each channel. The previous 365 day service interval has been updated in line with regulations to a minimum of 400 days.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/64

parts of the system. Once set, there is no need for readjustment. The result, it is claimed, is optimal heat distribution, which prevents over supply and, accordingly, saves more than 8% energy compared to standard control valves.

The two in one solution is said to both reduce installation cost and deliver on convenience.

“The valve reacts immediately to changes in the upcoming differential pressure,” explains Maxcens Fernandes, product line sales director balancing & control at Comap. “It regulates the flow according to the signal from the building management system or the room thermostat.”

Designed to be fitted in confined areas, the NexusValve Vivax G2 EQM can be used as a zone valve or single room control, but is also suitable for balancing several appliances, for example when using fan coils, chilled ceilings or radiant ceiling panels.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/65

High temperature check valves

New from Neoperl is a range of check valves designed to prevent back flow where high water temperatures are prevalent. Made from specially selected materials approved for use with drinking water, the check valves are suitable for conditions up to 127°C.

High temperature check valves are found in solar heating systems, in thermostatic mixing valves and sanitary taps exposed to high temperatures. Neoperl produces these valves in a plastic material which is tried and tested in high temperature applications.

The valves are designed for easy mounting with optional retaining tabs and with a resistance to limescale build up, chemical additives, and free chlorine compounds.

These high temperature check valves are available in three versions: OF (without snap fit tabs), OV and NV models (both with snap fit tabs) in various sizes to suit the most popular situations.

The materials used in their production meet the requirements of UK Regulation 4 (WRAS, KIWA, NSF) as well as other worldwide approvals such as ACS, KTW, NSF 61, and are certified by DVGW, SVGW, KIWA, CSTB according to EN13959

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/66

Tool calculates carbon emissions and running costs

Consultants and contractors can benefit from Elco’s Hybrid System Selector Tool, which calculates annual carbon emissions and running costs. It uses a range of parameters to calculate the most suitable and sustainable heating product for a commercial project.

For building services engineers working on heat pump only or hybrid system projects, Elco’s tool can help identify the best combination of products to match requirements in minutes.

It provides detailed ‘lowest yearly CO2’ and ‘lowest yearly cost’ comparisons between a heat pump only system, a hybrid system and a boiler only setup. The user friendly tool is also capable of calculating system parameters at any external temperature, as well as the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) as per CIBSE AM17

These calculations can be repeated across multiple system designs and flow temperatures, allowing building services engineers to make informed decisions on the benefits of different approaches. The tool also offers the flexibility to select the switch point for heat sources, while providing analysis and an explanation of the selected option.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/67

Overlay system helps to get the job done fast

The underfloor heating range from Grant has been enhanced with the addition of Uflex and Uflex MINI Overlay System.

The Overlay System can be laid on most types of new or existing floor surfaces, making it suitable for retrofitting and an alternative to screeded systems.

Both product lines feature lightweight, high density polystyrene boards which are available in 16 and 20mm thickness. Each board is available either non-foiled, designed for use with tiles when an adhesive is used, and foiled, for use with surfaces such as wood laminate. The foiled boards have a bonded layer of reflective 75micron aluminium foil on the upper surface which enhances the rapid transmission of heat across the floor and offers an alternative to using separate heat emission plates. They are said to offer a range of installation advantages. The overall installation time is quicker because there is no need to wait several weeks for a wet screed to dry. There is minimal disruption to existing floors because in most instances, the system can be fitted directly on top of the floor surface, and the low profile of the boards means there is minimal increase to the height of existing flooring. All of the boards have a reinforced cementitious layer, which makes them strong and impact resistant, and each board can be easily cut to suit the dimensions of a room and the layout of the pipework. The boards also incorporate pre formed grooves for the pipework.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/68

New sizes added to multi-layer pipe range

Polymer pipework manufacturer Rehau has announced the launch of new sizes for its Rautitan Stabil heating and plumbing multi layer composite pipe (MLCP).

The pipework will now be available in 50-63mm formats, with new polymer compression sleeves also developed to support such applications. These new sizes in SDR11 pipework are able to achieve a 25% increase in flow rate over its Flex equivalent, while maintaining lower thermal expansion.

Moreover, the solution is still certified up to pressures of 10 bar for increased peace of mind, while compression sleeve technology using no O rings guarantees security for the installation. The larger 50 63mm sizes are suitable for corridors and risers, and can be used for both heating and drinking water applications.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/71

Radiator range comes in over 100 sizes

Now available from Screwfix is the Flomasta radiator range in more than 120 sizes. This robust heating solution combines efficiency, comfort, and style in a white finish. The radiators are packed in van safe packaging, ensuring products will be transported safely.

All the relevant fixings are provided, including brackets, plugs, and vents, to ensure a seamless installation process.

peace of mind when it comes to choosing a radiator that will stand the test of time.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/69

Complete pack for wall-hung installation

Providing a complete wall hung WC solution, the Grohe Solido All in One combines all the necessary components, ready for installation, in one box including frame, ceramics and flush plate. The ready to install packages are available in different design variants, including Bau, Euro, Start Edge and Essence. The packs can be customised to include a customer’s preferred features, so they can choose technologies that deliver water saving and improved hygiene.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/70

Vaillant heat pumps join renewables company line-up

Expanding its established heat pump portfolio, renewables firm Unitherm Heating Systems is now a distributor of Vaillant heat pumps, including the latest aroTHERM plus air to water model.

Single phase inverter driven heat pump

The Zeno inverter driven air source heat pump range from Warmflow comprises three single phase models – 8, 12 and 20kW. With excellent SCOPs, the

Zeno heat pump boasts an ErP A++ rating.

The Zeno includes a number of market leading components, including a Panasonic EVI compressor and a Grundfos circulating pump, and comes with an easy to use touchscreen controller and simple wiring centre to help reduce installation time.

The heat pumps can be controlled via the Warmlink app, Warmflow’s remote control technology. WarmLink is a cloud based technology which provides remote control access for homeowners and engineers. It allows users to control and monitor their Zeno air source heat pump via a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Warmflow also offers an in house design team to advise and support engineers on planning their installation, should that service be required.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/72

Unitherm can provide the training, supply the product (with stock held in Unitherm’s warehouse), and be able to offer an MCS design and sign off service. This will allow non MCS to concentrate on the installation and hand over the design, paperwork and application for any government grant, such as the £5000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

The new aroTHERM plus uses the natural refrigerant, R290 to achieve higher flow temperatures of up to 75°C. suitable for all applications such as radiators, domestic hot water and underfloor heating, which can all be designed and supplied by Unitherm.

The firm has also developed a pre plumbed hot water cylinder to compliment the aroTHERM plus heat pump, which can speed up installation time

on site. The aroTHERM plus has straightforward wiring connections, with only power and communications cables needed to the outdoor heat pump, and all internal wiring being fed to Vaillant’s Heat Pump Interface, which can be mounted on the pre plumbed cylinder.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/73

All the new Flomasta radiators benefit from a market leading 15 year manufacturer’s guarantee, providing customers

Quick to install showering cubicle

Bathroom accessibility specialist AKW has announced the launch of the AKW Onyx Care Pod standalone cubicle. Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the Onyx Care Pod can be installed in just two to three days and is just as easily removed as it is installed. Said to be an ideal solution for hospital discharge and palliative care cases, the range includes a Showerloo option for those with additional toileting requirements.

The cubicle is watertight, and the wall panels are structural, allowing for the fitting of shower seats and grab rails at any time, as required. As well as offering a high level of slip resistance, the shallow 26mm textured shower tray can be fully recessed if needed for wheelchair users, or used with an AKW ramp. Accessories can also be tailored to suit end user needs, including the addition of high LRV colour contrast grab rails, specifically positioned shower controls and different height shower screens.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/74

to putting hot water first. Navien’s energy saving boiler technology maximises recirculation of domestic hot water (DHW) while significantly reducing water wastage by up to 7787 litres per year.

3 prizes, 3 winners!

Building upon the hot water performance of its NCB range of condensing gas boilers, Navien has renamed the two leading models in the range as the NCB700 ON and NCB500 ON. This coincides with the company’s introduction of ‘Navien ON’ – a technological concept dedicated

Inspired by the infinity symbol and its similarity to the letters ‘O’ and ‘N’, the company created ‘Navien ON’. This reflects the boilers’ ability to deliver rapid hot water, constant temperatures and hot water for up to three showers at once.

The technology is based on eliminating any delays in hot water delivery, which allows washing up and multiple showers to take place simultaneously, with no changes in hot water temperature or comfort.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/75

About the prize:

PHAM News has teamed up with Geberit to give three readers a chance to win the Duofix prize package.

The smart way to install a modern wall-hung toilet, the Duofix system uses a self-supporting frame which is neatly concealed behind the wall. The frame system provides a secure, yet flexible, fixing solution which is firmly bolted to the floor.

The front operated Delta Cistern offers dual flush with volume adjustment to help save water.

HOW TO ENTER:

It delivers a 6 / 3 litre or a 4.5 / 3 litre flush and is fully insulated against condensation.

This great prize package is completed with a Geberit Delta flush plate for a stylish finishing touch that will enhance any bathroom.

Texture is the name of a new premium fitted furniture range within PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand. It features a soft, fluted, textured design to its door and drawer fronts, combined with ample internal storage space.

The new range comes in two super matt shades, Matt White or Matt Graphite Grey. Its elegant, tactile design creates an aesthetically pleasing play with light, and the range is a perfect choice for adding individually to a bathroom scheme. What’s more, with three handle choices in Matt Black, Brushed Brass (pictured) or Chrome, designers can coordinate with other products in the space such as brassware, showers, enclosures, mirrors and lighting.

Sitting at the top end of the Bathrooms to Love furniture portfolio, Texture features a high specification design,

incorporating luxurious soft close hinges and drawer boxes, contrasting oak effect interiors, plenty of interior drawers and shelves, and robust 18mm doors and panels, for long lasting performance and quality.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/1122/76

*Source: Beama Report 2022. https://www.beama.org.uk/resourceLibrary/ estimated-fuel-bill-savings-from-heating-control-upgrades.html Individual energy savings are dependent upon existing controls, environment and lifestyle. ©2022 Resideo Technologies Inc. The Honeywell Home trademark is used under license from Honeywell International Inc.