September 2020 by PHAM News

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SEPTEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 7

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Report shows public support for low carbon heating solutions A survey of public attitudes to a transition to low carbon heating technologies has been published by BEIS (the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) The independent report, undertaken on behalf of BEIS by the social research agency NatCen, was designed to explore public views and the level of awareness about greenhouse gas emissions, UK reduction targets, and low carbon heating options. Its findings suggest that there is strong public support for policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, with ˢ˙% of those interviewed regarding targets for emissions overall, and heating specifically, to be important. However, only a minority reported having heard of specific low carbon heating technologies. Only ˛˞% said they had heard or knew a little about air source heat pumps, while only ˚˛% expressed any awareness about hydrogen boilers. There was little awareness about the level of carbon emissions from heating in buildings, and only ˚8% reported ever hearing of the UK’s carbon emissions targets, while ˜ˠ% said that they had heard about the government’s ˛˙˞˙ zero carbon heating target. Younger people, those with degrees, and people with higher household incomes were more likely to be in favour of carbon reduction policies or think they were important, while older people

tended to have a higher level of awareness of low carbon heating technologies and carbon reduction policies. People who are currently off the gas grid using fossil fuel heating systems were more likely to report knowing at least a little about air source and ground source heat pumps, compared to the rest of the population and, when asked about certain hypothetical aspects of a switch to low carbon heating systems, this group were generally positive. However, while they expected that an environmentallyfriendly heating system would meet their heating needs and be affordable to run and maintain, many expressed concern about the up-front costs. Not surprisingly, when asked about a transition to low carbon heating, a low level of disruption was more acceptable than a period of high disruption, and most people expressed a preference to having some control over timing. When respondents were asked about who they would most trust

for advice or information about low carbon heating systems for their homes, non-governmental organisations were the most commonly trusted source, followed by a government-backed advice service, which in turn was followed by national government, or a tradesperson or professional. However, those who were sceptical about climate change were less likely to trust any of the sources, particularly national government sources.

Future of gas Commenting on the report, the Gas Users Organisation – a body that claims to represent the ˛˝m UK households who use gas for domestic heating – expressed concerns that so few people understand that major decisions may be taken about how they will heat their homes in the future. Andrew Newman, technical director, explains: “While it is encouraging that a majority of the population support measures being taken to address climate

change, there is very little public awareness of the debate about how decarbonisation of heating can be achieved. “What the figures do show is that there is high public confidence in gas, with almost a third of gas users describing their existing heating system as environmentallyfriendly. Furthermore, there is a strong preference in public attitudes for future solutions that are nationally planned, and that cause minimum disruption for domestic consumers. Both of these findings support the strategy of keeping the gas network, and sourcing the gas within it from renewable sources in future, such as hydrogen and biogas made from municipal waste.”

Inside this issue Energy Matters Green Homes Grant – what’s the plan? See page ˚˙

Gas Safety Week Spreading the word about gas safety See page ˝˜

Cost comparisons A separate study, carried out by Delta-ee on behalf of BEIS, has estimated the cost of fully installing different heating technologies in domestic buildings. Under investigation were gas, oil and biomass boilers, as well as air and ground source heat pumps, and some forms of electric heating. Ground source heat pumps represented the highest costs, ranging between ͎˚˜̇˙˙˙ and £˛ˠ̇˙˙˙. In contrast, air source heat pumps cost roughly half as much to install. Biomass also came with a premium price tag: a ˛˞kW pellet boiler was estimated to cost more than £˛˝̇˙˙˙ in the study. Gas and oil boilers fared much better, with a combi-for-combi swap costing as little as ͎˛˛˞˙ for gas and ͎˜˞˙˙ for oil. The electric heating modelled by Delta-ee represented some of the cheapest options replacing storage heaters with panel heaters came in at ͎˚˟˙˙.

COMPETITION Win a Daikin air ťŽũĢƩ āũ Öłù Ŀŋũā̉ See page ˝ˡ

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Inside this issue 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 VOLUME 58 ISSUE 7

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

Public interest If the government is to succeed in its ambitions to move the country away from our reliance on fossil fuels then it clearly needs to get the public on board, but while research suggests that most people are supportive of the idea of low carbon heating technology, there’s very little awareness of the available options and an unwillingness to accept a high level of disruption to the way we currently heat our homes (see this month’s cover story). While any research into consumer attitudes should always be taken seriously, it probably comes as no surprise to anyone that most people are not overly interested in how their heating system operates as long as it delivers hot water and keeps them óŋĿĕŋũŶÖðķƘ ƒÖũĿ ÖŶ Öł ÖƦ ŋũùÖðķā ťũĢóā̍ Dŋũ ŶĞā ėũāÖŶ ĿÖıŋũĢŶƘ ŋĕ households, their gas central heating system currently ticks those boxes and they’re unlikely to want to give that up without good ũāÖŭŋłŭ ŋũ Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķ ĢłóāłŶĢƑāŭ Ŷŋ ùŋ ŭŋ̍ ÂĞĢķā ĿŋŭŶ óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ óÖł ÖťťũāóĢÖŶā ŶĞā āóŋłŋĿĢó Öłù āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶÖķ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ reducing their fuel use, perhaps through improved insulation or more advanced controls, it’s a much bigger step to get them thinking about switching to alternative technologies. This industry has a big part to play in educating the public about the heating options available to them, but, as well as highlighting ŶĞā ũāķÖŶĢƑā óŋŭŶŭ Öłù óÖũðŋł āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ ŋĕ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ĕŽāķ ŭŋŽũóāŭ̇ ŶĞāũā Ģŭ ÖłŋŶĞāũ ÖũāÖ ŋĕ óŋłóāũł ŶĞÖŶ ŭĞŋŽķù łŋŶ ðā ŋƑāũķŋŋĴāù̍ Dŋũ the last ˚˙ years, the month of September has seen the promotion of Gas Safety Week (see page ˝˜) which - while providing a great opportunity to raise awareness of gas safety issues and the importance of using Gas Safe registered installers - should serve as a reminder of the number of fatalities that can be attributed to the use of carbon fuels. How many lives in the future might be saved if the government were to achieve its zero carbon heating target?

Special Features

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Why renewable liquid fuels could deliver a cost effective way to meet carbon reduction targets

Understanding the features and VIPEXMZI FIRIƼ XW SJ HMJJIVIRX QEXIVMEPW used to manufacture radiators

Heating Controls

Oil Heating

Heating controls can save on energy costs and are a key part of the new Green Homes Grant scheme

Gas Safety As Gas Safety Week marks its 10th ERRMZIVWEV] [I VIƽ IGX SR XLI WYGGIWW of the annual campaign.

Regulars 03 Contents

20 Training Update

04 News Review

48 Competition

12 Horror Show

49 Information Centre

12 People on the Move

49 Directory

14 Gadgets & Tools

51 Training & Assessments

15 Your Views

18 CIPHE Infographic

20 Training Update 47 Product News

10 Energy Matters

16 Products in Action

18 Business Matters

How installers can keep up to speed with industry developments

Contributors Nicola Martin

%RHVI[ ,SYRWƼ IPH

Jason Bennett

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Oil Heating

Heating Controls

Nŋƒ ťĢťāķāŭŭ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ óÖł ŋƦ āũ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öłù āłù Žŭāũŭ Ö ƪ āƗĢðķā Öłù óŋŭŶ āƦ āóŶĢƑā ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł̍

Is it about time that the industry started to produce products that are made to last?

How installers can respond to customer concerns about smart heating devices and data protection.

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ENQUIRIES: Managing Editor Chris Jones Tel: 01889 577222 Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Email: circulation@phamnews.co.uk Publishers Chris Evans / Russ Jackson Southern Advertisement Manager Nathan Wood 29,033 'PEWWMƼ IH 7EPIW Sharon Nutter ABC Audited circulation Administration and Production Helen Green Jan-Dec 2019 Circulation Manager Sue Bethell Design Consultant Tim Plummer The Essential Magazine for Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement Professionals Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News Published by: Pinede Publishing Ltd 16/18 Hawkesyard Hall, Armitage Park, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1PU Tel: 01889 577222 Email: info@phamnews.co.uk www.phamnews.co.uk

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© Copyright 2020 Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without written consent from the publisher. Attributed articles represent the views of the Author(s) and are not the necessarily those of the Editor. The publishers accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers or advertisers. This magazine includes a number of colour editorial photographs paid for by suppliers.

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

News Review

Employers need funds to keep on apprentices A new Scotland-wide survey into apprentices has revealed just how immediately employers are in need of new funding to maintain support for their trainees. Carried out by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), the probe showed that while nearly half of firms have no imminent plans for recruitment, close to ˛˙% say they are still hoping to take apprentices on. But in the most striking result, ˚ˡ˟ out of ˛˜˙ respondents said that government funding to help with wages would be critical in terms of keeping apprentices, with only four saying it would not be a factor. The survey also showed that some ˞˙% of plumbing and heating

apprentices were currently furloughed. Nearly all employers have tried to avoid making trainees redundant over the Covid-19 crisis, and only eight firms are planning apprentice losses. ˠ˟ said they hoped Ŷŋ ũāóũŽĢŶ łāƒ ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭ Ģł ŶĞā ƩũŭŶ Ŷƒŋ ŨŽÖũŶāũŭ ŋĕ łāƗŶ ƘāÖũ̍ The Scottish Government has announced a £6˙m fund to recruit

Chance to win some cold hard cash This autumn installers have the chance to win a share of £˛˞̇˙˙˙ in cash in Wolseley’s Win Big giveaway. Running until ˜˚st October ˛˙˛˙, installers simply need to spend ͎˚˙˙ āƗ Á ¦ Ģł Ö single transaction in-branch or online to be in with a chance of winning. There are ˛˚ prizes up for grabs, where one lucky installer will win ͎˞˙˙˙ cash and a further ˛˙ runners-up will win ͎˚˙˙˙ in cash. Richard Harvey, commercial director for plumbing & heating at Wolseley, says: “Supporting installers during these challenging times is central to everything we are doing at Wolseley. It has not been an easy year for many but we’re hoping to give installers a reason to be cheerful!”

and retain apprentices, but as yet it is unclear how the funds will be applied. Around £˚˙m of the total will be directed to the Adopt an Apprentice programme to help those who have been made redundant, as well as to help low income households get online, which is particularly relevant as colleges move to distance learning.

óĞāĿā ŋƦāũŭ chance to get something back

Customers who have previously enrolled in Wolseley competitions will be automatically entered into this one. However, anyone that has not previously taken part can register by using the online reader link below. The winners will be chosen at random and announced in November. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙˛

A new incentive scheme from Ideal Heating will see a cashback ŋƦāũ ŋĕ ͎˚˙˙ per boiler to installers who register more mÖƗ ĢłŭŶÖķķŭ ŶĞĢŭ year than they did last year, up to Ö ĿÖƗĢĿŽĿ ŋĕ ͎˚˙˙˙. The promotion is open from ˚st September to ˜˙th November ˛˙˛˙, during which time installers are āłóŋŽũÖėāù Ŷŋ ũāėĢŭŶāũ āƑāũƘ mÖƗ boiler they install on Ideal Heating’s

Dale Thomson, training manager at SNIPEF, says that the funding moves by Holyrood are welcome, but more could be done. “It would be helpful if government were proactive in its assistance to avoid redundancies rather than being reactive and offering help to individuals after the event. “Our latest survey makes it clear that a positive and immediate investment in the future of our workforce is a priority for employers in Scotland and Northern Ireland and, Žłķāŭŭ ÖŭŭĢŭŶÖłóā Ģŭ ŋƦāũāù ŭŋŋł̇ ŶĞā prospects begin to look bleak.” DĢŋłÖ Nŋùėŭŋł̇ óĞĢāĕ āƗāóŽŶĢƑā ŋĕ SNIPEF, says that the furlough scheme has been helpful, but there is danger when it ends in October : “We could quite possibly see mass redundancies. SNIPEF has been ťũŋÖóŶĢƑā Ģł ŶũƘĢłė Ŷŋ ťķÖóā ÖƦāóŶāù trainees with other employers but, in the event of widespread apprenticeship place losses, there will not be enough employers to take up the slack. If the devolved administrations are developing plans to help the sector, the time to act would be now.”

Installer Connect platform. To qualify for cashback, installers simply need to register Ŀŋũā RùāÖķ dŋėĢó mÖƗ ŋũ RùāÖķ ÁŋėŽā mÖƗ ðŋĢķāũ ĢłŭŶÖķķŭ Ģł September, October and November, than they did during the same period in ˛˙˚ˢ. That means for installers who are new to Ideal Heating, and who have never registered a mÖƗ ðŋĢķāũ before, ͎˚˙˙ is available for āÖóĞ ŋĕ ŶĞāĢũ ƩũŭŶ ˚˙ installs. Installers who already work with Ideal Heating can earn ͎˚˙˙ per install once they’ve surpassed their total from September to November last ƘāÖũ̇ Žť Ŷŋ Ö ĿÖƗĢĿŽĿ ŋĕ ˚˙. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙˜

Trade is optimistic despite the pandemic The latest Trade Pulse report from óũāƒƩƗ ŭĞŋƒŭ ŶĞÖŶ b ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā are reporting strong levels of work activity in the first half of ˛˙˛˙ despite the pandemic. According to research undertaken ĢłùāťāłùāłŶķƘ ŋł ðāĞÖķĕ ŋĕ óũāƒƩƗ̇ ˡˡ% of the plumbers, electricians, builders and carpenters questioned said they are working at the moment, with ˠ˛% in work through lockdown during April and ˠˠ% in May. More than half ̛˞˟%) say they are preparing at least as many quotes for jobs as they were this time last year, and nearly one in three (˜˛%) are ðŽŭĢāũ ŶĞÖł āƗťāóŶāù̍ mÖłƘ ũāĿÖĢł ŋťŶĢĿĢŭŶĢó ĕŋũ ŶĞā łāƗŶ ˚˛ months, with more than two-ŶĞĢũùŭ āƗťāóŶĢłė business activity to remain the same or improve. `ŋĞł māƒāŶŶ̇ !1z ŋĕ óũāƒĕĢƗ̇ says: “Remaining open throughout lockdown enabled us to see firsthand how busy the nation’s tradespeople were, many of whom play a crucial role in keeping homes warm, safe and with power. The past few months have been hugely challenging for everyone, and our customers have had to adapt to new ways of working on site to keep themselves and their customers safe. That’s why it’s even more reassuring to see that these latest ƩłùĢłėŭ ŭĞŋƒ ĿÖłƘ ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā remain in work and are preparing quotes for future jobs.”

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

News Review

Helping businesses as they return to full steam As lockdown restrictions ease and plumbers return to work, manufacturers are going the extra mile to provide installers with a range of tools and support to build their businesses back up. A main focus has been on helping installers understand how they can work safely in people’s homes, protecting themselves and their customers ƒĞĢķā ðŽĢķùĢłė óŋłŭŽĿāũ óŋłƩùāłóā̍ ÂŋũóāŭŶāũ ƒÖŭ ÖĿŋłė ŶĞā ƩũŭŶ Ŷŋ issue guidance in this area when it launched the ‘Safe in your home commitment’ in June, a package of digital and physical measures that gave installers practical ways to safely undertake work in homes. Baxi recently launched the ‘Safer Together’ campaign, created to provide reassurance and support for ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̪ŭ ŋƒł ŭŶÖƦ̇ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ installers returning to work in the field. Detailed information packs, training centre signage, marketing communications, and safety packs have all been tailored to support the campaign’s safety messaging. The company also produced a three step safety guide for installers to follow when working inside a home. Additionally, there is a version for homeowners to help them understand the new ways of working. HomeSAFE is the name of Vaillant’s scheme. It aims to give installers guidance and advice as well Öŭ ƩłÖłóĢÖķ ĢłóāłŶĢƑāŭ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ŭťāóĢÖķ ŋƦāũŭ Öłù óÖŭĞðÖóĴ̍ ¦Ğā ĞŋĿā D1 programme builds on Vaillant’s existing package of business support, including free online business clinics, product training and support

materials. Installers who register for homeSAFE will need to complete an hour-long online health and safety training course. Once completed, installers will receive a certificate along with a PPE pack, safe working guides, and homeSAFE branded materials including a van sticker and marketing assets. For bathroom installers, Lakes has been working with the BMA to create two ‘Safe Working in the Home’ guides – one for bathroom installers and one for homeowners. The guides are part of an industry campaign with a ‘Safe Selling, Safe Working’ logo, created for installers to show that they are helping their customers as they get back to work safely. To find out more about these initiatives, use the links below: ͻ Worcester: phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙˝ ͻ Baxi: phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙˞ ͻ Vaillant: phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙˟ ͻ Lakes: phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙ˠ

Positive news for bathroom refurb installers According to a new poll commissioned by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), nearly a third of UK adults are likely to undertake a partial or full bathroom refurbishment in the next ˚˛ months. The survey of a nationally representative group of over ˛˙˙˙ people between ˚˝th and ˚ˠth July also indicated that the average time respondents envisage undertaking the work is ˚ˢ months. Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, comments: “As lockdown restrictions have eased, one of the challenges for

bathroom manufacturers has been understanding demand. There have been some early causes for optimism in the market. This evidence reinforces our hunch that people stuck indoors for months

might be thinking about upgrading their bathroom. There are still many unknown factors that mean we need to be cautious about the recovery, but this poll gives us a clear reason to be upbeat.”

DN ƩũĿ̪ŭ łāƒ łÖĿā for the global stage Continental Underfloor has changed its name to !ŋłŶĢłÖķ łùāũƪŋŋũ NāÖŶĢłė̍ ¦Ğā łāƒ łÖĿā ũāƪāóŶŭ ŶĞā Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭťāóĢÖķĢŭŶ̪ŭ ũāóāłŶ āƗťÖłŭĢŋł in Europe. The British company has been extending its reach and now has operations in nine countries, including France, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium. In order to avoid some potential trademark issues, company founder Chris Ingram decided to establish the company under the new name ŋĕ !ŋłŶĢłÖķ łùāũƪŋŋũ NāÖŶĢłė̍ “As we continue to expand,” says Chris Ingram, “it ĿÖĴāŭ ŭāłŭā Ŷŋ óĞÖłėā ŋŽũ łÖĿā Ģł ŶĞā b Ŷŋ ũāƪāóŶ that we are now a single, global company.”

Baxi installer reels in a great catch

An installer from Cambridge has landed third place with ĞĢŭ ťÖũŶłāũ Ģł ŶĞā ũāóāłŶ Ñāā ũÖ ƩŭĞĢłė óŋĿťāŶĢŶĢŋł Ģł The Netherlands, against anglers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and England. Ben Lawrence of BSL Heating is a Baxi Approved Installer, so Baxi was pleased to sponsor him for the competition, which took place on ˚˞ and ˚˟ August ˛˙˛˙ at Spuibuzem Lake. To earn his third place, Ben caught ˚˙˟ kilos of bream during the two-day competition. “It was very hot, but after the year we’ve had so far, it was great to be back to competitive angling,” says Ben. “Keeping to your spot is part of the competition, so social distancing was not a problem! I am delighted to have achieved third place in this international competition.”

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

News Review

Showers on the rise, says survey New market research from Grohe has revealed the latest consumer attitudes towards their bathrooms. In the survey, conducted by Explorare on behalf of Grohe, ˟˝% of those surveyed said they preferred showers over baths. Furthermore, ˝˜% now view the bathroom as an indulgent space for wellness and relaxation, and ˝ˡ% use the shower to help them relax. The survey also revealed that safety and sustainability are key factors for consumers when it comes to showering. ˠˡ% said that having a shower surface that doesn’t get hot whilst showering was a priority, and similarly, ˟˚% deemed a thermostat that óÖł ðÖķÖłóā ŋŽŶ ƪŽóŶŽÖŶĢŋłŭ Ģł temperature an important factor in their shower’s performance. Meanwhile, around half (˞˚%) are actively trying to save water, with ˞˝% seeking additional sustainable functions from their shower. In addition, ˜˟% of those surveyed said they would like

Card fee waived for redundant workers The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is supporting redundant workers by allowing them to apply for and renew their SKILLcards free of charge. łƘŋłā ƒĞŋ ŭŽƦāũāù ũāùŽłùÖłóƘ as a result of the COVID-19 crisis since ˚st March will have their fees waived if they apply by ˜˚st October. Applicants must still hold the relevant qualifications and certificates, but if they can provide evidence of redundancy they will not be charged the £˝˙ fee when completing their renewal or application process.

to replace their entire shower system, and ˞˝% said they would like a large, rainfall type shower head. In light of these results, Grohe has launched a shower cashback promotion that lets customers claim up to ͎˚˙˙ when they purchase an eligible model from Grohe’s range. The promotion runs until ˜˚st October ˛˙˛˙̇ with all cashback claims to be made by ˜˙th November ˛˙˛˙. ¦ŋ Ʃłù ŋŽŶ Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞā ŋƦāũ̇ please use the reader link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙ˡ

“We are acutely aware that many people in our sector are going through a torrid time,” says BESA director of certification Rachel Davidson. “Waiving SKILLcard fees may seem a small gesture, but ĢŶ ũāťũāŭāłŶŭ Ö ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶ ƩłÖłóĢÖķ investment by BESA in the future of our people and our industry. “It also shows that we are serious about retaining skilled people in our sector and is just one of a number of ways in which the Association is trying to support workers faced with uncertain futures,” she adds.

BESA’s gesture is in line with the government-backed Construction Talent Retention Scheme that is designed to help redundant ƒŋũĴāũŭ Ʃłù łāƒ ťŋŭĢŶĢŋłŭ ƒĢŶĞĢł the industry and avoid a repeat of the last recession when more than ˞˙˙̇˙˙˙ people left construction. BESA is also launching its online Academy, which will make it easier for anyone working in building engineering services to access the training they need to refresh and update their skills. Find out more using the weblink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˙ˢ

Get an extended guarantee on pumps Pump specialist Grundfos has launched a new extended guarantee ŭóĞāĿā ŶĞÖŶ ŋƦāũŭ Ö ƩƑā-year manufacturer’s guarantee on its ranges of intelligent MAGNA˜, TPE˜, NBE and NKE pump models, purchased after ˚st May ˛˙˛˙, at no extra charge. In order to take advantage of the Grundfos Go Guarantee, installers need to register the pump on the company’s Go app, which can be done at the point of commissioning, and by completing and submitting a Grundfos Go ũāťŋũŶ̍ ťŋł ÖóóāťŶÖłóā̇ Öł āĿÖĢķ ƒĢķķ ðā ŭāłŶ Öłù ŶĞā ƩƑā-year guarantee ťāũĢŋù ƒĢķķ óŋĿĿāłóā ƒĢŶĞ ĢĿĿāùĢÖŶā āƦāóŶ̍ The pump product line-Žť ĢłóķŽùāù Ģł ŶĞĢŭ ŋƦāũ ƒĢķķ ðā Žłùāũ óŋłŭŶÖłŶ review, so visit the weblink below to learn more and to check out the most up-to-date information. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˚˙

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

News Review 9 Cashback

The SpiroCross AX cashback promotion has returned for the upcoming heating season, giving installers at least £8˙ cash back when they make a purchase from the brass SpiroCross AX by ˜˚st December. The multi-functional unit combines deaeration, dirt separation and hydraulic balancing in one, to ùāķĢƑāũ óŋŭŶ ŭÖƑĢłėŭ Öłù āƧ óĢāłóƘ improvements in both new build and refurbished heating, cooling and process systems. To claim the cash back, installers simply need to email their purchase invoice or VAT receipt of eligible products to office_uk@spirotech.co.uk before ˜˚st January ˛˙˛˚.

Rebranded for the future Ideal Boilers is to rebrand as Ideal Heating, in a move designed to communicate the company’s total heating system offering, with expansion into low carbon technologies pla nned f or t h e coming months. Chief marketing officer Jo Shepherd comments: “For years we’ve offered so much more than just boilers, and there’s more exciting innovation to come. Our ambition is to be the number one choice for installers and we believe

that having a more holistic, futurefocused brand will help us achieve that, supported by an industryleading product range, installer incentives and creative marketing activity.” The new Ideal Heating logo will be easily recognisable to those who are familiar with the Ideal Boilers brand, but with a green dot on the ‘i’ in place of the previous red one, to reinforce the association between Ideal Heating and a more sustainable future.

pN ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ĕũŋĿ ŶŋĢķāŶ ŭāÖŶ ĕŽłùũÖĢŭĢłė āƦ ŋũŶ Independent plumbing distributor Mark Vitow Ltd is donating £˝˙˙˙ to the NHS with the proceeds of its recent charity fundraiser. The company pledged £˚ from every sale of its four Korona toilet seats purchased in June and July to NHS Charities Together. “It gives me enormous pleasure to announce that our Korona Toilet āÖŶ DŽłùũÖĢŭāũ̇ ĢłŭťĢũāù ðƘ ŶĞā āƦ ŋũŶŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā pN ĕũŋłŶķĢłā ŭŶÖƦ ŋƑāũ recent months, has resulted in a donation of £˝˙˙˙ to NHS Charities Together,” says Matthew Phillips, MD. “A massive thank you goes ŋŽŶ Ģł ũāóŋėłĢŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā ŭŽťāũð āƦ ŋũŶŭ ŋĕ ŋŽũ ĢłóũāùĢðķā ŭŶÖƦ Öłù ŶĞā hugely appreciated support of our loyal merchants and installers, who have made the fundraiser such a success.”

Boilers come with extras A new ‘Free for Three’ promotion has been launched by Potterton !ŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ̇ ŋƦ āũĢłė ĕũāā commissioning, a free extended warranty, and free service kit across its aluminium and stainless steel wall-hung and ƪ ŋŋũ-standing condensing boiler ũÖłėāŭ̍ ¦Ğā ŋƦ āũ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ ũŽłŭ ŽłŶĢķ the end of October, applies to the company’s Paramount, Sirius and Eurocondense boilers. Dan Martindale, commercial sales director for Baxi Heating, says: “Potterton Commercial ðŋĢķāũŭ ÖķũāÖùƘ óŋĿā ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ŋƦ āũ of free boiler commissioning by our experts as standard to ensure smooth operation and enable our ĕũāā āƗŶāłùāù Ʃ Ƒā-year warranty

to be activated. But to maintain ĞĢėĞ ðŋĢķāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ̇ ĢŶ̪ŭ āŭŭāłŶĢÖķ to carry out regular servicing. So, for a limited period, we are going ‘Free for Three’ and including our carefully selected genuine parts ŭāũƑĢóā ĴĢŶŭ Ģł ŋŽũ ƒĢłłĢłė ŋƦ āũ̧̍ The service kits contain all the parts required to complete a full recommended boiler service on ŶĞā Ʃ ũŭŶ ƑĢŭĢŶ̇ Öķķ ĞÖłùĢķƘ ðŋƗāù Ģł an easily transportable package. The company says that using only ŋƧ óĢÖķķƘ ŶāŭŶāù Öłù ÖťťũŋƑāù ťÖũŶŭ also maximises boiler reliability and longevity, while ensuring full compliance with warranty terms and conditions. ¦ŋ Ʃ łù ŋŽŶ Ŀŋũā ̇ ƑĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā ƒāðŭĢŶā̆ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˚˚

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Energy Matters

Green Homes Grant: Top ˞ things to know When the government unveiled details of its Green Homes Grant scheme last month, it was hailed as a programme that would generate ėũāāł ıŋðŭ Öłù Ğāķť ĞŋŽŭāĞŋķùŭ ðāóŋĿā Ŀŋũā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłŶ̍ ŽŶ ƒĢķķ it also be a boost for the plumbing and heating industry? PHAM News ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶŭ ŭŋĿā ŋĕ ŶĞā ĴāƘ ťŋĢłŶŭ̍

What is it exactly?

The Green Homes Grant is a government scheme that will fund up to two-thirds of the cost of energy āƧóĢāłóƘ ĞŋĿā ĢĿťũŋƑāĿāłŶŭ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ óŋŽķù ðāłāƩŶ ĞŽłùũāùŭ ŋĕ thousands of householders and ķÖłùķŋũùŭ Ģł 1łėķÖłù̍ mŋłāƘ ĕũŋĿ the £˛billion pot will be disbursed in the form of vouchers, which are worth up to £˞˙˙˙̍ ¦Ğŋŭā ŋł ķŋƒ income (owner-occupiers in receipt of income-based or disability ðāłāƩŶŭ̜ ƒĢķķ ėāŶ Ö ˚˙˙% subsidy up to a maximum government contribution of £˚˙̇˙˙˙̍ According to the Department of ŽŭĢłāŭŭ̇ 1łāũėƘ Öłù RłùŽŭŶũĢÖķ Strategy, people can verify their eligibility for the vouchers on the government-endorsed SimpleEnergyAdvice.org.uk ƒāðŭĢŶā̍ They will also be given details of ÖóóũāùĢŶāù ķŋóÖķ ŭŽťťķĢāũŭ̍ złóā ŋłā of these suppliers has provided a quote and the work is approved, the voucher will be issued from the end ŋĕ āťŶāĿðāũ̍

Time frame

The scheme is set to go live in September with funding available until March ˛˙˛˚, but some experts have argued that this is too short a time ťāũĢŋù Ŷŋ ĞÖƑā Ö ķŋłė ķÖŭŶĢłė āƦāóŶ ŋł óÖũðŋł āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ̍ ŶāƒÖũŶ !ķāĿāłŶŭ̇ ùĢũāóŶŋũ ŋĕ ŶĞā NNR!̇

says: “This is a relatively small window, especially in the current óķĢĿÖŶā̍ Âā ƒŋŽķù ÖłŶĢóĢťÖŶā ĕŽŶŽũā funding will be required to avoid a ðŋŋĿ Öłù ðŽŭŶ ŭĢŶŽÖŶĢŋł̧̍

Available measures

There are a limited number of measures available on the scheme, and these are divided into ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ̍ The primary category includes ĢłŭŽķÖŶĢŋł ̛ŭŋķĢù ƒÖķķ̇ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ̇ óÖƑĢŶƘ ƒÖķķ ŋũ ũŋŋĕ ĢłŭŽķÖŶĢŋł̜ and low carbon heating (air or ground source heat pumps, solar ŶĞāũĿÖķ̜̍ āóŋłùÖũƘ ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ can be accessed only if primary ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ Öũā ĢłŭŶÖķķāù Ŷŋŋ̍ ķŋłė with new double/triple glazing, āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłŶ ùŋŋũŭ̇ Öłù ùũÖŽėĞŶ ťũŋŋƩłė̇ ŶĞĢŭ óÖŶāėŋũƘ Öķŭŋ includes heating controls, such as ¦ Áŭ Öłù ŭĿÖũŶ óŋłŶũŋķŭ̍ Unsurprisingly, the incentive for homeowners to invest in heat pump technology has been welcomed by heat pump manufacturers and ŭŽťťķĢāũŭ̍ ̦RłóāłŶĢƑĢŭĢłė ŶĞā ŽťŶÖĴā of low carbon heating options is an important step on the path to óŽŶŶĢłė óÖũðŋł āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ̧̇ ŭÖƘŭ Max Halliwell, communications ĿÖłÖėāũ̇ mĢŶŭŽðĢŭĞĢ 1ķāóŶũĢó̍ “Having to install an air source heat pump as one of the primary requirements for grant acceptance

also means that the industry is going to grow, delivering more job opportunities for installers across ŶĞā óŋŽłŶũƘ̍ Rł ŭĞŋũŶ̇ ŶĞĢŭ ŭóĞāĿā ùāķĢƑāũŭ ðāłāƩŶŭ Ŷŋ Öķķ ŭŶÖĴāĞŋķùāũŭ across the value chain – and not ķāÖŭŶ ŶĞā āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ̧̍ RÖĢł āƑÖł̇ óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ĿÖłÖėāũ – heating & renewables at Daikin, Öùùŭ̆ ̦!ŋłƩũĿÖŶĢŋł ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā Fũāāł Homes Grants will include heat pumps is extremely positive news and an important step in helping ĢĿťũŋƑā ŶĞā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋĕ the UK’s homes, alongside creating Ŀŋũā ėũāāł ıŋð ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶĢāŭ̍ ̦NāÖŶ ťŽĿťŭ ŋƦāũ ŭŋĿā ŋĕ ŶĞā ðĢėėāŭŶ āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ Öłù óŋŭŶ savings for consumers, however ÖƒÖũāłāŭŭ ŋĕ ŶĞāŭā ðāłāƩŶŭ is generally lower than other technologies, such as insulation ŋũ ŭŋķÖũ ťÖłāķŭ̍ ¦Ğāũā̪ŭ Ö óķāÖũ role for our industry in educating consumers to help them make the right decisions for their homes, while ensuring our network of tradespeople can take advantage of the opportunities arising from the ŭóĞāĿā̧̍

Installer requirements

To take part and ŋƦāũ ŶĞāĢũ ŭāũƑĢóāŭ through the scheme, all installers must register with ¦ũŽŭŶmÖũĴ̍ ÂĞāũā ŶũÖùāŭťāŋťķā Öũā ĢłŭŶÖķķĢłė āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ measures, they must also

ðā óāũŶĢƩāù Ŷŋ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ̍ ¦ŋ ĢłŭŶÖķķ ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł heat measures, installers must be TrustMark registered Öłù óāũŶĢƩāù ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŶĞā mĢóũŋėāłāũÖŶĢŋł !āũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł Scheme for the relevant heating ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ̍ Many in the industry regard this accreditation requirement to be Öł āƗóāŭŭĢƑā ðŽũùāł ŋł ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̍ John Thompson at the APHC describes it as “too complex for ŶĞā ƑÖŭŶ ĿÖıŋũĢŶƘ ŋĕ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̧̍ ÂŋũóāŭŶāũ̪ŭ mÖũŶƘł ũĢùėāŭ adds that since most heating installation businesses are oneman-bands, they are not usually members of MCS and therefore are not likely to take part in the Fũāāł NŋĿāŭ FũÖłŶ ŭóĞāĿā̍ Nā says: “While we will end up with Ŀŋũā āƧóĢāłŶ ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ ĕŋũ homeowners, there will be no great job retention outcome for the businesses that are not able to take ÖùƑÖłŶÖėā ŋĕ ŶĞĢŭ ėũÖłŶ̧̍ Mark Wilkins, head of training Öłù āƗŶāũłÖķ ÖƦÖĢũŭ ÖŶ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ̇ points out that there may not be enough time for installers to get MCS accredited, given that the scheme’s end date is in March ŋĕ łāƗŶ ƘāÖũ̍ Nā ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦¦ŋ ƩŶ heat pumps using the scheme, installers must be MCS accredited and the process of gaining accreditation can take several ĿŋłŶĞŭ̧̍

RHI Combination

ÂĞāł ĢŭĞĢ ŽłÖĴ ƩũŭŶ announced the Green Homes Grant, it appeared that homeowners would not be able to combine it with the domestic āłāƒÖðķā NāÖŶ RłóāłŶĢƑā ̛' NR̜̍ Since then, the government has óŋłƩũĿāù ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞŋŭā ðāłāƩŶŶĢłė from the grant could also collect ŶÖũĢƦŭ Žłùāũ ŶĞā ' NR̍ ¦Ğā ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũ ƒĢķķ ƩũŭŶ łāāù Ŷŋ ÖťťķƘ ĕŋũ Ö Fũāāł NŋĿāŭ FũÖłŶ ̛FNF̜ Öłù then subsequently can also apply ĕŋũ ' NR̍ ¦Ğā ÖĿŋŽłŶ ŋĕ ŶĞāĢũ FNF Ģŭ ŶĞāł ŶÖĴāł ŋƦ ŶĞā ƑÖķŽā ŋĕ ŶĞāĢũ ťũŋıāóŶāù ' NR ťÖƘĿāłŶŭ̍ ŭ ' NR ÖťťķĢāŭ Ŷŋ Ö ŭťāóĢƩó ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł ƑĢÖ Öł m! óāũŶĢƩóÖŶā̇ a homeowner could choose to have a further renewable heat measure ŽŭĢłė ŶĞā Fũāāł NŋĿāŭ FũÖłŶ̍ Dŋũ example, they could already have an NR ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť ðŽŶ ŶĞāł Žłùāũ ŶĞā FNF ŋťŶ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ÖùùĢŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŭŋķÖũ̍ RÖł ĢťťĢł̇ !1z ŋĕ m! ̇ comments: “Although it has added to confusion for our stakeholders, ƒā ùŋ ƒāķóŋĿā ŶĞĢŭ óķÖũĢƩóÖŶĢŋł ŋł ťÖĢũĢłė ŶĞā ĢłóāłŶĢƑāŭ̇ Öŭ R ùŋ believe it will stimulate demand ĕũŋĿ ŶĞŋŭā ƒĞŋ łāāù Ğāķť Ŷŋ Ʃłù the upfront cost of a renewable heat installation, but they can then still ðāłāƩŶ ĕũŋĿ ' NR ŋƑāũ ŶĞā ťÖƘðÖóĴ ťāũĢŋù̍ Rĕ ƘŋŽ ķĢĴā̇ ŶĞĢŭ Ģŭ Öł ŽťĕũŋłŶ payment being made out of their ' NR ÖķķŋƒÖłóā̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˚˛

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

People on the Move ONLINE For further information about any of the stories featured in this issue, simply enter phamnews. co.uk/720/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

Installation work that will make you shiver! Gas App Uk members have unburied some of the latest horriﬁc evidence of shocking installation work. Seen some terrifying installation sights of your own? Share your snaps with Gas App Uk!

The sales team at Lochinvar has been enhanced with the addition of two new area sales managers. Dean Thornton (pictured) will cover London, West Sussex and Surrey while Will Brook will look after the South West of England. These key appointments are part of the company’s strategy to increase UK coverage.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has announced that Graeme Fox has been appointed as its new head of technical. Graeme is a chartered engineer with over 30 years experience of building services engineering. He has expertise in air conditioning, heat pumps, and small commercial refrigeration.

Pump specialist Wilo has appointed Duncan Reed as strategic account director. Duncan has spent 0 years with the company in various technical and management roles. In his new position he will build relationships with the strategic accounts using the company’s expertise as a solution provider.

Boiler Plan has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of financial director Chris Alete. He will control the financial management of the Cramlingtonbased firm while working closely with the senior team to shape a long term business strategy focused on expanding its range of products and services.

ATAG Heating Technology has appointed David Stolton as its new sales director. David joins the company from trade merchant Wolseley, where he was business development director, and in his new role he will be responsible for spearheading the boiler manufacturer’s ambitious plans for growth and product innovation.

Mechanical and electrical building services provider J S Wright has promoted Richard Pendleton to the position of associate director contracts. Richard was previously senior electrical project manager and has more than 5 years experience in electrical project management.

Imperial Bathrooms has implemented a new management team, headed by joint MDs John Kitchiner (pictured) and James Stevenson. James was promoted from his role as export director for the ﬁrm to serve with the newly appointed John. The company was recently acquired by Simon Lousada of Lousada Plc.

To join the Gas App community for FREE, simply visit the Apple or Google store and search for Gas App Uk

12.indd 1

Harrison Bathrooms has named a new key account manager for southern England. Peter Rolland will work with retailers, showrooms and merchants in that area. With more than 30 years experience in the plumbing, heating and bathroom industry, he has previously held executive positions at Pitacs and F.W. Hipkin.

02/09/2020 09:40

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Gadgets & Tools

Thermal imaging smart phone stands up to abuse Described as a step change in mobile thermal imaging, the Cat S˟˛ Pro is the latest thermal imaging smartphone from Bullitt Group. It is the third generation of the Cat 6˙ series and showcases the latest in thermal sensing technology from FLIR. It is powered by the FLIR Lepton ˜̍˞ and the new MyFLIR Pro app.

The Cat S˟˛ Pro is said to be incredibly tough, having achieved and surpassed

an ingress protection rating of IP6ˡ and undergone rigorous testing. These tests include repeated drops from ˚̍ˡm onto steel, with multiple drops onto every side and corner, as well as extensive waterproof, dirt and dust proof, temperature extreme survivability, and vibration and tumble tests. It’s hygienic too – it can be fully submerged and easily washed with soap and disinfectants, or cleaned with alcohol wipes. The new software enables analytic and reporting features: isotherm and isotherm alarming, minimum and maximum ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ƪÖė ĢłùĢóÖŶŋũŭ̇ Öłù ũāťŋũŶ generation. There are also upgrades to the Cat S˟˛ Pro’s display and to the memory, now ˟GB RAM and ˚˛ˡGB ROM. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˚˜

Hand tools range puts quality well within reach Minotaur Tools is the name of a new range of hand tools available from Toolstation, ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ŶĞā ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ Öłù ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ŋĕ ðĢė-name trade brands but at a more ÖƦŋũùÖðķā ťũĢóā̍ ¦Ğāũā Öũā ÖũŋŽłù ˞˙ lines in the range, from trowel sets and high velocity claw hammers to spirit levels, saws and measuring tapes. Highlights of the range include a complete set of spirit levels that are lightweight and accurate, coming with an aluminium body and soft protective end caps. They have an accuracy of ˙̍˞mm/m and three vials at ˝˞°, ˢ˙° and ˚ˡ˙°. The measuring tapes come in 5, 8 and 10 metre lengths, all with printed doublesided blades in metric and imperial, and magnetic end hooks and blade locks that are incorporated in a tough bi-material rubberised case with integrated belt óķĢť̍ Öƒŭ Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā Ģł ðŋŶĞ óŋŽũŭā óŽŶ Öłù Ʃłā óŽŶ Öłù ĕāÖŶŽũā ŶũĢťķā ėũŋŽłù teeth. A soft grip handle is slightly larger to enable use with gloves and the SK˞ steel blade has a protective anti-rust oil to assist with longevity. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˚˝

Metal cutting band saw with easier handling

Makita has expanded its range of LXT cordless tools with the launch of two new brushless portable band saws (DPB˚ˡ˜Z and DPB˚ˡ˝Ñ̜̇ ŋƦāũĢłė ŶĞā ťŋƒāũ Öłù ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ łāāùāù ĕŋũ ĿāŶÖķ-cutting tasks. Their compact and lightweight design makes them easy to manoeuvre around tight working spaces. Angled ŭťāóĢƩóÖķķƘ ĕŋũ óŋĿĕŋũŶ̇ ŶĞā ĞÖłùķā ùāŭĢėł ĞÖŭ ðāāł engineered to ensure ease of use in both horizontal and vertical operation. For stable and secure cutting, both machines include durable housings, with an optional grip handle for greater control. The cordless band saws feature Makita’s variable speed control, which allows operators to select the ideal cutting speed for each application simply by adjusting the dial. Twin LED job lights help to accurately position the blade on the cutting line. This is also ensured by the adjustable blade tracking that can be repositioned simply by turning the screw located on the tool’s housing with the hex wrench provided. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˚˞

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

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PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2020

40 Test & Measuring Instruments

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An independent and family run hotel situated in beautiful countryside just outside the village of Beamish, in County Durham, is the latest hotel to protect its heating The way we heat our homes and businesses system and new boilers with a continues to evolve, but engineers can be assured BoilerMag XL. 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This will mean market, and with the potential the low-pressure and highpressure sides of a heat pump that a focus will be put onto heat for significant changes in system and evaluate if these pumps as a readily available and the way that domestic and readings are within the required proven technology for supplying commercial properties will parameters. heating, and many installers be heated in the future, many Jon Bawden Jon Bawden managerchanges HVACR, Testo UK There are Product other will need both training and new engineers will be keeping one Product manager HVACR, Testo UK Domusthe Ventilation – part within world of air test equipment. eye on future trends and how of the Polypipe Group – has As a manufacturer of integrated conditioning, with moves that might dictate which test had its HRXD mechanical piping systems, Pegler has the use of refrigerant equipment they invest in. tem el er r towards ar ventilation with heat recovery supplied its VSH PowerPress measuring Testo, as a world-wide gases with aModern lower GWP (global ne heating system appliance the extra output co to technology has (MVHR) systems installed in the system for use at the Holy Family e warming o manufacturer of HVAC test potential), but again that has certainly been in the today’s andVillage prestigious Bowsmart River National School in Swords, re r era t digitally networkedwith and measurement equipment, we can assist engineers news recently is the heat pump development in East London. County Dublin. The project called world is uniquely placed to provide products to ensure that – with the UK government Bow River Village is aany newrefor a thick wall steel pipe and gassing of systems effective for this influx of engineers as committing itself to the residential quarteris south of the press fitting range. and correct. ne ma or benefi t of we have been supplying our ambitious target set by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Amara Engineering was our or 55The digital manifolds digital refrigeration manifolds CCC (Committee for Climate in 550 ondon. apartments that tasked with installing services ismake that,up unlike traditional and other heat pump service Change . ne of the first steps the new development to the six-classroom extension have been type designed with analogue’ manifold instruments for many years proposed towards the eventual at the 00 pupil school, which modernthey and can efficient replaced ageing temporary gauges, easilyliving be in already, albeit to a smaller net-zero carbon target is that mind and marketed with accommodation. all new homes built from 0 5 updated forare future refrigerants market than is expected in the ‘eco-features The heat free, speedy keep energy will have to look to alternatives as they becometoavailable. future. Our 550 and 55 digital bills to the minimum’. to the traditional gas boiler for installation offered by S manifolds help heat pump PowerPress ensured a timely Domus Ventilation HRXD heating, as the homes will not engineers to quickly assess the install that also ensured complete wall mounted MVHRs, along nother area where significant safety of the site, as there was with Domus ducting and have historically been specified changes are taking place in the considerable timber used in the sound attenuators, were has shown the reliability and ease test equipment market is with construction. Furthermore, the installed during Phase of the of installation offered by S connectivity change from a threaded and development. at the heart of PowerPress. new technology are apps which welded joints system that would phamnews.co.uk/ 20/ 0 can turn your smartphone or tablet into one of your most important tools. This fundamentally changes not only the measurements themselves, but also the documentation and processing of the data. With products such as our 300 Omnie has supplied its Foilboard Floating smart’ analyser, you are seeing underfloor heating system for the conversion the merging of smartphone and of a Georgian property to create two Airbnb lets measuring device this flue in Bath. The specification has helped deliver gas analyser for both domestic sufficient output to combat the heat loss through or commercial applications the building’s envelope, which had to remain brings the ease of use we uninsulated due to its Grade listing. have all become used to with The redevelopment was carried out by Sohrab The testo 300 smartphones straight to the Rustomjee, the principal of Bath-based SR features an easy heart of a flue gas analyser. Architects, who designed and project managed the to read display All measurement data can be work. e says e had used mnie underfloor and can transmit heating systems on a number of our residential conveniently transmitted direct data directly to a and commercial projects in the past, having always from the analyser via a i i smartphone been impressed by the level of support the company offers from the early stages. Calculations proved that we could counter the heat loss through the poorly insulated fabric by installing the FoilBoard panels across the entire basement/garden level floor and this has resulted in achieving incredible levels of comfort within a building such as this.” phamnews.co.uk/ 20/ 2

I recently had a concerned phone call from a long-standing customer. She had just moved house and her central heating boiler kept switching itself off. So could we help As we approached the property my son and I could see a vertical flue protruding from a flat roof. Whilst waiting at the front door we both noticed discarded roofing materials scattered arbitrarily around the front drive. As Jane let us in I asked the question- have you had some Thick wall steel pipe used roofing work done The answer with heat- ree pre fitt was in the affirmative. Upon inspecting the boiler we were rather taken aback to discover a 30mm gap between the boiler flue outlet and vertical flue. Getting on the roof, it became clear Modern measuring what had occurred. Whoever had carried out thetechnology has work had wrenched the flue out of today’s smart and the lead flashing, replaced the felt digitally networked around it and simply shoved it back world in again without going inside the property to see where it went! Although installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and clipped, this flue system is not required to be screw fixed but tem el er simply push-fitted together. the extra output Fortunately, in this instance the new boiler’s safety devices sensed a problem and shut the boiler down. But had it been of 0 years vintage, the consequences may have been different. The perpetrator was obviously not Gas Safe Registered and should have asked the customer to contact her engineer to remove and refit the flue. But we all know that this goes on… 40.indd 1 Is it time to reconsider the design of this type of flue system to ensure that scenarios such as this cannot be repeated

An independent and family run hotel situated in beautiful countryside just outside the village of Beamish, in County Durham, is the latest hotel to protect its heating system and new boilers with a BoilerMag XL. With rooms, the Beamish Park Hotel is adjacent to a golf academy which includes a hole golf course, practice greens and bunkers, and a 0 bay floodlit golf driving range. As part of an upgrade to the hotel’s heating system, Blaydon based commercial and industrial heating engineering firm nright nvironmental td installed a new boiler complete with a Boiler ag filter. The hotel had its current boilers for approximately 5 years and they were previously unprotected from contamination. After

As a manufacturer of integrated piping systems, Pegler has supplied its VSH PowerPress system for use at the Holy Family National School in Swords, County Dublin. The project called for a thick wall steel pipe and press ﬁtting range. Amara Engineering was tasked with installing services to the six-classroom extension at the 00 pupil school, which replaced ageing temporary accommodation. The heat free, speedy installation offered by S PowerPress ensured a timely install that also ensured complete safety of the site, as there was considerable timber used in the construction. Furthermore, the change from a threaded and welded joints system that would

replacing the boiler, Enright Environmental then installed the commercial boiler ﬁlter to protect the heating system and new boiler from contamination. The Boiler ag commercial

have historically been speciﬁed has shown the reliability and ease of installation offered by S PowerPress. phamnews.co.uk/ 20/ 0

Omnie has supplied its Foilboard Floating underfloor heating system for the conversion of a Georgian property to create two Airbnb lets in Bath. The specification has helped deliver sufficient output to combat the heat loss through the building’s envelope, which had to remain uninsulated due to its Grade listing. The redevelopment was carried out by Sohrab Rustomjee, the principal of Bath-based SR Architects, who designed and project managed the work. e says e had used mnie underfloor heating systems on a number of our residential and commercial projects in the past, having always been impressed by the level of support the company offers from the early stages. Calculations proved that we could counter the heat loss through the poorly insulated fabric by installing the FoilBoard panels across the entire basement/garden level floor and this has resulted in achieving incredible levels of comfort within a building such as this.” phamnews.co.uk/ 20/ 2

heating system ﬁlter is a cost effective option for heating efficiency and boiler protection in commercial, retail, or large residential properties. phamnews.co.uk/ 20/28

Domus Ventilation – part of the Polypipe Group – has had its HRXD mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems installed in the prestigious Bow River Village development in East London. Bow River Village is a new residential quarter south of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in ondon. The apartments that make up the new development have been designed with modern and efficient living in mind and are marketed with ‘eco-features to keep energy bills to the minimum’. Domus Ventilation HRXD wall mounted MVHRs, along with Domus ducting and sound attenuators, were installed during Phase of the development.

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2020

Wavin has supplied all the plumbing and drainage products used on Birmingham’s Sherborne Wharf development. As a plastic pipe manufacturer, Wavin provided a full portfolio of solutions, alongside technical support and training, to enable smooth plumbing installation. The waterside redevelopment at Sherborne Wharf will eventually see over 80 blocks of residential buildings. art of this pro ect is ﬁve blocks comprising 03 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Due to the extensive nature of the project, the installers – Stewarts Plumbing & Heating Ltd – wanted to streamline the installation process with the help of Wavin as a ‘one stop shop’. phamnews.co.uk/ 20/29

The evolution of measuring technology

The MVHR units are a key of extracting moisture-laden e live in an eco-feature as they provide air from wet rooms whilst ever-changing capturing up to 8 % of the homeowners with substantial world, andheat, which would otherwise savings on energy bills and even within be wasted, and using it to improved indoor air quality. the spheretemper of the filtered air which They work on the principle HVAC test instruments thereis simultaneously distributed the home. have been several evolutionsaround in recent times. Some engineers The Domus Ventilation HRXD will remember times when is a wall mounted MVHR unit electronic flue gas analyserswhich intelligently matches ventilation rates to the internal were only ust coming onto the environment and occupants’ market, and with the potential requirements, for maximum for significant changes in homeowner comfort. This is the way that domestic and achieved through advanced commercial properties will AMIE (air management be heated in the future, many for indoor environments) engineers will be keeping one technology including features eye on future trends and howsuch as digital humidity control, that might dictate which testautomated summer bypass and equipment they invest in. accurate system balancing. phamnews.co.uk/ 20/ ne heating system appliance

eep

that has certainly been in the news recently is the heat pump – with the UK government committing itself to the ambitious target set by the CCC (Committee for Climate Change . ne of the ﬁrst steps proposed towards the eventual net-zero carbon target is that all new homes built from 0 5 will have to look to alternatives to the traditional gas boiler for Nursing and care home supplier heating, as the homes will not Acticare is now able to provide heating, comfort cooling, and fresh air ventilation to employees with the installation of modern in tandem with a Lossnay heat air conditioning from Mitsubishi recovery ventilation system to Electric. deliver perfect levels of comfort The new build, two-ﬂoor and fresh air efficiently. facility in Hereford comprises The Hybrid VRF system open-plan spaces, satellite differs from traditional R as offices and meeting rooms, and it uses water throughout the the company was looking for a majority of its pipework instead system which delivered a fresh, of refrigerant but is still able to temperate working environment simultaneously heat and cool for its office staff. different rooms. The solution was R3 Hybrid phamnews.co.uk/ 20/ VRF air conditioning working

30.indd 1

27/03/2020 09:22

PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2020

helps engineers to quickly assess heat pump performance

hotspot as an email to the office or to the customer, and then archived without paper.

oor a r arm a

be connected to any existing gas infrastructure. This will mean that a focus will be put onto heat pumps as a readily available and proven technology for supplying heating, and many installers will need both training and new test equipment.

40.indd 1

pressures/temperatures around the low-pressure and highpressure sides of a heat pump system and evaluate if these readings are within the required parameters. There are other changes within the world of air conditioning, with moves towards the use of refrigerant gases with a lower GWP (global warming potential), but again we can assist engineers with products to ensure that any regassing of systems is effective and correct. ne ma or beneﬁt of our 550 or 55 digital manifolds is that, unlike traditional analogue’ type manifold gauges, they can easily be updated for future refrigerants as they become available.

 The testo 557 digital manifold helps engineers to quickly assess heat pump performance

hotspot as an email to the office or to the customer, and then archived without paper.

Hydrogen trials

The MVHRtrials units are a key Hydrogen

e may be seeing further changes to the flue gas analyser in coming years as one area currently seeing significant development is in the area of hydrogen as a long-term replacement for natural gas, as this will fully assist in the move to net-zero carbon within the heating sector. Currently there are ongoing trials to both look at an initial move to blend an addition of hydrogen into the existing gas infrastructure and appliances with very little change required to both, however an end move to a 00% hydrogen heating supply will see many changes in both the design of appliances and also the flue gas analysers required to install and service them. So, to sum up: modern measuring technology has finally arrived in today’s smart and digitally networked world and is making your smartphone tablet ust as helpful and indispensable in everyday working life as it is in private life. Mobile use, intuitive operation, and simple data transmission means savings in both time and money, enabling you to impress your customers with lean processes and fast response times, however the picture for test instruments is continuously evolving to match changing demands. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/ 20/5

eco-feature as they provide e may be seeing further homeowners with substantial changes to the flue gas analyser savings on energy bills and in coming years as one area improved indoor air quality. currently seeing significant They work on the principle development is in the area of hydrogen as a long-term replacement for natural gas, as this will fully assist in the move to net-zero carbon within the heating sector. Currently there are ongoing trials to both look at an initial move to blend an addition of hydrogen into the existing gas infrastructure and appliances with very little change required to both, however an end move to a 00% hydrogen heating supply will see many changes in both the design of appliances and also the flue gas analysers required to install and service them. So, to sum up: modern measuring technology has finally arrived in today’s smart and digitally networked world and is making your smartphone tablet ust as helpful and indispensable in everyday working life as it is in private life. Mobile use, intuitive operation, and simple data transmission means savings in Nursing and care home supplier both time and money, enabling Acticare is now able to provide you to impress your customers heating, comfort cooling, and with processes and fast freshlean air ventilation to employees response times, however the with the installation of modern picture for test instruments is air conditioning from Mitsubishi continuously evolving to match Electric. The newdemands. build, two-floor changing facility in Hereford comprises ◼ phamnews.co.uk/ 20/5 open-plan spaces, satellite offices and meeting rooms, and the company was looking for a system which delivered a fresh, temperate working environment 27/03/2020 for its office staff. The solution was R3 Hybrid VRF air conditioning working

Testo, as a world-wide manufacturer of HVAC test and measurement equipment, is uniquely placed to provide for this inﬂux of engineers as we have been supplying our digital refrigeration manifolds and other heat pump service instruments for many years already, albeit to a smaller market than is expected in the future. Our 550 and 55 digital manifolds help heat pump engineers to quickly assess the

The testo 300

features an easy to read display and can transmit data directly to a smartphone

Type the link into a search engine for direct access

Rob Cole, via email

t e

nother area where significant changes are taking place in the test equipment market is with connectivity at the heart of new technology are apps which can turn your smartphone or tablet into one of your most important tools. This fundamentally changes not only the measurements themselves, but also the documentation and processing of the data. With products such as our 300 smart’ analyser, you are seeing the merging of smartphone and measuring device this flue gas analyser for both domestic or commercial applications brings the ease of use we have all become used to with smartphones straight to the heart of a flue gas analyser. All measurement data can be conveniently transmitted direct from the analyser via a i i

27/03/2020 11:40

of extracting moisture-laden air from wet rooms whilst capturing up to 8 % of the heat, which would otherwise be wasted, and using it to temper the ﬁltered air which is simultaneously distributed around the home. The Domus Ventilation HRXD is a wall mounted MVHR unit which intelligently matches ventilation rates to the interna environment and occupants’ requirements, for maximum homeowner comfort. This is achieved through advanced AMIE (air management for indoor environments) technology including features such as digital humidity contro automated summer bypass and accurate system balancing. phamnews.co.uk/ 20/

ar co to e o re r era t

in tandem with a Lossnay heat recovery ventilation system to deliver perfect levels of comfo and fresh air efficiently. The Hybrid VRF system differs from traditional R as it uses water throughout the majority of its pipework instea of refrigerant but is still able to 11:40 simultaneously heat and cool different rooms. phamnews.co.uk/ 20/

30.indd 1

Let us know what you think... The editor welcomes letters from readers on all aspects of the industry. Send letters by email or post with your name, phone number and address (not for publication). Please address your letters to: The Editor PHAM News 1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

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www.phamnews.co.uk

02/09/2020 10:22

PHAM SEPT20:Layout 1 01/09/2020 16:00 Page 16

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Products in Action Taps, showers and mixers at home in ķŽƗŽũƘ ƪÖŶŭ

Grammar school project As part of an extensive heating system refurbishment, nine XL˚˝˙ and four XLˠ˙ boilers from ATAG Commercial have been installed at Bristol Grammar School in University Road. Seven of the XL˚˝˙s are in the main plantroom, while the other two are in the sixth form block. There are two XLˠ˙ units in the junior and infant block, with the remaining pair housed in the school’s Princess Anne Building. ¦Ğā ðŋĢķāũŭ ƒāũā ƩŶŶāù ðƘ ũĢŭŶŋķ-based Octagon Heating Services. The XL˚˝˙ boilers in the main plantroom were installed with a plate heat exchanger instead of a low velocity header, allowing the school’s heating system to remain open-vented and the boiler circuit pressurised. Plus, the plate heat exchanger also protects the new boilers from any debris entering them from the old heating system. Julian Hopkins, MD of Octagon Heating Services, says: “We have worked with ATAG Commercial on dozens of projects since ˛˙˙˟. The XL˚˝˙s were chosen for this project due to the combination of their ĞĢėĞ āƧóĢāłóƘ̇ ũāķĢÖðĢķĢŶƘ̇ ƩƑā-year warranty, and prefabricated header system.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙/˚˟

Hansgrohe has supplied the brassware for all bathrooms, en-suites and shower rooms at Fish Island Village, a canal-side community at Hackney Wick in London. The luxury development is made up of modern apartments and commercial space. Equipment supplied includes Hansgrohe’s Focus brand of basin and bath mixers with in-built

EcoSmart technology that keeps ŶĞā ƪŋƒ ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ Ŷŋ ƩƑā ķĢŶũāŭ ťāũ minute, consuming up to ˟˙% less water than conventional products. The bathrooms also feature the company’s Raindance

and Croma showers for the ultimate in indulgent showering. ¦ĞāƘ ŋƦāũ ̨ āķāóŶ̪ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ŭŋ that spray types can be changed at the touch of a button. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙/˚ˠ

ĢťĢłė Ģł ŶĞā ĞāÖŶ āƧóĢāłŶķƘ ĕŋũĿāũ ŋƧóā ðŽĢķùĢłė Ģł ÈŋũĴ Ģŭ ðāłāƩŶĢłė ĕũŋĿ ŶĞāũĿÖķķƘ āƧóĢāłŶ pipe technology for heating and hot water from specialist provider DķāƗāłāũėƘ̍ `ÖĿāŭ NŋŽŭā ĞÖŭ ðāāł óŋłƑāũŶāù ĕũŋĿ Öł ŋƧóā óŋĿťķāƗ to ˞ˠ apartments over two blocks, which provide short term/ ŶāĿťŋũÖũƘ āĿāũėāłóƘ ÖóóŋĿĿŋùÖŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ŶĞā ĞŋĿāķāŭŭ Ģł ÈŋũĴ̍ Flexenergy supplied ˞˙m of ˢ˙mm pre-insulated polybutylene pipe and ˚˙˙m of ˠ˞mm pipe to distribute hot water from a centralised energy centre to the apartment blocks. Two pairs of ˠ˞mm V-Flex valves were also installed, one pair for each block, to enable sections of the heat network to be isolated for maintenance or future expansion. The company also supplied bespoke fabrications for tees at building entry points. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˚ˡ

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Business Matters We’ve teamed up with the CIPHE to produce a series of The Bare Facts Scalding infographics that will highlight the core problems facing the industry, particularly from a public health and safety On average perspective. This month we provide some of the key facts and ﬁgures concerning scalding.

Die from The Bare Facts Scalding scalding Thepeople Bare Facts Scalding each year On average

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Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE: Help prevent 6% increase In 2017-2019 Everyone is at risk of scalding, especially vulnerable older people and children. The cost to the NHS and the number of deaths recorded each year becauseHelp of hot prevent water scalding is shocking. This is why the CIPHE has created a scalding fact sheet, designed to raise awareness of the risks associated with hot water. Always recommend the fitting of TMVs Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMVs) as a preventative measure, and always include them when you service a heating and hot water system.

TMVs

For more information about the CIPHE or if you would like to become a member, please Kevin of thetims@ciphe.org.uk CIPHE: contactWellman, Tim SaintyCEO via email: or call the Membership Department on 01708 463 116.

Everyone is at risk of scalding, especially vulnerable older people and children. The cost Kevin CEOnumber of the CIPHE: to theWellman, NHS and the of deaths recorded each year because of hot water scalding is shocking. This is why the CIPHE has created a scalding fact sheet, designed to raise KevinisWellman, CEO ofassociated the CIPHE, comments: Everyone at scalding, especially vulnerable people and children. The cost awareness ofrisk theofrisks with hot water.older Always recommend the fitting of is atnumber risk of scalding, especially vulnerable older people The Valves (TMVs) as recorded a preventative measure, andofand always include themis toThermostatic the“Everyone NHS andMixer the of deaths each year because hotchildren. water scalding cost to the is NHS andthe the CIPHE number of deaths recorded because hot water scaldingtois raise when you service a heating and hot water system. shocking. This why has created a scalding factofsheet, designed shocking. Thisrisks is why the CIPHE with has created a scalding fact sheet, designed to raise awareness of the associated hot water. Always recommend the fitting of awareness of the risks associated with hot water. lways recommend the ﬁtting of For more information about the CIPHE if you would like to become a member, Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMVs) as a or preventative measure, and always includeplease them thermostatic mixer valves (TMVs) as a preventative measure, and always include contact Sainty via email: when youTim service a heating andtims@ciphe.org.uk hot water system.or call the Membership Department on them when you service a heating and hot water system.” 01708 463 116. For more information about the CIPHE or if you would like to become a member, please contact Tim Sainty via email: tims@ciphe.org.uk or call the Membership Department on 01708 463 116.

18.indd 1

Now that most plumbing and heating engineers have returned to work, how can businesses put themselves in a position to maximise revenue in a cost-effective way Spencer Clark, commercial director at Vaillant, takes a look at some simple strategies to help your business bounce back.

here are many deﬁnitions of business resilience, but this one sums it up quite nicely: ‘the ability of an organisation to quickly adapt to disruptions while maintaining continuous business operations and safeguarding people, assets and overall brand integrity’. Businesses that can adapt quickly can avoid costly downtime and continue to operate relatively smoothly, while generating the necessary revenue to help them on the road to recovery. There are lots of different ways to achieve these objectives, but here are some straightforward ways for heating and plumbing business to get back up and running in a productive and proﬁtable way.

from previous year

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Helping businesses to bounce back

Any successful business leader would tell you that one of the most valuable assets of any organisation is its people. Taking the time to ensure that they can work safely and sharing how the business is performing with them will help to create trust and develop a shared sense of purpose within your team. Explain clearly to employees the measures in place to keep them safe, and tell customers too how you and your employees are implementing social distancing guidelines while working. To keep work on track on a day-to-day basis, setting realistic targets for your team to aim for can minimise delays and keep your engineers focused on the job in hand. Uncertainty can leave employees feeling demotivated, resulting in lower productivity. So if there are new contract wins, share it and celebrate it.

Brush up the basics Quiet periods provide an ideal opportunity to catch up on tasks that can often fall by the wayside under normal circumstances. Having an up-to-date database will help you to target the right prospective customers for current and future marketing activities, increasing the chances of getting leads and securing jobs in a cost and time-effective way There are a number of customer relationship management (CRM) tools available on the market that you can use to securely store customer data, record interactions, schedule in follow-ups and organise engineers. These all help you to automate and simplify processes to save time and generate repeat business.

Maximise returns Time is money, so it makes sense to invest your time in tasks that deliver the most proﬁtable outcomes. or example, pre-qualifying customer enquiries before visiting their properties will leave you with much higher-quality leads, with better chances of securing those jobs. Vaillant has exclusively partnered with TradeGaze. com, an online remote survey tool which helps installers to quote for jobs without visiting customers. Using photographs uploaded by the homeowner, the tool can save hours of travelling time. Tracking the time spent on jobs will also focus your attention on where most of your proﬁt comes from, so that you can concentrate and prioritise those activities to maximise the return on labour costs.

Online training Whether it’s getting to grips with how to install new products, upskilling on renewable technologies such as heat pumps, or improving your business know-how, online training offers an excellent way to improve you and your team’s knowledge and expertise in a time-effective and ﬂexible way. Some courses are free, such as the ones we’re providing at Vaillant. There are also concise, hour-long sessions where we have partnered with a variety of industry experts to enhance participants’ business know-how, featuring advice on everything from tax and ﬁnancial advice to lessons on how to build business resilience. As they say, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’. Maintaining your team’s productivity, making business processes more efficient, and maximising the return on the time invested will put your company in a better position to recover quickly in the ‘new normal’.

Supporting installers For more information on Vaillant’s Business Clinic webinars and podcasts, visit: www.vaillant.co.uk/for-installers

28/08/2020 14:49

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PHAM SEPT20:Layout 1 02/09/2020 14:11 Page 20

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Training Update

Keeping up with industry change

supply to a gas appliance. It is expected that those presenting themselves for ACS assessment or re-assessment will be required to declare that they have the technical knowledge or experience of safe electrical isolation.

In-person training may be less accessible these days, but installers still need to be up to date with ŶĞā óĞÖłėāŭ Ŷŋ ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ Öłù āƧ óĢāłóƘ̍ FũÖĞÖĿ Collins from Baxi explains more.

New standards

he plumbing and heating industry is changeable, and while this can make your career interesting and varied, on the other hand it can be ùĢƧ óŽķŶ Ŷŋ Ĵāāť Žť ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ķÖŶāŭŶ rules and regulations. In the last two years alone, we have seen the introduction of Boiler Plus, łāƒ ĿĢłĢĿŽĿ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ standards (MEES) and a plethora of sustainable low-carbon pledges and information to be aware of. For the rest of ˛˙˛˙ and beyond, installers will need to be prepared for even more change. Steps are being taken this year to ensure that gas engineers are able to show that they have the knowledge and competence to safely isolate the electrical

Graham Collins

Training support manager, Baxi

The government has set in motion a number of policies and proposals that will see installers ƒŋũĴĢłė Ŷŋ ĞĢėĞāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ standards. For example, with the ban on gas boilers in new homes starting in ˛˙˛˞, many installers will be working on low-carbon appliances more often. Closer still is the planned update to Approved Document L of the Building Regulations, expected later this year, which could also see higher energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ Ģł ĞŋĿāŭ̇ as well as the beginnings of a switch to low-carbon heating and renewables. In addition, the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) will be updated so that the annual average CO2 emission factor of electricity within SAP will drop to ˙̍˚˜˟ kgCO2/kWh, well below the ˙̍˛˚˙kgCO2/kWh factor of gas. These changes will mean electricity will become more favourable for heating systems in new builds.

Industry is taking steps to prepare installers for these developments and how best to upskill. If you have an employer then it is their responsibility to āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ Öķķ ŭŶÖƦ Öũā ŶũÖĢłāù to follow new government guidance. For those who are self-employed or furloughed, consider joining a professional body or competency scheme for greater assurance that you have access to support and guidance on changes should you need it.

Well prepared Training is one of the very best ways to keep up with current and future legislative changes. Most manufacturers, including Baxi, have robust training

programmes designed to cover product information, safety, how to meet Building Regulations, and more. The majority of these training sessions have been moved online since lockdown. For registered gas engineers, electrical safety and proving your competency when going for assessment or reassessment will be vital. Not only will attending a boiler electrics training course online help you to self-validate your skills when being assessed, ĢŶ ƒĢķķ Öķŭŋ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ƘŋŽũ ťāũŭŋłÖķ health and safety too. If you are nearing the end of your career, it remains important to ensure that any work you do up until you retire fully meets current regulations. A plethora x

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Training Update 21 of online continuing professional development (CPD) óŋŽũŭāŭ āƗĢŭŶ Ŷŋ ƩŶ ÖũŋŽłù ƘŋŽũ schedule and cater to those isolating in the pandemic. Alternatively, simply selecting a few quality training courses to attend in-person can help you gain a lot of useful knowledge, often taking just one day. While few manufacturers are providing face-to-face training in the current climate, Baxi is in the process of re-opening at least four training centres. More information will be made available about this in the coming weeks. It is expected that these centres will have limited courses and attendees to comply with social distancing and safety guidelines.

Future-proof Whatever your career ambitions, it is important to keep on learning in order to make sure that the professional services ƘŋŽ ŋƦāũ Öũā ŭÖĕā̇ ũāķĢÖðķā Öłù up to standard. Our Tuesday Training videos provide quick and easy-to-digest information for those wanting to upskill at home while unable to physically attend the few training days currently running while COVID-˚ˢ is still a major concern. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˚ˢ

Pump know-how now online Pump solutions supplier Grundfos is hosting a wide range of online webinars for professionals. Delivered by the company’s expert ŭŶÖƦ̇ ŶĞāŭā ƒāðĢłÖũŭ ŋƦāũ installers a platform to learn more about a wide range of topics. ¦Ğā ŶÖĢķŋũāù óŋŽũŭāŭ ŋƦāũ an insight into issues such as domestic circulators, industrial cooling, an ĢłŶũŋùŽóŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ŋƦ-site build, and an insight into digital solutions, to name just a few of the areas covered. Videos can be accessed online at any time. Grundfos says it hopes to be back on track with its classroom-based Pump School courses as soon as possible, but in the meantime there are multiple ways to get access to pump knowledge. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙/˛˙

No limits to learning A new eLearning Academy has been created by Grant to provide installers with remote learning opportunities. The content on the platform is focused on air source heat pump product training, and this will be broadened to include training course content for other product ranges in the coming months. The format of the content varies from videos and presentations through to supporting downloads and guides designed to aid the learning experience. 'ĢƦāũāłŶ óŋŽũŭāŭ Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā so users can select which one

they wish to do according to the level of training they require, and for those wishing to complete the Grant air source heat pump installer training courses, an online assessment must be completed as well. The on-demand courses can be paused so that candidates can ƩŶ ŶĞāĢũ ŶũÖĢłĢłė ÖũŋŽłù ŶĞāĢũ

work, returning and resuming the course at the point they left. Meanwhile, the instructor-led courses allow candidates the ðāłāƩŶ ŋĕ ĞÖƑĢłė ŶĞā óŋŽũŭā presented live by one of Grant UK’s trainers who are on hand to answer questions. “The eLearning Academy is a valuable addition to our ŶũÖĢłĢłė ŋƦāũĢłȩ̇̇ ŭÖƘŭ ĞĢķ Stanley, Grant UK’s training manager. “Our training centres will continue to be the pillars of our Training Academy, however, the new eLearning Academy provides installers with a virtual alternative which will help make product training more accessible during the current postlockdown era and beyond.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˛˚

Seminars reveal smart home opportunities Installers working with controls for smart homes can take advantage of online seminars by Gira. Available through the Gira Academy site, the seminars connect participants with the company’s trainers in a virtual classroom, where they can see the applications, product simulations, and slides. They can also communicate with other attendees directly online.

Users will learn about the latest Gira products and intuitive home systems that facilitate increased home comfort, monitor energy use, save time, and enhance security. “As we all learn to adapt to the new normal, we want to make sure we are providing our customers with the right tools to remain competitive in the market and even grow,” says MD Mark Booth.

“Gira is serving a real need, as ˚˞ million homes are recorded as being ‘smart’ in Britain, which is over half of the ˛ˢ million homes in the UK. Already high, this ƩėŽũā Ģŭ ŭāŶ Ŷŋ ĢłóũāÖŭā āƑāł Ŀŋũā as those already committed to home automation plan to further update their home to continue to save money and improve home convenience.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˛˛

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Radiators & Towel Warmers 23

Material a key factor Ģł ŭťāóĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł łùāũŭŶÖłùĢłė ŶĞā ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ Žŭāù Ŷŋ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũā ùāŭĢėłāũ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Öłù ŶĞā ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũ óĞÖũÖóŶāũĢŭŶĢóŭ ŶĞāƘ ŋƦ āũ óÖł Ğāķť āłŭŽũā ŶĞā ũĢėĞŶ ťũŋùŽóŶ Ģŭ installed for the job at hand. Here, Simon Morris from The Radiator Company ķŋŋĴŭ ÖŶ ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ óŋĿĿŋł ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ Žŭāù Öłù ŶĞāĢũ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ̍

hen specifying a designer radiator, the material used in manufacture is a key consideration that should not be overlooked. Designer radiators are manufactured from a range of ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ Öłù āÖóĞ ŋƦ āũŭ ƑÖũƘĢłė performance characteristics Öłù ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŶĞÖŶ óÖł ĿÖĴā Ö ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ ùĢƦ āũāłóā Ŷŋ ŶĞā ŭĢơā of the radiator needed to deliver the desired heat output. Correct ŭťāóĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł ũāŨŽĢũāŭ Ĵłŋƒķāùėā ŋĕ āÖóĞ ŋťŶĢŋł̇ Öłù ƒĞāł Ŷŋ Žŭā ĢŶ̍

Mild and stainless steel Steel is the most popular material used to manufacture designer radiators because it is easy to shape and therefore create the distinctive and óŋłŶāĿťŋũÖũƘ ùāŭĢėłŭ Öłù ŭĢơāŭ consumers are looking for. If your customer is looking for a statement piece, steel radiators are a good place to start. ¦Ğāũā Öũā Ŷƒŋ ŶƘťāŭ ŋĕ ŭŶāāķ commonly used: mild steel and stainless steel. For a customer looking to replace multiple radiators at the same time, ĿĢķù ŭŶāāķ óÖł ŋƦ āũ Ö Ŀŋũā óŋŭŶ āƦ āóŶĢƑā ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ŶĞÖł stainless.

For a longer-term investment and minimal maintenance, consider stainless steel models. Although the initial cost is slightly higher, stainless steel is incredibly durable and ũŽŭŶ ũāŭĢŭŶÖłŶ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ ĢùāÖķ for bathrooms and kitchens, and means that it is virtually maintenance free.

Cast iron

Simon Morris Marketing manager at The Radiator Company

MATERIAL MATTERS Đ Mild and stainless steel is often used for radiators when making distinctive designs because it can easily be shaped in the manufacturing process Đ Cast iron, often used in period properties, is the heaviest material used for radiators, and therefore retains heat long after the radiator has been turned off Đ Aluminium is a highly reactive material that heats up and cools down quickly, and it can be hung on most wall types

Dŋũ ťāũĢŋù ðŽĢķùĢłėŭ ŋũ ƒĞāł looking to achieve a more traditional aesthetic, cast iron radiators should be considered. Many ranges are available in a selection of RAL colours and ŭťāóĢÖķ Ʃ łĢŭĞāŭ̇ Öłù ŋƦ āũ óŋķŋŽũ palettes typical of Georgian or 1ùƒÖũùĢÖł ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ̍ Cast iron is a superb heat conductor, so these radiators ƒŋũĴ ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũķƘ ƒāķķ Ģł ũŋŋĿŭ ƒĢŶĞ ĞĢėĞ óāĢķĢłėŭ̇ ŋũ ŋķùāũ ðŽĢķùĢłėŭ ƒĞĢóĞ óŋĿĿŋłķƘ ĞÖƑā less insulation. As cast iron takes Ö ķŋłė ŶĢĿā Ŷŋ ƒÖũĿ Žť Öłù óŋŋķ ùŋƒł̇ ŶĞā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ ƒĢķķ ũāŶÖĢł ĞāÖŶ ƒāķķ Öłù ťũŋƑĢùā Ö óŋłŶĢłŽÖķ source of heat long after the ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ŶŽũłāù ŋƦ ̍

Aluminium Aluminium can tick a lot of ðŋƗāŭ ĕŋũ ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ̍ ¦Ğā ĿÖĢł ðāłāƩ Ŷ ŋĕ ÖķŽĿĢłĢŽĿ

The Aston traditional cast iron radiator

ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Ģŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢķķ ĞāÖŶ up faster than other materials ̛Öłù Öķŭŋ óŋŋķ ùŋƒł ŨŽĢóĴķƘ̜̍ This is because aluminium is a superconductor that responds ŨŽĢóĴķƘ Ŷŋ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶĢó óĞÖłėāŭ̍ Radiators made from this material are therefore highly āƧ óĢāłŶ Öłù ĿÖĴā ĢŶ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ control temperatures. łŋŶĞāũ ðāłāƩ Ŷ Ģŭ ŶĞāĢũ ķĢėĞŶ ƒāĢėĞŶ̍ pŋŶ ŋłķƘ ùŋāŭ ŶĞĢŭ ĿÖĴā the installation process much easier, but it also makes them ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ĕŋũ Ö ƒĢùā ũÖłėā ŋĕ projects, as they can be hung on ŶĞā ƑÖŭŶ ĿÖıŋũĢŶƘ ŋĕ ƒÖķķŭ̍ ĕŽũŶĞāũ ðāłāƩ Ŷ Ģŭ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ ̞ ķāŭŭ ƒÖŶāũ Ģŭ ũāŨŽĢũāù ĕŋũ ÖķŽĿĢłĢŽĿ radiators to operate compared to others, meaning less demand on the heating system. These ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Öķŭŋ ƒŋũĴ ƒāķķ ƒĢŶĞ ũāłāƒÖðķā āłāũėƘ ŭŋŽũóāŭ Öłù ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ ũŽłłĢłė ŋł Ö ķŋƒāũ ˋT. Aluminium is also fully recyclable at the end of its useful life (most aluminium radiators are also made from a large ťāũóāłŶÖėā ũāóƘóķāù ĿÖŶāũĢÖķ̜ and although it is slightly more

expensive in comparison to other materials, such as mild steel, the initial cost is more than covered by the lifetime āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŭÖƑĢłėŭ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ĿÖĴāŭ aluminium radiators appealing to customers looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Calculations While the material is a key factor Ģł ŶĞā ŭťāóĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł ťũŋóāŭŭ ŋĕ a radiator, installers should ÖķƒÖƘŭ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ óÖũāĕŽķķƘ óÖķóŽķÖŶā ŶĞā ũāŨŽĢũāù ¦ Ŷŋ ėÖŽėā ƒĞāŶĞāũ ŶĞā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ óÖł ŭŽƧ óĢāłŶķƘ ĞāÖŶ ŶĞā ŭťÖóā̍ To assist in determining the ũāŨŽĢũāù ¦̇ ƘŋŽ óÖł Žŭā Öł online heat output calculator. This tool can be used to provide an estimate of the heat output ũāŨŽĢũāù ĕŋũ ŶĞā ũŋŋĿ̇ ŭĢĿťķƘ ðƘ ĢłťŽŶŶĢłė Ö ĕāƒ ùāŶÖĢķŭ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŶĞā ŶƘťā ŋĕ ũŋŋĿ̇ ƒĢłùŋƒ ŶƘťā̇ Ğŋƒ āƗťŋŭāù ŶĞā ŭťÖóā Ģŭ Öłù the room dimensions. This ƒĢķķ ŶĞāł ťũŋƑĢùā Ö ėŽĢùā Ŷŋ ŶĞā ¦̓Ğũ Öłù ƒÖŶŶ ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ ðÖŭāù ŋł ŶĞā 1p˝˝˛ standard of ˋT˞˙Ƭ!. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˛˜

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Considering the perks of pipeless ipeless radiators offer installers and end users a flexible and cost effective heating solution, whether it’s in a home or office. ost on the market are water filled, meaning they offer the same comfortable heat as central heating systems. ere, icola artin from Radi arm looks at the benefits of going pipeless.

ost radiator brands are available in a variety of heights and lengths. RadiWarm, for example, offers radiators in heights of 00, 00 and 300mm (the latter ideal for conservatories with low walls) and each is available in several different lengths. ur website offers a guide to help installers choose the right radiator size for each type and size of room. e can offer more bespoke guidance over the telephone. Technology varies but some of the popular waterﬁlled pipeless radiators have an internal miniature boiler (patented in the case of Radi arm , plus pump, thermostat and software to reach and maintain ambient temperatures. They can be efficiently controlled and programmed to maximise energy efficiency and never waste heat. That is why choosing the best control system for the user’s lifestyle is important. Safe Touch radiators give the same quality of heat but with a protective, lowtemperature cover

24.indd 1

 The RadiWarm Economy+ in a 00mm height, suiting this model for the low walls in conservatories

The Smart Controller is a web-based, multizone system that allows temperature control from a smart device

Scalds or burns from hot radiators can be dangerous for the vulnerable and elderly. Some water-ﬁlled radiators have the option of a protective, low-temperature cover. The Radi arm Safe Touch cover ensures the radiator never exceeds 3 C and is still warm enough to heat the room.

Nicola Martin

Sales manager at RadiWarm

CUT TO THE CHASE  Pipeless radiators are usually water ﬁlle an are a goo alternative to central heating  RadiWarm’s models plug into a standard British socket  There are a variety of methods to control pipeless radiators, including apps, remote controls and in-built dials  Low temperature models come with a protective cover

In control

There is a choice of methods for controlling pipeless radiators. Some prefer web-based apps to zone, programme and remotely control radiators. ur Smart Controller is one such example. householder can command an individual radiator or a group of radiators in a zone say all the radiators in the living rooms to heat up, maintain a pre-set temperature, or switch off remotely. The app is easy to use with simple infographics to illustrate energy consumption patterns over time. The system can be extended to control up to 0 zones, which makes it a ﬂexible solution for a building that is evolving, like a multioccupancy house. These web-based systems are easy to install. The featurerich, wireless, battery-powered thermostats can be connected to one or more radiators, then using a gateway that plugs into an existing home router, installers can set up programmes and determine the zones which will be operated through the app. To cover a whole house, the Smart Controller retails around 00.

walls or even stud walls can support a radiator if it is mounted on special disc brackets to disperse its weight. They plug into a standard British three-prong socket. hilst they could replace an entire gas central heating system, most often they are used to supplement an existing installation, eg, an extension, a conservatory or garage conversion.

But not everyone needs to control their pipeless radiators remotely. usually cheaper alternative is a home controller. Radi arm’s seven-day controller is a good example but there are others. It has a sevenday programmable batterypowered thermostat offering precise zone control within the home. Again, it is wireless and easy to install. A single controller can work with several radiators, two separate ones are usually recommended for upstairs downstairs use. These products typically have slightly less functionality than web-based systems but are ideal for many settings. It is good practice for installers to familiarise themselves with some of the other great functions on modern control systems to help their customers save on radiator running costs.

Installation ease

ipeless radiators are quite heavy. Nevertheless, they are simple to install on brackets on internal or external walls. Some internal hollow cavity

Common errors

Many installers and their customers are en oying the beneﬁts of pipeless radiators but a few are not using them effectively. ere are a few pitfalls to avoid: ost manufacturers will recommend a control system is purchased at the same time as the radiator, but if this is not done, and the manual control knob is used instead, it will not give the user 00% operational efficiency and probably cost more in the long run. Some installers might not order the correct size radiator for the room. Smaller models may be cheaper, but if they are too small for the room they will not be as energy-efficient the manufacturer’s size guide plus a call to their office is the best approach. Sometimes customers can set the temperature on the radiators too low and then call their installer to say the radiator isn’t working correctly. f their room is naturally 5°C, then the radiator temperature must be set higher than this. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/2

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Radiators & Towel Warmers

Ideal for low temperature system design With government subsidises now available for purchases of heat pumps and solar thermal technology (see page ˚˙ of this month’s issue), Pitacs is anticipating increased demand for its Ultraheat Triple Compact radiators – a design that is well suited to work with renewable technologies that heat water to slightly lower temperatures. “Our Triple Compacts are perfect to use with an air source heat pump or biomass

boiler,” explains David Cartwright, national sales manager for Pitacs’ Heating Division. “The bigger surface area of these large radiators creates a high overall heat ŋŽŶťŽŶ̇ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŶĞā ŭťÖóā āƦāóŶĢƑāķƘ āƑāł ƒĞāł ŶĞā ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ŋĕ ŶĞā ƒÖŶāũ ƪŋƒĢłė into the radiator is a bit lower.” The company, which marks its ˜˙th anniversary this year, is also set to launch a new product line of fully electric, heated Ŷŋƒāķ ũÖĢķŭ̇ ŋƦāũĢłė Ö ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ĕŋũ spaces which have no immediate access to an existing water supply. The new towel rails are pre-Ʃķķāù ƒĢŶĞ ĞāÖŶ ŶũÖłŭĕāũ ķĢŨŽĢù Öłù ƩŶŶāù ƒĢŶĞ Ö óŋĿťÖŶĢðķā ĞāÖŶĢłė element. “We want to give our customers wider choice in what they present to the ĿÖũĴāŶ̧̇ ŭÖƘŭ ÖƦāŶ bÖķāłùāũ̇ ùĢũāóŶŋũ Öłù co-founder of the business. “With the Electric Towel Rails, all that’s required from the consumer’s space is a standard electrical outlet, so suddenly there’s more ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ ÖðŋŽŶ ƒĞāũā ƘŋŽ can place the radiator in the room. And there are a good ũÖłėā ŋĕ ƩłĢŭĞāŭ Ŷŋŋ ̞ łŋŶ just a standard white or a modern chrome, but also antique copper and brass ŭŋĿāŶĞĢłė Ö ðĢŶ ùĢƦāũāłŶ ĕŋũ the bathroom space.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˛˞

See the Solaris in the home before you buy With the aim of mitigating any risks associated with COVID-˚ˢ, EHC has developed a virtual showroom to showcase its product range and assist those who may be shielding. The new tool enables customers to use augmented reality to view the company’s Solaris Electric Heater ̛ťĢóŶŽũāù̜ Ģł ŶĞāĢũ ĞŋĿā ŋũ ŋƧóā Öłù Öķŭŋ understand the ideal size (˞˙˙̇ ˚˙˙˙̇ ˚˞˙˙ or ˛˙˙˙W) for their needs. The Solaris is EHC’s modern and slim convector heater, manufactured from high grade recyclable aluminium, features a gentle curved front, designed to enhance any room within the home while providing a quick and responsive heating experience. The front air outlet located at the top of the heater ensures that the heat emitted is pushed into the room to prevent hotspots and wasted energy at ceiling height. It is supplied with a ˚˜ b ťķŽė Öłù simply plugs in for a DIY installation, or alternatively it can be spur wired to the heating circuit throughout a property. It can also be used as a free-standing heater with the purchase of optional feet. The heat source is provided by high

quality elements located at the base of the panel heater and within the refractory ceramic blocks, which also generate high thermal inertia for a fast response and added comfort. The Solaris comes with an easy-touse DSR controller, located on the front of the heater for ease of use, that can be controlled for both time and temperature either manually or wirelessly when using the optional EHC Smart App Gateway. The intelligent temperature control system has been designed to reduce energy bills and maximise controllability. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˛˟

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Radiators & Towel Warmers

Bigger and better Boasting the widest range of radiator options in the UK, Myson believes it Ģŭ ƒāķķ ťķÖóāù Ŷŋ ĿāāŶ ŶĞā ùāĿÖłù ĕŋũ ŭĿÖũŶāũ Öłù Ŀŋũā āƧóĢāłŶ ĞāÖŶĢłė solutions, as Andrew Lowery, marketing manager UK & Ireland, explains.

n the current COVID-˚ˢ world and looking beyond how we move on from the crisis, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on supporting and protecting local manufacturing industries. A recent survey from Toolstation indicated that tradespeople and householders are more inclined to buy products made in the UK, but this puts a big strain on the supply chain as manufacturers adapt operations to keep up with demand. At Myson we have been manufacturing heating solutions since the ˚ˢ˞˙s, and as the operational side of the factories deal with increased health and safety measures to keep employees safe and protected, the team has been working hard to keep consistency in product availability while also extending the range of products and services produced.

Pre the pandemic we introduced a new, strong brand position aligned with meeting customer needs and tackling global challenges of changing climates, scarcer resources and growing populations. The strategy is based on delivering more sustainable and integrated heating solutions. The new branding incorporates the acquisition of the designer range of radiators from Quinn Radiators last year, which has increased the family of Myson heating solution options. We can now boast the widest range of radiators on today’s market. The portfolio includes: • Traditional – a unique round top design (Premier) as well as a UK manufactured compact (Select Compact), with modern additions such as vertical ranges • ũāĿĢŽĿ̞ ƪÖŶ Öłù ķĢłāù ĕũŋłŶ radiators continue to trend in the UK market and our Plan and

Plan Plus range are available as horizontal and vertical options • Designer – the high end option ŋĕ ŶĞā ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ ƒŋũķù ̟ ƪÖŶ ŶŽðā Öłù multi column radiators are perfect for contemporary and traditional projects.

Specialist solutions However, the ranges go beyond the typical ‘good, better, best’ options, with a select range of products available for specialist applications: • Safety – LST radiators are the go-to product in terms of safety: with a maximum surface temperature of ˝˜°C they meet the NHS guideline and now come with antibacterial paint as standard also available as verticals • 1łāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ ̞ dzÂ-E˛, a ˝th generation radiator that has built-in technology to deliver even lower water temperatures, thereby ĢĿťũŋƑĢłė āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ̍

S Myson’s Plan Compact radiator ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ Ö ŭĿŋŋŶĞ ƪÖŶ ťÖłāķ

Our promise to the market is to deliver a full-system approach that is designed to optimise heating system performance. To achieve our objectives and drive the change towards more sustainable indoor climate comfort solutions, we focus on four key areas: ˚̍ RĿťũŋƑā āƧóĢāłóƘ ðƘ ŋťŶĢĿĢŭĢłė ŶĞā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ of solutions through areas such as system accuracy, without jeopardising indoor climate comfort. ˛̍ Better integration by integrating solutions into innovative systems to boost performance. Providing complete solutions rather than just

components will ensure a level of indoor climate comfort that will include multiple optimisation ðāłāƩŶŭ̍ ˜̍ Work smarter by supporting planners, wholesalers and installers with a wide range of ðāłāƩŶŭ Ŷŋ ĿÖĴā āƑāũƘ ùÖƘ āÖŭĢāũ̇ ĢłóũāÖŭā ƒŋũĴ āƧóĢāłóƘ Öłù deliver better solutions. ˝̍ Reduce our carbon footprint by limiting the use of resources, such as energy and water, and decreasing the impact of production processes on the planet. As well as this, we are committed to continuously investing in sustainable quality and innovation, while taking the entire life cycle of our products into account. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˛ˠ

PHAM SEPT20:Layout 1 02/09/2020 14:11 Page 29

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers Boutique ŋƦāũŭ Ö ƒĢùā array of choice ¦Ğā ŋŽŶĢŨŽā āũĢāŭ Ģŭ Ö łāƒ óŋķķāóŶĢŋł of new and existing premium designer radiators from Stelrad. Some of the familiar łÖĿāŭ łŋƒ ŋƦāũāù Žłùāũ ŶĞā ŋŽŶĢŨŽā brand include the Caliente, Concord and Column, but there are also new styles ŋƦāũāù Ģł ŶĞā !ŋĿŋ Öłù dāóóŋ ķĢłāŭ̍ ¦Ğā ŋŽŶĢŨŽā óŋķķāóŶĢŋł Ģŭ ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ Ö solution for every room in the house, with the addition of a wider range of vertical radiators designed to meet the demand for łÖũũŋƒāũ̇ ŶÖķķāũ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ ŶĞÖŶ łāāù Ŷŋ ƩŶ a smaller footprint. Coloured options add ĕŽũŶĞāũ ùāťŶĞ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ũÖłėā̍ mŋŭŶ Ŀŋùāķŭ can be ordered in up to ˜˟ colours, while a number of radiators available in anthracite grey from stock. “We’re the largest manufacturer of radiators in the UK and Ireland by far,” says head of marketing Chris Harvey, “but the premium and top end sector is ŋłā ƒĞāũā ƒā ƒÖłŶ Ŷŋ ĕŋóŽŭ̍ ¦Ğā ŶāķũÖù

ŋŽŶĢŨŽā āũĢāŭ ŋƦāũŭ Ö óŋĿťũāĞāłŭĢƑā̇ stylish collection that genuinely provides ŶĞā ŶŋŶÖķ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ ŋƦāũĢłė Žłùāũ ŋłā ũŋŋĕ ̞ with our combination of quality, reliability, availability and cost-āƦāóŶĢƑāłāŭŭ Öķķ wrapped up in a single collection.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˛ˡ

Simply control with dial or app Electric heating manufacturer Haverland has launched ‘Simply’, a radiator featuring a simple manual dial that fully controls its functions, as well as the option of control via Haverland’s free app for smartphones and tablets. ̵dŋŶ ˛˙-óŋĿťķĢÖłŶ̇ ĢĿťķƘ Ģŭ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ Ʃķķ ŶĞā ėÖť óũāÖŶāù ðƘ 1óŋùāŭĢėł ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ Öłù ŶĞā̵ŭŶĢķķ-high demand for ĿāóĞÖłĢóÖķ óŋłŶũŋķŭ̍ RŶ̪ŭ Öł āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ŭŽĢŶÖðķā for all types of living and work-spaces. ̵mÖłŽÖķ ŋťāũÖŶĢŋł ėĢƑāŭ Žŭāũŭ óŋłŶũŋķ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā mechanical dial, while the app lets users create a óŽŭŶŋĿĢŭāù ƒāāĴķƘ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭóĞāùŽķā̵̍¦Ğā ĢĿťķƘ radiator has a host of energy-saving features ĢłóķŽùĢłė Öł zťāł ÂĢłùŋƒ ĕŽłóŶĢŋł̵̇Ö thermostat for precise temperature settings, and an adaptive start function that will learn and memorise how long it takes to preheat the room to reach the right temperature as required. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˛ˢ

Roma steel column models add Italian style Gloucester-based Apollo Radiators, an independent distributor of European ùāŭĢėłāũ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Öłù Ŷŋƒāķ ũÖĢķŭ̇ ŋƦāũŭ the Roma Steel Column radiator, stocked in three colours: white, anthracite and silver grey. It is available for delivery throughout the UK within two days at no extra cost, however there are ˝ˢ bespoke colours available in vertical, horizontal and freestanding versions, with factory welded feet, within ˚˙ working days. Pictured is the Roma in bronze. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˜˙

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers Designer inspired in the bathroom

Shelf takes drying to a new level zƦāũĢłė Ö óķÖŭŭĢó ùāŭĢėł ƒĢŶĞ Ö twist is Vogue’s Comby Towel ÂÖũĿāũ̆ Ö ŭťÖóā ŭÖƑĢłė̇ ƒÖķķmounted design with hydraulic lift-up heated shelf. The Comby MD˙˞˛ has all the capabilities of a standard ladder rail, plus a shelf feature to hang, dry and stack bath towels so damp ones can dry ĢłùāťāłùāłŶķƘ̍ ̵ ̵ ŽĢŶÖðķā ĕŋũ óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ dual fuel and electric systems, the new Comby towel warmer is designed with a generous ˚˛˙˙mm height, and ƒĞāł ŶĞā ŭĞāķĕ Ģŭ ĕŋķùāù ùŋƒł̇ ĢŶŭ ŭķĢĿķĢłā ťũŋƩķā ƒĢķķ ŋťŶĢĿĢŭā ŶĞā ŭťÖóā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā̵̍Rł ŶĞā óķŋŭāù ťŋŭĢŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā integrated heated shelf will operate at a slightly reduced temperature. When the shelf is open the Comby will ťũŋƑĢùā ĿÖƗĢĿŽĿ ŋŽŶťŽŶ̍ ̦¦Ğā łāƒ !ŋĿðƘ Ģŭ ĢùāÖķ ĕŋũ ũāŶũŋƩŶŶĢłė Öłù ŶĞā addition of a towel rail will completely upgrade and optimise any bathroom space,” says Vogue (UK) sales ùĢũāóŶŋũ ŶāƑā ĢũóĞ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˜˚

Direct route to heating with infrared The range of infrared heaters from Heat˝All are characterised by direct heat radiation, which means heat is focused on walls, ceilings, people and furniture, and not the air. The company says ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā ĢłĕũÖũāù ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Öũā ŭŋ āƧóĢāłŶ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ óÖł ũŽł ĕŋũ Öŭ ķĢŶŶķā Öŭ ƩƑā ĞŋŽũŭ Ö ùÖƘ Ŷŋ óŋƑāũ Ö ĞāÖŶĢłė ťāũĢŋù ŋĕ ˛˝ hours in a well insulated home. Users can get extra comfort with radio linked thermostats. ¦Ğā ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ ťũŋƑĢùāŭ ĕŋũ Žť Ŷŋ ŭĢƗ ùĢƦāũāłŶ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā óĞÖłėāŭ Ö ùÖƘ Öłù óÖł ðā óŽŭŶŋĿĢŭāù ĕŋũ āƑāũƘ ùÖƘ ŋĕ ŶĞā ƒāāĴ̍ Heat˝All infrared heaters are manufactured with a special ťŋƒùāũ óŋÖŶĢłė Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ĢłĕũÖũāù ũāƪāóŶĢłė ĢłŭŽķÖŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞŽŭ ĕŽũŶĞāũ ťũāƑāłŶĢłė ĞāÖŶ ķŋŭŭ̍ ¦ĞāƘ Öũā ĿÖùā Ģł ŽŭŶũĢÖ Öłù óŋĿā ƒĢŶĞ Ö ƩƑā-year warranty. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˜˛

pŽĢā ÖŶĞũŋŋĿŭ̇ Ö ðũÖłù ŋĕ ŶĞā Roxor Group, has enhanced its bathroom heating range with the addition of a number of products designed for classic and contemporary interiors. The latest models include a ƑÖũĢāŶƘ ŋĕ ùāŭĢėłāũ-inspired radiators and towel rails at a óŋĿťāŶĢŶĢƑā ťũĢóā ťŋĢłŶ̍ ŶƘķāŭ Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā Ģł ĿÖłƘ ŭĞÖťāŭ̇ ŭĢơāŭ Öłù ƩłĢŭĞāŭ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ multifunctional designs with integrated mirrors and towel rails, or with optional extras such as magnetic robe hooks and rails. One of the new radiators is ŶĞā ÖķƑĢÖ ̛ťĢóŶŽũāù̜̇ ĕāÖŶŽũĢłė double panels and a slim, tall structure, making it ideal for ŭĿÖķķāũ ðÖŶĞũŋŋĿŭ̇ ƩŶŶĢłė ĢłŶŋ a ˜ˡ˜mm width. For a minimalist look, the Eton ladder-style radiator comes in chrome and with a square tubular design, ťũŋƑĢùĢłė ŭāƑāł ũÖĢķŭ ĕŋũ drying towels. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˜˜

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Oil Heating 31

Are renewable liquid fuels the solution? ecarbonising heat in oil heated homes has remained an unfulﬁlled aspiration for the government, despite its mandate to improve domestic energy efficiency. Paul Rose from OFTEC says that renewable liquid fuels may provide an expedient solution that requires little initial capital outlay or a new appliance.

xtensive trials underway across Europe show that hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – a renewable, sustainable, fossilfree fuel derived from waste – can provide a direct drop-in replacement for kerosene in oil heated homes. HVO is already available across the UK and used for a range of commercial applications. Sweden currently leads the way on HVO use, and after passing legislation in 0 to remove tax on the fuel, annual sales increased by %. Renewable liquid fuels now make up almost a third of the Swedish market, and 83% of this is HVO. If the right policy support were also available in the UK, industry would have the conﬁdence needed to invest in domestic HVO production, boosting UK PLC, creating jobs and contributing to a green-led economic recovery – all while providing households with a simple solution to decarbonising heat.

Shifting demand

The supply of waste materials used for renewable liquid fuel manufacture is also increasing alongside demand.

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Paul Rose

CEO of OFTEC

CUT TO THE CHASE  Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel can act as a direct replacement for kerosene  HVO is produced from crop residues and used cooking oils  Switching to this fossil-free fuel requires no up-front cost and avoids the upheaval associated with heat pumps and biomass  Less than 1% of oil heated homes have migrated to heat pumps, despite government grants and subsidies  OFTEC favours changing the fuel rather than the appliance

HVO is most commonly produced from crop residues and used cooking oils (UCOs). Encouraging more waste capture schemes across the UK could dramatically increase UCO and FOG (fats, oils and greases) supplies and is a step that water companies would almost certainly support. Biodiesel is currently used in large quantities for road transport, but with demand from this sector likely to fall as the use of electric vehicles rises, off gas grid heating offers an attractive alternative market. Any new renewable liquid fuel introduced to the market would be certiﬁed as fully sustainable to ensure there is no adverse impact on the environment.

Cost has been cited as an issue with the use of renewable liquid fuels for domestic heat. A 00% fossil free liquid fuel would inevitably prove more expensive than kerosene, which continues to be the cheapest off-grid heating fuel by far, with prices recently falling to a new fouryear low. The price differential could be offset through simple fuel subsidies to cushion the initial impact of switching to the new

fuel. However, while this is desirable to drive conversion, a key advantage of moving to HVO is that there is virtually no capital outlay required. Even without a fuel subsidy, the overall cost to a household over the typical lifetime of an appliance would be far lower than the combined capital and running cost of competing low carbon options such as heat pumps and biomass. Better still, the carbon reduction achieved by using 00% HVO would be equal or greater than these options.

Competitive market

Renewable liquid fuels must be supported as part of a mix of low carbon heat options available to homeowners. Creating a competitive market is the only way to drive down costs and make green heating technologies affordable and thus more acceptable. This scenario could be achieved by introducing carbon intensity targets, opening the playing ﬁeld to any technologies that can meet the emissions reduction criteria set. A similar approach is advocated by the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) and would help address one of the main challenges to net zero heat identiﬁed in a recent Confederation of British Industry led report - achieving consumer behavioural change. Common sense suggests that lower cost solutions which require minimal disruption for homeowners will likely prove most popular and aid the major shift in attitude required. Unfortunately, the current options supported by government for rural homes – heat pumps and, in limited cases, biomass boilers – do not meet either criteria. This is why

take up of these technologies remains low. Despite six years of ﬁnancial incentives available through the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, less than % of oil heated homes have migrated to heat pumps. Even with the help of £ 000 Clean Heat Grants, many low to middle income rural households wouldn’t be able to fund the additional £ 000 to install a heat pump – and thousands more for biomass systems. This cost also excludes the expensive energy efficiency improvements that would be needed to make the % of oil heated homes currently rated EPC ‘D’-‘G’, suitable for low temperature heat pump technologies. Support for property upgrades is available through the new Green Homes Grant scheme, but again would only scratch the surface for ma or retroﬁts.

The solution

Introducing renewable liquid fuels for oil heated homes would overcome the high up-front costs and major upheaval associated with heat pump and biomass installations. These fuels offer equivalent heat performance to kerosene so major home energy efficiency improvements, while always desirable, are not a prerequisite to success and could be carried out as budgets allow. Crucial decisions on domestic heat decarbonisation are expected over the coming months, and OFTEC will continue its campaign for the inclusion of renewable liquid fuels in UK strategy. A fair, affordable transition to low carbon heat must be achieved for rural households, and changing the fuel – rather than the appliance – is the answer. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/

01/09/2020 10:37

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Oil Heating

Shaking up the market ith the introduction of a range of blue flame condensing oil boilers last year, avien is confident it can convince a sizeable number of installers to switch their brand loyalties. We speak to national business manager Jason Davies about the company’s ambitions. How important is the UK oil market to Navien? JD It’s a very important sector for the business and the UK is a key area for Navien. We produce over 00,000 oil boilers worldwide every year and we’re the number one selling brand in some big markets such as the United States and Russia. In recent years we’ve put a lot of investment in advancing oil boiler technology, improving energy efficiency and reducing emission levels. n the oil boilers are not ust fitted in rural areas and if you look at a no gas’ map, it’s amazing how close you are to oil. We’ve recently had installations in Sheffield, iverpool and ottingham, for example, and there are many parts of the UK that still use oil. owever, think the oil market to the detriment of both installers and end users has often been viewed as the poor relation in the UK. With around 50 to 60k oil boilers installed every year, as opposed to .5 to . m gas boilers, perhaps it’s not surprising that it hasn’t been a big focus area for some manufacturers. They haven’t brought in the technology that we now see with our CB 00 Blue Flame oil boiler. at ere t ate a e rom ot er o l o ler ma act rer JD ne thing is that we are backing blue flame technology 00%. Whereas some other boiler manufacturers have yellow flame boilers, we don’t have them. e’re the only true blue flame boiler manufacturer and we’re offering them to installers without any price premium. So, for the price of yellow flame boiler technology, you’re getting a blue flame boiler with a low lift weight, stainless steel heat exchanger, text-driven display, combined R and condensate, plus a 0 year warranty. The boiler also features a fantastic text-driven display, which is amazing. nother point of note is that the flue system on our oil boiler is the same as our gas boiler (60/ 00 flue , so there’s a very good chance that a stockist will have all the parts you need, but if not we can offer a next day delivery service. e ot er t t at taller a t ea acce to tec cal ac -up and support. Is that something o ca pro e JD es, indeed. ll the sales managers have a technical background they have all been on the tools. They are also T C registered. e have directly employed technical engineers in each area nationally and in addition we also have a network of service agents. n terms of coverage, we’re now in over 00 plumbing merchants in the UK. We’re also taking on more staff to raise brand awareness and educate people. fter all, there’s no point in getting our product into more branches if we’re not able to offer back-up on the service side as well. o a t e e o ler ra e ee rece e installers? JD We’re delighted with how the product has been received by installers and merchants. One of the great things about our product is that when installers take the cover off and look inside they are rightly impressed with the quality of components and the layout. ew installers can be a skeptical audience, but we

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can direct them to our social media pages, where you’ll see that we have received some very positive and genuine comments from installers who have fitted them. They don’t ust need to take our word how good the CB 00 is. t earl a o co r e t a t at po t e react o ee re ecte ale fi re JD Our plan is to be one of the top oil boiler companies and number one for blue flame in the , in terms of units sold by the end of this year, but it’s obviously not been the easiest time to launch a new range. e introduced the oil boiler in September, with the system and the regular models, and then the combi boiler came out in November. So last year we only had one full month of all options. e got off to a great start this year, but then the coronavirus came along. That said, ’m very confident that we will take a bigger share of the oil market in the UK as our brand awareness grows and as more of our boilers get installed. Would you say that oil heating installers are generally open to trying something new? JD Compared to their gas counterparts, installers have had limited choices as to which boilers they can fit. So in the past they might have had to stick with some of the brands that they’re familiar with, even though they might not offer everything they would like to see. n comparison, our boilers tick all the boxes for them. nce an installer fits our product they are very likely to do so again. So part of my job is to think of ways to encourage them to fit that first boiler, whether through training, special offers, or some other incentive. t’s not ust about incentives though, it’s also important to provide installers with the tools that will help them to sell our boilers to their customers the end user. To that end, we have produced new brochures, available in both a merchant version and an installer version, each available to download from our website. or the installer, it provides them with a useful sales aid, giving them something to show their customer. o o t a o l o ler taller a ere t to a gas engineer? JD I think there’s immense pride within the plumbing and heating industry for both engineers. From my personal experience oil boiler installers are particularly passionate about what they do. It’s a great industry to be in. hen we stage training sessions, they’re obviously mixing with their competitors, but they don’t work against each other there seems to be a common purpose and that’s to raise standards and meet the needs of their customers. Do you think the oil heating market has a long term future in the UK? JD t’s not necessarily a growing market, but oil fuel prices are currently very favourable and for many households there simply isn’t a realistic alternative to oil, in terms of both capital costs and running costs. Most customers are also happier to have something that they are familiar with. They just want something that is a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and more efficient and that’s something avien is able to provide.

 Navien’s LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler features a full text-driven control panel for easy control of heating and hot water temperatures

Oil is sometimes seen as the dirty fuel that is very inefficient, but with our oil boiler it’s not the case. sing our Smart lus Controller with three zones we can deliver an efficiency rating r which is the highest of any oil boiler you can buy in the . lso, if you look at our x levels, we’re way below current regulations and those that are set to come into force in 0 , making out boiler future-proof. t at o mpacte o How has the whole COVIDt e e JD t the time when branches were closed or on reduced hours, and installers only completing emergency obs, think we used our time very productively. It provided us a good opportunity to pause and improve some of our policies and processes. ormally it would be hard to ﬁnd the time or get everyone around the table as we did on Zoom. The biggest frustration for my sales team was working from home usually they would be out visiting installers, working directly with branches. But we stayed open and we worked though lockdown without furloughing any staff. e were able to support our customers , whilst achieving a response rate of over 8%. nlike some other boiler manufacturers, we were not reliant on parts coming from continental Europe. I think we’re the only non-European manufacturer operating in the , so whereas Spain, taly and Germany went into lockdown quite quickly, making it hard for some companies to get hold of parts, we had more products in reserve because our parts are produced in-house. t clearl ee a c lt t me or t e tr a t e er eco om t are o opt m t c t at ema le el ll oo ret r ac to ormal JD think so. Speaking to our stockists and installers, a lot of them say that they had enquiries for refurbishments and other projects that had to be put on hold due to C , but they are starting to happen now as restrictions have eased. nd of course we are about to go into the ‘switch on’ heating season where demand naturally increases. s with every industry we have had to adapt to work safely in a new norm world, but we are all succeeding and that has to be good news for everyone.

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Oil Heating

Longevity matters when t come to e c e c n ’ rated condensing boiler has much to offer in terms of energy efficiency, but if it doesn’t stand the test of time, it loses some of its eco-credentials. ndrew ounsﬁeld of ounsﬁeld boilers makes the case for boilers that are built to last.

ow many times have you heard a customer say they had received a call asking, “Is your boiler over five years old ou could be entitled to a new boiler paid for by the government” es, it is very commendable that the government has schemes that promote energy efficiency and support the environment. But really, a boiler that is ust five years old ost oil boilers have been 85 energy efficient for the last 30 years and now offer energy efficient ratings in the high 0s. n the fight against climate change, energy efficiency is very important, but our modern throwaway culture is also greatly increasing emissions of carbon dioxide. ll the green policies and strategies for change are based on improving energy efficiency, but nothing addresses the fact that many boilers are ending up on the scrap heap after just a few years service this is absurd

Throwaway culture

I’ve had so many conversations with plumbers and installers all bemoaning the fact that they have to throw away boilers because they are simply too tricky or time consuming to repair. hen old components wear out, new components cannot be easily installed, so the entire boiler needs to be taken to pieces just to get to the component. This results in a heating engineer giving customers the option of an enormous repair bill or a new boiler. f course clients opt for the new boiler hoping it will save them money in the long run, but this is just plain silly. hy discard a perfectly good boiler, ust because one component has had its day anufacturers need to build boilers that last, not ust deliver on energy efficiency. ndustry trade bodies, such as T C and Gas Safe, should be leading the charge to effect change, as should government. et why have we never seen stats on how many boilers or components are ust thrown on the waste heap Change can happen and it can happen quickly – alterations just need to be made on the product design. create boilers with installers and homeowners in mind. ’m passionate about

oun ﬁel

oiler

CUT TO THE CHASE  Per ectly goo oiler are en ing u on the cra hea in our throwaway culture  ell e igne oiler will ena le ea ier maintenance an re air  nergy e cient oiler houl al o e ma e to ro i e longe ity



 o u tly ma e com onent contri ute to longer oiler li e

asy servicing and maintenance is one issue, the other is high quality components. any boiler manufacturers are churning out product, proudly promoting their enhanced levels of energy efficiency, but sadly they’re made with low grade components that need replacing every few years. arranties have onerous terms and conditions, often requiring the homeowner to replace certain components, such as the ﬂexible oil line at the ﬁrst annual service, and even fuel pumps are sometimes included in a long list of items that need to be replaced as a condition of the warranty. The component industry seems to be big business for many boiler manufacturers and it’s ust not right. ’m not naive, do realise that some components will experience wear and tear and will need to be replaced, but there is a lucrative industry set up to manufacture poor quality parts. This really has to stop.

ounsfield Boilers are made to last and come with a no quibble five-year guarantee. ow do we make them so robust good example of our high grade parts is the specification of the hose we use for flexible oil lines, which has a Teflon core and stainless steel braiding. t is aircraftgrade material, instead of the industry standard (rubber or thermoplastic) which we all know will degrade and require regular replacement. e continuously search and test for the very best components and although they may make the boiler slightly more expensive to buy, the return on investment for the homeowner is undeniable The future is in our hands, and for one have already started to campaign to government to bring about change. ur industry bodies need to also seize the opportunity and enforce change from the top down. ◼ /720/

Vortex range o er ple t of choice and peace o m ith a manufacturing history dating back to 8, Grant ngineering now offers 3 oil boiler models, including the ortex and ortexBlue ranges. vailable in internal, external, ﬂoor standing, wall hung and combi models, the boilers have outputs ranging from k up to 0k . The ortex boilers x burner all feature the latest lowtechnology, and the VortexBlue models incorporate Riello’s RDB BLU ultra-low x compact blue ﬂame burner. cross the ranges, each boiler has been designed to be installer-friendly and straightforward to maintain and service, while also delivering reliable, efficient heating for homeowners.

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Quality components

Built to last

Andrew ounsﬁeld o

creating high quality engineering solutions to heat homes and water as cheaply and energyefficiently as possible. ’m not interested in boosting our sales by creating boilers that are tricky to maintain that seems nonsensical. eveloping energy efficient boilers that can be easily maintained should be the starting point for all boiler manufacturers.

G Installers can activate extended guarantees on the Grant boilers they install and register. ll ortex models can be registered with a ﬁve-year guarantee, and all VortexBlue boilers can be registered with a 0 year

guarantee when installed by a member of the G nstaller scheme. ith long guarantees available, Grant says its oil boilers can help households save money and deliver peace of mind. ◼ /720/ 7

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Oil Heating

Com o ler a e o el co mpt o Claiming a step forward in efficiency, armflow’s gentis combi boiler is said to save up to 5 litres of fuel a week compared to other models. The armflow gentis internal combi uses the company’s patented 5mm stainless steel heat exchanger alongside the latest Riello low x burner technology. The combi includes a number of options such as a factory fitted -litre hinged expansion vessel, a factory fitted pressure relief and reducing valve, and a factory fitted mini expansion vessel. This model is also said to be one of the slimmest on the market at only 5 5mm wide, which ensures it fits into the tightest of spaces. ther features include a reduced component count, -ring push fit connections, and an easy-fit balanced flue system, meaning one flue fits all boilers, which can help save on installation time. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/ 8

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Updating an old tank to ﬁre protecte

t t at a per ect fit The nvirogreen range of internal combi boilers from irebird is available in standard and slimline widths. The Standard Combi , complete with concealed control panel, won’t look out of place in any kitchen or utility room. t ust under 00mm in width it is easily incorporated into new or existing room configurations. These combis can be selected in Blue lame options, with an ultra-low x of 5 mg k h. Combis with Blue lame come with a full diagnostic control box. or additional efficiency, the nvirogreen range incorporates a Grundfos circulating pump. To ease installation, there are multi-directional flue options on offer, and service access is from the front. odels are available in outputs of 0 to 35k . ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/ 9

Tuffa Tanks has supplied a storage solution for homeowners in rural orthamptonshire who had recently upgraded the heating system in their th century cottage. The couple had replaced the old boiler, single radiators and single glazing with modern equipment and needed to make a similar upgrade of the old heating oil tank, which was 5 years old. The installer on the pro ect was faced with a derelict tank, which didn’t have a level gauge, so the homeowners were constantly going outside to visually check the oil levels. aving inspected the site, the installer explained that the old tank no longer complied with Building Regulations. n particular, the tank was sited within a couple of feet of the

neighbouring doctor’s surgery well within .8m, which is the minimum safe distance a conventional tank can be sited next to structures. The installer recommended Tuffa’s fire protected heating oil tank. The old tank was replaced with Tuffa’s new and compliant fire protected tank, which came fitted with the atchman Sonic il onitor, an electronic oil level sensor that remotely monitors the level of oil in the tank. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/ 0

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Oil Boilers 37 Other areas of potential

Regulations and residential burners ÂĢŶĞ ŶĞā óŋłŶĢłŽāù ùũĢƑā Ŷŋ ũāùŽóā ŶĞā ũāķĢÖłóā ŋĕ ŶĞā ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭāóŶŋũ ŋł ĕŋŭŭĢķ ĕŽāķŭ̇ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ Öũā ĕŋũóĢłė ŭŶũĢóŶāũ āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶÖķ óŋĿťķĢÖłóā ŋł ŋĢķ Ʃ ũāù ĞāÖŶĢłė āŨŽĢťĿāłŶ̍ FũÖĞÖĿ ÖũĴāũ ĕũŋĿ Ģāķķŋ ķŋŋĴŭ ÖŶ ƒĞāũā ŶĞā ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ ĿÖƘ ķāÖù ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̍

łā ŭťāóĢƩ ó ÖũāÖ ŋĕ ĕŋóŽŭ Ģŭ łĢŶũŋėāł ŋƗĢùā āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ ̛pzƗ̜̍ ÂĞāł ŶĞā 1łāũėƘ-ũāķÖŶāù ũŋùŽóŶŭ ̛1ũ ̜ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ ƒāũā ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù Ģł ˛˙˚ˡ̇ ŶĞāƘ ũāŨŽĢũāù ÖłƘ ŋĢķ Ʃ ũāù ðŽũłāũ ĢłŭŶÖķķāù ŋł Ö ðŋĢķāũ ðāķŋƒ ˝˙˙ĴÂ ŋŽŶťŽŶ Ŷŋ óŋłĕŋũĿ Ŷŋ Ö pzƗ āĿĢŭŭĢŋł ŋĕ āŨŽÖķ Ŷŋ ŋũ ķāŭŭ ŶĞÖł ˚˛˙Ŀė̓ĴÂĞ ̛ėũŋŭŭ !Á̜̍ ¦Ğāũāĕŋũā̇ ŶĞā ĢłŶũŋùŽóŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā 1ũ pzƗ ķĢĿĢŶŭ ũāŨŽĢũāù ÖťťũŋƗĢĿÖŶāķƘ Ö ˞˙ͮ ũāùŽóŶĢŋł ƒĞāł óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ ťũāƑĢŋŽŭ ŋĢķ Ʃ ũāù ðŽũłāũŭ ťķÖóāù ĢłŶŋ ŶĞā ĿÖũĴāŶ̍ ¦Ğā łāƗŶ ũŋŽłù ŋĕ 1ũ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ Öũā óŽũũāłŶķƘ Žłùāũ ũāƑĢāƒ Öłù óŋŽķù ðā ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù Öŭ āÖũķƘ Öŭ ˛˙˛˛̍ RŶ Ģŭ āƗťāóŶāù ŶĞÖŶ ĕŽũŶĞāũ pzƗ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ ƒĢķķ ðā ĢłóķŽùāù ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞĢŭ łāƗŶ ťĞÖŭā̇ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ťŋŭŭĢðĢķĢŶƘ ŋĕ Öķŭŋ ťķÖóĢłė ÖùùĢŶĢŋłÖķ ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ ŋł āķāóŶũĢóÖķ āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öłù ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķķƘ Ö ĕŋóŽŭ ŋł ĿŽķŶĢ-ŭŶÖėā ŋťāũÖŶĢŋł̍

Kerosene vs light oil ŭ ŶĞā ƑÖŭŶ ĿÖıŋũĢŶƘ ŋĕ b Öłù RũĢŭĞ ũāŭĢùāłŶĢÖķ ŋĢķ ðŋĢķāũŭ Žŭā Ĵāũŋŭāłā Öŭ Ö ĕŽāķ ̞ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ Ö Ŀŋũā ũāƩ łāù Öłù ķŋƒāũ łĢŶũŋėāł óŋłŶāłŶ ĕŽāķ ŋĢķ óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ ŶĞā ̨ķĢėĞŶ ŋĢķ̪ Žŭāù Ģł ĿÖĢłķÖłù 1Žũŋťā ̞ ŶĞā 1ũ óÖķóŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ ĕŋũ ÖŭŭāŭŭĢłė pzƗ āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ óŽũũāłŶķƘ ĢłóķŽùā Ö ˛ˡĿė̓ ĴÂĞ ÖķķŋƒÖłóā ĕŋũ ÖťťķĢÖłóāŭ ŶāŭŶāù Öłù ÖťťũŋƑāù ĕŋũ ŋťāũÖŶĢŋł ŋł Ĵāũŋŭāłā̍ ¦Ğāũā Öũā ƑÖũĢŋŽŭ ŶĞāŋũĢāŭ Öŭ Ŷŋ ƒĞÖŶ ŶĞā łāƗŶ ũŋŽłù ŋĕ 1ũ pzƗ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ ƒĢķķ ðā̇ ðŽŶ Öŭ ŶĞā ĿÖıŋũĢŶƘ ŋĕ ķĢėĞŶ ŋĢķ ŭŽťťķĢāù ĢłŶŋ ŶĞā 1ŽũŋťāÖł ĿÖũĴāŶ Ģŭ łŋƒ ̨ŽķŶũÖ ķŋƒ ŭŽķťĞŽũ ùĢāŭāķ̪ ̛d '̜ ̞ ƒĞĢóĞ ðƘ ŶĞā ťũŋóāŭŭ ŋĕ ũāùŽóĢłė ŶĞā ŭŽķťĞŽũ óŋłŶāłŶ Öķŭŋ ũāŭŽķŶŭ Ģł Ö ũāùŽóŶĢŋł ŋĕ ŶĞā łĢŶũŋėāł óŋłŶāłŶ ̞ ĢŶ óŋŽķù āÖŭĢķƘ ðā āƗťāóŶāù ŶĞÖŶ Öŭ Ö ĿĢłĢĿŽĿ the ˛˗Ŀė̓ĴÂĞ ÖķķŋƒÖłóā ƒĢķķ ðā ũāĿŋƑāù Ŷŋ ÖķĢėł Ĵāũŋŭāłā ƒĢŶĞ ķĢėĞŶ ŋĢķ̍

ĞāÖŶĢłė ŋĢķŭ Ŷŋ ũāłāƒÖðķā ķĢŨŽĢù ðĢŋ ĕŽāķŭ̍ FķŋðÖķķƘ̇ ŶĞāũā Öũā ƑÖũĢŋŽŭ ťũŋıāóŶŭ óŽũũāłŶķƘ ŽłùāũƒÖƘ Ģł ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ĿÖũĴāŶŭ ķŋŋĴĢłė ÖŶ ŶĞā ĕāÖŭĢðĢķĢŶƘ ŋĕ ķĢŨŽĢù ðĢŋ ĕŽāķŭ Öłù ŶĞā ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķ !zˑ ŭÖƑĢłėŭ ŶĞāŭā óÖł ŋƦ āũ̍ ¦Ğāũā Öũā ĿÖłƘ ŭŋŽũóāŭ ŋĕ ķĢŨŽĢù ðĢŋ ĕŽāķŭ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ĿÖĢł ŋťŶĢŋłŭ Ģł ŶĞā b Öłù RũĢŭĞ ĿÖũĴāŶŭ ðāĢłė āĢŶĞāũ D m1 ̛ĕÖŶŶƘ ÖóĢù ĿāŶĞƘķ āŭŶāũ̜ ŋũ NÁz ̛ĞƘùũŋŶũāÖŶāù ƑāėāŶÖðķā ŋĢķ̜̍ ¦Ğāũā Öũā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ƒĢŶĞ ðŋŶĞ ĕŽāķ ŶƘťāŭ ðŽŶ Öŭ NÁz ĞÖŭ Ö ĿŽóĞ ķŋƒāũ óķŋŽù ťŋĢłŶ ̛! ̜ Öłù óŋķù Ʃ ķŶāũ ťķŽėėĢłė ťŋĢłŶ ̛!D ̜ ƒĞāł óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ D m1̇ ĢŶ óŋŽķù ðā ŭāāł Öŭ Ö ťũāĕāũũāù ŋťŶĢŋł̍ Rĕ ŶũĢÖķŭ Öũā ŭŽóóāŭŭĕŽķ ĢŶ Ģŭ ťŋŭŭĢðķā ŶĞÖŶ ķĢŨŽĢù ðĢŋ ĕŽāķŭ ƒĢķķ ðā ĢłóķŽùāù Ģł ŶĞā łāƗŶ ťĞÖŭā ŋĕ 1ũ ̍

Graham Barker Residential key account director for Riello Group

CUT TO THE CHASE Đ ErP regulations reduced the permissible NOx emissions by half compared to previous oil Ƽ VIH FYVRIVW Đ Bigger reductions in NOx emissions can be achieved by using Blue Flame technology Đ Bio fuels can provide further IRZMVSRQIRXEP FIRIƼ XW ERH MX MW possible they may be included in the next phase of ErP Đ )PIGXVMGEP Iƾ GMIRGMIW ERH multi-stage operation also present opportunities for technological improvements

Blue Flame technology ŭ ƒā ÖłŶĢóĢťÖŶā ĕŽũŶĞāũ pzƗ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ðā ĢłóķŽùāù ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞā łāƗŶ ũŋŽłù ŋĕ 1ũ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ŶĞāũā Ģŭ łŋƒ Öł ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ ĕŋũ łāƒ ťŋķĢóƘ Ŷŋ ðā ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù ŶĞÖŶ óŋŽķù ùũĢƑā ĿŽóĞ ėũāÖŶāũ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģł ŶŽũł ƒŋŽķù ĞÖƑā ĕÖũ ėũāÖŶāũ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ Öŭ Ö ƒĞŋķā̍ pŋƒ Ģŭ ŶĞā ŶĢĿā ĕŋũ ŶĞā ŋĢķ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭāóŶŋũ Ŷŋ ðā ÖĿðĢŶĢŋŽŭ̇ Öłù Öŭ Öł ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ ƒā ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ùũĢƑĢłė ĕŋũ ĿŽóĞ ėũāÖŶāũ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ðā ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù Öłù ĕŋũóā Ö óĞÖłėā Ŷŋ ŶũŽā ķŽā DķÖĿā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ŶĞā Ģāķķŋ ' F ƒĞĢóĞ óÖł ÖóĞĢāƑā ŽķŶũÖ ķŋƒ pzƗ āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ ŋĕ ͟˕˙Ŀė̓ĴÂĞ̍ ŭ ŶũŽā ķŽā ƪ ÖĿā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ŋƦ āũŭ ĿŽóĞ ķŋƒāũ pzƗ ķāƑāķŭ ƒĞāł óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ óŽũũāłŶ ķŋƒ pzƗ ðŽũłāũŭ̇ ŶĞĢŭ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ Ģŭ Öðķā Ŷŋ ŭÖŶĢŭĕƘ Ö ĿŽóĞ ŭŶũĢóŶāũ ÖťťũŋÖóĞ Ŷŋ ķĢĿĢŶĢłė ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķķƘ ĞÖũĿĕŽķ āĿĢŭŭĢŋł ķāƑāķŭ̍

Liquid bio fuels łŋŶĞāũ ÖũāÖ ƒĞāũā ŶĞā ŋĢķ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭāóŶŋũ óÖł ťũŋƑĢùā ĕŽũŶĞāũ āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶÖķ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ Ŷŋ Ğāķť ÖóĞĢāƑā ŶĞā b ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ̪ŭ ŶÖũėāŶ ŋĕ ðũĢłėĢłė Öķķ ėũāāłĞŋŽŭā ėÖŭ āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ łāŶ ơāũŋ ðƘ ˛˙˞˙ Ģŭ ƒĢŶĞ Ö ŭƒĢŶóĞ ÖƒÖƘ ĕũŋĿ ĕŋŭŭĢķ ĕŽāķ ðÖŭāù

ķŋłė ƒĢŶĞ pzƗ ũāùŽóŶĢŋłŭ Öłù ŶĞā ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķ ŋĕ ķĢŨŽĢù ðĢŋ ĕŽāķŭ̇ ƒā óÖł Öķŭŋ óŋłŭĢùāũ ŶĞā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢóÖķ ĢĿťũŋƑāĿāłŶŭ ðāĢłė ÖťťķĢāù Ŷŋ ŶĞā łāƗŶ ťĞÖŭā ŋĕ 1ũ ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ āķāóŶũĢóÖķ āƧ óĢāłóĢāŭ Öłù ĿŽķŶĢ-ŭŶÖėā ŋťāũÖŶĢŋł̍ Ƙ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŭŽóĞ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢāŭ̇ ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ óÖł Öłù ŭĞŋŽķù ðā Öðķā Ŷŋ ŋƦ āũ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ƒĞĢóĞ łŋŶ ŋłķƘ ũāùŽóā ŶĞāĢũ āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶÖķ ĢĿťÖóŶ̇ ðŽŶ Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũ ŭÖƑĢłėŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā āłù Žŭāũ ƑĢÖ ĢĿťũŋƑāù āķāóŶũĢóÖķ óŋĿťŋłāłŶŭ Öłù ĿŽķŶĢ-ŭŶÖėā ŋťāũÖŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ðāŶŶāũ ĿÖŶóĞ Öłù ũāÖóŶ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ĞāÖŶ ùāĿÖłù ŋĕ Öł ÖťťķĢÖłóā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ĞÖŭ Ŷŋ ðā ŶĞā ĕŽŶŽũā ŋĕ ũāŭĢùāłŶĢÖķ ŋĢķ Ʃ ũāù ðŽũłāũŭ Öłù Ģŭ ŋłā ƒĞĢóĞ Ģāķķŋ̇ Öŭ ŶĞā ĿÖũĴāŶ ķāÖùāũ̇ Ģŭ ƒŋũĴĢłė ŋł Ŷŋ łŋŶ ŋłķƘ ũāùŽóā ŶĞā ĢĿťÖóŶ ŋł ŶĞā āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ ŋĕ ŋĢķ Ʃ ũāù ĞāÖŶĢłė āŨŽĢťĿāłŶ ðŽŶ Ŷŋ Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũ ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķ ĕŽŶŽũā ŭÖƑĢłėŭ Ŷŋ āłù Žŭāũŭ̍

ũāƗĢŶ āƦ āóŶŭ̎ złā Ʃ łÖķ łŋŶā ŶĞÖŶ ƒā ĿŽŭŶ óŋłŭĢùāũ Ģŭ ŶĞā ťũŋŭťāóŶ ŋĕ ũāƗĢŶ Öłù ÖłƘ ĢĿťÖóŶ ŶĞĢŭ ĿÖƘ ĞÖƑā ƒĢŶĞ ũāėÖũùŭ ŶĞā b̪ŭ ũŋÖùĿÖť ŋł ĕŽŶŽũā ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋł̍ Ŷ ŶĞā āłù ŋĕ ˛˙˛˙ ŶĞā b ƒĢķķ ðā ķāÖƑĢłė ŶĞā 1ŽũŋťāÖł łĢŋł ŭŋ ŶĞāũā Ģŭ ŶĞā ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā b ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ ĿÖƘ ĕŋķķŋƒ Ö ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ťÖŶĞ Ŷŋ 1ũ ̍ ÂĢķķ ŶĞĢŭ ðā ÖķĢėłāù Ŷŋ ŶĞā 1ŽũŋťāÖł łĢŋł ƒĢŶĞ ũāėÖũùŭ Ŷŋ āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ ķāƑāķŭ̇ ŋũ ƒĢķķ ƒā ƒŋũĴ ŶŋƒÖũùŭ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ŶÖũėāŶŭ̎ łĕŋũŶŽłÖŶāķƘ̇ ƒā ùŋ łŋŶ ƘāŶ ĞÖƑā ŶĞā Öłŭƒāũ Ŷŋ ŶĞĢŭ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˝˚

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Heating Controls

Boost to energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ

W The TPOne range of intelligent controls is suitable for almost any domestic heating application

Heating controls

The government’s new Green Homes Grant scheme is an opportunity to improve the energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ŶĞŋŽŭÖłùŭ ŋĕ ĞŋŽŭāĞŋķùŭ Öóũŋŭŭ England, and heating controls are part of the package. Gareth Ash at Danfoss looks at how the ŭóĞāĿā ƒĢķķ ÖƦ āóŶ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̍

Properly selected and installed, TRVs from leading manufacturers like Danfoss ŋƦ āũ Žť Ŷŋ ˜˙% savings on heating consumption. They are an easy-to-Ʃ Ŷ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł for installers and have an estimated payback period of just two heating seasons for their customers. Examples include our Eco thermostat, designed to work with Bluetooth, giving homeowners in-home control of their radiators from their smartphone using the app.

he new Green Homes Grant scheme will allow homeowners and landlords in both the private rented and social housing sectors to apply for a voucher to fund at least twothirds of the cost of upgrading the energy performance of their homes (see p˚˙ for more details). The maximum contribution under the scheme will be ͎˞˙˙˙, or for those on lower incomes a ˚˙˙% grant up to £˚˙̇˙˙˙ will be available. Modern heating controls, like those manufactured by Danfoss, are among the measures eligible for funding under the scheme. Independent tests have demonstrated the energy-saving ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ĞĢėĞ āƧ óĢāłóƘ electronic heating controls, such as fully programmable room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRV), as well as the importance of proper hydronic balance for ŋťŶĢĿŽĿ āƧ óĢāłóƘ̍ Scheduled to run until the end of March ˛˙˛˚, this latest government initiative will help households save money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions from homes, and create new jobs. In order to carry out improvements covered by the

Advanced functions

Gareth Ash Marketing manager at Danfoss S Devices like the Danfoss Eco smart thermostat is included in the Green Homes Grant

CUT TO THE CHASE Đ The Green Homes Grant includes a subsidy for heating controls as a secondary measure, accessible when a TVMQEV] QIEWYVI MW XEOIR Ƽ VWX Đ 7TIGMƼ G WIGSRHEV] QIEWYVIW include smart heating controls, zone controls, delayed start thermostats and TRVs Đ TRVs can offer up to 30% savings on heating consumption and boast a payback period of two heating seasons

scheme, companies installing low carbon heating must be TrustMark registered and approved via the mĢóũŋėāłāũÖŶĢŋł !āũŶĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł Scheme (MCS). Households will be able to choose from approved tradespeople in their areas to carry out the work.

Eligible measures Over ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ homes have been revealed to be eligible for a grant. The available measures that can be subsidised are split into ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’

categories. To qualify for funding, households will need to install at least one of the primary measures. These include solid wall, cavity wall, roof and loft insulation, and low carbon heat solutions, such as air and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal. As long as there is at least one primary measure in the package of works, households will also be able to install one or more secondary improvement. These secondary measures include appliance thermostats, hot water tank thermostats, hot water tank insulation, smart heating controls, zone controls, delayed start thermostats, and TRVs.

Other heating controls eligible for a Green Homes Grant are smart thermostats. Options available from Danfoss include the TPOne-S, an intuitive programmable room thermostat ŋƦ āũĢłė łāƒ ķāƑāķŭ ŋĕ Žŭāũfriendly interaction, and Icon, specially designed for hydronic Žłùāũƪ ŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ A series of room thermostats and zone controllers, the Danfoss Icon provides optimal temperature control and also features automatic hydronic balancing for maximum āƧ óĢāłóƘ̍ zƦ āũĢłė ŶĞā ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķ ĕŋũ increased energy savings with a ‘Delayed Start’ function, the Danfoss TP˞˙˙˚ and extended TPOne range of intelligent room thermostats also qualify for the scheme. Selecting ‘delayed start’ pauses the heating startup at the scheduled time depending on ŶĞā ùĢƦ āũāłóā ðāŶƒāāł ÖĿðĢāłŶ and required temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˝˛

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Heating Controls

Answering questions about data security

as the heating schedule, is stored locally on the phone where the normal security mechanisms built into the mobile operating system, such as iOS and Android, provide data segregation and encryption. Additionally, some transient data is stored on the Heat Hub. When communication happens between the local Heat Hub and the cloud, all traffic is encrypted to provide the highest security for homeowners.

Moving house

As public interest in smart heating technology continues to increase, so does concern about the security of data collected by these devices. Jamie Bennett from Drayton looks at some of the questions potential customers may have and discusses the key things that installers need to know when it comes to the security of homeowner data when ﬁtting smart controls.

emand for smart heating controls has undeniably grown over recent years, and research carried out by Drayton among our customers found that 5% of respondents already had at least one other smart device in the home before investing in Wiser.

CUT TO THE CHASE  Security of smart home devices is a key area of concern for customers  Adjustable heating schedules re ect the mo ement o occupants, information that must be securely stored

Area of concern

While some homeowners may be happy to adopt this technology without any worries, there are those who err on the side of caution before looking to invest in smart home products. The question of whether these devices are secure is often one of the key areas for concern during the purchasing stage, meaning installers must be prepared to answer these questions as customer demand grows. In addition to providing homeowners with the ability to control their heating remotely, many smart heating controls also provide homeowners with the option to create an adjustable heating schedule based around their daily routine. If this data was to fall into the wrong hands, it provides an accurate description of the homeowner’s movements.

Heating schedules

Additionally, some heating controls feature smart ‘away modes’ that can be activated using geofencing technology and platforms such as If This Then That (IFTTT). This technology works by registering when the connected phone is a certain distance away from the  Some data collected by Wiser is stored in the cloud, but the heating schedule is stored locally on the phone

40.indd 1

 Data collected by the Wiser system is mostly stored in the clou an all tra c i encry te for the highest security

Jamie Bennett

Engineering director at Drayton

 This data can be removed when necessary, such as when the resident moves house but leaves the control behind  It’s important to buy from a manufacturer with a proven history of data security

 Wiser works with Amazon Echo, the Google Assistant and IFTTT (If This Then That)

house and, again, if this data weren’t secure, it would provide all the information needed to know when the home is empty.

Weather compensation

Many smart heating controls also feature weather compensation technology, which in most cases relies on online weather reports in relation to the user’s postcode, so this also presents a threat for personal data to be exposed. Most data collected by Wiser is used to perform the necessary heating function, but when it needs to be stored, it is predominantly done in the cloud. Some data, such

Whilst it might not be an initial concern, one issue that might arise later down the line is what happens to any data should the homeowner look to move house. Although some smart heating controls can be taken out and installed into the new property, some customers may decide to leave it behind. This means that when moving out, they need to be conﬁdent that any personal data can be removed if necessary. In this instance, Wiser provides the ability to factory reset the gateway and devices using a local mechanism or by calling our customer support team to ensure personal data is removed.

Smart choices

Whenever a smart control is being installed, it is important to purchase only from a reputable manufacturer with a proven history of data security. As part of Schneider Electric, data security is taken incredibly seriously at Drayton, with Schneider Electric having established the Global Security Lab as an independent entity to ensure vigilance against the latest threats and enable defence against its systems from a cyber-attack. Ultimately, opting for a reputable manufacturer will ensure the heating control is designed with the necessary measures to protect personal information.

Reliable source

Additionally, if installers have further questions about the security of smart heating controls, manufacturers now offer a host of training courses to ensure installers are clued up. Our online training academy, º Know How, features a Wiser module that provides professionals with everything they need to know in order to answer homeowner questions about the smart heating control.

Find out more

To become a Wiser Approved installer, visit the new ° Know How online training academy and complete the Wiser module. For more information on Wiser, use the reader link below or follow @DraytonHeating on Twitter. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/

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Heating Controls 41

Central control of system elements Hot water and warm rooms are essential for hygiene and comfort, and while many businesses are happy to control these facilities manually, Sarum Electronics says there are big ðāłāƩŶŭ Ŷŋ ĿÖłÖėĢłė ŶĞāĿ ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢó NÁ ! óŋłŶũŋķ ťÖłāķŭ̍ Nāũā̇ ƒā ķŋŋĴ Ğŋƒ Ö óÖũā ĞŋĿā Ģŭ ðāłāƩŶĢłė ĕũŋĿ Ö recent installation of equipment from Sarum.

VAC control panels can be designed and manufactured as bespoke solutions. These solutions are especially powerful when several pieces of equipment ĕũŋĿ ùĢƦāũāłŶ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũŭ are needed to work together to deliver services. Applications such as commercial kitchens, where a combination of ventilation, gas cooking, electric heating, air conditioning and water supplies all need to be operated together, are enhanced by HVAC control panels.

W The control panel at The Hollies care home in Reading undergoing a test

āƧóĢāłóƘ̇ ŶĞāł Ğŋƒ ùŋ ƘŋŽ ĿÖĢłŶÖĢł control over the controls? How often do users complain about lack of heating or ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ̇ ŋłķƘ Ŷŋ Ʃłù ŶĞÖŶ ŭŋĿāŋłā ĞÖŭ ðāāł ̨ƩùùķĢłė̪ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ŭāŶŶĢłėŭ̎ One way is to commission a bespoke control panel which can be located in the plant room and designed to centrally control all elements of your system. With automatic controls situated in the plant room, there is an element of restriction to who can alter the timers, or manually override the hot water settings.

āŭťŋĴā ðāłāƩŶŭ Less complex heating and hot water applications can also be delivered with HVAC control panels. Sarum says bespoke versions are a fantastic way of controlling these systems. The panel can be designed to combine the individual āķāĿāłŶŭ ĕũŋĿ ùĢƦāũāłŶ manufacturers to achieve one high performance system. Modern boilers, pumps, thermostats, etc are supplied with the advanced controls, often with an app for mobile control. Each appliance manufacturer can provide controls for their equipment, but who brings all these controls together? And if you are the person responsible for service delivery and energy

S Sarum Electronics control panel installed with VT circuit

Care home case study

ABOUT SARUM ELECTRONICS With its headquarters based in Surrey, Sarum Electronics has been established as an HVAC control panel manufacturer since 1985. The company is a supplier of ventilation, heating and air conditioning building control systems to a wide range of customers in the UK. Collectively, the company lays claim to over 40,000 of its controllers in service across the country.

Sarum Electronics was asked to do this by Vantage FM for a project at The Hollies óÖũā ĞŋĿā Ģł ŽũėĞƩāķù !ŋĿĿŋł̇ Reading, which was implemented just before the COVID-˚ˢ pandemic. The wall mounted panel controlled dual boilers, circulation pumps, pressurisation unit, and VT circuit via two ˜-port ƑÖķƑāŭ Öłù ƪŋƒ ŭāłŭŋũŭ̍ ˙̟˚˙V control signals moved the ˜-port valve actuators Ŷŋ ÖùıŽŭŶ ƪŋƒ Öŭ ũāŨŽĢũāù̍ ł ŋŽŶŭĢùā air sensor allowed the built-in NeOSS controller to calculate the compensated

ƪŋƒ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ĿÖƗĢĿŽĿ āƧóĢāłóƘ ƒĞĢķŭŶ ĿÖĢłŶÖĢłĢłė óŋĿĕŋũŶ ĕŋũ the residents. Together, these features ĢĿťũŋƑā ŶĞā ŋƑāũÖķķ āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ̍

Simple user controls The hot water temperature set-point Ģŭ óŋłƩėŽũāù ŋł ŶĞā óŋłŶũŋķķāũ ĕũŋłŶ panel, with a hot water cylinder sensor providing feedback to control circuits. Simple user controls enable the home ŭŶÖƦ Ŷŋ ŭāŶ ŶĞā ũāŨŽĢũāù ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā for hot water and to program the entire system via a seven-day timer. The panel also provides accurate feedback in the event of a failure. Run/ trip indicators for pumps, together with boiler, thermal link and pressure fault indicators, help to diagnose faults.

Joined up safety Another important safety element incorporated into control panels is ĢłŶāėũÖŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ŶĞā Ʃũā ÖķÖũĿ̍ ƘŭŶāĿŭ óÖł be designed to shut down in the event ŋĕ Ö Ʃũā ÖķÖũĿ̇ ŋũ Ģł ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ ƒĞāũā forced air smoke clearance is needed, then fans can be operated automatically. Finally, control panels can operate as standalone HVAC equipment controls, or can be incorporated into Building Energy Management Systems. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˝˝

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Heating Controls Cascade control manages up to ˚˙ heat pumps

Giving users connected control over information Developed in response to feedback from both consumers and installers, the new ŭāłŭŋ!zmDz ¦ Öłù ŭāłŭŋNzm1 óŋłŶũŋķŭ ĕũŋĿ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ŋƦ āũ increased connectivity and come with a smart modern design. With just a few simple touches, customers can set a heating schedule to meet their needs. Both models feature load compensation and weather compensation as standard, ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ƒĢũāù ŭāłŭŋ!zmDz ¦ óÖł óŋłŶũŋķ Žť Ŷŋ Ʃ Ƒā ĞāÖŶĢłė ơŋłāŭ ƒĢŶĞ individual room temperatures. In addition, both the wired and wireless versions of the ŭāłŭŋ!zmDz ¦ Öũā Öķŭŋ óŋĿťÖŶĢðķā ƒĢŶĞ Vaillant’s sensoAPP and renewable heating technologies, such as heat pumps. Dŋũ āÖŭā ŋĕ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā Ģł-ðŽĢķŶ ā

Electric UFH well in hand pŋƒ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā ĕũŋĿ Ŀðāũ łùāũƪ ŋŋũ NāÖŶĢłė Ģŭ Ö ÂĢDĢ ŭĿÖũŶ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ ŶĞÖŶ ùŋāŭł̪Ŷ ũāŨŽĢũā Ö ĞŽð̍ ¦Ğā Ŀðāũ ĿÖũŶ thermostat is sleek and contemporary in appearance and the additional features give complete control over the heating

óŋłłāóŶĢŋł ŋƦ āũŭ ėŽĢùāù óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė and will synchronise seamlessly with any ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ ðŋĢķāũ̍ Dŋũ ķÖũėāũ ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ̇ ŶĞā ŭāłŭŋp1¦ ĢłŶāũłāŶ ėÖŶāƒÖƘ̇ ƒĞāł ťÖĢũāù ƒĢŶĞ ÖĿðĢ 1p 1 ŭĿÖũŶ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ ƑÖķƑāŭ̇ allows for ˛˙ ĢłùĢƑĢùŽÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė ơŋłāŭ̍ The new energy dashboard feature on the senso controls range gives increased visibility of energy usage, while consumers will also be alerted when a service is required or if a fault has occurred. DŋķķŋƒĢłė ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ ĕāāùðÖóĴ̇ ÁÖĢķķÖłŶ ĞÖŭ Öķŭŋ āƗŶāłùāù ŶĞā ėŽÖũÖłŶāāŭ ŋƦ āũāù on its controls range to match the boiler or heat pump that it’s installed with, meaning it could be covered for up to ˚˙ ƘāÖũŭ ùāťāłùĢłė ŋł ŶĞā ťũŋùŽóŶ Ʃ ŶŶāù̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˝˞

ŭƘŭŶāĿ ĕũŋĿ ÖķĿŋŭŶ ÖłƘƒĞāũā̍ ŭāũŭ simply program and adjust settings with an Öťť Ŷŋ óŋłŶũŋķ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ũŋŋĿŭ̍ ùùĢŶĢŋłÖķ thermostats can easily be added. āŭĢùāŭ ŶĞā ÂĢDĢ óŋłłāóŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞĢŭ thermostat can also operate as a standalone unit. It is fully programmable with the user interface and touch buttons. An Open Window function is also included. When the temperature suddenly drops, the ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ ƒĢķķ ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢóÖķķƘ ŭƒĢŶóĞ ŋƦ ̇ preventing additional electricity costs. ¦Ğā ĿÖũŶ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶŭ Öũā óŋĿťÖŶĢðķā with the Amber electric mats and decoupling membrane and heated cable system. Ŀðāũ łùāũƪ ŋŋũ NāÖŶĢłė Ģŭ ĕŽķķƘ backed with a technical and design team who will be able to assist with all enquiries Öłù ŋƦ āũ Ö ĕŽķķ ùāŭĢėł ŭāũƑĢóā̍ ÂĢŶĞ Ö ũÖłėā of electric mats, decoupling membrane and heating cables, the company can act as a one-stop-ŭĞŋť ĕŋũ āķāóŶũĢó DN Öłù controls. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˠ˛˙̓˝ˠ

The Aquarea Cascade Control from Panasonic is an integrated interface which allows facilities such as supermarkets, hospitals, care homes and hotels to control up to ˚˙ Aquarea air source heat pumps to deliver and remotely manage the demands ĕŋũ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù óŋŋķĢłė̍ ̵¦Ğā óŋłŶũŋķ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ Ö ķÖũėā̇ āÖŭƘ-touse touchscreen display and provides control of multiple units, connected at any one time, to run simultaneously or in cascade mode and creating a system with capacity up to ˚˟˙kW. The Aquarea Cascade Controller can also connect to photovoltaic ̛ Á̜ ťÖłāķŭ Öłù ˜-way valves for cooling, ideally suited for commercial and hospitality applications with additional means of energy sourcing which require ŭťāóĢƩ ó ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ ŋũ ťũŋėũÖĿĿāŭ̇ ƘāŶ managed with one device. ÂĢŶĞ ĢŶŭ ŋƒł ðŽĢķŶ Ģł mz' R ̇ ŶĞā controller integrates with the building’s

m óŋĿĿŽłĢóÖŶĢŋł Öłù óÖł ĞÖƑā Žť Ŷŋ ŶĞũāā m̟ ùāƑĢóāŭ óŋłłāóŶāù for a smarter way to manage heating, óŋŋķĢłė̇ Öłù ùŋĿāŭŶĢó ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ̛'NÂ̜̍ Logging, analysing, optimising and controlling energy, as well as processing data, can all be accessed via the single óŋłŶũŋķ ĢłŶāũĕÖóā̇ ÖķķŋƒĢłė ĕŋũ ŋƦ -site management at any time of day. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˠ˛˙̓˝˟

Guide explores a smart future and the role of technology

Rehau has launched a downloadable guide, ‘Warming The Next Generation’, aimed at contractors dealing with smart control technology. It focuses on the use of Žłùāũƪ ŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ̛DN̜ Öłù ĢŶŭ ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ in commercial and residential properties when combined with smart technology.

The guide explores trends in modern space heating requirements in multiple environments, including co-working ŭťÖóāŭ Öłù ĞŋĿā ŋƧ óāŭ̍ RŶ ėŋāŭ ŋł Ŷŋ outline the growth of smart controls within ŶĞā ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù āłāũėƘ ĿÖũĴāŶŭ Öłù ŋƦ āũŭ practical advice for contractors looking to ĢĿťķāĿāłŶ ŭĿÖũŶ óŋłŶũŋķ Öłù Žłùāũƪ ŋŋũ heating technology into their projects. “Our ‘Warming The Next Generation’ guide is designed to equip contractors with clear, concise information about the ĕŽŶŽũā ŋĕ DN Öłù ŭĿÖũŶ óŋłŶũŋķŭ ŭŋ ŶĞāƘ can ensure they are best placed to react to this growing demand for greater levels of modular control within residential and óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ðŽĢķùĢłėŭ̧̇ ŭÖƘŭ DũÖłơ NŽāķķā̇ Rehau’s head of technical. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˠ˛˙̓˝ˡ

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Gas Safety 43

Helping to spread the gas safety message This year’s Gas Safety Week (˚˝th – ˛˙th September) marks the ˚˙th anniversary of the Gas Safe Register’s annual campaign to communicate the importance of gas safety. We take a look at some of the key messages and how to get involved.

evised to promote the importance of using a Gas Safe registered engineer and to raise awareness of gas safety issues around the home, Gas Safety ÂāāĴ ƒÖŭ Ʃ ũŭŶ ķÖŽłóĞāù Ģł ˛˙˚˚, two years after GSR replaced CORGI as the UK’s gas registration body. As well as focusing public attention on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty gas appliances, the consumer awareness initiative has played a key part in alerting the public to the existence of the new registration body and the importance of always asking to see an installer’s registration card. Over the last ˚˙ years the campaign has succeeded in gaining widespread backing, with pledges of support from MPs, industry bodies, energy providers, charities, and the engagement of many registered installers. Ģłóā ŶĞā ķÖŽłóĞ ŋĕ ŶĞā Ʃ ũŭŶ FÖŭ ÖĕāŶƘ ÂāāĴ̇ F ĞÖŭ produced a range of promotional materials to help get some of the key messages across, including posters, ķāÖƪ āŶŭ̇ ķŋėŋŭ̇ Öłù ðÖłłāũŭ ĕŋũ Žŭā ðƘ ũāėĢŭŶāũāù installers and industry stakeholders. Over the decade, it has been estimated that ˞˙˙̇˙˙˙ ķāÖƪ āŶŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł printed and over ˚˙̇˙˙˙ posters distributed in the name of promoting gas safety.

Calling all the heroes ˛˙˚˝ saw the introduction of Gas Safe hero Doug, employed as an emblem of Gas Safety Week and representing the heroic work undertaken by registered engineers in keeping householders safe and warm in their homes. Last year Doug was joined by the ‘Safety Squad’ – Leon, Aisha, Bob and Olivia – four animated gas engineers designed to represent diversity within ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ Öłù ŶĞā ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ŶƘťāŭ ŋĕ ėÖŭ work they undertake. Other communication initiatives have included the creation of an interactive GasMap tool that enables consumers to Ʃ łù ŋŽŶ Ğŋƒ ĿÖłƘ ŽłŭÖĕā ėÖŭ ıŋðŭ ĞÖƑā been carried out in their area. The online map also provides users with the opportunity to sign up for an email reminder when their annual gas safety check is due. During the course of a decade, a number of installers have embraced the opportunity to spread the gas safety message and also promote their own business within their local communities. Increasing use of social media has provided further exposure and encouraged a number of initiatives from the online installer community, including a Twitter challenge to come up with a memorable gas safety jingle!

˛˙˛˙ vision Looking ahead to this year’s campaign, Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, argues that the safety message is as important as ever: “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help share important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. It’s vital in these uncertain times to look out for the safety of our local communities and āłŭŽũā ťāŋťķā ÖķƒÖƘŭ Žŭā Ö ŭŽĢŶÖðķƘ ŨŽÖķĢƩ āù Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances at their home. By working together we can keep the public informed of gas safety and help reduce the risk of dangerous gas appliances across the UK, helping the whole nation to stay gas safe.”

Spreading the word This year’s Gas Safety Week is being supported by the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM), and through the Large Business Forum (LBF) it is renewing its appeal for gas professionals to spread the word among fellow tradespeople of the dangers of interfering with existing gas installations when working in buildings. The Forum has released new guidance to help tradespeople ensure they do not contravene Regulation 8 of the Gas Safety Installation & Use Regulations (GSIUR) L˞˟̇ which places legal duties on all trades to keep gas installations safe. 'ĢŭŶŽũðĢłė ŋũ ùÖĿÖėĢłė ėÖŭ ÖťťķĢÖłóāŭ̇ ƪ Žāŭ̇ ťĢťāƒŋũĴ̇ ŋũ ƑāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł óŋŽķù ÖƦ āóŶ ŭÖĕāŶƘ Öłù óÖŽŭā ĞÖũĿ Ŷŋ ƒŋũĴāũŭ Öłù ŶĞā ťŽðķĢó ðƘ óÖŽŭĢłė ėÖŭ ķāÖĴŭ̇ Ʃ ũāŭ̇ explosions, or CO poisoning risks. Anyone undertaking ƒŋũĴ ŶĞÖŶ óŋŽķù ÖƦ āóŶ ŶĞā ŭÖĕāŶƘ ŋĕ āƗĢŭŶĢłė gas installations has a legal responsibility to be observant and to ensure their work ùŋāŭ łŋŶ ÖƦ āóŶ ŶĞā ŭÖĕāŶƘ ŋĕ ėÖŭ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̍ As well as emphasising the importance of employing the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer, the campaign highlights the need for undertaking a risk assessment before work starts on any project likely to involve gas appliances, gas pipework, or associated ƪ Žā̓ƑāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ Risk assessment forms are available on the IGEM website.

Getting involved The Gas Safe Register is keen to encourage installers to take part and pledge their support for Gas Safety Week. Free communication materials are available to help promote the gas safety message, including pre-written press releases for distribution to local press and social media. To get involved, simply visit the online link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˝ˢ

PHAM SEPT20:Layout 1 01/09/2020 16:00 Page 44

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Gas Safety

Reasons to promote CO protection 'āŭťĢŶā āƦŋũŶŭ Ŷŋ ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶ ŶĞā ùÖłėāũŭ ŋĕ óÖũðŋł monoxide (CO) poisoning, the number of people ÖƦāóŶāù óŋłŶĢłŽāŭ Ŷŋ ũĢŭā̍ pN ƩėŽũāŭ ŭĞŋƒ ŶĞÖŶ at least ˟˙ deaths were attributed to CO poisoning over the course of a year. Adrian Keats from NŋłāƘƒāķķ NŋĿā ÖĕāŶƘ ùĢŭóŽŭŭāŭ ƒĞƘ ŶĞā ŶĞũāÖŶ from CO poisoning remains unchanged.

ith Gas Safety Week fresh in the minds of installers and homeowners alike, it’s the ideal time to speak to customers about home safety systems when attending call outs. Whilst the general public is largely aware of the importance of smoke and heat alarms, there is certainly a long way to go in terms of CO alarms, not to ĿāłŶĢŋł ŶĞā ðāłāƩŶŭ ŋƦāũāù ðƘ connected options. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood. This can occur in many household appliances such as gas and ŭŋķĢù ĕŽāķ Ʃũāŭ̇ ðŋĢķāũŭ̇ óāłŶũÖķ heating systems, water heaters, and cookers. The most common causes

of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide in the home are due to faulty installation, poor maintenance, and inadequately ventilated appliances. Appliances can also simply become faulty in between services.

Groups at risk

Adrian Keats

Senior national account manager at Honeywell Home Safety

Carbon monoxide is a danger to everyone, however some groups are more at risk than others. These include: pregnant women, people with respiratory issues such as asthma, or those with chronic heart disease. Babies and children are also very vulnerable due to their small size. āŶŭ óÖł ŭŽƦāũ Ŷŋŋ ̞ Ģł ĕÖóŶ̇ Ö ũāóāłŶ ŭŶŽùƘ showed that ˢ˟% of British people didn’t know !z ťŋĢŭŋłĢłė óŋŽķù ÖƦāóŶ ŶĞāĢũ ÖłĢĿÖķŭ̍ ťāŶ ðāóŋĿĢłė Ģķķ ĿÖƘ ðā ŶĞā ƩũŭŶ ĢłùĢóÖŶĢŋł ŶĞāũā Ģŭ a problem, as the smaller the pet or person, the ŨŽĢóĴāũ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢķķ ðā ÖƦāóŶāù̍

So for heating engineers, the critical nature of these alarms is clear, with many installers having ƒĢŶłāŭŭāù ŭāũĢŋŽŭ ėÖŭ ķāÖĴŭ ƩũŭŶĞÖłù̍ ¦Ğāũāĕŋũā̇ ĢŶ is vital that they use this knowledge to educate their clients and promote comprehensive home safety ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ ̞ āƑāł Ģł ŶĞā óŽũũāłŶ̇ óĞÖķķāłėĢłė óķĢĿÖŶā ̞ Ģł ŋũùāũ Ŷŋ ėũÖùŽÖķķƘ ũÖĢŭā ŶĞā łÖŶĢŋłÖķ ŭŶÖłùÖũù ŋĕ domestic safety.

Location matters NŋƒāƑāũ̇ ƒĞĢķŭŶ ũāóŋĿĿāłùĢłė ŶĞā óŋũũāóŶ system is important, developing an understanding of alarm siting is equally vital. Installers have a responsibility to ensure that each alarm is able to ŋťāũÖŶā Öŭ āƦāóŶĢƑāķƘ Öŭ ťŋŭŭĢðķā̇ ŋũ ŶĞāƘ óŋŽķù ķāÖƑā homeowners believing they’re protected, when in fact they are still vulnerable. When it comes to CO alarms, it’s important to steer clear of colour change spot detectors, as they are not an adequate solution. These detectors signal the presence of CO via a colour change, but do not emit any audible alert. This means that unless a resident happens to check the detector, a leak could go completely unnoticed. What’s more, they are not approved or kitemarked to any performance standards. Instead, the best CO alarms to use are long-life sealed battery units that will give a loud audible signal when CO is detected. Also ensure that the unit Ģŭ ÖťťũŋƑāù Öłù ĴĢŶāĿÖũĴāù Ŷŋ ŶĞā 1p˞˙˛ˢ˚-˚ ˛˙˚˙ / 1p˞˙˛ˢ˚-˛ ˛˙˚˙ performance standard.

Extra protection Also, despite landlord regulations stipulating the installation of a CO alarm only in rooms with a solid fuel burning appliance, ideally a CO alarm should be placed in every room housing any fuel burning ÖťťķĢÖłóā ̞ Öłù ĕŋũ óŋĿťķāŶā ŭÖĕāŶƘ̇ Öł ÖķÖũĿ Ģł ÖłƘ bedrooms which may be above these, too. RŶ̪ŭ Öķŭŋ ƒŋũŶĞ óŋłŭĢùāũĢłė ÖķÖũĿŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŋƦāũ ÖùùĢŶĢŋłÖķ ðāłāƩŶŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķāũ Öłù ŶĞā homeowner. For instance, our X-Series Alarm Scan App is a wireless, silent solution which can be used to retrieve information on the status of alarms directly to a smartphone or tablet.

Talking points When on emergency call-outs, or safely servicing or installing a customer’s heating system, installers have an excellent chance to chat to their customers about CO safety. Taking this opportunity to talk about this hidden danger can help to protect their customers, while giving their business a boost too. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˠ˛˙̓˞˙

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Gas Safety

Getting back to work Making the most of a modern Flue Gas Analyser can help gas heating engineers as they get back to work and assists with the challenge of operating in a post-COVID environment – so says Peter Philpott, sales and marketing director at TPI Europe.

ndoubtedly, overall costs of running a business are going to need to be reevaluated, and this is where the TPI DC 0 Smart Bluetooth FGA comes to the fore. We’ve reduced the build costs by removing the components that cost the most money: display, keypad, operating system and processors. We’ve been able to do that because we understand that most engineers are already walking around with a far more enhanced and powerful display and processor than we could ever put into an FGA – their smartphone or tablet. These costs savings have been passed on to installers with a much lower list price. But we didn’t stop there. When designing the DC 0 we kept what we know works, such as the existing Flue Gas & Temperature Sampling Probe with Water Stop Technology that we’ve had in place for over eight years. After all, we’ve been manufacturing Flue Gas Analysers since 00 , so why reinvent the wheel? In addition, in another bid to reduce running costs, we introduced ﬁxed annual low cost servicing back in 0 . And we’ve even enhanced this procedure with the DC 0, as the return can be booked in through the free accompanying TPI View app, which is available for both Android and Apple devices.

Minimising contact

Peter Philpott

Sales and marketing director at TPI

Contact-free reporting and email helps with social distancing, as no physical paperwork needs to be handed over to the customer or tenant

Integrating the FGA readings directly into the Landlords Gas Safety records, either in the View app or with the integration within the Expert Trades ffice app, or directly into your existing system, reduces the need for potential revisits, thereby saving money and helping with social distancing. Contact-free reporting and email also helps with social distancing, as no physical paperwork needs to be handed over to the customer or tenant. This can all be done electronically either on site or from a head office once they’ve received your emailed reports. All of this, plus a number of useful alerts, warnings and notiﬁcations designed to keep the FGA running from one annual recertiﬁcation to the next, means that the unit isn’t being returned unnecessarily and reduces the potential for human interaction – vital in the current climate.

Regular updates

Unlike traditional FGAs, which calculate, display, store and print the readings, the DC 0 is much more ﬂexible as it sends live’ readings to the smartphone or tablet. We can therefore use the power of a smart device in ways we just can’t with a traditional FGA. The TPI View app is in constant development, meaning

Flexible gas pipe system for a safe and speedy installation Designed for easy installation, a wide range of stainless steel gas and flexible metal hoses is available from Gas Flex Systems G S . The company’s office and warehousing is based in Hertfordshire and products are available via an approved distribution network. Manufactured to BS EB 5 , the G S CSST fitting system is a push and seal’ mechanical push-fit system that is claimed to be the most efficient and fastest-to-fit CSST system on the market. The G S CSST fittings are manufactured from DZR brass and are nickel coated for added material protection and corrosion resistance.

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Each G S CSST fitting features a yellow plastic retaining clip which serves as a reminder to the installer to tighten the fitting before undertaking any testing. It should be removed once insertion of the fitting onto the CSST pipe is completed. GFS Plus is a pipe-in-pipe CSST solution which comes pre-sleeved and is designed for unvented voids, solid walls or floors. The flexible piping system can bend around obstructions and is claimed to save 0% on

we can address any necessary changes to working practices quicker and more efficiently by pushing out an app update that everyone gets, rather than with a traditional FGA where the unit itself would need to be returned to the factory for a ﬁrmware update. Each and every report created is not only time and date stamped, but also has a GPS location, providing unequivocal proof that the readings taken were done so using a working, in-calibration FGA – so the

time, date and location that the engineer performed the tasks are all noted and recorded. In short, we can help to make an engineer’s workload lighter by keeping the FGA running from day to day, streamlining the annual recalibration procedure and providing extra security for both the contractor/ organisation and the engineer – resulting in overall protection for the customer and greater assistance when working in the new normal’. phamnews.co.uk/720/5

Free FGA service promotion

installation time compared to traditional plumbing solutions. The sleeve is manufactured from ﬁre retardant PE compound and the system complies with BS 8 installation requirements. GFS Cooker Hoses, available in , . 5, .5 and m sizes, are universal and suitable for both natural gas and LPG. Both the Angled Bayonet and Micropoint Cooker Hoses come complete with a patented swivel end for easier and quicker installation. Also available is the company’s patented HobLine, a gas hob kit which is claimed to save up to 50% installation time over traditional plumbing materials. phamnews.co.uk/720/52

Any heating engineer looking for a new flue gas analyser this autumn may be interested in a special promotion from Testo. For a limited period, the company is offering the first year of service free with selected flue gas analyser kits, representing a saving of over £ 00. The offer will apply to all Testo 300 analysers and the recently introduced, 3 , 3 0 and 3 0B analyser kits, and is available for any purchase made between st September and the end of the year from selected distributors. The Testo 300 features a large 5in smart touch display and is available in kits suitable for use with both domestic and commercial boilers. The screen displays measurement values as graphs or tables and will provide an analysis of flue gas, draught, ambient CO, tightness and letby,

differential pressure, differential temperature, and O2 air input. All measurements are stored indeﬁnitely on the instrument and reports can be sent instantly to the customer or office via wireless LAN. phamnews.co.uk/720/5

02/09/2020 10:28

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Product News 47 System health test will deliver instant results Breaking new ground in the water treatment industry, ADEY has developed a water testing kit which provides lab-style reporting and interpretation instantly to a smartphone, enabling installers to test and treat water quality issues in one site visit. The ProCheck test kit and app makes it easy for installers to show homeowners the results, indicating whether further action is required, or providing reassurance that the system water has been treated and the system is healthy. The immediacy of the test results will also reduce the need for a second visit, as any quality ĢŭŭŽāŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā ĢùāłŶĢƩāù óÖł ðā ùāÖķŶ with there and then. The testing kit comes with dedicated ProCheck strips which are designed to be placed on a test card before being scanned to the app using the phone camera, to be analysed and ƑāũĢƩāù̍ ¦Ğā ŭŶũĢťŭ Öũā ŶĞāł ÖłÖķƘŭāù for three main areas of concern: protective inhibitor levels, corrosion, and the dangers posed by the pH

level present. The report, which is provided in just seconds, includes both the results and recommended actions. “Not only does ProCheck provide an instant result for three main areas of testing, it ensures a level of accuracy that’s previously not been ťŋŭŭĢðķā Ģł ŶĞā Ʃāķù̧̇ ŭÖƘŭ Nāķāł Isherwood, innovations director at ADEY. “While dip testing is the current method used to check water quality on site, the results provide only a measure of the level of inhibitor in the system and are open to interpretation in regards to the actions required. “Laboratory tests are extremely robust and test for a wide range of issues within the system water. However, using a laboratory requires the test to be posted and for the installer to wait for results before returning to take remedial action.” ADEY argues that an onsite test carried out annually during a ŭāũƑĢóā ĞÖŭ ĞŽėā ðāłāƩŶŭ ðāóÖŽŭā water quality issues are one of the

most common causes of boiler breakdowns. Also, being able to show óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ĢłùāťāłùāłŶ ƑāũĢƩóÖŶĢŋł of their system water quality helps to demonstrate the added value that installers are able to provide. For contractors working with companies who own multiple housing stock, the report management system helps to keep track of tests completed, and users can also view reports or resend result emails from an easy-to-use dashboard. This gives independent validation that a system has been left in good health by the engineer before leaving the property. Available from plumbing and heating merchants, the ADEY ProCheck comes in a compact hard case and includes a testing pot, ˛˞ dip test strips, and ˚˙ test cards. Purchase includes a year’s free subscription to the report management system where users can generate and email test reports directly from the app and view all their historic reports over time. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˞˝

New and improved Greenstar gas boiler the boiler will no longer come with a complimentary Comfort controller (the controller will still be in the boxes of any remaining Worcester ˛˙˙˙ boilers). Suitable for apartments or small and medium sized homes with one bathroom, the Greenstar ˛˙˙˙ is Worcester Bosch’s quietest combi boiler, ƒĢŶĞ ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ƪŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ Žť Ŷŋ ˚˛ litres/min. It comes with a ƩƑā-year guarantee as standard, although this can be extended by another year when the boiler is installed with the company’s FũāāłŭŶÖũ ŭƘŭŶāĿ ƩķŶāũ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˞˞

Responding to feedback from installers, Worcester Bosch has announced the launch of the Greenstar ˛˙˙˙ boiler, which will replace the Worcester ˛˙˙˙ launched last year. As ƒāķķ Öŭ Ö ùĢƦāũāłŶ łÖĿā̇ ŶĞā new boiler comes with a series of improvements designed to enhance installation and maintenance. The upgrades include: full ˛˜˙V controls compatibility; easier PRV push-ƩŶ óŋłłāóŶĢŋł̒ óŋťťāũ ŶÖĢķŭ ĕŋũ !N ƪŋƒ Öłù ũāŶŽũł̒ ťķŽŭ replaceable mains cable. The price of the boiler has also been reduced, although

Go Uptown for a matching range of bathroom products Shower specialist Aqualisa has expanded its brassware range with a new bath shower mixer tap with a ‘microphone’ handset. The product has been added to the company’s existing basin mixer tap and ùāóĴ ĿŋŽłŶāù ðÖŶĞ Ʃķķāũ Ŷŋ óũāÖŶā Aqualisa’s new Uptown range. The Uptown range is aimed at meeting the requirements of the housebuilder and developer sector, providing a coordinated look in the ðÖŶĞũŋŋĿ Öłù ėĢƑĢłė ŭťāóĢƩāũŭ Öłù designers the ability to source and select bathroom products from a single source. Competitively priced, Uptown taps can be matched with the Mian DCV mixer range to create a contemporary and stylish suite of bathroom brassware. Suitable for all approved UK plumbing systems, the small and large single lever monobloc basin taps include a push-

open waste, while the bath shower mixer features a sleek robust body, smooth-turn levers and integrated diverter, with all components supplied in one box and guaranteed ĕŋũ ƩƑā ƘāÖũŭ̍ Aqualisa says that the Uptown range will be followed by two additional ranges of brassware later this year, opening the way for some stylish shower and tap combinations for the modern bathroom. CEO Colin Sykes explains: “These specialists are constantly looking for options and upgrades from recognised, trusted brands that suit a variety of bathroom óŋłƩėŽũÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ ¦Ğā ťŶŋƒł ũÖłėā introduces quality brassware to the established Aqualisa portfolio and is very much a new business opportunity for us.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˞˟

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

COMPETITION

Win af trio os! prize

Compact ﬁlter keeps a low proﬁle

We’ve teamed up with Daikin to offer you the chance to win an exciting prize bundle featuring a DeWALT combi drill, DeWALT ToughSystem Sound Centre Radio and Daikin’s own Streamer Technology Air Puriﬁer. We’ll be running the competition over six issues – so there’s six chances to be a winner!

Daikin

is celebrating the launch of its Sustainable Home Network – a scheme designed to provide both heating installers and ACR engineers with the support needed to take advantage of the growing renewable heat pump market, creating a network of well-trained heat pump installers and local support centres. Daikin is offering one lucky reader the chance to win an exciting prize bundle in each issue, featuring a DeWALT combi drill, DeWALT ToughSystem Sound Centre Radio and Daikin’s own Streamer Technology Air Puriﬁer. A great addition or upgrade if your favourite drill is getting a bit old and tired, the DeWALT 18V cordless combi-drill is a fantastic tool to

have in your line-up. The compact drill uses a combination of a brushless motor and high capacity batteries to deliver longer run-times between charges and comes with a carry case and two 4.0Ah Li-ion batteries included in the kit. For those who enjoy adding some entertainment to work, the DeWALT ToughSystem Sound Centre provides great sound quality, DAB+, FM and Bluetooth connectivity, while also being robust enough to withstand any dust or bumps on site. Finally, Daikin’s powerful Streamer Technology Air Puriﬁer is an ideal addition to any home, using streamer technology to capture and break down any dust particles, bacteria, odours or allergens present, providing you and your family with cleaner, purer air. With the new stylish and compact design and its whisper quiet operation, you can achieve improved indoor air quality without compromise.

The Prize: One winner gets all three! 1

DeWalt ToughSystem Sound Centre Radio

2 DeWalt Combi Drill

HOW TO ENTER

Daikin's own Streamer Technology Air Puriﬁer

The picture below appears elsewhere in this edition of PHAM News. To be in with a chance of winning the prize bundle, simply tell us on what page you found it and email your answer with ‘Daikin’ in the subject line to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

Please make sure you include the following: • Your name • Your company’s name • Contact telephone number • Please type ‘YES’ in the body of your email if you are happy to receive email offers from Daikin All correct answers received before the closing date of 5th October 2020 will be entered into the prize draw. Only one entry per person allowed.

www.daikin.co.uk/en_gb/energy-for-change

48.indd 1

Product News

Glow-worm has unveiled its new Power System Filter, which has been engineered to fit into tighter spaces easily and discreetly. Specifically designed for use with Glow-worm boilers, the filter offers flexible siting, quick installation, and easy dirt removal. Because the filter is fitted horizontally, less space is required. Compared to classic filter designs, a smaller portion of the filter is visible once fitted so that it looks less intrusive and gives installers more siting options. The filter can be easily dismantled in the middle to remove the magnet sheath for cleaning. The main body of the filter is made with brass, while the front is made from lighter composite materials which means that

Sustainable model for larger properties The Ultimate Matrix is the latest model to join Monarch Water’s range of high efficiency water softeners featuring Opti-Brining and Rapid-Fit Bypass. This 30-litre version is suitable for small commercial and large residential applications, with a capacity of 5500 litres at 300ppm between regenerations. Just like its counterparts, the Ultimate Matrix conserves water through its Opti-Brining

any unnecessary weight has been removed from the product. Spencer Clark, commercial director at Glow-worm,comments: “We have created this new filter following feedback from installers, who often work with very limited space, so they need products that are easy to install as well as access for servicing. When fitted with a Glow-worm boiler, not only will it help to protect system components, but also maximise its performance to benefit installers’ customers too.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/57

technology, which means that the unit only regenerates when needed – using less water, salt and energy than ever before. It also features Monarch Water’s Hi-ﬂow Rapid-Fit bypass, which removes the need of 80% of equipment previously needed to install a water softener. Installers simply connect the water in and out from the mains supply, then connect the hoses to the softener for quick and easy installation. “Developing the Ultimate Matrix means that even more hard water homes and businesses can enjoy the beneﬁts that a sustainable water softener offers,” says MD Kevin Johnson. ◼ phamnews. co.uk/720/58

Shower with real family appeal Described as the ultimate family shower, the Croma E from Hansgrohe brings both style and safety to the modern bathroom. Thanks to the company’s CoolContact technology, the thermostat housing doesn’t heat up, keeping it cool to touch at all times. Reducing the risk of scalding, the carefully directed water ﬂow ensures the shower can be handled with ease. The additional SafetyStop on the thermostat also prevents an unexpected increase in water temperature, ensuring there is no danger of an excessively hot shower. The Croma E range comes with a new Showerpipe slide, ensuring the hand shower can be adjusted to the appropriate height with minimal effort. The integration of a Select Function to the range makes it easy to switch between the three spray modes – SoftRain, lntenseRain and Massage – for an individual showering experience. A QuickClean function with removable jet discs makes the practical cleaning and maintenance of the range easier than ever. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/720/59

01/09/2020 17:39

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Product News 49 Carry pipes on the van securely and in style The Rhino PipeTube Pro is a system for securely and safely transporting copper pipe, plastic conduit, and other lengthy materials on the roof of a vehicle. Thanks to its optional fulllength PVC lining, coupled with an O-ring seal, any materials stored within the tube have enhanced

Hygienic hot water supply Ariston has developed a range of electric water heating products suitable for healthcare applications, such as hospitals and care homes. ¦ĞāƘ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ Öłŭƒāũ ŶĞā ŭťāóĢƩ ó łāāùŭ ŋĕ ŶĞāŭā ŭāŶŶĢłėŭ̇ such as a constant, hygienic supply of water that also prevents scalding and the development of Legionella. The Andris Lux Eco (pictured) is an unvented water heater unit fed directly from the cold water mains supply. They are available in capacities of ˚˙̇ ˚˞ and ˜˙ litres – in over- and under-sink versions. Demand for larger capacities can also be addressed by the Pro˚ Eco electric storage water heaters. These models are available in capacities of ˞˙̇ ˡ˙ and ˚˙˙ ķĢŶũāŭ̇ Öłù ðāłāƩ Ŷ ĕũŋĿ ÂÖŶāũ ķŽŭ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ keeps incoming cold water at the bottom of the tank, preventing it from immediately mixing with the stored hot water. Both the Andris Lux Eco and Pro˚ Eco units also have additional ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ðāłāƩ óĢÖķ Ŷŋ ĞāÖķŶĞóÖũā ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ ̞ Ģł ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũ̇ ÖłŶĢdāėĢŋłāķķÖ ĕŽłóŶĢŋłÖķĢŶƘ̍ ÂÖŶāũ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ĢłŭĢùā ŶĞā ŽłĢŶŭ Öũā automatically heated up to ˟˞°C for sixty minutes once a month. An ‘Eco Evo’ function learns from daily usage habits to provide energy savings. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˟˙

protection from discolouration, as well as reducing water ingress. The stylish design also features an upgraded integral locking system, powder coated paint Ʃ łĢŭĞ̇ ùŽÖķ ŋťāłĢłėŭ Öłù Ö market-leading carry capacity, alongside retaining all of the other features of the original version of the PipeTube. In addition to the PipeTube Pro, Rhino has also released a new rear door ladder. The Aluminium Ladder combines strength and style, to provide an aesthetically pleasing and lightweight roof access product for commercial vehicles. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˟˚

UFH system will store thermal energy A specialist in phase change materials, Peterborough-based PCM Products has developed an energy saving heating ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ŶĞÖŶ óŋĿðĢłāŭ óŋłƑāłŶĢŋłÖķ Žłùāũƪ ŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ƒĢŶĞ Öł Žłùāũƪ ŋŋũ ŶĞāũĿÖķ āłāũėƘ ŭŶŋũÖėā ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍ ŭĢłė ťĞÖŭā change material (PCM) sealed inside HDPE modules, it is possible to capture excess heat in the daytime and maintain it when temperatures drop at night. Each module can be laid directly on top of insulation and features a number of grooves to ease pipework installation and ensure close contact with ŶĞā !m Ŷŋ ĿÖƗĢĿĢŭā ĞāÖŶ ŶũÖłŭĕāũ̍ Dŋũ ðāŭŶ ũāŭŽķŶŭ̇ ŶĞā DN system can be paired with a ground source heat pump or other renewable heating source so that it can be charged with free energy and then discharged nightly. An individual PCM module is known as ThinICE, and ŶĞāƘ Öũā āƦ āóŶĢƑāķƘ ĿÖĢłŶāłÖłóā-free because there are no moving parts. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˠ˛˙̓˟˛

Information Centre Snickers’ NEW 4Way Stretch Trousers

Hultafors Tools’ NEW Range of SCREWDRIVERS

Precision, quality and ergonomics are the hallmarks of these superb new products. With VDE Screwdrivers specially designed for electricians – including tested and certified SL/PZ and VOLTAGE TESTER models – there is over 80 other SLOTTED, PHILIPS, POZIDRIV, TORX® STUBBY Screwdrivers, plus Hex Drivers and Bit Holders that can be bought individually or in sets – or by size - to suit the jobs you have in hand. Check out the website www.hultafors.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

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Hi-tech fabrics and body-mapping designs in the NEW multi-purpose ALLROUNDWork 4Way Stretch Trousers from Snickers Workwear ensure maximum working mobility as well as improved ventilation and overall comfort. With great fit and superb value for money plus reinforced stretch Cordura in the certified KneeGuard System for greater flexibility, comfort and durability. They’re specially designed to take the new D30 ERGO Craftsman Kneepad. Checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

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Directory Income & Health Protected Insurance

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Directory Boilers

Radiators

Safety Products

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Temperature Sensors

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Controls

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Water Heaters

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Plumbpal Products

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Training & Assessments 51

ACS Gas Centre

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