September 2021 by PHAM News

SEPTEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 7

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 7

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Consumer confusion could stall transition to low-carbon A coalition of consumer and industry groups has sent an open letter _Z ;]TXP 8TYT^_P] Boris Johnson saying that it’s currently too complicated for UK consumers to invest in low-carbon heating The Federation of Master Builders, Citizens Advice, Which? and the Aldersgate Group (an alliance of business and public sector bodies) have got together to urge the government to address the obstacles currently faced by consumers looking to adapt their homes for net zero. The open letter sent to Boris Johnson argues that consumers are put off by the process of installing low carbon heating, upgrading insulation, or fitting smart technologies because it is too time-consuming, confusing and ^_]P^^Q`W =P^PL]NSTYR LYO NSZZ^TYR the right technology, finding a reputable installer, and having the work completed demands huge amounts of knowledge, time and effort. It is also claimed that things go wrong too often, with the process of making adaptations often beset by problems, including poor installation, technologies not working as expected, and people facing difficulties fixing things when they go wrong. The coalition is urging the government to avoid the mistakes of past energy efficiency schemes and put in place a long-term

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strategy to help households overcome the barriers to adapting their homes for the net zero transition. It is argued that people need more accessible and unbiased information to help make the right changes to their homes.

Clear evidence /LXP .WL]P 8Z]TL]_d NSTPQ executive of Citizens Advice, says: ɭ:`] PaTOPYNP T^ NWPL] =TRS_ YZb making green changes to homes is too confusing and too often things go wrong for those trying to do the right thing. The public are behind the net zero transition, but they need the right information and tools, particularly when it comes to adapting their home. “By getting things right now, the government can give people the confidence to make changes and play their part in getting to net zero.” The government is advised that the consumer protection landscape must be fit for purpose. If protections don’t keep up with the pace of change, the door will be opened to scammers and rogue traders. It is also suggested that there needs to be a comprehensive long-term policy framework

that provides certainty for businesses and consumers, which offers financial support such as predictable and well-advertised grants, low-cost loans and financing. Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, comments: “With our homes consuming ˜˞% of all energy in the UK and emitting ˛˙% of our total carbon dioxide emissions, it’s clear that net zero will only be possible alongside a long-term plan to green our homes. Shortterm interventions, such as the prematurely closed Green Homes Grant scheme, served only to undermine, rather than create, certainty for both consumers and builders. “Any policy framework must be long-term, allowing time for local building firms to complete the relevant training to retrofit homes.”

Bigger grant According to recent reports, the government is exploring the possibility of giving consumers a £ˠ˙˙˙ grant to ditch their gas boilers and install a heat pump in its place.

Styled as a sort of boiler scrappage scheme, the grant would be given as part of the government’s Clean Heat Grant, a programme designed to help people move to low carbon heating options. The scheme, set to launch in April of next year, was originally budgeted for £˚˙˙million to allocate grants of £˝˙˙˙ over two years. However, according to a report in The Times, Boris Johnson is planning for a beefed-up scheme that would quadruple the budget: £˝˙˙million over three years with grants starting at £ˠ˙˙˙. The aim is to help the nation pay for some ˟˙̇˙˙˙ new heat pump installations, which the government hopes will kickstart its longer-term goal of installing ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ heat pumps a year by ˛˙˛ˡ. Currently, about ˜˞̇˙˙˙ heat pumps are installed per annum, NZ^_TYR ^TRYTʭNLY_Wd XZ]P _SLY fossil fuel options. It is hoped that with a rapid increase in heat pump installations in the UK, economies of scale will bring that cost down to be more in line with gas boilers. BSTWP _SP]P SL^ MPPY YZ ZʯNTLW government announcement on changes to the Clean Heat Grant scheme, it is reported that Boris Johnson has asked his chief of ^_Lʬ /LY =Z^PYʭPWO _Z O]LQ_ more ambitious plans, ready for launch next year. “The Treasury is not opposed to the principle of the scrappage scheme,” a government source said to The Times. “It’s worried about the design and whether T_ bTWW MP PʬPN_TaP ?SP ;]TXP Minister is fully behind it though. He sees it as a key announcement in the run-up to Cop˛˟.”

Inside this issue Gadgets & Tools Handy tool for cutting plastic pipe See page 18

Training Update 9Pb NP]_TʭPO SPL_ pump course See page 26

COMPETITION Win the latest digital shower! See page 61

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Inside this issue 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 7

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

Need for a clear vision The Prime Minister has been urged to clear up widespread consumer confusion about how they can best adapt their homes to prepare for a low-carbon future (see this month’s lead story), M`_ TQ _SP RZaP]YXPY_ T^ P\`LWWd MLʰ PO bSL_ L]P _SP NSLYNP^ ZQ them providing the much-needed clarity? So far there has been precious little evidence that they have a clear vision of how the UK’s ageing housing stock can play its part in helping the country meet its net zero commitments. With a series of ‘here today gone tomorrow’ green incentive schemes, delays to policy announcements and the backing of further North Sea oil extraction, it’s no wonder that the public is confused about the direction of travel. Last month saw the long-anticipated publication of the RZaP]YXPY_ɪ^ 3dO]ZRPY >_]L_PRd bSTNS L_ WPL^_ Zʬ P]PO ^ZXP reassurance to investors that our decision makers are not ignoring the potential future use of hydrogen fuel. Proponents would argue that, with some 26 million homes connected to the gas grid, hydrogen represents a relatively cost-Pʬ PN_TaP bLd _Z reduce the country’s carbon emissions, but further prevarication within Westminster has – until now at least – hardly helped to progress its development. Government support has been equally slow when it comes to exploring the use of HVO as a carbon-free alternative to domestic heating oil. The oil heating industry has invested heavily in ]P^PL]NSTYR _SP aTLMTWT_d ZQ ]PYPbLMWP WT\`TO Q`PW^ LYO ^PaP]LW ʭ PWO trials have helped to demonstrate its potential (see page 39). Many homes in rural areas are older properties lacking in insulation, presenting something of a cost barrier when it come to the installation of low temperature systems. Unless the Treasury is willing to fully open the public purse, it surely makes sense to listen to the industry and look at less disruptive solutions.

Special Features

Radiators & ¦ŋƒāķ ÂÖũĿāũŭ

Oil Heating

How modern radiators have been designed to work well with low temperature systems

How renewable liquid fuels can offer an affordable way to meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets

Heating Controls

Gas Safety

Responding to some of the commonly asked questions about how Bluetooth technology operates with controls

September means another Gas Safety Week – catch up on some of the key messages for this year

Regulars 06 News Review

Products in Action

14 People on the Move

46 Products in Action 59 Product News

14 Talent Show

61 Competition

15 Merchant News 16 Your Views 18 Gadgets & Tools 20 Business Matters 22 Energy Matters 24 Planning for the Future

26 Training Update

More application stories on page 46

Don’t forget to use our online reader enquiry service to ŨŽĢóĴķƘ Ʃ łù ŶĞā ƒāð page you need

Contributors Sean Keleher

Rob Whitney

Andy Speake

Oil Heating

Heating Controls

Gas Safety

The latest advances in oil-ʭ ]PO boiler technology and how they MPYPʭ _ _SP N`^_ZXP]

How the use of smart control systems have an important part to play in the drive to save energy

With the use of data extraction technology, modern CO alarms can better inform and protect users

PUBLISHING TEAM

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

News Review Experienced engineers required for rising demand

Things are looking up for trade businesses Business confidence among UK tradespeople is now at its highest level since July ˛˙˚ˡ, according _Z ]P^PL]NS ]PWPL^PO Md >N]Pbʭc The product supplier’s Business .ZYʭOPYNP 4YOPc TYNW`OP^ L ]LYRP of measures, and almost all of them rose in July, as part of the company’s regular survey of the trade. The measures which rose include the percentage of tradespeople busier than expected, those preparing more quotes than ˚˛ months ago, and those who say business activity is better than last year. ?SP -`^TYP^^ .ZYʭOPYNP TYOPc has risen to +˜˞ from +˜˜ in May and +˞ in January and this measure is now at its highest level

since July ˛˙˚ˡ. The only measure not to rise in June ˛˙˛˚ was the proportion who think their business activity will improve in the next ˚˛ months, although more still think it will improve in the next year than believe it will get worse. Reported workloads remain high with ˡ˟% of the trade now working, with more work in the pipeline. 5ZSY 8PbP__ .0: ZQ >N]Pbʭc comments: “Not only have tradespeople continued to work throughout the last ˚ˡ months,

but it’s clear many of them have NZYʭOPYNP QZ] _SPT] M`^TYP^^P^ for the future, with our Index showing optimism is at its highest level for three years. “This is very encouraging. To ensure we play our part in helping our customers get their jobs done and make the most of their business opportunities, we continue to expand our store network by opening at least ˞˙ UK stores this year, bringing Screwfix closer to even more tradespeople.”

Quality mark reprieve Ŷ ũĢŭĴ ŋĕ óĞĢĿłāƘ Ʃũāŭ HETAS is urging households with woodburning and X`W_TQ`PW ^_ZaP^ LYO ʭ]P^ _Z TYaP^_ TY []Z[P] NSTXYPd maintenance to reduce the risk of chimney fires. .STXYPd ʭ]P^ TY 0YRWLYO SLaP QLWWPY Md L^ X`NS L^ ˟˟% ZaP] _SP WL^_ OPNLOP M`_ L ^TRYTʭNLY_ Y`XMP] ^_TWW ZNN`] every year, with ˜˚˙˞ incidences in ˛˙˛˙̓˛˙˛˚. To keep homes and health safe, chimneys should be ^bP[_ L_ WPL^_ _bTNP L dPL] Md L \`LWTʭPO NSTXYPd sweep, according to HETAS. In addition, appliances should have an annual service and use Ready to Burn NP]_TʭPO bZZO Q`PW Z] 8LY`QLN_`]PO >ZWTO 1`PW^ 8>1 which is now a legal requirement. HETAS CEO Bruce Allen says: “Informing homeowners about the importance of sweeping and maintenance is VPd _Z ]PO`NTYR _SP ]T^V ZQ NSTXYPd ʭ]P^ BT_S _SP weather changing, now is the time to have chimneys checked by a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep.”

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Responding to pressure from British business and trade groups, the government has announced a delay to the use of the UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) mark by one year. Following Brexit, changes were due to come into force at the beginning of next year that would require products that previously had CE markings to adopt the new UKCA mark. Earlier this year, members of MARC (Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors) warned that the majority of radiators on sale in the UK would be unsellable if the government were to stick to its original implementation date. It argued that there was neither enough time nor testing capacity for manufacturers to certify their products in accordance with UKCA. Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs at MARC, says the organisation welcomes the latest announcement: “This overturn of the original date of January ˛˙˛˛ goes some way to enabling the radiator industry to prepare for the incoming UKCA mark. However, we still need to work with government on existing issues around compliance with UKCA. Hopefully, the extra time will allow this to be done in a timely and practical manner.”

London-based Pimlico Plumbers is looking to take on an additional ˞˙ experienced tradespeople to meet increasing demand for its services, but says that a lack of skilled tradespeople means that it is struggling with its latest recruitment drive. The company is forecasting completing ˚˛˙̇˙˙˙ jobs in ˛˙˛˚, up from ˚˙˙̇˙˙˙ from the previous year, which is creating the requirement for the additional tradespeople. The company now has more than ˜˙˙ tradespeople operating across central and greater London and a support team based in its campus of buildings in Lambeth, South London, as well as ˠ˙ apprentices in trade and ZʯNP-based roles. With vacancies across all trades including heating, plumbing,

carpentry and electrical, along with positions in its small appliance repair, roofing and drain jetting teams, engineers working with Pimlico can earn between ͎˚˙˙̇˙˙˙ and ͎˚˞˙̇˙˙˙ a year. Pimlico CEO Scott Mullins says: “If ˞˙ experienced tradespeople walked through our doors tomorrow, we’d have them inducted, in uniform and in a Pimlico van immediately. Unfortunately, the number of available experienced engineers is sadly limited. Our industry is a victim of generations of under-investment and support for apprenticeship training, which has led to a major ^VTWW^ _TXP MZXM _SL_ɪ^ LMZ`_ _Z RZ Zʬ and leave a fallout that will be felt by businesses and the economy for many years to come.”

Highlighting Legionella risk The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is urging caution when it comes to the hazards of Legionella and other MTZʭWX NZY_LXTYL_TZY ZQ bL_P] ^d^_PX^ QZWWZbTYR ]PNPY_ YPb^ ZQ Thameslink discovering the bacteria in a few of its train toilets. Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE, comments: “While there have been no recorded Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks due to train toilets to date, Legionella is a very serious issue. We are urging facilities managers, landlords and business owners to acquaint themselves with the risks of Legionella and the importance of only using professional plumbers to assess water quality.” Free guidance on mitigating the risk of building water systems is available on the CIPHE website. Use the link below for more information. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˙˝

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

News Review

Survey shows how tradespeople prosper over their peers Builders merchant Selco has surveyed over ˞˙˙ manual skilled workers _Z ʭYO Z`_ TQ RZTYR _Z `YTaP]^T_d Z] going into a professional trade is more beneficial financially, and if individuals progress more quickly. Results revealed that, on average, tradespeople are some £˜˞k better Zʬ _SLY `YTaP]^T_d R]LO`L_P^ Tradespeople were asked about bSL_ _SPT] NL]PP] [L_S LʬZ]O^ _SPX in terms of their lifestyle, personal ʭYLYNP^ LYO UZM ^L_T^QLN_TZY _Z RLTY a better insight into how choosing a trade career can impact their lives for the better. When questioned about their debt from training and education in their profession, the average trade worker has around £˞˟˙˙ in debt. This is in comparison to the average university student’s debt of around £˝˞̇˙˙˙. In addition, ˠ˙% of those surveyed revealed that they have savings, and over half said they see themselves as ʭYLYNTLWWd ^PN`]P , _ST]O ^LTO _SL_ they’ve even invested some of their earnings in areas including rental

property, stocks and shares. Analysis also revealed that tradespeople are ˝˝% more likely to have owned multiple properties than the rest of the UK. The survey found that trade workers’ skills have saved them money in their day-to-day life, MPTYR LMWP _Z ʭc _SPT] ZbY []ZMWPX^ that unskilled people would usually hire others to do. In terms of job satisfaction, ˠ˜% of tradespeople say they are happy with their work. Comparable surveys rate overall UK job satisfaction at between ˝˚% and 6˞%. The survey also reveals that on average, tradespeople bought _SPT] ʭ]^_ SZXP _S]PP dPL]^ MPQZ]P _SP current UK average. But what do tradespeople think you need to be successful in the industry? ˟ˠ% said hard work was key, and ˞˝% said a good sense of responsibility is needed to succeed. Confidence was another personality trait that those working in the trades identified as being key to success in their careers. To see the full report on the survey results, use the readerlink below. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˢ˛˚̓˙˞

Ground source fund now open As the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) opens to applications, Kensa Contracting is urging local authorities and housing associations in England to act now and bid for a portion of the £˚˟˙m available in ˛˙˛˚/˛˛ to install ground source heat pumps. There is an eight-week application window QZ] _SP ʭ]^_ bLaP ZQ >3/1 Q`YOTYR MTO^ PYOTYR ZY ˚˞th October. ?SP []TXL]d ZMUPN_TaP ZQ _SP >3/1 ^NSPXP T^ _Z `[R]LOP L ^TRYTʭNLY_ amount of England’s ˝̍˚ million social homes to an EPC rating of ‘C’ by ˛˙˜˙. Currently, nearly ˝˙% of properties fall below this. Under the scheme’s guidelines, low carbon heating, including ground source heat [`X[^ NLY MP TY^_LWWPO bSP]P L ɩQLM]TN ʭ]^_ɪ L[[]ZLNS T^ _LVPY ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˢ˛˚̓˙˟

Ventilate schools now, says BESA The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is backing a call from six trade unions to take urgent action over ventilation in schools. In a letter to the Education Secretary, unions have warned that there will be a steep rise in Covid-˚ˢ cases as children return to ^NSZZW bT_SZ`_ TX[]ZaPXPY_^ _Z LT]ʮZb^ and filtration in classrooms and communal areas. They say there should be government funding for carbon dioxide monitors to

XPL^`]P _SP PʬPN_TaPYP^^ ZQ aPY_TWL_TZY and filtration to remove harmful airborne particles. “Government action on ventilation in schools and colleges amounts to little more than recommending that windows are kept open,” says ASCL general secretary Geoff Barton. “This is not sustainable in providing a comfortable learning environment in winter. “If the government is serious about bringing to an end the educational disruption of the past 18 months, then it must provide funding for high quality ventilation systems as a matter of urgency.”

PLUMBERS IN THE NEWS

ͻ L e e v a Plumbi ng a nd Heating, based in Ripley, is working in partnership with the charity Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP) to provide women who have experienced domestic abuse with easy access to female plumbers. The Nottinghambased charity was approached by Lee Shapcott, director of Leeva Plumbing and Heating, who offered a female-only service to vulnerable women, knowing that survivors of domestic abuse can find it frightening to let a male tradesperson in their home. ͻ G a s e n g i n e e r A l l a n Ferguson, ˛˝, has been jailed after police caught him with ˛˙kg of cocaine with a potential street value of £˛̍˝ ĿĢķķĢŋł̍ ŭŽðŭāŨŽāłŶ ũÖĢù ŋł his home in Clydebank turned up more cocaine as well as a ŶÖŭāũ ùāƑĢóā̍ āķĕ-employed Ferguson told the court in Glasgow he decided to earn money from career criminals due to a lack of income while in ķŋóĴùŋƒł̍ Nā ĞÖŭ ðāāł Ŷŋķù Ŷŋ expect a substantial custodial ŭāłŶāłóā̍ ͻ Devon plumber Ian Corns is facing a long time at Her Majesty’s pleasure after a night time break-in at his ˡˠ-year-old NWTPY_ɪ^ SZXP _Z [Ld Zʬ ST^ O]`R debts. Corns had worked at the woman’s house in Chudleigh and knew the vulnerable woman was partially sighted and hard of hearing. She woke to find him in her bedroom, where he violently subdued her, but she was able to alert help using an alarm kept on her wrist. Corns has been warned that his offence will be at the top end of sentencing guidelines, with the starting point as high as six years.

More homeowners plan bathroom renovations A survey from the Bathroom Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) has found that the number of people planning a full bathroom refurbishment has increased by ˞% since January. The results of the poll of over ˛˙˙˙ people, conducted in July, show the strength of intentions to upgrade bathrooms and also indicates that the immediacy of refurb plans has increased, with ˚6% saying they plan to do it in the next ˚˛ months compared to just ˚˜% saying the same in January. Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, comments: “Throughout the pandemic, one of the challenges for bathroom manufacturers has been understanding demand. The market has been buoyant, and we’re seeing people continue to plan upgrades and improvements to their homes. This is resulting in a boom for many working in constructionrelated sectors. It’s encouraging to see the trend continue, and results like those shown in this poll give us a clear reason to be upbeat.”

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

News Review Enhanced service ŋƦāũĢłė

āłŋƑÖŶĢŋłŭ Öũā ŶĞā óĞÖłóā Ŷŋ Ŷāķķ óķĢāłŶŭ ÖðŋŽŶ ƒÖŶāũ āƧóĢāłóƘ With ˛˙˛˚ proving to be a boom year for home improvements, Water Regs UK is reminding TY^_LWWP]^ _Z VPP[ bL_P] PʯNTPYNd Q]ZY_ ZQ mind when advising homeowners about bathroom makeovers. ,NNZ]OTYR _Z L ]PNPY_ ^`]aPd NZXXT^^TZYPO by Water Regs UK, many people underP^_TXL_P _SP LXZ`Y_ ZQ bL_P] _SPd `^P PLNS day. It revealed that most people believe the average person uses ˠ˛ litres of water per day, bSTNS T^ TY QLN_ SLWQ _SP LN_`LW LXZ`Y_ BT_S _ST^ TY XTYO _]LOP^ []ZQP^^TZYLW^ NLY _Z _LWV _Z _SPT] N`^_ZXP]^ LMZ`_ ^_P[^ _SPd NLY _LVP _Z ]PO`NP _SP LXZ`Y_ ZQ bL_P] bL^_PO L]Z`YO _SP SZXP ?SP LOaTNP _SPd ZʬP] bTWW YZ_ ZYWd ^LaP bL_P] T_ NLY LW^Z ^LaP L N`^_ZXP] XZYPd if they are on a water meter. , aL]TP_d ZQ []ZO`N_^ LYO XPL^`]P^ L]P available to help make homes more water PQQTNTPY_ M`_ _SP BL_P] =PR^ @6 ]P^PL]NS showed that many people are unaware that some of them even exist. That, says the Z]RLYT^L_TZY T^ bSP]P [W`XMP]^ NZXP TY

Water labels As part of the government’s ˛˞-Year 0YaT]ZYXPY_ ;WLY _Z ]PO`NP [P]^ZYLW bL_P] NZY^`X[_TZY XLYOL_Z]d bL_P] PʯNTPYNd WLMPW^ L]P ^P_ _Z MP TY_]ZO`NPO TY _SP @6 ?SP

WLMPW^ L]P OP^TRYPO _Z TYQZ]X NZY^`XP]^ ZY bL_P] PQQTNTPYNd bSTWP PYNZ`]LRTYR _SPX _Z ]PO`NP bL_P] bL^_P ?SPd bTWW LW^Z MP LYZ_SP] []ZX[_ QZ] TY^_LWWP]^ _Z ZʬP] N`^_ZXP]^ _SP MP^_ [Z^^TMWP LOaTNP LMZ`_ bL_P] PʯNTPYNd bSPY ^[PNTQdTYR []ZO`N_^ for a bathroom upgrade. Julie Spinks, MD of Water Regs UK, says: ɭ?SP TY_]ZO`N_TZY ZQ bL_P] PʯNTPYNd WLMPW^ T^ L ^_P[ TY _SP ]TRS_ OT]PN_TZY L^ T_ bTWW RTaP NZY^`XP]^ MP__P] TYQZ]XL_TZY _Z OPNTOP bSTNS []ZO`N_^ _Z M`d LYO NZY_]TM`_P _Z ]PO`NTYR the amount of water we waste. Any water label ^SZ`WO LW^Z NZYʭ]X _SL_ _SP []ZO`N_ SL^ MPPY tested to show they are of suitable quality. ɭ;W`XMP]^ [WLd L N]`NTLW ]ZWP TY SPW[TYR [PZ[WP XLVP PO`NL_PO NSZTNP^ bSPY T_ NZXP^ _Z NSZZ^TYR _SP ]TRS_ []ZO`N_^ and, with ˛˙˛˚ MPTYR ^`NS L MTR dPL] QZ] SZXP TX[]ZaPXPY_^ _SL_ LOaTNP T^ XZ]P important than ever.”

?SP _PNSYTNLW ^`[[Z]_ ZQQP] from Navien has been PYSLYNPO bT_S _SP LOOT_TZY ZQ more engineers to its in-house ^P]aTNP _PLX _Z []ZaTOP OPOTNL_PO L^^T^_LYNP _Z T_^ N`^_ZXP]^ _S]Z`RSZ`_ _SP @6 LYO 4]PWLYO ?PNSYTNLW PYRTYPP]^ SLaP MPPY OP[WZdPO TY >NZ_WLYO LYO _SP 8TOWLYO^ L^ bPWW L^ the north, south east and south west of 0YRWLYO ?ST^ T^ TY LOOT_TZY _Z L ʮPP_ ZQ ^P]aTNP LRPY_^ bSZ L]P LMWP _Z L__PYO _Z N`^_ZXP]^ bT_STY ˝ˡ hours. ?SP NZX[LYd SL^ L ^[PNTLWWd _]LTYPO _PLX LaLTWLMWP _Z []ZaTOP L^^T^_LYNP _Z installers as and when required. Navien also ZʬP]^ NZX[]PSPY^TaP WPaPW^ ZQ N`^_ZXP] ^`[[Z]_ ɧ Q]ZX _PNSYTNLW MLNV-up through

_Z L]]LYRTYR L ^P]aTNP ?SP _PLX T^ LMWP _Z RTaP LOaTNP ZYWTYP Z] ZaP] _SP [SZYP bSTWP _PNSYTNLW PYRTYPP]^ L]P LaLTWLMWP _Z L__PYO ZY^T_P TQ Q`]_SP] L^^T^_LYNP T^ ]P\`T]PO 9L_TZYLW _PNSYTNLW XLYLRP] >PLY 6PWPSP] says: “This allows us to provide even greater WPaPW^ ZQ ^`[[Z]_ _Z TY^_LWWP]^ NZY_]LN_Z]^ and end users alike. By investing in our team, we have an even greater pool of VYZbWPORP LYO Pc[P]TPYNP _Z O]Lb `[ZY bSTNS T^ VPd TY PY^`]TYR bP OPWTaP] _SP MP^_ Pc[P]TPYNP [Z^^TMWP _Z Z`] N`^_ZXP]^ ɮ

āėĢŭŶũÖŶĢŋł ŭóĞāĿā ĕŋũ ðĢŋĿÖŭŭ ĿÖĢłŶāłÖłóā Öłù ŭāũƑĢóā āłėĢłāāũŭ

, YPb TY^_LWWP] ]PRT^_]L_TZY ^NSPXP SL^ MPPY WL`YNSPO Md 30?,> QZ] PYRTYPP]^ _Z OPXZY^_]L_P NZX[P_PYNd TY _SP ^P]aTNTYR LYO XLTY_PYLYNP ZQ OZXP^_TN LYO NZXXP]NTLW MTZXL^^ L[[WTLYNP^ =P^PL]NS Md -04> SL^ QZ`YO _SL_ L WLNV ZQ Z[P]L_Z] VYZbWPORP LYO XLTY_PYLYNP L]P the primary reasons for poor biomass boiler Z[P]L_TZY^ LYO TYN]PL^PO PXT^^TZY^ 0YRTYPP]^ ]PRT^_P]PO ZY _SP ^NSPXP bTWW MP LMWP _Z XPP_ _SP ]P\`T]PXPY_^ [WLNPO ZY OZXP^_TN LYO NZXXP]NTLW ]PNT[TPY_^ ZQ _SP =PYPbLMWP 3PL_ 4YNPY_TaP =34 _Z []ZaP _SPT] L[[WTLYNP T^ properly maintained. 8LTY_PYLYNP M`^TYP^^P^ LYO PYRTYPP]^ TY_P]P^_PO TY ]PRT^_P]TYR bT_S _SP ^NSPXP X`^_ SLaP PaTOPYNP ZQ Pc[P]TPYNP LYO PaTOPYNP ZQ training. To find out more or to apply online, please use the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˙ˠ

-]T^_LY T^ WZZVTYR _Z ]PN]`T_ _bZ new installers to join its On Tap _PLX ZQ M]LYO NSLX[TZY^ ?SP NSZ^PY [W`XMTYR [LT] bTWW bZ]V bT_S Pc[P]TPYNPO [W`XMP] LYO resident Bristan expert, Andy >_PP] _Z SPLO `[ _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ :Y ?L[ 1LNPMZZV 2]Z`[ []ZaTOTYR L _]`^_PO aZTNP LYO OPWTaP]TYR ^ZXP `^PQ`W NZY_PY_ ?SPd bTWW LW^Z MP ]PbL]OPO bT_S L XZY_SWd []ZO`N_ LWWZbLYNP ZQ -]T^_LY []ZO`N_^ LYO PcNW`^TaP LNNP^^ _Z _P^_ LYO ]PaTPb YPb []ZO`N_ WL`YNSP^ As part of the team, the installers bTWW LW^Z SLaP _SP NSLYNP _Z ^_L] LN]Z^^ _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ ^ZNTLW XPOTL blogs, and videos. If you’re an installer and interested in being part of Bristan’s On Tap Team, visit the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˙ˡ

¦āÖ ŶÖĴāŭ Ö ŶŽĿðķā Builder’s tea is slipping in the ranks LNNZ]OTYR _Z L YPb ^`]aPd Q]ZX .SPNVL_]LOP bSTNS QZ`YO ˟˙% of tradespeople are turning to other hot drinks. A quarter ˛˟ L]P YZb RZTYR QZ] bSL_ .SPNVL_]LOP NLWW^ L ɭWLMZ`]P]ɪ^ WL__Pɮ bT_S ˚˝% also []PQP]]TYR L _]PYOd XL_NSL WL__P The study of ˞˙˙ _]LOP^[PZ[WP OT^NZaP]PO _SL_ ZYP TY ʭaP L]P O`X[TYR OLT]d _ZZ NSZZ^TYR LW_P]YL_TaP XTWV^ bT_S LWXZYO XTWV ˚ˢ NZNZY`_ XTWV ˚ˢ LYO ZL_ XTWV ˚˝ _SP XZ^_ [Z[`WL] ?SP ]P^PL]NS LW^Z QZ`YO dZ`YRP] _]LOP^[PZ[WP SLaP L [PYNSLY_ QZ] SZ_ NSZNZWL_P bT_S 6˙ ^PWPN_TYR T_ L^ L QLaZ`]T_P O]TYV Z[_TZY bSP]PL^ MWLNV tea is more popular amongst older tradespeople. Milky tea is preferred in _SP 9Z]_S 0L^_ LYO BLWP^ L NL[[`NNTYZ

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QZ] _SZ^P TY DZ]V^ST]P LYO _SP 3`XMP] LYO SZ_ NSZNZWL_P QZ] 7ZYOZYP]^ LYO _SP South West. Meanwhile, tradespeople are only ZʬP]PO L SZ_ O]TYV ZY SLWQ ZQ _SPT] UZM^ A further ˜˙% said it’s normal for them _Z MP ZʬP]PO U`^_ _PL bT_S LY LOOT_TZYLW ˜˚% agreeing they would like to be ZʬP]PO XZ]P NSZTNP

01/09/2021 08:34

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

News Review Cycling pedals up funds for cancer charity Colleagues at Wilo UK have raised over £ˡ˜˙˙ for Maggie’s cancer support centre in Nottingham, after taking part in a five-day cycling challenge that saw the team collectively cycle over ˚ˠ˙˙ miles. Due to travel restrictions, the team ‘theoretically’ covered the distance between Wilo’s

Malawi clinic project a success Continuing its charitable works around the world, the BPEC Charity has helped fund DATUM Foundation’s installation of a new clean water supply to the Chikwina village maternity clinic in northern Malawi. Thanks to the project, the clinic now has access to fresh water from a fully functioning tap, enabling staff to clean equipment, wash laundry, prevent infection, and give new mothers and babies the MPYPʭ_ ZQ NWPLY [Z_LMWP bL_P] ;]TZ] to this, water had to be drawn from a borehole that was a ˚˞-minute walk away. “BPEC is delighted to have been able to invest in such a worthwhile cause, which is already

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having a major impact on the Chikwina community,” says CEO Neil Collishaw. “This is exactly the type of charitable initiative that sets BPEC apart from other organisations.” Work on the water system started in June and included: piped water supply from two sources, ˛˙˙˙ litre reservoir tank, electric pump to lift the water, foundations and steel water tower, ˛˙˙˙ litre header tank, and pipework to link into existing supply system. Now the water system has been installed, the clinic provides a wellequipped and safe environment for mothers and their babies – playing an important role in helping to reduce mortality rates in the region.

Annual lecture The Worshipful Company of Plumbers’ Annual Lecture will take place on Monday 4th October at the Royal College of Physicians in London. This year, the keynote speech will be delivered by the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, Dr Peter Rumley FSA, who will speak about the early role of The Royal Plumbers and the part they had to play in some of the first water engineering projects undertaken in the City of London. To reserve tickets, please visit: phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˙ˢ

UK HQ in Burton-Upon-Trent, >_LʬZ]O^ST]P LYO _SP BTWZ[L]V factory in Dortmund, Germany,

on static exercise bikes set up at Wilo’s HQ and out and about individually on road bikes.

Milton Keynes tools service site Makita UK has relocated its Milton Keynes Factory Service Centre site to a new, larger location.

The new ˛˙̇˙˙˙ft2 premises in Blakelands will enable the power tools manufacturer to bolster its customer repair and service support, completing a portfolio of three centres in London, Glasgow and Milton Keynes. The site in Milton Keynes will deliver not only a service and repair offering, but will also be used to host Makita’s accredited service training, as well as Authorised Service Agents (ASA) workshops and seminars. It will also be used to host apprenticeship training sessions focusing on the electrical and mechanical service requirements of Makita tools.

01/09/2021 08:39

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

People on the Move The heating division at Samsung has welcomed Joe Raftery as its new product manager. Joe started in the heating industry as an apprentice heating engineer over 30 years ago and has given technical support to a number of heating manufacturers in that time. He says he is looking forward to helping expand Samsung’s market share in the UK.

Sunderland-based Salamander Pumps has welcomed Dale Robertson as its new MD. Dale’s background includes delivering signiﬁcant growth for global companies Gripple and Jeld-Wen, as well as leading a number of smaller start-ups. He will now focus on ensuring Salamander Pumps is a customer-focused business, with strong customer service and product development.

Dravo Limited, a supplier of industrial and commercial heating and ventilation equipment, has named Chris Boroughs as business development manager. Chris brings 13 years of HVAC knowledge and experience with him and will be responsible for promoting the Dravo brand and enhancing customer relationships.

Returning to Gastite is Miles Errington who assumes the role of technical sales manager for the South. A former employee of the CSST ﬁrm, Miles has reprised his previous role and will once again support customers across London and the South, oﬀering sales support, product training and technical guidance.

Firebird has announced the appointment of Natasha Farmer to the role of area sales manager for the south west of England. A Plymouth native, Natasha began her career with Firebird six years ago, passing through several roles, having worked in dispatch, stock management, and internal sales advisor roles.

UK safety charity, the CO Research Trust (formerly known as the Gas Safety Trust), has appointed Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS and Woodsure, to its board of trustees. Bruce says: “I’m very pleased to be supporting the CO Research Trust team, the other Trustees, and our Chair, Baroness Finlay, in the mission to eliminate the risk of CO poisoning.”

Yousaf Waheed has been welcomed to Sontay as its new graduate area manager for the Midlands and South Wales region. Having come from a ﬁnance background, Yousaf says he is looking forward to the challenge of a sales role and brings with him a number of transferable skills that will help him succeed in his new position.

Stelrad Radiators has appointed Michael Haythorne as its new supply chain manager. Having previously worked for high street and e-commerce ﬁrms, Michael has a background in providing positive customer experiences driven by a focused supply chain. In his new role, Michael will work with suppliers to mitigate the company’s carbon footprint.

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01/09/2021 14:25

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Merchant & Distributor News 15 New digital tools aimed at improving productivity A new range of eBusiness tools has been launched by Wolseley Pipe with the aim of modernising business processes and improving PʯNTPYNd QZ] NZXXP]NTLW SPL_TYR and plumbing businesses, M&E contractors, and building services engineers. The digital tools have been split into three core services. Firstly, improvements to its website (www.wolseley.co.uk) allow engineers and installers to check the status of their orders, view proof of deliveries, and access important documents such as invoices, credits, statements and quotes. In addition, customers can view real-time stock information for their local branch, order parts online, and pay outstanding invoices outside of branch opening hours. Secondly, a new eSolutions tool allows customers to exchange information directly between their business and the merchant via existing back-

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Delivery in just an hour

office systems without the need for manual keying, phone calls, or emails. As data can be exchanged in just minutes, it reduces administration costs and TYN]PL^P^ NL^SʮZb QZ] N`^_ZXP]^ Thirdly, designed for larger building contractors, Wolseley Pipe’s iHub solution takes information exchange a step further by integrating APIs into L N`^_ZXP]ɪ^ MLNV ZʯNP ^d^_PX and mobile workforce platforms. The system uses real-time data to make informed decisions throughout the procurement process. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˚˙

A new rapid delivery service has been announced by >N]Pbʭc _SL_ []ZXT^P^ _Z deliver products direct to site within ˟˙ minutes. Following a successful trial in Bristol, the omni-channel trade retailer will begin to roll out the service to meet the growing demand for speed and convenience from professional trades. .LWWPO >N]Pbʭc >[]TY_ _SP new service comes with a £˞ delivery charge but will mean customers who need urgent supplies can order and receive their essentials within one hour, without losing time by leaving site. By the beginning of November, the plan is set to be rolled out to more than ˜˙ cities across the UK and then extended further next year. John Mewett, CEO of >N]Pbʭc ^Ld^% ɭBP `YOP]^ tand how busy the nation’s tradespeople are and we are always looking for ways to provide our customers with even greater convenience.”

Card service partnership Independent plumbers merchant James Hargreaves has teamed up with >`X@[ _Z RTaP _]LOP N`^_ZXP]^ LNNP^^ _Z ʭYLYNTLW ^P]aTNP^ bSZ XTRS_ otherwise be considered too small by most card payment service providers. SumUp Card Readers allow small businesses to take credit, debit and contactless payments anywhere with a SumUp card reader. ?]LOP^[PZ[WP NLY LW^Z LNNP[_ NL^S LYO ZʬP] ]PNPT[_^ LYO ]PQ`YO^ all from one small device. There is no monthly fee or contractual obligation, just a ˚̍˟ˢ% transaction fee. ɭBP bP]P TX[]P^^PO bT_S >`X@[ɪ^ ^_L_P-of-the-art mPOS solutions,” ^Ld^ .L]W -]TORP [`]NSL^TYR OT]PN_Z] L_ 5LXP^ 3L]R]PLaP^ ɭ?SPT] NL]O readers are built with reliable technology that utilises the most secure card payment methods.” James Hargreaves will be selling a range of SumUp card readers nationwide through its jh-sumup.co.uk website and its growing network of ˟˟ M]LYNSP^ LN]Z^^ 0YRWLYO ,^ L ^[PNTLW TY_]ZO`N_Z]d ZʬP] the card reader will be available for only £˚˝̍ˢˢ until 20th September.

01/09/2021 08:44

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Your Views The Tweet Spot

Recent tweets that caught our attention

This month’s £100 letter

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

What does the future hold for heating engineers? Having been a heating and plumbing engineer for over 40 years, I would like someone to explain what is happening regarding renewables and gas, as the story seems to change every week. I find myself in the situation where I don’t know what to advise my clients regarding gas boiler replacements. I don’t want to give them the wrong advice and find a couple of years down the line they are having to either have boilers ripped out to meet CO2 targets or they have become too expensive to run because the government has pushed up the price of gas to make heat pumps more attractive. I am fitting boilers with a five years plus warranty, but the way things are going they may never see it out!

Everything electric I watch with interest as the media ramps up its demand for electric everything, wondering where all this extra electricity is going to come from. No one seems to have assessed how much electricity we are currently using and how much all these so-called green solutions are going to use. You may well get 4kW of power for every 1kW put into an air source heat pump. At present, my boiler gives me 32kW for heating and, with its ERP pump, uses around 63W an hour under full load. How much is needed by an ASHP to keep my property at the temperatures I need in the winter? Economically, 32kW of gas currently costs me @£0.038 per kWhr around £1.18. Electricity is around £0.19 per kWhr, so I assume I would need 8kW to achieve 32kW, which would cost £1.52 an hour to run, and using over 100 times more electricity than at present. There is never any mention of the carbon footprint generated by the power stations to run these devices. One new power station isn’t going to cope when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. Furthermore, many buildings have been designed with combi boilers being installed and they have no room for hot water cylinders and the associated controls needed for a heat pump. Many of the older buildings that did have cylinders had the cupboard in the centre of the building, so getting pipework to them from outside would be almost impossible without extensive building works. I am not against progress – something has to be done – but I don’t want to bear the ﬁnancial fallout of half a dozen failed initiatives such as we have already seen. I deal with a several landlords who are an easy target for the government. Rented properties may soon have to meet deﬁned criteria regarding EPC ratings and the only way to do so is to install a heat pump. Any landlord with a sizable property portfolio would be faced with a huge outlay, the cost of which would end up being passed down to the tenant!

Training and assessment

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

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My other concern is gas training. Mine is soon due for renewal, but is it worth it? In a couple of years time there may well be no call for gas boilers or cookers. Or will I have to pay for additional training to deal with hydrogen if it is introduced? Whilst I am on the subject, why do boilers have to be 90% efficient yet a gas fire can lose 90% of its heat up a chimney. Where is the logic behind that? Why are the powers that be making it so difficult for small owner-operator companies such as mine to fit a

heat pump without expensive MCS accreditation? I have vast plumbing experience, yet the likes of the Green Deal and other initiatives, make it impossible for me to offer them to my clients because they cannot claim any subsidies. This mistake has been made again and again. The amount of Green Deal boilers I have been called into look at which have been abysmally fitted is unbelievable. Yet those of us that do a good job day after day, in order to maintain our reputation and retain our customers, don’t get a look in. I completed a four year apprenticeship and obtained City and Guilds qualifications yet despite all my experience I am not regarded as suitable to fit a heat pump, and my clients are unable to claim their incentives. I expect a similar arrangement to GSR will be set up for heat pumps, with yet more costs loaded onto us the installers. The solution, I suggest, should be along the lines of: engineers with an NVQ3 qualification or equivalent can fit a heat pump. So long as they have the appropriate training from the manufacturers, the client can then claim whatever incentives are on offer at the time. A not-for-profit register could be set up to reduce the cost to a few pounds, instead of £200 – perhaps the CIPHE could step in to run it, as you have to be qualified to be a member. There could be inspectors to spot check completed work and, provided the work complies, the installers carry on. This removes layers of red tape and if the fitter hasn’t done the course or isn’t registered, the client doesn’t get the incentives. This would make sure that the client checks the installer out first, otherwise they risk missing out on the financial incentives. Additionally there should be a ban on companies obtaining accreditation then sending anyone they can find to do the job. All installers must have a minimum qualification, not just something you can pick up sitting in a classroom for 40 hours. NVQ3 and a manufacturer’s course should, in my view, be the minimum requirement.

Room heating When I started my apprenticeship back in the seventies, a heating system was a luxury not a standard item. People have become used to walking around their houses room to room in the middle of winter wearing a tee-shirt. Due to rising costs, we may well see a day when we keep one room warm and the rest of the property unheated. I often go into houses where every radiator is on in the house, but only a couple of rooms are in use and, yes, they have TRVs so could easily turn them down. It now seems to be the norm that every room in the house is heated, regardless of whether it is being used. Maybe it’s time we stopped thinking that way. One room minimum could be the new normal, as they say. I worry that we are going down the same old road of the plumber paying to get accredited, only for the scheme to be pulled yet again. Unless a way is found to include the engineers with experience, a lot of us may well call it a day and you will have an even bigger skills shortage than you have now, and 800,000 heat pumps a year literally thrown in. That’s a lot of votes lost if there are any politicians reading this. So to sum up. I am not against change, I just want a clear indication of what is expected in the future from heating engineers such as myself. I want to be able to give my customers a good service and for them to be able to trust my advice for the years to come. And I want to ﬁt an ASHP knowing that they have access to any government incentives. Am I asking too much? W. Wiltshire BSc Eng, MCIPHE Via email

01/09/2021 14:01

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Gadgets & Tools

Pressguns get smarter

Enlarging condensate pipe holes

After

Before

The Condensemate from Clipacore has been designed for boiler installations that require upgrading _SP ZaP]ʮ Zb [T[P _Z L ˜˛mm waste pipe. The kit includes a ˜˙˙mm core bit that inserts into the existing open ˛˛-˛˞mm hole. Once the outer core bit has scarred the wall, the inner long core bit serving as a guide can

The latest generation of press tools from Viega includes the updated ;]P^^R`Y ;TNNZ ! ;W`^ ^LTO _Z Zʬ P] `^P]^ L Y`XMP] ZQ LOaLY_LRP^ including Bluetooth connectivity, safer installation, and longer service intervals. It is suitable for installers working on residential and light commercial projects. At just ˚.6kg, the Picco 6 Plus is suitable for use on both residential and light commercial projects and, being 700g lighter than the previous generation, allows comfortable, one-handed operation. The new tool is compatible with metallic Viega press connectors from ˚˛ to ˜˞mm, Megapress thick-walled steel tube connectors from 3/8 to 3/4 inch, and plastic and multilayer composite pipe systems from ˚˛ to ˝˙mm. The pressgun connects via Bluetooth to the Viega Tool Services app, giving users full tool information and the current status, including battery level and the total number of pressings since the WL^_ ^P]aTNP @^P]^ bTWW LW^Z MPYPʭ _ Q]ZX WZYRP] ^P]aTNP TY_P]aLW^ than previous models, at ˝˙̇˙˙˙ pressings or four years, whichever ZNN`]^ ʭ ]^_ 4_ LW^Z QPL_`]P^ LY L`_ZXL_TN ^LQP_d ^S`_OZbY LQ_P] ˝˛̇˙˙˙ pressings. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˚˚

Cut through plastic pipe with ease The BiX pipe cutter is a new compact tool from Knipex that has been designed to cut plastic pipes and sealing sleeves without shavings. The tool’s blade can be used in two positions: in the middle for regular cutting of various pipe diameters, or with the external blade, enabling sealing sleeves to be cut close to the wall.

18.indd 1

simply be removed by hand. Delivering consistently symmetrical holes, the Condensemate is said to be easy to use and has been designed to eliminate the risk of core bits skidding and damaging the property. It comes in an all-in-one kit comprising a 1/2in drill adaptor for the arbor, a long threaded adaptor for the use of dual cores, quick release clip, compression spring, and a ˜˙˙mm-long, ˛˛mm diamond core bit. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˚˛

Drill bits stand up to the hard tile challenge

Fitting comfortably in one hand and rotated by ˚ˡ˙°, the BiX can be used close to walls and cuts through plastic drain pipes and empty electrical conduits with very little Pʬ Z]_ 4_ T^ ^`T_LMWP QZ] unreinforced plastic pipes with a diameter of ˛˙ to ˞˙mm and a wall thickness of up to ˛̍˝mm. The tool itself is cast Q]ZX ʭ M]PRWL^^-reinforced plastic, while the blades (of which two spares are included) are manufactured from surgical stainless steel. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˚˝

Developed specially for drilling in hard tiles, the Expert HEX-ˢ Hard Ceramic Tile drill bits from Bosch Professional are claimed to have a lifetime up to 10 times longer than other carbide-tipped drill bits. The product is part of the company’s wider New Expert range of accessories that Zʬ P] TYN]PL^PO Pʯ NTPYNd LYO WZYRP] WTQP_TXP^ The carbide tip is distinguished by an asymmetric form, giving it teeth that work through any hard material more Pʯ NTPY_Wd _SLY ʮ L_ N`__TYR PORP^ ?SP LN_TaP NPY_P]TYR _T[ reliably prevents friction and heat from being generated instead of drilling progress. It also allows a precise drilling start without slipping on the tile. The integrated open stock between the steel body and carbide cutting edges ensures stable drilling progress over its lifetime. For use with conventional drills and impact drivers, the new tile drill bit range comprises eight sizes with a diameter from 3 to 12mm, and covers all common applications. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˚˜

New angle on drilling in tight, óŋłƩ łāù ŭťÖóāŭ Adding to its LXT range of cordless machines, Makita has unveiled a new Angle Drill (DDA˝˞˙), designed for a wide range of applications, especially when drilling in tight, awkward spaces. The new angle drill enables forward or reverse rotation so the bit can be easily removed from the work material. This machine delivers a no-load speed of up to ˚˝˙˙rpm, with two speed options so that users can easily match the output to the task at hand. For ease of use and visibility,

the tool features an LED job light. Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager at Makita, says: “Thanks to LXT battery technology, the DDA˝˞˙ delivers outstanding performance for increased `^P] Pʯ NTPYNd LYO []ZO`N_TaT_d LYO _SP inclusion of our Brushless ‘BL’ motor XPLY^ _SL_ _SP _ZZW Zʬ P]^ TYN]PL^PO power and run-time.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˚˞

01/09/2021 12:37

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Business Matters Prompt payment must be respected

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App helps businesses avoid pingdemic With businesses all over the NZ`Y_]d MPTYR Lʬ PN_PO Md _SP so-NLWWPO [TYROPXTN ^ZXP SLaP _`]YPO _Z L YPb .ZaTO L[[ ɧ _SP .>. ,[[ ɧ bSTNS []ZaTOP^ NZX[WP_P aT^TMTWT_d QZ] MZ_S PX[WZdP] LYO PX[WZdPP RTaTYR [PLNP ZQ XTYO _SL_ _SP bZ]VTYR PYaT]ZYXPY_ T^ L^ ^LQP L^ [Z^^TMWP ?SP YPb ^ZQ_bL]P LWWZb^ [PZ[WP _Z _LVP L \`TNV LYO PL^d _P^_ LYO WZR _SPT] ]P^`W_ TY _SP L[[ MPQZ]P SPLOTYR MLNV _Z bZ]V ZY _SP ]P^`W_ ZQ L YPRL_TaP _P^_ =P[Z]_^ ^Ld _SL_ L_ ZYP _TXP O`]TYR _SP

[LYOPXTN _SP]P bP]P `[ _Z ˚˚% ZQ _SP @6ɪ^ ˚˛˙̇˙˙˙ gas engineers TY T^ZWL_TZY ]P^`W_TYR TY ˚˜̇˛˙˙ Zʬ bZ]V Worcester Bosch is one NZX[LYd _SL_ SL^ `^PO _SP L[[ _Z MP__P] NZY_]ZW _SP ^LQP bZ]VTYR ZQ ʭ PWO ^P]aTNP PYRTYPP]^ LYO L[[]PY_TNP^ bSZ bZ]VPO TY [LT]^ O`]TYR _SP [LYOPXTN BT_S ]PR`WL] WL_P]LW ʮ Zb _P^_^ LYO LY LMTWT_d _Z OPXZY^_]L_P _SPT] YPRL_TaP ^_L_`^ ZY _SP L[[ PYRTYPP]^ bP]P LMWP _Z bZ]V _ZRP_SP] TY NZYʭ OPYNP ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˚ˠ

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Energy Matters

SPONSORED BY

Cross-sector coalition to support green transition Worcester Bosch has announced that it has joined the ‘Sustainable Homes and Buildings Coalition’, a group run by the NatWest Group that aims to raise awareness about what a move towards a Net Zero economy means for building owners and tenants/occupiers. The cross-sector coalition, which also includes British Gas and Shelter, seeks to ensure both environmental and social outcomes are considered in any transition to green technologies. Citizens Advice will act in an advisory capacity to the Coalition on the needs of and challenges faced by consumers.

The Group aims to work with government to provide a clear direction on the policy framework to drive decarbonisation in the building sector, and establish L ^_LMWP Q]LXPbZ]V ZQ ʭ YLYNTLW incentives to support building owners and consumers with the upfront costs needed to make PYP]Rd Pʯ NTPYNd TX[]ZaPXPY_^ and low carbon heating upgrades. Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch, comments: “Net zero ˛˙˞˙ approaches quickly, SZbPaP] bP L]P NZYʭ OPY_ _SP target can be met when the government, industry, and N`^_ZXP] NZWWLMZ]L_P ɮ

Energy saving system in development

A two-year trial of the system, called the Optimised Forecasting QZ] >bT_NSTYR 0YP]Rd ?L]Tʬ ^ project (OFfSET), has found that consumers could save between £˚˜-˛˟ per year for each electrical appliance tested, while heat pumps could save up to £˚˟˙ per year. The project, funded by Innovate UK, is a collaboration between Samsung, smart energy platform Passiv UK, energy comparison site MyUtilityGenius, and the BRE. Kevin O’Leary, business manager for heating products at Samsung, comments: “Shifting some usage away from expensive periods can help make the cost of running air source heat pumps cheaper than gas powered heating ^d^_PX^ ɮ

A new system for controlling the use of electric heating and household appliances is claimed to have the potential to save consumers £˚˟˙ a year on bills. The system, which is still in the research phase, would allow people to take advantage of NZX[WPc PYP]Rd _L]Tʬ ^_]`N_`]P^ by automating their use of appliances and heat pumps to shift electricity usage to periods bSPY _L]Tʬ ^ L]P NSPL[P]

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Hydronic solutions for the heating & plumbing industry

altecnic.co.uk

Hydrogen homes open for visitors ?SP @6ɪ^ ʭ ]^_ SdO]ZRPY-heated homes in Low Thornley, near Gateshead, are now open to public aTPbTYR /P^TRYPO _Z Zʬ P] L glimpse into a hydrogen-fuelled future, the two semi-detached homes have been built to demonstrate how hydrogen could eventually replace natural gas in a domestic environment and have MPPY ʭ __PO bT_S bZ]VTYR MZTWP]^ ]LOTL_Z]^ NZZVP]^ LYO ʭ ]P^ Baxi Heating, which has pledged to make only products compatible with low carbon energy from ˛˙˛˞, recently invited housing providers and industry colleagues to see its ˚˙˙% hydrogen boiler in action. No bigger than a standard domestic boiler, the hydrogen-fuelled combi boiler on display will help to show that homeowners will experience very little change from any future fuel conversion. Heating and hot water is currently responsible for around one third of carbon emissions, but unlike natural gas, hydrogen produces no carbon at the point of use, with the only by-product being water. Nick Wilson, commercial and marketing director at Baxi Heating, (pictured) comments:

“We are developing new technologies that will help customers to heat their homes and businesses without warming the planet. While we are not wedded to any one technology, hydrogen represents a great opportunity. It is carbon-free at the point of use and enables families to use their heating and hot water in the same way they do today, without major changes to their central heating systems or homes. What starts today with one house will become a community of houses next year, and then we could see hydrogen boilers in millions of homes by _SP YPc_ OPNLOP ɮ The two properties have been built by Northern Gas Networks in partnership with the government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and gas

distribution network company Cadent, each investing £˛˞˙̇˙˙˙ into the project. As well as customers and housing providers, it is hoped that the houses will be visited by schools and other educational establishments, and could also be used as a training facility for gas installers and heating engineers. In ˛˙˚ˢ, Baxi’s parent company BDR Thermea Group showcased _SP bZ]WOɪ^ ʭ ]^_ SdO]ZRPY [ZbP]PO STRS Pʯ NTPYNd OZXP^_TN boiler, and Baxi Heating is already planning to produce boilers that are ‘hydrogen-ready’, meaning that they can easily be converted to work with hydrogen in the future. Find out more about Baxi Heating’s pathway to the energy transition by clicking on the online readerlink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˚ˡ

Solar sector welcomes Scottish commitment Solar Energy Scotland has welcomed the inclusion of solar in the Scottish government’s draft policy programme, recently unveiled as part of the agreement between the SNP government and the Scottish Green Party. The document outlines the joint commitment from both parties to respond to the climate emergency, supporting economic recovery and strengthening a

green and fair recovery from the global pandemic. Included in the agreement are measures to help decarbonise some of Scotland’s most-emitting sectors, including energy, transport and buildings. Solar Energy Scotland chair Thomas McMillan says: “The solar energy industry in Scotland welcomes the clear recognition of the important role solar can play in Scotland’s drive to meet

our ˛˙˜˙ climate obligations. As the cheapest, most readily deployable renewable technology, with substantial MPYPʭ _^ QZ] _SP PNZYZXd LYO helping to tackle fuel poverty, it is time for the sector to be LWWZbPO _Z R]Zb LYO ʮ Z`]T^S ɮ Solar Energy Scotland is calling on the government to set a minimum solar deployment target of ˝GW by ˛˙˜˙.

01/09/2021 09:37

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

ķÖłłĢłė ĕŋũ ŶĞā DŽŶŽũā

˜ good reasons to join NIBE Pro Continuing his regular column, Neil Hope from NIBE Energy Systems highlights three good reasons why heating installers should consider signing up to NIBE Pro.

re you currently installing gas and oil boilers into people’s homes? Already aware of the fundamentals of heating? Then you are the ideal candidate for NIBE Pro – a streamlined training route designed to guide heating and plumbing installers through the process of becoming an accredited heat pump installer. Wondering why this is so important? Fossil fuel heating systems are set to be phased out in new homes from ˛˙˛˞, and a target from the government means that ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ heat pumps will need to be installed per year by ˛˙˛ˡ. Moreover, the government intends to phase out gas boilers altogether. Being a competent gas or oil heating installer will no longer be enough. New skills and expertise will need to be gained at the earliest opportunity – and you can learn everything you need to know by becoming a NIBE Pro. Your NIBE Pro journey will lead you to MPNZXP LY 8.> NP]_TʭPO SPL_ [`X[ installer whilst unlocking rewards and MPYPʭ_^ LWZYR _SP bLd -`_ T_ bTWW YZb also enable you to deliver a brand new selection of innovative products and solutions to help your customers make the most of their heat pump system. Following the launch of our latest products, here are three new reasons heating and plumbing installers should join NIBE Pro.

(˚̜ ÈŋŽ óÖł ŋƦāũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ Ö óŋĿťķāŶā āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ,^ L 94-0 ;]Z dZ` NLY YZb ZʬP] your customers a NIBE PV package so that they can power their heating system using free energy from the sun. Solar PV can help to cover the electricity consumption of heat pumps, removing any worries the household may have around rising electricity prices, and you can also empower them to earn some revenue through the Smart Export Guarantee for supplying a surplus portion of electricity back to the National Grid. The NIBE PV package is comprised of monocrystalline silicone cell panels using PERC technology for maximum PʯNTPYNd LaLTWLMWP TY PTRS_ ^TeP^ bT_S an elegant all-black design. Each base package consists of ˚˙ panels with a nominal power of ˜̍˟kW, mounting parts, and a suitable inverter with a communication module, all of which are ready for installation.

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Neil Hope Head of installer development at NIBE

(˛̜ ÈŋŽ óÖł Ğāķť óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ĿÖĴā ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ ŋĕ ŶĞāĢũ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť People are always looking for smart ways to make their life easier, and advancements in technology mean that you can now help people to save time, energy and money through the use of smart home accessories that deliver comfort through connectivity. Complementing the NIBE S Series range of heat pumps, our product range now includes wireless smart home accessories to provide more comfortable, precise room-by-room Z] ɩeZYP Md eZYPɪ NWTXL_P NZY_]ZW Included in the range is a new repeater plus temperature humidity sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, room thermostat, and room unit.

(˜̜ ÈŋŽ óÖł ĿÖĴā ķĢĕā āÖŭĢāũ ƒĢŶĞ ũāĿŋŶā óŋłłāóŶĢƑĢŶƘ 94-0 ;]Z TY^_LWWP]^ NLY MPYPʭ_ Q]ZX the NIBE myUplink Pro app, which ZʬP]^ L ]LYRP ZQ Q`YN_TZY^ _Z SPW[ bT_S the commissioning, monitoring and diagnosis of heat pumps, and smart solutions to reduce the need for site visits. DZ`] N`^_ZXP]^ NLY LW^Z MPYPʭ_ from the myUplink app too, easily controlling and monitoring their heat pump from their smart phone. Once the smart accessories are connected to _SP > >P]TP^ SPL_ [`X[ LYO _SP eZYP^ have been established, this data can be []ZaTOPO ]ZZX Md ]ZZX _Z ZʬP] R]PL_P] precision and comfort. DĢłù ŋŽŶ Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ pR 1̪ŭ ķÖŶāŭŶ ũÖłėā ŋĕ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ðƘ ƑĢŭĢŶĢłė̆ ƒƒƒ̍ łĢðā̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ŶÖũŶ ƘŋŽũ ıŋŽũłāƘ ŶŋùÖƘ ðƘ ƑĢŭĢŶĢłė̆ ƒƒƒ̍łĢðā̍óŋ̍ŽĴ

01/09/2021 09:39

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Training Update !āũŶĢƩāù ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť óŋŽũŭā

dāÖũł ÖðŋŽŶ ƒāŶũŋŋĿŭ ŋłķĢłā Installers who want advice ZY ʭ__TYR bP_]ZZX^ NLY _LVP advantage of a virtual version of Impey’s ‘We Are Wetrooms’ training seminars, which combine pre-recorded videos with a variety of live Q&A sessions. 7PO Md _PNSYTNLW ʭPWO XLYLRP] Shaun Hunt (pictured), the online _]LTYTYR ^P^^TZY^ _LNVWP T^^`P^ ^`NS L^% WPLV-free water-[]ZZʭYR gravity fed and pumped drainage, TY^_LWWL_TZY TY OTʬP]PY_ ʮZZ] types, and tips on how to achieve an accurate wetroom gradient. Chris Kingaby, group product LYO XL]VP_TYR OT]PN_Z]

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NZXXPY_^% ɭ?SP QPPOMLNV bP ]PNPTaPO Q]ZX Z`] ʭ]^_ _bZ virtual wetroom training events was incredibly positive. All the TY^_LWWP]^ bP]P VPPY _Z ʭYO Z`_ more about our products. It gave us the ideal opportunity to showcase the innovative Impey wetroom system and advise the attendees on best practice for installation.” 8ZY_SWd MZZVLMWP _]LTYTYR sessions have now been scheduled, with full details of dates and times available on the Impey website (which can be accessed by using _SP WTYV MPWZb ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˚ˢ

A new course has been launched by the Heat Pump Association (HPA) to help scale up the industry and overhaul the current training route to becoming a heat pump installer. It is hoped that the course, which will be available across ˜ˡ training centres spread around the UK, could train over ˝˙̇˙˙˙ installers each year and prepare the country’s installer base for meeting the government’s heat pump deployment target of ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ installations a year by ˛˙˛ˡ. The three-day course has been developed by training company Logic and those who complete the _]LTYTYR bTWW ]PNPTaP LY ZʯNTLW \`LWTʭNL_TZY ]PNZRYT^PO Md OFQUAL. The training is split into _bZ ^_LRP^ bT_S _SP ʭ]^_ _bZ OLd^ being a foundation course, providing an overview of heat pump technology, installation guidelines, commissioning and servicing, plus end user handover. On completion of the foundation course, participants progress onto in-depth training for air source or ground source systems, each lasting one day.

Phil Hurley, chair of the HPA, adds: “Today’s launch is a WLYOXL]V LNSTPaPXPY_ LYO _SP 3;, T^ []Z`O _Z SLaP bZ]VPO SL]O with others across industry to bring this new heat pump training pathway to life. When we laid out our vision to government last year, we recognised our role in OPWTaP]TYR _]LTYTYR LYO ^VTWW^ LYO we have successfully achieved this bSTW^_ bZ]VTYR TY NZY^_]`N_TaP partnership with the Secretary of State (Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng) and his team. “The heat pump industry is now fully equipped to lead the way in transforming the way homes are

heated to reduce carbon and lower energy bills. Importantly, we are LW^Z ^`[[Z]_TYR [WLY^ _Z M`TWO MLNV MP__P] _S]Z`RS `[^VTWWTYR PcT^_TYR heating installers so that they are P\`T[[PO bT_S _SP _ZZW^ LYO ^VTWW^ they need to allow consumers to access heat pumps as a solution to decarbonise their homes.” Before attending a course, installers will need to have NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating or equivalent, and also have attended a Low Temperature Heating Systems course, which NZaP]^ _SP ^VTWW^ P^^PY_TLW _Z PʯNTPY_ SPL_TYR ZQ LWW _PNSYZWZRd types). ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˛˙

01/09/2021 09:44

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Training Update

Free to attend face-to-face courses

Get smarter about digital showering

Responding to the easing of Covid restrictions, Navien has reintroduced its free one-day product training sessions, delivering essential information about the company’s range of oil and gas boilers, as well as its energy saving smart controls. Face-to-face installer training has resumed in multiple locations across the UK, with courses designed to enable engineers to keep their skillsets up to date, in addition to informing them of any recent technological and product developments. All attendees receive lunch on the day, as well as a giveaway pack to take home worth £˜˙˙. Each training day includes an insight into the company’s LCBˠ˙˙ oil boiler and NCB domestic gas boiler ranges. The LCBˠ˙˙ course covers a variety of topics, including an overview of the oil range and its key components, adjusting the oil pump and measuring combustion, plus essential service and maintenance information.

A new education and training initiative has been announced by Aqualisa to support trade partners in communicating the advantages of smart digital showers. The programme includes the launch of ‘Aquastorm’, the company’s new mobile training showroom, and ‘Smart Hub’, an online portal hosting information, insights and LOaTNP ZY _SP MPYPʭ_^ ZQ OTRT_LW showers for the consumer, TY^_LWWP] LYO ^[PNTʭP] communities. ?SP QPL_`]P^ LYO MPYPʭ_^ ZQ digital showers will be clearly exhibited inside the training truck, bSTNS SL^ MPPY ʭ__PO bT_S Q`WWd working products including the company’s top-of-the-range Quartz Touch shower. The truck is equipped with Google and Amazon Alexa activation, and a demonstration area with an LED screen has been designed to seat multiple customers and installers. The roadshow tour schedule will also be published on the Smart Hub platform, with regular updates.

The presentation on the NCB gas boiler range provides a detailed explanation on its control panel and key parameters, which includes high and low temperature settings, service process and essential maintenance information. Attendees will also receive an extra year’s gas boiler warranty upon successful completion of the training. The course also includes a demonstration of Navien’s Smart Plus controllers, providing engineers with additional information they can relay to their end-user customers, including key features such as monitoring of energy usage. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˛˚

The Aqualisa Smart Hub is described as a comprehensive online knowledge centre covering all aspects of the technology, from the wellbeing, safety and ecoQ]TPYOWd MPYPʭ_^ _Z ^_P[-by-step installation processes and _PNSYTNLW []ZO`N_ ^[PNTʭNL_TZY^ The portal includes multimedia content to grow awareness and engagement, and is fully optimised for mobile and desktop. The site will be continually refreshed with new content and the latest product information and trends, which will be available for trade partners to repurpose within their own marketing campaigns.

Tim Creedon, sales director at Aqualisa, comments: “With demand for smart home products rising at a rapid pace, smart showering is now considered one of the fastest growing categories. As the original and most recognised innovator in smart bathroom solutions, Aqualisa is already the go-to supplier within this sector. Smart Hub and Aquastorm are just two initiatives that demonstrate our long-term commitment to smart technology, and to supporting our valued trade partners as they increase their engagement in this market.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˛˛

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Radiators & Towel Warmers 31

Working well with lower temperatures

in a home. So what is the solution – one that is cost eﬀective and straightforward? Do we need to ditch radiators altogether and look for alternatives?

No need to switch The simple answer is no. Radiators will work well with heat pumps, but you will need to increase the size of the radiators to provide a larger metal surface area to heat the air in the room to the level required to provide comfort heating. This need not involve unsightly radiators – for one, modern radiators are far more attractive, but there are other solutions too. You can achieve the extra boost radiators need by replacing the existing single or double panel radiators with the relatively new K3 radiators that have three panels and three sets of ﬁns – providing the additional metal surfaces you need but without increasing the radiator footprint on the wall.

Stelrad Radiator Group’s Chris Harvey runs through the types of radiator models that have been designed to work well with low temperature heating systems, like heat pumps.

he development of lower temperature heating systems – using renewable heating appliances such as air source heat pumps – has given rise to a number of questions, such as where do the components we have grown to know and love over the years ﬁt into the future of heating? At Stelrad Radiators we have responded forcefully to those people who claim that underﬂoor heating is the only or best solution for heat pump installations.

Familiar favourite More than 90% of all heating systems in the UK currently rely on radiators to share heat around the home and, despite the arrival of underfloor heating, there is still a marked reluctance to use UFH upstairs in new build. It is a complex option to fit as a retrofit solution – so radiators tend to win out most of the time. Also, radiators heat up and cool down far more quickly than underfloor heating, something to bear in mind when selecting the best way to share heat around the home. Remember, radiators are poorly named! Most radiators are actually convectors – there is a small amount of radiant heat from the radiator but more than 80% of the heat is convected heat – drawn up behind the radiator where the air passes over the metal surfaces of the radiator and heats the air in the room.

All about size In new build housing, using a heat pump solution is a relatively simple solution. The heating system can be designed into the home at the outset so you know the parameters in which the heating system has to operate – the method of construction, the size of the rooms, the number, type and size of doors and windows – so the heat loss calculations can be

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Vertical radiators can be larger by design while maximising small spaces

Ahead of the curve

Chris Harvey

Head of marketing for Stelrad Radiator Group

Radiators are very much ﬁt for the future, but, as always, correct sizing will need to be undertaken to ensure that they keep the home warm and cosy

done up front and radiators sized accordingly. The key to radiators operating well in any situation is sizing them properly at the outset. This involves accurately working out heat loss calculations to achieve the necessary BTUs to provide comfort heating in each room, and to select a radiator that can provide that level of heating. In replacement heating systems for older properties there are additional issues. It’s a fact that simply replacing a boiler with a heat pump will usually see the existing radiators unable to provide the levels of heat needed

K3 radiators have three panels and three sets of ﬁns

Major radiator manufacturers such as Stelrad have anticipated the move towards air source heat pumps in the UK and have added new, larger size radiators to their portfolio providing that option. We have also stepped up the options on the K3 radiator designs available. In addition, the huge popularity of vertical radiators has also offered a solution. Vertical radiators clearly have a smaller horizontal footprint than a traditional radiator, but they can be larger by design – taking up floor-to-ceiling space. It may be more practical and more attractive to have two modern vertical radiators in a room than one large standard radiator, which traditionally has been placed under the main window. We have developed a wider range of vertical radiators, adding a huge number of new designs and sizes helping to provide the larger radiators needed by the renewable heating options. These take up a much-reduced horizontal footprint while providing the levels of heat required. Vertical radiators can be focal points in the room, part of the décor, and fit nooks and crannies in a room which traditional horizontal radiators won’t do as effectively.

Ready to roll

The Vita Deco Concept delivers on aesthetics

Radiators are very much ﬁt for the future, but, as always, correct sizing will need to be undertaken to ensure that they keep the home warm and cosy. But can radiators work well with air source heat pumps? Very deﬁnitely yes they can - and they already are in a host of installations across the UK. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/23

01/09/2021 11:38

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

The right choice for office environments Office spaces are becoming increasingly open plan, and new working styles are seeing staff hot-desk or desk share, replacing the traditional office plan. Saffet Kalender of Pitacs Ltd explains why achieving maximum efficiency from an office heating set-up is paramount.

n specifying heating solutions for offices, efficiency and speed of response should be prioritised. Convection heating solutions, even ‘efficient’ designs, will by their nature result in a floor temperature of 18°C, a midlevel, ambient temperature of 20-21°C, while the air by the ceiling will likely reach 24°C. This is in fact a waste of heat output, heating air to 24°C that is not felt in the ambient room temperature, which is exacerbated in open plan spaces with high ceilings. In contrast, radiant heating, where heat is emitted outwards, the length and width of the radiator, provides a more uniform ambient temperature, and will therefore derive a greater value to the user from the heat output.

Sustainable solutions Commercial and oﬃce installations are also starting to adopt more sustainable heat sources, such as ground source heat pumps. These sources usually heat the system to lower

Saffet Kalender MD at Pitacs Ltd

Radiant heating, where heat is emitted outwards, the length and width of the radiator, provides a more uniform ambient temperature

temperatures, in the range 55°C as opposed to 70+°C, which will subsequently impact the heat output of any radiator connected to that system. For residences and small rooms, it’s possible to mitigate this by choosing a radiator with a larger heat emitting area (like a triple compact), but for large offices, this would require a very large volume of water through the system. As such, for offices, it is best to choose a radiant heating solution. These solutions only require a low volume of water, which in turn requires a smaller heat source, consuming less energy. They will also respond more quickly when attempting to reach a given temperature, which increases their efficiency.

Material gains In particular, we would recommend aluminium radiant solutions. Aluminium is a great choice for heating open office spaces. It is more conductive than steel, which translates into a higher, far more responsive heat output. Typically, an aluminium radiator requires 40% less water compared to a mild steel radiator of the same dimensions. While aluminium is more costly upfront, it offers clear benefits to efficiency; savings on energy costs; flexibility to migrate to greener heat sources; and, at end of life, a fully recyclable item. When choosing accessories for office set-ups, Pitacs also recommends gasfilled thermostatic valves. While they need to be larger in size compared to liquid-filled TRVs, gas solutions are more sensitive and responsive, which will also help to optimise the efficiency of the system.

Practical placement On site, heating solutions should also be placed with eﬃciency in mind. Under windows and next to doors are typically the most eﬃcient sites, as these  The Ultraheat Lurve white aluminium horizontal radiator

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 Aluminium radiators from Ultraheat: the striking Argus (top) and the Bombe space-saving vertical radiator

areas will oﬀer the greatest air movement to carry the heat across the space. Footfall routes will also provide air movement. Naturally, a window will be positioned on an external wall, which can act as a heat drain. Pitacs recommends that installers add a layer of aluminium perlite insulation behind each radiator to reﬂect heat back into the room.

Pride of place As with any domestic installation, it is best to locate a radiator away from furniture or obstructions to allow the heat to successfully travel and permeate the room. Given the eﬃciency speciﬁcations recommended above, it is also important to locate radiators away from immediate proximity to manned desks, or narrow walkways where contact may occur. At Pitacs, we advise against adding covers or boxing

radiators for aesthetic reasons; this will reduce eﬃciency by up to 30%. If a box seems necessary for safety reasons, such as the proximity to a seat, it is better to rethink the location entirely. Moreover, don’t let existing pipework dictate the location of a heating solution; consider an electric heating solution if this gives you better layout and use of the space. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/24

CUT TO THE CHASE  Radiant heating solutions, opposed to convection ones, provide a more even heat distribution  Aluminium radiant solutions are more conductive than steel counterparts, so better suited to office environments  Gas filled TRVs are more responsive than liquid filled  It's a good idea to add a layer of aluminium perlite insulation behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room

01/09/2021 14:53

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Responding to increased demand for good design As homeowners play a bigger part in the decision making of products installed in their []Z[P]_TP^ 5ZYL_SLY .]ZbP [W`XMTYR _]LOTYR XLYLRP] L_ >N]Pbʭc OT^N`^^P^ SZb _ST^ has led to an increase for more design-focused options across radiators and towel rails.

ince the beginning of lockdown in March last year, we have seen a rise in homeowners calling upon plumbers to undertake various home improvements. With the pandemic forcing people to spend more time at home, homeowners are taking the opportunity to research new and exciting products for their properties. Many have invested in premium and design-focused products, including radiators and towel rails.

Home work Our customers have told us they SLaP MPPY bZ]VTYR ZY SZXP ZʯNP renovations. In some households, what may have originally been a small box room for additional storage space is now becoming a much-YPPOPO ZʯNP 1Z] _SZ^P working from home and spending eight or nine hours plus a day in a certain room, it is essential it is a comfortable and warm environment. This is one of the reasons we’ve seen an increase TY OPXLYO QZ] XZ]P PʯNTPY_ LYO decorative radiators. In recent times there has also

Designer radiator sales volume is up by a third year-on-year, with black and anthracite colours proving particularly popular been a shift in the types of radiator products that homeowners desire. One such trend is radiators with ^[L]VWd [LTY_ Z] _Pc_`]PO ʭYT^SP^ ?ST^ T^ ]PʮPN_PO TY _SP QLN_ _SL_ designer radiator sales volume is up by a third year-on-year, with black and anthracite colours proving particularly popular. Sales volume of those colours are up almost ˝˙% year-on-year as homeowners embrace this colour trend. Products such as the Ximax Oceanus Duplex Designer Radiator MPYPʭ_ Q]ZX L STRS quality powderNZL_PO ʭYT^S bSTWP RTaTYR Z`_ L high heat output. Easily installed either vertically or horizontally, these double panel upright

radiators enhance the decor of any contemporary room. Cast iron radiators have also become a real style statement piece to include within the home, and we have seen sales volume up by almost 50% year-on-year. Arroll’s Neo-Classic four-column cast iron radiator is simple, stylish and works perfectly in both period and modern TY_P]TZ] ^NSPXP^ , MPYPʭ_ _Z homeowners is that this product is easily tailorable when re-decorating a room as it can be painted with heat-resistant paint, altering the radiator’s colour to match a room’s new look and feel.

The Terma Aire designer towel rail features equally spaced bars on the left and right side

Designer gear Another trend we’ve noticed is that plumbers are upgrading radiators or towel rails to designer electric towel rails on projects. As well as ZʬP]TYR L ^_dWT^S WZZV _SP _ZbPW ]LTW^ LW^Z ZʬP] R]PL_P] PʯNTPYNd because the controls for heating are with the rail and not part of the NPY_]LW SPL_TYR ^d^_PX ?SP MPYPʭ_ for homeowners is that they aren’t used unnecessarily, and can instead MP _`]YPO ZY LYO Zʬ QZ] PcLX[WP _Z warm up a towel while someone is in the shower or bath.

The striking Terma Hex copper radiator has hexagonal shapes across a multi-layered design

Sales of our own range of electric towel radiators are up ˜˙% year-on-year, and designer electric towel radiator sales have increased by ˝˙% over the same period. The Terma Aire Designer Towel Rail (pictured above, top) is a great example of this, as it features a contemporary design and is suitable for all boiler types. It is ideal for en-suite bathrooms or cloakrooms where a small hand towel will be used. While products such as the Terma Hex Designer Radiator (pictured above, bottom) are highly popular for their multi-layered design and premium feel, it’s clear that radiators which are compatible with smart thermostats will continue to grow in popularity as well. As homeowners WZZV _Z Pc[WZ]P ^XL]_ _PNSYZWZRTP^ TY OTʬP]PY_ areas of their home, there is more demand to be able to control the temperature of each room individually. Products such as smart TRVs and []T^_TYP WZZVTYR PYP]Rd PʯNTPY_ ]LOTL_Z]^ L]P Z[_TZY^ [W`XMP]^ NLY ZʬP] _Z SZXPZbYP]^ planning to make their home smarter and ultimately more sustainable. 1Z] M`^d [W`XMP]^ T_ɪ^ YZ_ ZYWd TX[Z]_LY_ they can get what they need, but it’s also crucial they can get it when they need it, which is why we continue to expand our store network and ZʬP] .WTNV LYO .ZWWPN_ TY L^ WT__WP L^ ZYP XTY`_P _Z PY^`]P RP__TYR LNNP^^ _Z _SP OTʬP]PY_ ^_dWP^ ZQ radiators and towel rails needed is as convenient as possible so they can get straight back to the job. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˛˞

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PHAM SEPT21:Layout 1 01/09/2021 12:26 Page 35

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers 'ĢŭŶĢłóŶĢƑā ùāŭĢėłŭ Öłù ƩłĢŭĞāŭ Recent additions to the extensive range of radiators from The Radiator Company include a number of exciting new OP^TRY^ LYO ʭYT^SP^ The Ceramica collection is designed using patented technology and is available in both horizontal and vertical QZ]XL_^ TY _S]PP OTʬP]PY_ OP^TRY []ZʭWP^% ;LaTL [TN_`]PO ]TRS_ >PY^Z LYO AL]PYYL 0LNS SL^ L OT^_TYN_TaP tactile surface and high-\`LWT_d ʭYT^S all available in hydronic and electric Z[_TZY^ 1Z] _SP PYaT]ZYXPY_LWWd XTYOPO _ST^ new range holds extra appeal because it T^ XLY`QLN_`]PO `^TYR XL]MWP [ZbOP] a by-product of the marble-cutting []ZNP^^ ?SP [ZbOP] T^ _SPY NZXMTYPO with water and binding agents using a low-temperature production process that uses less energy and has low CO2 PXT^^TZY^ Another sustainable option is _SP >PMTYZ ]LYRP [TN_`]PO MPWZb Manufactured with aluminium to provide an energy-PʯNTPY_ LYO PNZfriendly radiator with very low water NZY_PY_ LYO _SP LMTWT_d _Z SPL_ \`TNVWd this sleek designer radiator comes with a ˚˙-year guarantee and is available in four SPTRS_^ LYO _S]PP bTO_S^ Other additions to the range include

the ornate Bohemia two-column cast iron ]LOTL_Z]^ LaLTWLMWP TY _S]PP SPTRS_^ LYO `[ to ˝˙ ^PN_TZY^ bT_S L NSZTNP ZQ ˜˙ OTʬP]PY_ =,7 NZWZ`]^ Z] ^[PNTLW ʭYT^SP^ TYNW`OTYR M`]YT^SPO LYO RLWaLYTePO NZ[[P] ,W^Z YPb _SP <`LO]P ]LYRP ZQ _ZbPW rails are available in four heights and _S]PP bTO_S^ LYO NLY MP ʭYT^SPO TY ˚ˡˡ RAL colours and ˜˙ ^[PNTLW ʭYT^SP^ ?Z ^`[[Z]_ _SP VPd []ZO`N_^ _SP NZX[LYd LW^Z ZʬP]^ L bTOP ]LYRP ZQ ]LOTL_Z] LNNP^^Z]TP^ Q]ZX aLWaP^ _Z [T[P NZaP]^ LYO [PR^ ɭ,_ ?SP =LOTL_Z] .ZX[LYd bP SZ[P to provide our customers with a radiator QZ] LYd OP^TRY ^[PNTʭNL_TZY ɮ ^Ld^ ,WPc -`]RP^^ YL_TZYLW ^LWP^ XLYLRP] “Our regional sales teams are on hand to answer any questions on our new or pre-existing ranges and are prepared _Z ^`[[Z]_ dZ` dZ`] M`^TYP^^ LYO dZ`] NWTPY_^ ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˛˟

pŋŶĞĢłė ŭÖƘŭ classic like cast iron -L^PO TY 7TYNZWY^ST]P ;LWLOTY T^ VYZbY for producing high quality cast iron ]LOTL_Z]^ OT^_TYR`T^SPO Md ʭYP OP_LTW LYO TY_]TNL_P OP^TRY^ ,WW ZQ T_^ ]LOTL_Z]^ L]P hand-M`TW_ ʭYT^SPO LYO _P^_PO TY-house L_ T_^ ZbY QLN_Z]d ,WW ;LWLOTY ]LOTL_Z]^ L]P N`^_ZX XLOP ^[PNTʭNLWWd _LTWZ]PO _Z _SP N`^_ZXP]^ɪ YPPO^ .ZXTYR TY L ]LYRP ZQ NZWZ`]^ LYO ^TeP^ N`^_ZXP]^ NLY OP^TRY L `YT\`P ]LOTL_Z] bT_S _SPT] ZbY TYOTaTO`LW _Z`NS The vintage style of these radiators suits them for both classic and contemporary SZXP^ N]PL_TYR L ^_L_PXPY_ [TPNP TY LYd ]ZZX

35.indd 1

,WW ]LOTL_Z]^ ]PNPTaP L MP^[ZVP ʭYT^S bT_S L NSZTNP ZQ =,7 LYO 1L]]Zb LYO -LWW NZWZ`]^ bSTNS NLY MP N`^_ZX XL_NSPO Z] ^[PNTLWT^PO [LTY_ PʬPN_^ LYO SLYO [ZWT^SPO ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˛ˠ

01/09/2021 09:54

PHAM SEPT21:Layout 1 02/09/2021 15:26 Page 36

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Earn more points with Henrad ;L]_ ZQ _SP >_PW]LO 2]Z`[ 3PY]LO ZʬP]^ L bTOP ]LYRP ZQ ]LOTL_Z] solutions, including Compact, 7>? []PXT`X [LYPW OP^TRYP] radiators and towel rails. Another MPYPʭ_ QZ] >_PW]LO TY^_LWWP]^ T^ that members of the company’s Loyalty Club can now include premium Henrad products as part of their prize-winning points total. First launched in late ˛˙˚ˢ, registered installers are sent regular emails with their points _Z_LW LYO bTWW ʭYO Z`_ LMZ`_ YPb products and promotions before anyone else. Head of marketing Chris Harvey explains: “It’s a simple concept – installers buy our premium products, they register as members of the Loyalty Club, upload their invoices for the products they have bought and in return they get ˚˙ points for every £˚˙˙ they spend. They can redeem their points for rewards

36.indd 1

Energy saving heat and light cooling

in the rewards catalogue, choosing from branded clothing and tools or they can save the points and exchange them for []ZO`N_^ TQ _SPd []PQP] ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˛ˡ

New from Jaga UK is Dynamic Boost Hybrid (DBH) technology, specially developed to boost heat outputs and provide light cooling with renewable energy systems such as heat pumps and solar energy. It ]P[WLNP^ _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ /dYLXTN -ZZ^_ 0ʬPN_ /-0 []ZO`N_ bT_S _SP VPd [ZTY_ ZQ OTʬP]PYNP MPTYR _SP ability to provide light cooling with any heat pump that can supply cooling water. The DBH technology uses small electric thermal activators placed on top of the heat exchanger inside the Jaga Low-H2O radiator to force convection. This ^TRYTʭNLY_Wd MZZ^_^ _SP ]LOTL_Z] Z`_[`_ Md _bZ _Z three times without increasing its size. ɭBSPY [LT]PO bT_S L WZb ʮZb _PX[P]L_`]P system, most emitters require a large surface area _Z ^`ʯNTPY_Wd SPL_ _SP ]ZZX ɮ Pc[WLTY^ 8/ ;STW

8LYRYLWW ɭ/-3 LWWZb^ dZ` _Z ^`M^_LY_TLWWd ]PO`NP the size of the radiator, freeing up valuable wall space and improving the aesthetics of the room. The system is almost inaudible and works with the majority of wall-mounted, free-^_LYOTYR LYO _]PYNS ^ZW`_TZY^ ɮ The DBH activators are triggered automatically bSPYPaP] SZ_ bL_P] ʮZb^ _S]Z`RS _SP SPL_ exchanger, and once the room reaches the desired _PX[P]L_`]P bL_P] ^_Z[^ ʮZbTYR _S]Z`RS _SP SPL_ PcNSLYRP] LYO _SP /-3 LN_TaL_Z]^ _`]Y Zʬ VPP[TYR energy consumption low. “As the demand for cooling increases, we wanted to come up with a more environmentally friendly, energy-PʯNTPY_ ^ZW`_TZY _SL_ NLY MP PL^TWd ]P_]Zʭ__PO LYO OZP^Yɪ_ NZ^_ _SP PL]_S ɮ LOO^ 8LYRYLWW “Updating our proven DBE system to also provide light cooling was the obvious solution and has already proven to be a huge success in Europe and other parts ZQ _SP bZ]WO ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˛ˢ

02/09/2021 12:10

PHAM SEPT21:Layout 1 02/09/2021 10:21 Page 37

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Radiators & Towel Warmers 37 A bigger choice

Keeping bathrooms both safe and warm Combining style and ^LQP_d ,6Bɪ^ QLXTWd of LST solutions includes the LST Towel Warmer to help keep bathrooms warm and cosy, while being safe to the touch. The glycol ʭWWPO SPL_ PWPXPY_ ensures an even heat of ˝˜°C throughout the towel warmer, providing safely controlled levels of heat no matter the time of day or night. 0L^d _Z TY^_LWW LYO requiring minimal wiring, the LST Towel Warmer can be connected via a timer for those users ZYWd bLY_TYR T_ Z[P]L_TZYLW L_ ^[PNTʭN _TXP^ 4_ T^ LaLTWLMWP in superior chrome or white, as straight or curved options, and comes in ˡ˙˙mm and ˚˛˙˙mm heights. The curved towel warmer is available in ˞˙˙mm widths and the straight option comes in both ˜˙˙mm and ˞˙˙mm. The LST Towel Warmers are said to be an ideal solution for any family home with small children or older members, helping to minimise any risk of burns. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˜˙

37 V2.indd 1

When safety is a priority

Gloucester-ML^PO ,[ZWWZ =LOTL_Z]^ ZʬP]^ []ZO`N_^ in ˝ˢ powder coated colours within ˚˙ days, with ^_LYOL]O ʭYT^SP^ LaLTWLMWP TY _bZ OLd^ ?SP NZX[LYdɪ^ aP]_TNLW SZ]TeZY_LW LYO WZb level radiators can be chosen from a wide choice of contemporary steel designer radiators, stainless steel decorative radiators, aluminium and classic steel column radiators. There is also an extensive choice of bathroom radiators, from contemporary stainless steel designer towel rails to traditional brass towel radiators with chrome, polished brass LYO YTNVPW ʭYT^SP^ ;TN_`]PO T^ _SP ,[ZWWZ 8ZYeL LW`XTYT`X SZ]TeZY_LW NZW`XY ]LOTL_Z] ?Z OZbYWZLO _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ WL_P^_ M]ZNS`]P please use the online readerlink below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˜˛

Available from Towelrads, the Ultra Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiator is one of the only products on the market to be _P^_PO LYO NP]_TʭPO _Z _SP WL_P^_ 93> 0^_L_P^ ɩ^LQPɪ N]T_P]TL bSTNS SL^ ^`[P]^POPO _SP []PaTZ`^ /9˝ testing standard. This ensures no part of the casing will exceed ˝˜°C at any one time. For ease of installation, the Ultra can be delivered and installed in two phases – cutting down on storage and potential damage on site. ?SP 7>? ]LYRP T^ U`^_ ZYP []ZO`N_ TY _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ Pc[LYOTYR portfolio for the commercial sector, which now includes Compact Panel radiators, Flat Front and Flat Lined Compact ]LOTL_Z]^ 0WPN_]TN ;LYPW SPL_P]^ LYO .ZW`XY ]LOTL_Z]^ LWW available from stock and delivered on a next day basis. 1Z] _SP MPYPʭ_ ZQ L]NST_PN_^ LYO NZY^`W_LY_^ ?ZbPW]LO^ []ZO`N_^ L]P YZb WT^_PO ZY 9-> >Z`]NP LYO _SP NZX[LYd LW^Z ZʬP]^ L Q`WW NPY_]LW SPL_TYR OP^TRY ^P]aTNP QZ] OPaPWZ[P]^ LYO contractors. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˜˚

02/09/2021 10:02

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Oil Heating 39

Providing the evidence for HVO potential Consumer research suggests that there is a mismatch between the cost of low carbon heating solutions and homeowner priorities, but renewable liquid fuels could offer an affordable way to meet carbon reduction targets. Paul Rose from OFTEC argues that the success of recent HVO trials proves that it represents a viable solution for off-grid homes.

he need to reduce emissions from home heating is non-negotiable, but how this is achieved for the many different types of properties across the UK is still to be decided. For any homes situated off the gas grid, government plans currently support only a narrow range of low carbon heating solutions which can be costly and disruptive to install, especially in older, larger or poorly insulated properties. Yet a new survey of almost 1500 oil heated households clearly highlights that when it comes to decarbonising home heating, consumers are looking for choice, simplicity and value for money. Some 93% of survey respondents emphasised the importance of having choice, with over two thirds saying they would opt for the solution that offers best value for money. Only 7% said they would select the best solution, regardless of cost, while more than half would go for the system that is least disruptive to install.

Paul Rose

CEO of OFTEC

Renewable liquid fuels such as HVO offer oil heating households a simpler, more affordable way to decarbonise their homes.

Mind the gap

Family home

There is an obvious mismatch here between the solutions consumers can currently access and what they need to encourage action. Unless this gap is bridged – or at least narrowed – many homeowners will be unwilling or unable to make the changes necessary to their homes to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero target. To help address these barriers to change, OFTEC and the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) are trialling a fossil free, renewable alternative to heating oil called HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in homes and businesses across the country. The trial results so far confirm that HVO, which is made from sustainably certified waste materials and can reduce carbon emissions by almost 90%, works in all existing oil heating systems following a simple conversion process that typically costs around £500. Renewable liquid fuels such as HVO offer oil heating households a simpler, more affordable way to decarbonise their homes. They also enable government to make immediate, deep cuts in emissions and will secure a future for the liquid fuel industry – a win, win, win situation. As part of the trials, HVO is already successfully running in over 20 properties up and down the country, with plans to significantly expand the project over the coming months, including bringing a whole village in the South West on board.

One of the trial success stories is the ﬁrst home in Scotland to run on HVO. The heating system in Jodie Allan’s Stirlingshire home has undergone a simple conversion to switch from heating oil to HVO. Jodie, who is MD of fuel distributors James D Bilsland, says: “We switched to HVO in March and everything has gone smoothly, with no diﬀerence to the heating. The HVO is stored in our existing 1200 litre tank and it is estimated we will use around 20 litres a day in the colder months. “Hopefully the results can convince others that switching from fossil fuels to HVO is the way forward.”

 Jodie Allan and family at their Stirlingshire home which has been converted from heating oil to HVO

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Church goer Another more unusual building taking part in the trials is the ﬁrst church in the country to be heated by HVO, supplied by South West fuel distributor Mitchell & Webber. Dating back to 1865, Stithians Methodist Church (pictured above) would be unsuitable for alternative low carbon heating solutions without extensive and expensive insulation measures that would ruin the structure and character of the Victorian building. The Church Committee has welcomed the simple, inexpensive switch to HVO and hopes other places of worship will follow their lead.

Raising the bar In the East of England, a further HVO ﬁrst is underway at a 300 year old pub. The Five Horseshoes Inn in the South Lincolnshire village of Barholm is set in a conservation area and like many other older,

rural properties is energy inefficient. As a result of the building’s uninsulated solid walls, solid and suspended timber floors and single glazing in most doors and windows, the pub is expensive to heat and remains cold in the winter. The transition to HVO has been supported by EOGB Energy Products, which has replaced the old 1970s oil fired boiler with an HVO modulating boiler and smart controls, while Crown Oil Ltd has provided a new bunded steel oil storage tank. Landlady Emma Freeman is delighted to be part of the pioneering trials: “For us, the conversion ticks two boxes. From an energy point of view the place will be much warmer thanks to a better heating system and improved insulation, and environmentally, we know we are doing our bit to make a difference.”

Future ready OFTEC and UKIFDA have launched a new campaign called Future Ready Fuel to encourage consumers to get behind the drive to secure government support for an HVO solution. OFTEC registered oil heating technicians and UKIFDA fuel distributors are actively promoting the campaign to their customers and it is hoped that, alongside the trade associations’ ongoing work with rural MPs, BEIS ministers and the Treasury, HVO will soon be accepted as part of government’s oﬀ-grid carbon reduction policy. For more details about the Future Ready campaign, use the online readerlink below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/33

01/09/2021 11:56

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Oil Heating

Low carbon alternative close to hand

Extensive R&D at Riello means we can oﬀer our OEM customers full HVO test data to ensure current equipment is fully HVO ready.

Affordable solution

In the search for alternatives to fossil fuels, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a promising candidate for replacing kerosene or gas oil in oil ﬁred boilers. Graham Barker from Riello explains

s the government seeks to introduce carbon saving measures, it’s clear that it sees considerable potential for heating buildings with heat pumps as a replacement for the traditional boiler-driven central heating. Moreover, with oil fired heating in the UK representing just over 6% of the total central heating market, this sector is seen by some as ‘easy pickings’ for electrification. However, this view ignores the fact that many properties using oil fired heating also have low insulation levels and would require massive investment to make them viable for heat pump heating alone. This is why we would argue that alternative options, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) should be considered.

Renewable alternatives To that end, the oil industry and OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) have been developing ‘renewable heating liquids’ to replace heating oil derived from fossil fuels, such as kerosene and gas oil. Options being assessed include blended bio liquids sourced from virgin feedstock such as rape and palm

BY NUMBERS

90% The condensate from HVOs is almost pH neutral, making it 90% less acidic than kerosene

Graham Barker

Residential key account director at Riello

HVO provides a near drop-in replacement for kerosene in residential heating systems and a full drop-in for gas oil , generally, for commercial and industrial heating equipment

88% A switch to pure HVO provides an estimated 88% reduction on carbon compared to fossil fuels

£500 Estimated cost to upgrade a current oil boiler to HVO

30MT Global forecasts show large increases in the production of HVO, rising to 30MT per annum by 2025

Riello is working closely with OEM customers to ensure that current equipment is HVO ready

40.indd 1

seed, along with fully renewable liquid fuels derived from certiﬁed waste fats and used cooking oils (UCO), such as HVO. Early studies with percentage-blend FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) bio liquid proved disappointing in terms of carbon reductions, and it’s clear we need to look at switching to a 100% renewable fuel source (rather than a

percentage blend), at a low cost to the householder. This is where HVO comes in, providing a near ‘drop-in’ replacement for kerosene in residential heating systems, and a full ‘drop-in’ for gas oil for, generally, commercial and industrial heating equipment. HVO is non-toxic, noncarcinogenic, biodegradable, has no smell and is much safer to store compared to current fossil fuels. The condensate produced from the combustion of HVO is almost pH neutral, making it over 90% less acidic than kerosene and gas-oil condensate. A switch to 100% HVO provides an estimated 88% reduction in carbon, compared to current fossil fuels. Crucially, HVO has also received ISCC certiﬁcation (International Sustainability Carbon Certiﬁcate) to verify it as a sustainable fuel produced from waste liquids that does not contribute to deforestation. There are also studies under way to develop HVO processing from a wider range of waste streams, including municipal waste.

Easy switch-over When switching from kerosene, fuel pump pressure has to be increased to provide improved atomisation of the fuel and accommodate the higher ﬂash point of HVO (approx. 78°C compared to 38°C for kerosene). Also, oil nozzle outputs must also be recalculated due to diﬀerences in viscosity and density of HVO when compared to kerosene. The increased operating pressure of the oil pump must also be factored into the nozzle size, and burner air settings may require some minor adjustment.

The cost of upgrading a current oil boiler to HVO is estimated at around £500, far less than conversion to heat pump technology, and likely to form part of a service visit. As the take-up of heat pumps increases, the use of renewable liquid fuels such as HVO will provide initial carbon reductions necessary for government targets whilst also minimising costs to householders. Potentially, therefore, HVO will make the switch to renewables easier and more affordable for the off-grid sector – an important consideration as government financial support for switching is likely to be reduced following the expense of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, it has been suggested that the high cost of upgrading the electrical network will make 600,000 to 1,000,000 homes unsuitable for heat pumps. Some homes may adopt a hybrid system mixing a back-up boiler (ideally running on HVO) with low carbon heat sources.

Meeting demand Global forecasts show large increases in the production of HVO over the next ﬁve years with, potentially, current global production of 7MT per annum increasing to approximately 30MT per annum by 2025. This will more than suﬃce for the UK demand. A phased transition, over an expected 15-year period, will ease pressure on the supply chain. Ultimately, government policy has to be technologyneutral and consider a combination of options to avoid penalising householders in hard-to-heat homes. Thus, it’s clear that adopting a switch to HVO will greatly assist the government in achieving its 2050 net zero targets.

Avoiding disruption

OFTEC recently surveyed 1000 rural properties and found that 75% of respondents would be unlikely to install a heat pump, even with government financial incentives – largely because of the disruption of improving thermal insulation to make a heat pump feasible. This makes it clear that government needs to find affordable and practical solutions, including HVO. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/34

01/09/2021 12:03

PHAM SEPT21 GRANT:Layout 1 18/08/2021 13:10 Page 1

PHAM SEPT21:Layout 1 01/09/2021 12:21 Page 42

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Oil Heating

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here are over ˚̍˞ million rural and Zʬ -grid homes in the UK reliant on heating oil. If there is an average of four people inhabiting each home, this means around ˟ million people require heating oil for warm water and central heating. Oil boilers have evolved over time, both in _P]X^ ZQ ʮ PcTMTWT_d ZQ ^T_TYR LYO NZY^_]`N_TZY One of the main drivers of change has been PYP]Rd Pʯ NTPYNd WPRT^WL_TZY ˛˙˚ˡ saw NOc PXT^^TZY^ TY_]ZO`NPO L^ [L]_ ZQ _SP 0YP]Rdrelated Products (ErP) Directive that limited oil boilers to ˚˛˙mg/kWh.

WLNVTYR TY PYP]Rd Pʯ NTPYNd Z] NZ`WO even be non-condensing. Given the age LYO SL]XQ`W PXT^^TZY^ []ZO`NPO Md ^`NS units, we urge installers to recommend _SP^P L]P `[R]LOPO LYO ]P[WLNPO Md XZ]P Pʯ NTPY_ []ZO`N_^ L^ ^ZZY L^ [Z^^TMWP

ķŽā ƪ ÖĿā ũāƑŋķŽŶĢŋł

Know your NOx NOc WPaPW^ L]P ^`MUPN_PO _Z NZY_TY`Z`^ ^N]`_TYd P^[PNTLWWd RTaPY _SP SPLW_S TX[WTNL_TZY^ LYO _SP OLYRP]^ ZQ LT] [ZWW`_TZY :WOP] ZTW MZTWP]^ ʭ __PO before the ˛˙˚ˡ regulations use basic burner _PNSYZWZRd bSTNS L]P PL^TWd ]PNZRYT^PO Md _SPT] dPWWZb ʮ LXP – a sure-ʭ ]P ^TRY _SP MZTWP] T^

Sean Keleher

National technical manager at Navien

4Y Z]OP] _Z NZX[Wd bT_S _SP YPNP^^L]d legislation (as well as be future-proofed against more stringent limits on NOc) manufacturers have developed XZO`WL_TYR MW`P ʮ LXP M`]YP]^ ?SP^P components are cleaner and greener TY NZX[L]T^ZY _Z _SPT] dPWWZb ʮ LXP counterparts – LYO ^SZ`WO NP]_LTYWd MP embraced as the sole oil heating option of choice from now on. ?SP []TYNT[WP ZQ MW`P ʮ LXP _PNSYZWZRd is transforming heating oil into a high []P^^`]P aL[Z]T^PO ^[]Ld aTL L []PNT^P \`LWT_d YZeeWP []TZ] _Z MPTYR []PXTcPO with the air required for combustion. It is then drawn in through the burner _Z []ZO`NP L NWPLY MW`P ʮ LXP bSTNS produces far lower NOc emissions _SLY LY_T\`L_PO dPWWZb ʮ LXPO `YT_^ The upshot of this is a far superior, greener oil boiler that installers can Zʬ P] _Z N`^_ZXP]^ bSPY L WTVP-for-like replacement is required. All our oil boiler products have Blue 1WLXP _PNSYZWZRd L^ PcPX[WTʭ PO Md Z`] LCBˠ˙˙ -W`P 1WLXP ZTW MZTWP]^ 9Z_ ZYWd L]P _SP^P `YT_^ STRSWd Pʯ NTPY_ bT_S ultra-low NOc emissions of ˞ˠmg/kWh), _SPd L]P LW^Z :[PY?SP]X ]PLOd PY^`]TYR immediate access to the latest heating NZY_]ZW _PNSYZWZRd

mÖƗĢĿĢŭĢłė óŋłŶũŋķ >`NS WPaPW^ ZQ NZY_]ZWWLMTWT_d ]PXLTY TY_PR]LW _Z LNSTPaTYR L Q`WWd Pʯ NTPY_ ZTW SPL_TYR ^d^_PX @_TWT^TYR MW`P ʮ LXP ZTW boilers with features such as a smart frontal control panel makes servicing and commissioning straightforward, as engineers are able to access all the essential information required at the touch of a button. Additional components ^`NS L^ LY LT] []P^^`]P ^PY^Z] ,;> NLY PYSLYNP ZaP]LWW ^LQP_d Md PY^`]TYR ^_LMWP combustion, while a combined PRV and condensate drain aids maintenance without compromising performance. The OpenTherm capabilities of modern oil boilers provide even more control options, as this communications protocol can then adjust the amount of SPL_ OPWTaP]PO Md _SP MZTWP] LNNZ]OTYR _Z OPXLYO Md ]PO`NTYR _SP ʮ Zb _PX[P]L_`]P to a minimum. This sophisticated level ZQ XZO`WL_TZY XLcTXT^P^ Pʯ NTPYNd L^ it allows the boiler to operate at lower ʮ Zb _PX[P]L_`]P^ QZ] WZYRP] ?ST^

42.indd 1

in conjunction with the low return temperatures and delta T of ˛˙°C, enables modern oil boilers to run in NZYOPY^TYR XZOP QZ] Pc_PYOPO [P]TZO^ of time. -d LOOTYR ^XL]_ NZY_]ZW^ PYO `^P]^ can then set the level of comfort that MP^_ ^`T_^ _SPX bSTWP ^TX`W_LYPZ`^Wd XTYTXT^TYR PYP]Rd bL^_P LYO Q`PW consumption. Using heating controls that work in conjunction with mobile apps also enables homeowners to set _SPT] MP^[ZVP []PQP]PYNP^ LNNZ]OTYRWd P^[PNTLWWd bSPY PXM]LNTYR QPL_`]P^ such as geofencing and weather compensation.

ťÖóā ŭÖƑĢłė Advances in construction have resulted in oil boilers being more compact in ^TeP ^Z _SPd YL_`]LWWd _LVP `[ XTYTXLW ^[LNP TY^TOP Z] Z`_^TOP L []Z[P]_d LYO in comparison to other fuel options, MPYPʭ _ Q]ZX LY PcNPWWPY_ SPL_ ]PWPL^Pto-cost ratio. As a result, the latest NZYOPY^TYR ZTW ʭ ]PO `YT_^ NLY Z[P]L_P L_ LWXZ^_ SLWQ _SP NZ^_ ZQ L _d[TNLW ˛˞-dPL]old boiler – while remaining simple to install, service and maintain. ,^ _SP SPL_TYR TYO`^_]d MPRTY^ to look towards a more sustainable future, it is now possible for oil heating ^d^_PX^ _Z MP NZYaP]_PO _Z ]`Y Zʬ 3dO]Z_]PL_PO APRP_LMWP :TW 3A: which can further reduce carbon PXT^^TZY^ Md ˢ˙%. Manufacturers ZQ XZOP]Y MZTWP]^ bTWW SLaP LW]PLOd future-proofed their products to ensure _SPd NLY Z[P]L_P bT_S _ST^ LW_P]YL_TaP Q`PW ^Z`]NP bSTNS bTWW MP VPd L^ _SP @6 WZZV^ _ZbL]O^ LNSTPaTYR eP]Z NL]MZY

¦āŭŶ ũāŭŽķŶŭ :1?0. ]P[Z]_^ _SL_ PL]Wd ]P^`W_^ from UK-wide trials of a renewable alternative to kerosene suggest that the YPb WT\`TO Q`PW bZ]V^ TY aT]_`LWWd LWW PcT^_TYR ZTW SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ bT_S ^ZXP ]P\`T]TYR ZYWd ^TX[WP XZOTʭ NL_TZY^ bSTWP ]PO`NTYR NL]MZY PXT^^TZY^ Md almost ˢ˙% (see page ˜ˢ). >Z L^ _SP R]PPY LRPYOL MPRTY^ _Z _LVP shape, the oil heating sector is ahead of the game, with the clever manufacturers SLaTYR LW]PLOd TYaP^_PO TY OPaPWZ[TYR MW`P ʮ LXP _PNSYZWZRd ;]ZO`N_^ PX[WZdTYR _ST^ L]P Q`_`]P-proofed well TY LOaLYNP ZQ LYd Q`]_SP] LOU`^_XPY_^ _Z PYP]Rd Pʯ NTPYNd ]PR`WL_TZY^ LYO legislation, so it is imperative this _PNSYZWZRd T^ PXM]LNPO _Z PY^`]P ZTW MZTWP]^ ]PXLTY _SP SPL_TYR Z[_TZY _SL_ɪ^ _SP ^XL]_P^_ NSZTNP TY ]`]LW LYO Zʬ -grid homes for the foreseeable future. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˢ˛˚̓˜˞

01/09/2021 10:32

PHAM SEPT21 FIREBIRD:Layout 1 26/08/2021 16:11 Page 1

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Oil Heating

Driving home the benefits of a greener fuel for customers An installer from North Yorkshire is working with Firebird to help spread the word about the benefits of HVO by fuelling his van with the renewable alternative to traditional heating oil. He explains why he is confident that it is only a matter of time before HVO is more widely used.

s highlighted elsewhere in this feature, the oil heating market has made significant progress in developing a carbon free alternative to domestic heating oil – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Now, UK manufacturer Firebird is looking to offer customers the benefit of an even greener supply chain, having linked up with an installer from York who is believed to be the first business owner in the country to fuel his work van with HVO. Firebird says that the partnership is an ideal fit for its future-proofed commercial and domestic boilers that are fossil fuel free and ready for the switch to HVO. The company’s three manufacturing sites in England, Northern Ireland and Ireland are already powered by the fuel. Putting HVO into practice is viewed as an important step for Firebird to

I knew HVO could be successfully used to heat homes and businesses but I wanted to know if it could stand the test of being used to fuel my work van

realise its net zero ambitions and also for its customers to make more environmentally driven decisions. HVO is an advanced fossil free fuel derived from 100% renewable waste streams. It is being used across a number of industries, from fuelling jets to data centres, manufacturing sites to nursing homes, and Firebird has ensured that its boilers are HVO ready for the switch, when its customers are.

On the right road Plumber and heating engineer Alan Marcon (pictured), heads up Green and Reliable Heating in Whixley, near York, and has spent numerous years installing Firebird’s boilers. Having learned about the company’s success in modifying its boilers for use with HVO, Alan decided to investigate how suitable the fuel would be for use in commercial vehicles. “I knew HVO could be

Long time on the list for trusted efficiency For over 15 years, Grant oil boilers have been endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust, the independent organisation that aims to help householders make informed decisions about their energy choices by identifying efficient solutions and products.

44 (Firebird).indd 1

successfully used to heat homes and businesses, but I wanted to know if it could stand the test of being used to fuel my work van, my VW transporter,” Alan explains. “We all want to be as green and sustainable as we can, but there didn’t seem to be any viable solution for work vehicles. I didn’t know of any electric vehicle that was suitable for carrying the load of heavy tools and driving the distance that you’d need from a commercial vehicle. “As with Firebird’s boilers, there was no modification required - switching to HVO was so simple, inexpensive and easy. I’m delighted and proud to say my work van is the first commercial vehicle in my industry that is carbon zero and it works just as well, if not better. “It’s only a matter of time before HVO is widely used and regarded as a greener and more viable alternative to fossil fuel. It’s this belief and knowledge

that makes me really enjoy working with Firebird as a business and with its boilers, which are fossil fuel free ready.” Gary Davies, national sales manager with Firebird, explains that partnering with Alan Marcon gives the company’s customers the added advantage of knowing they’re choosing an even greener supply chain: “Our belief is that over time, and hopefully not before long, the entire supply chain could be run on HVO, which would make it almost 100% free of carbon emissions. “Customers will have the power to make an enormous impact on the environment by switching to HVO for their home heating and in their purchasing decisions. Choosing Firebird gives that peace of mind, knowing that our customers’ needs and our responsibility to the environment are the key drivers behind everything we do.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/36

Helping customers to reduce their energy bills, all 63 models within the company’s Vortex and VortexBlue oil boiler ranges have achieved up to 94.5% space heating efficiencies. The boilers have thereby been entitled to display the EST Endorsed Product logo since 2006. “Developing efficient heating products has been at the heart of everything we do here at Grant for over 40 years,” says UK MD Paul Wakefield. “Whether it is our latest renewable technologies or our comprehensive range of

oil-fired boilers, we always strive to make our products the most efficient they can be and we achieve this through continuous product development. “All our oil boilers use the latest low NOx burner technology with the VortexBlue models featuring the ultra-low NOx burner, which has even lower emissions levels. We are incredibly pleased that the reliable, efficient operation of our boilers has been acknowledged by the Energy Saving Trust for so many years.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/37

02/09/2021 09:53

PHAM SEPT21 WARMFLOW:Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:55 Page 1

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Products in Action Meeting the ventilation challenge

Historic hotel, modern boilers ATAG Commercial has supplied four floor standing XL-F boilers to the historic Littlecote House Hotel, Hungerford, replacing four longstanding units as part of a major plant room renovation. This was the first installation of the XL-F in cascade in the UK. Founded in the mid-1500s, this Grade I listed Tudor manor has 208 bedrooms, a leisure club, restaurant and spa – all of which required a modern and reliable heating system. In order to fulfil the hotel’s requirements, three XL210F boilers and one XL180F floorstanding boiler were specified and installed in early 2021. The whole process was undertaken

and managed by Farehambased mechanical and electrical building service engineers, J&B Hopkins Ltd. The new boilers benefit from dual heat exchanger technology, which provides built-in redundancy, while creating a cascade system within a single unit. The XL-F boiler is a ‘plug and play’ system, with the pumps, water non-return valves, and flue non-return valves neatly integrated inside, resulting in reduced set-up time and costs. All models in the range benefit from an excellent footprint to power ratio which enables them to be fitted in small plant rooms. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/40

Heat pump solution for new homes The monobloc air to water Therma V heat pump by LG has been selected to provide heating and hot water for three new homes built by niche builder RS Construction in Sparkford, in the countryside just outside Castle Cary in Somerset. The three properties all benefit from high levels of insulation which make heat pumps the perfect solution for energy efficient, low cost

Ventilation solutions from Gilberts Blackpool have been used in the latest visitor attraction based on TV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’. The 2500m2 facility in MediaCityUK, Manchester, includes climbing walls, zip wires and tree top trails. Kimpton Energy Solutions designed and installed the mechanical building services for the back-of-house areas. The ventilation equipment provided by Gilberts was

46.indd 1

swirl diffuser with coanda plates to induct high volumes of air into the areas, without draughts or cold ‘dumping’. Gilberts’ GSXE exposed circular perforated diffusers provide extraction. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/39

Macerator pump keeps museum in ship-shape order The Saniflo Sanicubic macerator pump has been specified for a replica of the famous ship, the Golden Hinde, known for circumnavigating the globe during the 16th century under the command of Sir Francis Drake. Sitting in dry dock, the replica ship is now a stunning floating museum and events venue near London Bridge. A Sanicubic was first installed a couple of years ago in the dock beneath the ship to take the waste from two WC cubicles. It discharges waste up and along the dock walls through 35mm pipes to connect to the sewers above street level. When the team decided to install on-board facilities during the lockdown, Sanicubic fit the brief. Located beneath the floorboards in the bow of the ship, it is positioned to take waste from two new WC cubicles and basins as well as a new kitchen area in the galley. A dishwasher, sink and ice maker are all plumbed into the Sanicubic thanks to multiple outlets. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/41

heating and hot water. Roger Walters of RS Construction says he only installs renewable heating systems now: “We only build three or four new homes a year but we build them to extremely high specification so that our purchasers get real value for money. The LG Therma V monoblocs are perfect for the quality of home we build and set something of a template for other housebuilders as we head towards 2025 and the government’s ban on the use of fossil fuel heating systems.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/42

Builder opts for the ClipRail underfloor system The practical and logistical benefits, as well as the price competitiveness offered by Circoflo’s range of underfloor heating solutions, have led to its ClipRail system being used for a development of nine

designed to ensure adequate fresh air into the enclosed areas, and exhaust of used air, all while being unobtrusive in the customer facing areas. The solution was to utilise the company’s GSF omni-directional

dwellings in rural West Yorkshire. Locally based R. J. Jones installed all of the plumbing and heating services throughout the new houses - five terraced and four large detached properties. In the first five houses completed, R. J. Jones’s engineers clipped the 12mm pipe runs down across Jablite insulation, ready for the flooring contractor to lay a conventional wet screed, and connecting each circuit back to the plot-specific manifolds provided as part of the Circoflo package. The 133mm pipe spacing and good thermal transmittance via the screed will help achieve very good occupant comfort while assisting the heating systems to run at optimum efficiency. ClipRail is one of half a dozen UFH solutions offered by Circoflo for the installation of high performance and affordable heating in all types of projects. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/43

Fresh air for football club Equipment from National Ventilation has been specified for the Middlezoy Rovers FC clubhouse. The Somerset-based project used a mixture of three fans – Monsoon Zone 1 Silent fans, Monsoon ILF inline centrifugal fans, and Monsoon ACF acoustic inline fan – to provide effective ventilation in the function room, WCs, the kitchen, club room and changing rooms. The new clubhouse replaced an old WW2 building that had previously been used as changing rooms. National Ventilation’s fans have been installed to help

reduce the damp commonly associated with the wet areas in changing rooms, as well as eliminating any stale odours. In addition, the ventilation supplied means that the new function room can accommodate 200+ people to be in the room at one time. “We were happy to offer our free ventilation design service to Middlezoy Rovers FC,” says Christian Rehn, national project and design manager at National Ventilation. “We arranged a site visit before designing the system and providing the design, specification and quotation to ensure the club had the right equipment to meet the ventilation needs of the project.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/44

01/09/2021 12:11

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls

hen it comes to connected heating controls, the market is ever-growing as new technology is introduced. One of the latest additions to the connected heating control space is that of Bluetooth, a technology that most installers will have heard of, but may not have come across in heating controls before. So, what do you need to know before recommending this technology to a customer?

What’s the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity? Although both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are wireless forms of communication, the two are very diﬀerent in terms of their capabilities. Whilst Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to the internet, Bluetooth operates via a short-range data transfer between two devices.

How far will a Bluetooth connection reach and can it be used remotely? A Bluetooth connection is only short-range, meaning that any app-operated heating control featuring this type of technology will only be connected to the system when the user is at home, as this will be within range of the thermostat. Depending on the size of the house and footprint of their property, some customers may ﬁnd that the Bluetooth range also extends into the garden or driveway.

Who is a Bluetooth heating control suitable for? The ﬂexible nature of Bluetooth connected products means that installers are able to oﬀer a solution that meets the needs

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Knowing about the benefits of Bluetooth Bluetooth may have been around for quite some time, but it is one of the technologies that is more recently being incorporated into heating controls for a simplified customer experience. Here Dave Kempster from Drayton answers some of the commonly asked questions about Bluetooth technology and how it can benefit both installers and homeowners. of any customer – whether they be a tech-savvy family looking to upgrade their system or an older customer who is simply after a control that they can simply set and forget about. A heating control with Bluetooth connection is a great option for customers who may be looking for the convenience of altering their heating schedule on an app, like a smart control, but don’t necessarily need or want the ability to adjust their heating schedule when they’re out of the house. For many homeowners, this level of control would likely be more than enough while still offering the level of convenience they’re after when it comes to managing the schedule easily. This type of product is also ideally suited for local authority and social housing jobs, as well as private landlords. Over recent years, the interest in smart and connected technology has significantly increased amongst tenants, with some taking it upon themselves to replace the system in place with a smart alternative. A hybrid heating control, like our new Digistat, helps satisfy this demand, allowing tenants to benefit from the ease-of-use

of an app-controlled heating system, without needing to have Wi-Fi in place. Not only is this great for properties where change of occupancy may be quite frequent, but it also means that once a tenant has vacated the property, the short-range nature of a Bluetooth connection means they will no longer be able to access or control the heating system via the app on their phone at a later date.

New Digistat

Dave Kempster

Future oﬃce manager at Drayton

The ﬂexible nature of Bluetooth connected products means that installers are able to offer a solution that meets the needs of any customer

The new Digistat is the ﬁrst hybrid heating control from Drayton that combines the familiarity and simplicity of its popular Digistat range with the connected technology found in smart heating controls. The Bluetooth connectivity allows a user to manage the system via the Wiser Home app where they can utilise the smart modes, such as Away Mode and Delayed Start, which oﬀer 24% and 10% energy savings respectively. Meanwhile, for extra convenience, Boost mode allows users to temporarily increase the desired temperature for a short period without having to adjust the schedule, whilst Timed Away Mode is ideal for pausing the schedule for longer periods of time, allowing users

to set a start and end time and date, similar to a Holiday Mode function. With the new Digistat, installation and handover is also easier than ever. Installers simply select one of the pre-set schedules for their customers, after which the homeowner can either tailor the settings via the thermostat or they can be directed to download the app where they can create a schedule suited to their daily routine. With the right system, such as the new Digistat, the app will be easy enough for users to navigate so that installers should experience fewer call-backs from customers unsure of how to adjust their settings. As well as oﬀering installer familiarity and ease of installation, with the receiver of the RF models being compatible with the standard UK wallplate, the four variants of the new Digistat all oﬀer key features such as the service interval and lockable installer settings, simplifying the selection process and streamlining the levels of stock kept in the van. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/45

CUT TO THE CHASE  Bluetooth operates via a short-range data transfer between two devices  Bluetooth heating controls are ideal for customers who like the idea of an app-controlled system without wanting to adjust their heating schedule when they’re away from home  The Digistat range allows users to manage their heating system via Drayton’s Wiser Home app

01/09/2021 12:14

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls

TRVs – good things come in small packages They may be relatively small cogs in a central heating system, but thermostatic radiator valves are essential to achieving system eﬃciency and user comfort. Here, Gareth Ash from Danfoss considers the sometimes underrated role of the TRV in reducing domestic heating costs and carbon emissions.

nvented by Danfoss back in 1943, radiator thermostats (TRV) remain essential to achieving the optimum efficiency of most ‘wet’ domestic central heating systems. This claim is supported by heating control tests carried out in the Energy House at Salford University. The results highlighted the importance of TRVs to ensure satisfactory heat distribution around a dwelling. If set up correctly they can help consumers cut their energy use by maintaining the required temperature for each room rather than just heating the whole house, including unoccupied rooms, to the same temperature. While every professional installer will be familiar with fitting TRVs, we believe the true energy-saving value of this essentially simple device is not always fully appreciated. In addition to the potential savings in fuel consumption already mentioned, when they are used as part of a hydronically balanced system, TRVs will also prevent unwanted overflows and wasted energy through the radiators. According to some figures, this could bring up to 36% of extra savings for homeowners compared with constantly open manual valves.

Informed choice Although ostensibly working to the same principle, the TRV has evolved significantly since the concept was first introduced. There are now many more options on the market, including electronic solutions that use wireless technology to provide end users with effortless (and more energy efficient) heating control via a smartphone app. This vast array of products can be daunting for even the most experienced installer. However, making an informed choice, rather than simply sticking with what you know or picking the cheapest option, can be key to keeping customers happy and securing new and repeat business.

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Gareth Ash

Danfoss marketing manager

When they are used as part of a hydronically balanced system, TRVs will also prevent unwanted overﬂows and wasted energy through the radiators

Understanding some of the main differences between the various products on the market, such as the type of sensor, can help avoid potentially costly call-backs if the TRVs don’t perform as promised. As every heating professional knows, TRVs work by sensing the air temperature around them and regulating the flow of water through the radiator they are fitted to. Inside each TRV head is a sensor containing a material which expands as the room temperature warms up and contracts when it cools down. The sensor is connected to a valve seat inside the body that opens as the sensor contracts and closes as the sensor expands to allow more or less water through. While this concept is in itself very effective, the material used inside the sensor will affect the TRV’s overall performance and accuracy. This is because different materials have different thermal properties, initially and over time. Needless to say, a TRV with a sensor that offers a faster response to a change in ambient temperature means improved comfort and energy savings. On average, response times range from just 1 minute for an

 The RAS-B2 is Danfoss’s 2-in-1 temperature control and automatic balancing valve

Electronic TRV, 10 minutes for a gas sensor, up to 22 minutes for liquid, and as much as 40 minutes for a wax sensor. We believe this diﬀerence is something installers should be aware of when selecting TRVs for their customers.

Smart heating Given the increase in smart home devices, from sound systems to refrigerators, it’s not surprising that heating controls have also got smarter, like the Danfoss Eco radiator thermostat, for example, which allows the programming of individual radiator thermostats via Bluetooth using the Danfoss Eco app. The intuitive app makes it simple for households to program the heating to suit their daily schedule and keep rooms comfortably warm when occupied, and cooler when empty. An electronic plug-and-play solution, Eco demonstrates how TRVs have evolved to become part of the ‘Internet of Things’. Quick and easy to install, these next generation controls enable consumers to experience some of the key beneﬁts of intelligent heating for a relatively low investment cost.

Balancing act Although the process of hydronic balancing is sometimes neglected during the installation and commissioning of a domestic heating system, it is essential to ensuring that the system operates at optimum efficiency for maximum consumer comfort at minimal operating cost. In a properly balanced system, water flows equally to individual radiators and prevents cold or hot spots emerging, or the property not heating at all. As well as the discomfort factor this can cause,  The Danfoss RTW bi-directional TRV features an accurate liquidfilled sensor, which reacts quickly to changes in room temperature

the efficiency of an unbalanced system is significantly reduced, increasing energy consumption and fuel bills for consumers. In another example of recent innovations in TRV technology, Danfoss has now created a high efficiency TRV with a built-in differential pressure controller for fast and simple hydronic balancing. By demonstrating a constant flow in all conditions, the Danfoss RAS-B2 ensures each radiator receives an equal flow of hot water. This not only optimises comfort but also means that the return temperature is lower (condensing boiler efficiency is best at below a return temperature of 55°C) and the pump can run at a lower speed. Furthermore, presetting of the desired flow is done on the valve, rather than on the lockshield, which it is estimated could save installers up to two hours of valuable working time.

Regulatory recognition In light of the proven benefits, the latest version of the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has made individual room controls, such as self-acting TRVs, a mandatory requirement (where feasible) for any new heating installation. And if they are not present in existing homes with radiators they should be fitted when the boiler is replaced. The long-awaited update to Part L is expected to follow the EPBD’s lead, which would mean installing basic radiator valves will no longer be an option. At Danfoss, we believe regulatory recognition of the TRV is good news for the industry and end-users. Properly selected and installed, modern TRVs offer an easy-to-fit solution for heating engineers and an affordable investment for their customers with an estimated payback period of just two heating seasons. So let’s give the humble, yet mighty, TRV the credit it so clearly deserves. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/46

02/09/2021 09:56

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls

Why it’s so important to be open minded about controls There are lots of factors to consider when choosing a thermostat, including matching the complexity of use to the user, but OpenTherm technology should be a no-brainer. Tristan James from ESi Controls explains how OpenTherm will enhance the energy efficiency of any heating system.

rom sophisticated users who want the latest WiFi controlled options, to elderly or vulnerable people who need the simplest of controls to cope with their heating system – it’s vital that there’s a full spectrum of complexity available in today’s heating controls marketplace. We here at ESi are able to offer a control suitable for any home. The decision as to which control system to include in a new build heating installation or a replacement project is not always straightforward, with a wealth of options available and a range of component combinations. It’s vital that the controls meet the requirements and limitations of the users. There is no point installing the latest WiFi or Bluetooth connected controls if the user is unable to fathom out how to use it. If they need a straightforward dial control, then that is what you should install. Clever use of controls can help minimise energy consumption by ensuring each room is at the right temperature for comfort, whilst avoiding overheating. This will help to keep your customer’s home cosy and cut their energy bills too.

Group effort

amount of heat is given to the heating system at the correct time. In terms of OpenTherm gas condensing boilers, this leads to significant energy savings by keeping condensing boilers in condensing mode for much longer durations.

ESi is just one of the companies signed up to the OpenTherm Association, working together with the aim of introducing a wider acceptance of OpenTherm as standard in the UK. Manufacturers of boilers and controls that have already evaluated the OpenTherm protocol’s compatibility with their systems include major companies in Europe with an influence in the UK – wanting to see the acceptance of the OpenTherm protocol, here in the UK marketplace. Recognising the common sense in developing a common use ‘Open’ system here in the UK, the protocol importantly also has the support of industry bodies HHIC and BEAMA, who are committed to supporting OpenTherm’s wider introduction here.

Simple solutions

Hit for six

OpenTherm allows third party control manufacturers to create a wide range of simple control solutions for boilers. Over-complicated controls can lead to energy wastage, but simplified OpenTherm controls can lead to greater flexibility. By having a range of control solutions beyond the manufacturer’s own controls, installers have freedom of choice and the knowledge that whatever OpenTherm control they choose, the boiler would always run at its most efficient point. Some OpenTherm thermostats can inform homeowners when they have run out of gas or the heating system has a leak, thanks to communications between the boiler and the thermostat. OpenTherm allows remote boiler diagnosis too, which can lead to service intervals being extended, reduced downtime and ultimately saving money. Whilst the amount that can be saved on energy costs by using OpenTherm varies

For those keen to experience the latest in heating controls technology, we have launched a new, top-of-the-range 6 Series WiFi Programmable Room Thermostat, offering the latest in heating control for homes and commercial premises here in the UK. Fully OpenTherm compatible, this new range of controls allows full control via the room thermostat or via a mobile phone or tablet, with a range of features to impress even the most demanding specifier, installer or homeowner. It includes optimum start/ stop, domestic hot water (DHW) setpoint, hot water time and temperature control when working in conjunction with a wireless cylinder thermostat, full 7 day, 5/2 day or 24 hour programming options, a boost facility, a helpful holiday mode and is an ERP Class 5 Product. The new controls are available in white or grey. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/47

u The ESRTP4RF is a 7-day, 5/2 or 24-hour wireless programmable room thermostat

Tristan James

MD of ESi Controls

Open system

CUT TO THE CHASE  Never over-specify a control that is beyond the user’s ability to grasp  Controls compatible with OpenTherm protocol enables greater energy efficiency  OpenTherm facilitates communication between a modulating boiler and a room thermostat  Over-complicated controls can lead to energy wastage, but simplified OpenTherm controls can lead to greater flexibility

t The new 6 Series WiFi programmable room thermostat complies with all relevant directives, incorporates the latest in energy efficiency technology and is OpenTherm compatible

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between installations, 10% is a reasonable estimate, and up to 15% is not uncommon. The beauty of OpenTherm is that it can be applied not just to modulation condensing gas boilers, but to any heating and hot water system that uses the OpenTherm protocol. So, an OpenTherm gas boiler and OpenTherm control fitted right now could be easily added to an OpenTherm heat pump and OpenTherm MVHR system in the future. OpenTherm can easily be changed and adapted.

As well as offering Boiler Plus compliant units, we – a member of the OpenTherm Association – offer access to the OpenTherm protocol. OpenTherm is a nonmanufacturer dependent system of communication between modulating HVAC appliances and room thermostats. It consists of a communication protocol and an interface specification that allows modulating heating appliances to communicate directly with the heating controls within the property. More and more appliance manufacturers are bringing modulating central heating systems onto the market – traditional boilers and renewable options – including many heat pumps. These appliances offer better efficiency and reduced environmental effects. However, to operate these appliances, a communication protocol between the appliance and the controller is required. It involves the addition of software only available to OpenTherm Association members. By having constant communications between the thermostat and the boiler, the heating controls can accurately control the appliance’s heating output, ensuring the correct

01/09/2021 12:17

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls

Understanding smart systems Smart heating controls will play a key role in enabling the country to operate more sustainably, so it’s essential that installers fully understand their range of capabilities - says Richard Harvey from Wolseley Plumb & Parts

efficient heating, verything installers must be is smart proficient in installing now, from smart controls and not phones get left behind by the to TVs, change. These controls cookers to fridges and will be a key enabler everything in between. for meeting the new Demand continues to regulations. rise for smart heating New Building controls in particular, Regulations will with several factors also accelerate the contributing to its retrofitting of heat popularity. Recent pumps and hybrid heat events mean people are pump systems to help spending more time that greener push. at home, leading to an Richard Harvey With new technologies increased expenditure Commercial Director for Plumbing & comes new controls on domestic Heating at Wolseley Plumb & Parts and new knowledge improvements. At the to be shared with same time, hybrid homeowners, so it’s work patterns are now important installers and their customers in place, making it more imperative that understand how to get the best out of heating systems can cope with an evereach system. changing schedule. Boilers providing domestic heating and hot water account for 80% of all What you need to know energy consumption in the home. Installers must get to grips with the According to Beama, adding upgrades basics by understanding the benefits such as advanced room thermostats of the latest smart heating systems and thermostatic radiator controls to educate customers. From better can provide homeowners with a total efficiency to providing less strain reduction of 32% on their heating bills. on heating systems (meaning less While demand continues to grow, maintenance checks), it should all be there is still a hesitancy from installers highlighted. Thermostats from the to fit smart systems into homes. Some likes of Resideo and Hive provide clear harbour a fear that this technology is information regarding the current status just another gimmick that will fade of a system, including potential issues. away without delivering the benefits. The initial outlay for multiple sensors may seem steep for some, but the increased control on heating is a good The basics talking point to advise customers. Most Firstly, it’s important to remember systems learn heating patterns and that ‘SMART’ is actually an acronym automate heating around the house, to describe what devices are capable of providing further efficiency. – SMART stands for: Self-Monitoring Another huge benefit is load Analysis & Reporting Technology. Traditional thermostats offer users basic compensation. This common feature in smart controls and thermostats helps functions including on/off, timers and maintain the user’s ideal temperature. essential temperature controls. A smart Devices measure the gap between what stat gives users complete management the internal temperature is and what the of their heating schedule through user wants it to be before modulating smartphones or tablets. They don’t the boiler, so it only uses just the fuel even have to be in the home to set the required to close the gap. temperature for rooms and start timers. Installers must also shake off the To enable homeowners to enjoy the mentality of finding the cheapest benefits of smart heating, installers option in smart heating. This is often must learn new skills to fit the most up counterproductive, as that system may to date systems. This requires installers not be the most suitable for the user. training up to understand the benefits The future of smart heating is not too and installation techniques. Most smart far away. A smart heating system will controls providers offer this for free. no longer be seen as a a gimmick, but as Multizone heating will be a staple an essential part of our lives in the same of homes for the future. With the next way as smart speakers and doorbells. update to the Building Regulations looking highly likely to feature energy ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/48

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02/09/2021 15:50

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls The Quantum range gives UFH installers wired and wireless ŋťŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ĕŽķƩķ ŶĞā mandate for individual room temperature control

Preparing for a more energy āƧóĢāłŶ ĕŽŶŽũā Individual room temperature control will soon become a mandatory installation whenever a boiler is replaced under changes to Building Regulations. .S]T^ 4YR]LX Q]ZX .ZY_TYLW @YOP]ʮZZ] 3PL_TYR Pc[WLTY^ bSL_ _ST^ XPLY^ QZ] @13 TY^_LWWP]^

Room by room

he Future Homes Standard is the government’s commitment to ensuring all new homes will have low carbon heating by ˛˙˛˞. The anticipated ban on gas boilers has been widely discussed, but what has seen less discussion are the interim changes to heating controls being introduced later this year to lay the foundations of _ST^ YPb PYP]Rd PʯNTPY_ P]L

Higher standards In October ˛˙˛˚, an interim update to Building Regulations Part L for England and Wales will make it mandatory for each room of a property to have individual room temperature NZY_]ZW^ TY LY PʬZ]_ _Z TX[]ZaP PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd TY PcT^_TYR buildings. Where a property does not already meet this level of control, it will have to be installed whenever a boiler or heat source is replaced. Until now, the requirement _Z ʭ_ ]ZZX NZY_]ZW^ LWZYR^TOP a replacement boiler has only been listed in the legislation as ‘good practice’, rather than a mandatory requirement, even though zoning was originally made a requirement back in ˛˙˙˟. In properties with

52.indd 1

radiators, the most common route to compliance will be to ʭ_ L _SP]XZ^_L_TN ]LOTL_Z] aLWaP to each radiator, but what about []Z[P]_TP^ bT_S `YOP]ʮZZ] heating (UFH)?

Chris Ingram *SYRHIV SJ 'SRXMREP 9RHIVƽSSV Heating

CUT TO THE CHASE Đ In October, Part L will require each room of a property to have its own temperature control when a boiler is installed Đ For UFH systems, individual digital thermostats can be installed in each room Đ Modern controls can futureproof homes to be ready for low carbon appliances

UFH systems are inherently XZ]P PʯNTPY_ _SLY ]LOTL_Z]^ _SLYV^ _Z WZbP] ʮZb temperatures and the way they heat the rooms, but modern control systems can take this PʯNTPYNd _Z _SP YPc_ WPaPW using digital room thermostats and zoning to give homeowners better levels of comfort and STRSP] PʯNTPYNTP^ Fitting separate thermostats for each room allows you to control the temperature individually, something that NLY M]TYR ]PLW ʭYLYNTLW ^LaTYR^ from day one. Instead of always heating every room to the same temperature, a properly zoned system with modern controls will allow users to heat just the kitchen and bathrooms ʭ]^_ _STYR TY _SP XZ]YTYR QZ] PcLX[WP _SPY MZZ^_ _SP SPL_ _Z the living areas in the evening – adapting to whatever schedule works best for that household – LWW bSTWP XLcTXT^TYR _SP ^d^_PXɪ^ PʯNTPYNd Take our Quantum controls ]LYRP QZ] PcLX[WP :`] OTRT_LW thermostats can be installed in every room of the home, with both wired and wireless options to make them easy to ʭ_ TY PaP]d ^T_`L_TZY BP ZʬP] digital thermostats that can be

app-controlled and operated remotely through a smartphone or tablet, as well as manual dial thermostats for those who []PQP] LY ZʰTYP M`_ ^_TWW PL^dto-control user interface. Each thermostat controls the ʮZb ZQ bL_P] _Z PLNS eZYP TY _SP property via the UFH system’s wiring centre, thanks to lowenergy actuators positioned on the manifold, ensuring heat is only delivered to that particular zone when it is needed.

Be renewable-ready The Part L changes coming in October make individual room control mandatory when a boiler is being installed, but even in situations where the heat source isn’t being replaced, installers should be encouraging customers to upgrade their heating controls whenever possible while other remedial work is being carried out. Advanced heating controls will not only boost a home’s PʯNTPYNd ]PO`NTYR PYP]Rd bills and improving comfort levels immediately, but they will also help to futureproof that property’s heating system, ready for the day when legislation changes make heat pumps and other low carbon systems mandatory – and minimising the disruption that switching to a low carbon system may bring. BSPYPaP] _SPd ʭ_ LY @13 system, installers should be asking if their customers want to make sure it is as easy as

possible to switch to a heat [`X[ TY ʭaP dPL]^ɪ _TXP ?SL_ XPLY^ Q`_`]P[]ZZʭYR every aspect of the system’s design to be renewable-ready, using modern controls and creating multiple zones with pipe layouts that will work PʯNTPY_Wd bT_S SPL_ [`X[^ LYO boilers alike. UFH has never been a onesize-ʭ_^-all solution – each system needs to be carefully OP^TRYPO LYO M`TW_ _Z ]PʮPN_ _SP individual needs of the property and its occupants. Changing legislation is putting even more emphasis on improving PʯNTPYNd LYO ]PO`NTYR NL]MZY emissions, and installers can MPYPʭ_ R]PL_Wd Q]ZX bZ]VTYR with a supplier who can tell you the right questions to ask before the installation starts, and who will design the system for you so you can give your customer the best possible service.

Trust the experts Our technical sales advisers provide detailed CAD plans and comprehensive installation instructions so that you have PcLN_Wd bSL_ dZ` YPPO _Z XLVP every installation a success. .]PL_TYR _SP XZ^_ PʯNTPY_ @13 system for any installation ]P\`T]P^ L WZ_ ZQ NZX[WPc calculations, so always trust the Pc[P]_^ _Z OZ _SP SL]O bZ]V QZ] you, and we’ll be on hand at the end of a phone at every stage of the installation if you need any further advice. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˞˚

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls 53

Solutions that satisfy >[PNTQdTYR _SP ]TRS_ NZY_]ZW^ T^ N]T_TNLW _Z XLVTYR ^`]P N`^_ZXP]^ RP_ _SP MP^_ Z`_ ZQ _SPT] SPL_TYR ^d^_PX LYO bTWW SPW[ PY^`]P _SPd L]P ^L_T^ʭPO bT_S _SPT] TY^_LWWL_TZY 7Teed BTWVTY^ZY Q]ZX 4OPLW 3PL_TYR WZZV^ L_ _SP Z[_TZY^

ll being well, a homeowner’s main interaction with their modern heating system won’t be with their boiler. That’s why controls are an essential part of any install. From radiator valves to programmable room thermostats, controls can be key to improving the overall home heating experience and therefore, homeowners’ lasting impression of who installed their systems. ?SPd NLY LW^Z ^TRYTʭNLY_Wd TX[]ZaP PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd L^ WZYR L^ SZ`^PSZWO^ SLaP L NWPL] `YOP]^_LYOTYR ZQ _SPT] Q`YN_TZY^ LYO SZb _Z XLVP MP^_ `^P ZQ _SPX 4Y LY TYO`^_]d where word-of-XZ`_S ]PNZXXPYOL_TZY^ L]P TYaLW`LMWP OPWTaP]TYR L []PXT`X SZXP SPL_TYR Pc[P]TPYNP _SL_ ^_LYO^ _SP _P^_ ZQ _TXP ^SZ`WO MP top priority.

ZQ PaP]d_STYR bP OZ L_ 4OPLW 3PL_TYR BPɪ]P NZXXT__PO _Z SPW[TYR Z`] WZdLW TY^_LWWP]^ to provide the best possible service to their N`^_ZXP]^ L^ _SPd WZZV _Z `[R]LOP _SPT] heating systems and boost the energy PʯNTPYNd ZQ _SPT] SZXP^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓ˢ˛˚̓˞˛

Comfort adjustment With people working from home more than ever before, homeowners want to manage their heating ^d^_PX^ PL^TWd LYO ʮPcTMWd _Z ^`T_ _SPT] PaZWaTYR WTQP^_dWP^ -PTYR LMWP _Z ^P_ X`W_T[WP PL^TWd LOU`^_LMWP SPL_TYR [P]TZO^ XPLY^ _SP ^NSPO`WP NLY MP aL]TPO _S]Z`RSZ`_ _SP OLd LYO Q]ZX ZYP OLd _Z _SP YPc_ @^P]^ bSZ^P NZY_]ZW^ QPL_`]P TY_P]YP_ NZYYPN_TaT_d LYO L[[ NZY_]ZWWPO SPL_TYR NLY XLVP Q`]_SP] changes in real time – wherever they may be. ?SP]Pɪ^ L S`RP ]LYRP ZQ NZY_]ZW^ ZY _SP XL]VP_ _ZOLd 1Z] TY^_LWWP]^ T_ɪ^ TX[Z]_LY_ _Z `YOP]^_LYO bSL_ XZ_TaL_P^ _SP N`^_ZXP] LYO _Z _LTWZ] dZ`] recommendations accordingly. For example, while the tech-^Laad SZXPZbYP] XLd QLaZ`] NZYYPN_PO NZY_]ZW^ _SL_ L]P [LNVPO bT_S LOU`^_LMWP settings, for many, the priority is a simple, easy-to`^P NZY_]ZW _SL_ _SPd NLY LOU`^_ PL^TWd .ZY_]ZW^ L]PYɪ_ U`^_ LMZ`_ OPWTaP]TYR PYSLYNPO NZXQZ]_ 3ZXPZbYP]^ _SL_ LOU`^_ _SPT] ^d^_PX _Z ^`T_ _SPT] YPPO^ NLY PYUZd MP__P] PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd L^ bPWW ɧ ^`NS L^ Md _bPLVTYR _SP ^NSPO`WP remotely if they’re going to be home late.

Hello to Halo :`] 3LWZ .ZXMT BT-1T ^XL]_ NZY_]ZW `^P^ _SP WZNL_TZY ZQ `^P]^ɪ XZMTWP^ _Z OP_P]XTYP bSP_SP] LYdZYP Q]ZX _SP SZ`^PSZWO T^ TY^TOP L []P-set ɩSZXPɪ MZ`YOL]d LYO L`_ZXL_TNLWWd _`]Y^ _SP SPL_TYR Zʬ bSPY PaP]dZYP T^ Z`_ L^ bPWW L^ _`]YTYR it on again when they’re on their way home. ,YZ_SP] MPYPʭ_ ZQ ^XL]_ NZY_]ZW^ T^ _SL_ _SPd NLY SPW[ _Z OP_PN_ LYO TOPY_TQd LYd QL`W_^ _SL_ XTRS_ MP WTXT_TYR PʯNTPYNd bT_STY _SP ^d^_PX All of this can be good for landlords, too, by SPW[TYR _SPX _Z PY^`]P _SPT] []Z[P]_TP^ NZX[Wd bT_S PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd WPRT^WL_TZY

Boiler Plus Compliance is essential for installers as well. ,WW ZQ _SP []ZO`N_^ TY Z`] 3LWZ ]LYRP TYNW`OP _TXP LYO _PX[P]L_`]P NZY_]ZW LYO PYSLYNPO load compensation as standard – an easy way _Z NZX[Wd bT_S -ZTWP] ;W`^ bSPY TY^_LWWTYR L replacement combi boiler. ?SP 3LWZ T^ NZX[L_TMWP bT_S 4OPLW 7ZRTN LYO AZR`P NZXMT MZTWP]^ MZ_S ZQ bSTNS L]P [Z[`WL] among installers and homeowners alike for their PL^P ZQ `^P ]PWTLMTWT_d LYO PʯNTPYNd 4Y^_LWWP]^ LYO SZXPZbYP]^ L]P L_ _SP SPL]_

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PHAM SEPT21:Layout 1 01/09/2021 12:21 Page 54

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls

Smart way to help save energy costs

The NEA Smart ˛̍˙ from Rehau can be programmed by a smartphone or tablet

With increasing awareness of the need to save energy and build a more sustainable future, installers are expected to be able to Zʬ P] ^ZW`_TZY^ _SL_ NLY SPW[ _Z XLVP L OTʬ P]PYNP =ZM BST_YPd from Resideo explains how the use of smart control systems have an important role to play.

ith a target to install ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ heat pumps every year by ˛˙˛ˡ set by the government as part of its ‘˚˙-point plan for a Green 4YO`^_]TLW =PaZW`_TZYɪ LYO _SP switch to this type of heat source in new builds by ˛˙˛˞, the technology is playing an increasing role in decarbonising heat in our homes. However, T_ɪ^ YZ_ U`^_ SPL_ [`X[^ _SL_ TY^_LWWP]^ ^SZ`WO focus on, as heating controls also play a big role in reducing carbon emissions.

BY NUMBERS

37% the number of homeowners who say they would invest in a smart thermostat if they thought it would save them money on energy bills

the home without the need to disturb decor. This can work for those installing a heat pump too. However, a heat pump which regularly ^bT_NSP^ ZY LYO Zʬ NLYYZ_ ]`Y Pʯ NTPY_Wd WPLaTYR _SP SZXPZbYP]^ `YLMWP _Z ]PL[ _SP Q`WW ʭ YLYNTLW MPYPʭ _^ ZQ _ST^ _PNSYZWZRd >Z TQ L []Z[P]_d bT_S L SPL_ [`X[ T^ ^[WT_ TY_Z OTʬ P]PY_ eZYP^ NL]P bTWW YPPO _Z MP _LVPY _Z LaZTO ɩZaP] eZYTYRɪ LYO PY^`]P that the amount of heat called for through the controls stays within the modulation capabilities of the heat pump.

Smart zoning Due to the pandemic, we are now spending more time in our homes, meaning that heating demands are changing and increasing. A recent survey by Resideo of ˛˙˙˙ homeowners found that ˜ˠ% would buy a smart thermostat to save money on energy bills, while ˛˝% said this would also enable them to have greater control over the temperature ZQ _SPT] SZXP >Z Md SLaTYR L ^XL]_ eZYTYR feature available, customers can control the _PX[P]L_`]P TY ]ZZX^ _SPd L]PYɪ_ `^TYR _SP]PQZ]P saving energy and money. This functionality requires additional radiator thermostats to wirelessly measure and control _PX[P]L_`]P^ TY TYOTaTO`LW ^[LNP^ bSTNS Zʬ P]^ installers a valuable opportunity to upsell to customers. In the case of evohome, up to ˚˛ OTʬ P]PY_ ]ZZX _PX[P]L_`]P^ Z] eZYP^ NLY MP N]PL_PO LN]Z^^

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Rob Whitney Senior sales development specialist at Resideo

24% the number of homeowners who want a smart thermostat to have greater control over the temperature in their home

12 with the evohome system, up to ˚˛ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ơŋłāŭ can be created across the home without the need to disturb decor

Seasonal adjustment As we head into the autumn and winter months, naturally the need to heat our homes increases, and we all know that temperatures can suddenly drop during transition months, leaving us with an unexpected chilly snap. Advances in technology mean homeowners NLY ]PWd ZY ^XL]_P] NZY_]ZW Zʬ P]TYR^ _Z YLaTRL_P _PX[P]L_`]P ʮ `N_`L_TZY^ O`]TYR ^PL^ZYLW transition periods. Here the control monitors outside weather temperatures and communicates bT_S _SP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX _Z LOU`^_ _SP _PX[P]L_`]P within the property, so that the system is running L^ Pʯ NTPY_Wd L^ [Z^^TMWP Making even more of this function, the smart weather feature on our evohome system is OP^TRYPO _Z TX[]ZaP NZY_]ZW ZQ PLNS ZQ _SP eZYP _PX[P]L_`]P^ ]PO`NTYR _SP SPL_TYR ^d^_PXɪ^ energy usage based on the outside temperature, room temperature, the setpoint for the room, and a unique feature that learns the heat losses in each room. This is particularly useful in rooms where poor insulation or large windows can make it feel less comfortable when the outside temperature drops. 3P]P PaZSZXPɪ^ NZWO bPL_SP] MZZ^_ bTWW TYN]PL^P the set temperature when it detects a drop outside and automatically go back to normal when the outside temperature rises again. This keeps comfort levels of the room where they should be without using unnecessary energy. The same applies to the warm weather saver option. Again, it will follow the set programme to run on cooler days but will automatically reduce or ^bT_NS Zʬ _SP SPL_TYR bSPY T_ bL]X^ `[ Z`_^TOP Z] the room temperature increases. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓ˢ˛˚̓˞˜

01/09/2021 11:05

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Heating Controls 55 Two-zone option for larger properties

A new two-zone combi kit has been added to Ideal Heating’s Halo controls range. The Halo Combi 2-Zone will allow installers to introduce the internet-connected control into larger properties with more complex heating needs. For homeowners, this will provide the option to set and adjust multiple heating schedules and temperature ^P__TYR^ QZ] OTʬ P]PY_ L]PL^ ZQ _SP SZXP QZ] PcLX[WP `[^_LT]^ LYO OZbY^_LT]^ MLWLYNTYR NZXQZ]_ bT_S TX[]ZaPO PYP]Rd Pʯ NTPYNd The Halo Combi 2-Zone provides users with the all the same MPYPʭ _^ LYO QPL_`]P^ ZQ _SP 3LWZ ]LYRP ɧ TYNW`OTYR _SP LMTWT_d _Z programme up to six heating periods and vary schedules from one day to the next. The upgrade will also fully integrate with the Halo Combi Wi-Fi’s smart features, allowing users to take advantage of internet connectivity and app-controlled heating, with the added option to adapt depending on the zone. The Halo Combi 2-Zone upgrade is fully modulating on both zones and comes with a twoyear warranty. It also provides enhanced load compensation and Boiler Plus compliance ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˞˝

Smart monitoring of remote HIUs

Intelligent heating is convenient and user friendly A new temperature controller has been added to Gira System ˜˙˙˙ product family. It works in tandem with the wireless Gira eNet Smart Home, as well as wired-in KNX systems like the Gira HomeServer and the Gira X1 mini server. The new Gira room temperature controller uses a normal ˛˜˙V power line so there is no need for extra cables, a network connection or even a server. Once installed, it can be activated manually on the display device or accessed via Bluetooth and the appropriate app on a smartphone or tablet. The device allows users to set OTʬ P]PY_ _PX[P]L_`]P^ TY OTʬ P]PY_ rooms so that the heating in each room is at the optimum level. For example, the bathroom heating NLY MP ^P_ TY ]PLOTYP^^ QZ] _SP ʭ ]^_ shower of the day thanks to an automatic pre-heating function.

LWW ^d^_PX NZX[ZYPY_^ QZ] XLcTX`X Pʯ NTPYNd LYO provide operators with diagnostic reports, operational history and other data through a centralised platform. , aL]TP_d ZQ T;`W^P [LNVLRP^ LWWZb QZ] ʮ PcTMTWT_d for customers, with a full range of services, from support in HIU selection through all stages of sales, installation, commissioning, warranty support and servicing, to the annual customer billing. Other key features include access to installation maps, HIU operating condition, and status reports, alongside the ability to remotely alter temperature settings. For those who use the Inta Hiper II HIU, the T;`W^P Zʬ P]^ L STRSP] OPR]PP ZQ NZY_]ZW _SLY MPQZ]P working alongside the product’s Modbus system. If there is an issue at any point in the heat network, an engineer can be called, knowing what the issue is. Stuart Gizzi, director at Intatec, says: “We can work bT_S LYd PYP]Rd []ZaTOP] _Z PY^`]P _SP MPYPʭ _^ ZQ _SP iPulse are available to all. Remote HIU monitoring has To complement its range of Heat Interface Units (HIU), been the long-term objective for our industry - making Intatec has launched iPulse, a control and monitoring an interface unit that is electronically controlled rather solution that helps heat network operators save time than thermostatically.” LYO XZYPd ?ST^ ^ZW`_TZY LWWZb^ PYRTYPP]^ _Z NZYʭ R`]P ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˞˟

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There’s also the option to boost the heating if there’s a sudden cold snap by turning up the heat via the app. 1Z] Pc_]L OP^TRY ʮ PcTMTWT_d the room controller has over ˠ˞ frame variants to choose from, LYO aL]TZ`^ TY^P]_^ TY OTʬ P]PY_ colours and materials. Every aspect of the Gira heat elements are designed for easy ]P_]Zʭ __TYR ^Z TY^_LWWP]^ NLY

upgrade the house by using the latest wireless solutions with ease. With the Gira System ˜˙˙˙, users are able to combine heating control with the control of home lighting and blinds, all easily accessible via the app. The degree of automation can be adjusted ʮ PcTMWd Q]ZX ]ZZX _Z ]ZZX _Z meet individual requirements. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˞˞

‘A’ rated TRVs keep bills down The Ecocal range of ‘A’ rated thermostatic radiator valves from Altecnic includes ˚˞, ˚˙ and ˡmm versions and anti-theft sensing heads. These brass ?=A^ bT_S NS]ZXP [WL_PO ʭ YT^S L]P ^`T_PO QZ] `^P in conventional twin pipe heating systems where the level of temperature control needs to be more accurate than is available through a manually operated valve. Also available from Altecnic is its Dynamical TRVs, which allow the automatic dynamic balancing and pressure-independent adjustment of the thermal medium in radiators of two-pipe heating systems. The device, in conjunction with a thermostatic, electronic or thermoelectric control, combines OTʬ P]PY_ Q`YN_TZY^ TY L ^TYRWP NZX[ZYPY_ ?SP `^P of dynamic thermostatic valves in combination with thermostatic control heads makes it possible to keep a constant ambient temperature in the room where they are installed, _S`^ R`L]LY_PPTYR Pʬ PN_TaP PYP]Rd ^LaTYR ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˞ˠ

02/09/2021 09:40

PHAM SEPT21:Layout 1 01/09/2021 12:21 Page 56

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Gas Safety

Care in the community This year’s Gas Safety Week starts on 13th September and presents a great opportunity for installers to talk to customers about the need to take care of their gas appliances and the TX[Z]_LYNP ZQ ZYWd `^TYR L \`LWTʭ PO LYO 2L^ >LQP ]PRT^_P]PO PYRTYPP]

imed at raising awareness of gas safety issues, Gas Safety Week is organised by Gas Safe Register and is designed to engage registered installers and the wider industry in promoting the gas safety XP^^LRP^ LN]Z^^ _SP NZ`Y_]d ?ST^ dPL]ɪ^ _SPXP T^ community safety, highlighting ways we can not only ensure

our own safety but also look out for our friends and YPTRSMZ`]^ Research undertaken by Gas Safe last year, following the Covid-imposed lockdown, found that ˢ˚% of people surveyed intended to stay close to their neighbours after the pandemic, but there were gaps in their gas safety knowledge, with just ˢ% being NZYʭ OPY_ _SPd NZ`WO TOPY_TQd LYd ^TRY^ ZQ `Y^LQP RL^ appliances, and only ˞% being able to identify all of _SP ^TRY^ ;L]_ ZQ _ST^ dPL]ɪ^ NLX[LTRY T^ _SP]PQZ]P to remind people that one small gas safety mistake could have devastating consequences on an entire YPTRSMZ`]SZZO Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, comments: “The last year or so has taught us the vital importance of helping and supporting _SZ^P TY Z`] NZXX`YT_TP^ 4_ɪ^ ]PLWWd TX[Z]_LY_ _Z keep community safety at the forefront of everything bP OZ LYO RL^ ^LQP_d T^ YZ PcNP[_TZY -d bZ]VTYR 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 ^LQP ɮ

Spreading the word Over the years, a number of installers have embraced the opportunity to spread the gas safety message and also promote their own business within their local NZXX`YT_TP^ ,^ bT_S []PaTZ`^ bPPV^ L ]LYRP ZQ free-to-use promotional materials has been produced to help get some of the key messages across, including [Z^_P]^ WPLʮ P_^ WZRZ^ LYO MLYYP]^ QZ] `^P Md ]PRT^_P]PO TY^_LWWP]^ LYO TYO`^_]d ^_LVPSZWOP]^ The downloadable media toolkit includes readymade images and messages for Facebook, Twitter LYO 4Y^_LR]LX ?SP]P L]P LW^Z MLYYP]^ OP^TRYPO _Z MP uploaded to websites, available in a variety of formats LYO ^_dWP^ []ZaTOTYR L ^TX[WP dP_ Pʬ PN_TaP bLd _Z ^SZb ^`[[Z]_ QZ] _SP NLX[LTRY

FIGHTING FOR A GAS SAFE NATION

Parliamentary support 8LYd 8;^ SLaP ^SZbY _SPT] ^`[[Z]_ QZ] 2L^ >LQP_d Week, with the launch event traditionally held at BP^_XTY^_P] BT_S ]P^_]TN_TZY^ _Z ^ZNTLW RL_SP]TYR^ WL^_ dPL] ^Lb L Y`XMP] ZQ 8;^ ]PNZ]O L aTOPZ _Z pledge their backing, and similarly this year there are aTOPZ^ ZQ 8;^ `]RTYR _SPT] NZY^_T_`PY_^ _Z SLaP _SPT] gas safety appliances checked, and warning of the OLYRP]^ ZQ `Y^LQP RL^ L[[WTLYNP^

Safety squad 2L^ >LQP SP]Z /Z`R ʭ ]^_ TY_]ZO`NPO TY ˛˙˚˝, will once again be employed as an emblem of Gas Safety Week, helping to represent the heroic work undertaken by registered engineers in keeping householders safe LYO bL]X TY _SPT] SZXP^ ?bZ dPL]^ LRZ /Z`R bL^ joined by the ‘Safety Squad’ – 7PZY ,T^SL -ZM and Olivia – four animated gas engineers designed to represent diversity within the industry and the OTʬ P]PY_ _d[P^ ZQ RL^ bZ]V _SPd `YOP]_LVP Other communication initiatives have included the creation of an interactive GasMap tool that enables NZY^`XP]^ _Z ʭ YO Z`_ SZb XLYd `Y^LQP RL^ UZM^ SLaP MPPY NL]]TPO Z`_ TY _SPT] L]PL ?SP ZYWTYP XL[ also provides users with the opportunity to sign up for an email reminder to let them know when their LYY`LW RL^ ^LQP_d NSPNV T^ O`P

Every day counts To help supporters plan for the week and share content on social media, each day of Gas Safety Week has a dedicated theme:

• Monday– How communities can stay gas safe • Tuesday– What to do in an emergency • Wednesday– The work registered engineers do • Thursday– The risks of unsafe gas work • Friday– Landlord and tenant gas safety • >L_`]OLdɧ ,aZTO L /4D RL^ OT^L^_P] • Sunday– Keeping safe all year round Getting involved

Only a Gas Safe registered engineer has the superpower to ﬁt, ﬁx or service your gas appliances safely and legally. Stay safe and help your loved ones stay safe in their homes too. For more information visit GasSafetyWeek.co.uk

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The Gas Safe Register is keen to encourage installers to take part and pledge their support for Gas Safety BPPV 1]PP NZXX`YTNL_TZY XL_P]TLW^ L]P LaLTWLMWP _Z help promote the gas safety message, including prewritten press releases for distribution to local press LYO ^ZNTLW XPOTL ?Z RP_ TYaZWaPO ^TX[Wd aT^T_ _SP ZYWTYP WTYV MPWZb ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˞ˡ

01/09/2021 11:14

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Gas Safety

Advancements in CO alarm technology With around 60 fatalities every year, protection against carbon monoxide poisoning clearly remains vital, but recent technological advancements in the data extraction capabilities of CO alarms are serving to better inform and protect users. Andy Speake from Aico explains more about making our homes safer.

arbon monoxide is a deadly and poisonous gas that is emitted by fuel-burning appliances when incomplete combustion occurs. Statistics indicate that in an average year, the UK records approximately 4000 instances of carbon monoxide poisoning, with 200 cases resulting in hospitalisation, around 60 being fatal and approximately 10-15% of those with severe CO poisoning developing long-term complications. Being odourless, colourless and tasteless, CO poisoning is also known as the silent killer, making adequate protection through CO alarms vital. CO alarm technology has beneﬁtted from signiﬁcant advancements in recent years, providing some invaluable capabilities – most notably data extraction. Data extraction can be done in two key ways – either in-situ from the alarm head itself or remotely, depending on the alarm. If CO levels were  The Ei3028 is a dual sensor Heat and CO Alarm, able to detect the presence of toxic levels of carbon monoxide as well as dangerous levels of heat. The AudioLINK feature enables the user to download information from the alarm via Aico’s mobile app

58.indd 1

Andy Speake

Aico’s national technical manager

to trigger the alarm to sound, an occupant is able to gain insight into this event, gaining information and reassurance. For landlords, the report generation capabilities through data extraction technology can prove useful in their mandatory checks and record keeping – this feature provides a physical, traceable record of the alarm history and status. With remote data extraction technology, events can be monitored, and trends identified, thus enabling proactive and informed maintenance for efficiency. For example, if a resident removed the alarm head following an activation (which can be common but harmful and potentially fatal, due to the traceless nature of CO) remote data extraction tools can provide notifications of the alarm sounding, as well as head removals, facilitating resident health and wellbeing.

from chronic exposure to low level CO, with reported effects on physical health, sensorymotor changes, memory deficits and psychological changes. It has also been shown to have significant negative impacts on pregnant women because CO is more readily absorbed by the blood of an unborn child and released more slowly, meaning that the unborn child’s exposure to CO is more prolonged. This has been linked to such outcomes as birth defects and even death.

Raising awareness

Trigger points

BS EN 50291, the standard that governs compliant CO alarms, defines the trigger points for CO levels to cause the alarm to sound: • 300ppm can trigger the alarm within three minutes • Low concentrations can still trigger the alarm to sound if present over time • 30ppm can trigger the alarm but can take up to 120 minutes to do so. In CO alarms that contain the in-situ data extraction technology, such as our AudioLINK alarm, lower levels and background levels of CO can be detected, identified and monitored. This is of key importance as there is a large and growing body of evidence and research highlighting the harmful effects of long-term exposure to lower levels of CO. Research has demonstrated wider ranging implications

With a recorded log of even lower levels of CO, the severity and length of exposure can be determined, as well as in what area of a property, to better advise on the next course of action following CO events and incidences of poisoning. Furthermore, research has suggested that considering the product that the CO was emitted from, the concentration and duration of exposure provides a more accurate measure of determining the severity of CO poisoning, which can be provided using this technology. In-situ data extraction also aids with identifying the source of the CO leak, should it not be apparent, beneﬁtting both contractors and landlords alike.

Effects of exposure

A study comparing the eﬀects of ‘less severe’ CO poisoning to ‘more severe’ found that those with ‘less severe’ had higher incidences of depression and anxiety, and this continued for six months. These results imply that CO levels within blood are not indicative of the outcomes of CO poisoning, particularly as CO leaves the bloodstream fairly quickly after exposure and may not be detected. This means that proving where and when an incident of poisoning has occurred can prove to be a diﬃculty faced by victims of CO poisoning and landlords alike.

Installers should be familiar with the data extraction capabilities of the CO alarms they are installing for a multitude of reasons, one of them being to educate occupants. Education is vital, especially when it comes to home life safety, and the majority of the general public may not be aware of what CO is or even that a CO alarm will emit a different sound to a fire alarm. In newer alarms, such as the Aico 3000 Series, there are built-in sound mimicking capabilities, so that when fire and CO alarms are interlinked, the fire alarms will emit the same sound as the CO alarm if that has triggered the system. This is a key feature to be aware of, to enable audibility throughout a property, allowing occupants to take immediate action and reduce confusion. In systems without the sound mimicking capability, it is worth recommending a Fire/ CO control switch (check manufacturer’s instructions and guidance) to enable occupants to quickly identify whether the activation is due to CO. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/59

01/09/2021 12:22

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Product News 59 Capture the heat from showers

PV panels power heat pumps Providing a complete energy Pʯ NTPY_ ^ZW`_TZY QZ] SZ`^PSZWO SPL_TYR 94-0 0YP]Rd >d^_PX^ has launched a selection solar PV panels to power its heat pumps and expanded its range of smart home accessories to maximise indoor comfort. The new selection of wireless smart home accessories complements its S-Series range of heat pumps, Zʬ P]TYR XZ]P NZXQZ]_LMWP precise room-by-room or ‘zone-by-zone’ climate control. Each of the small units can be mounted on the wall and connected to an S-Series heat pump, automatically adjusting the temperature, humidity and CO2 levels for high comfort and low energy consumption and becoming a natural part of the connected home. Another key part of the home is the YPb 94-0 ;A [LNVLRP NZX[]T^TYR

monocrystalline silicone cell panels using PERC technology for maximum Pʯ NTPYNd LaLTWLMWP TY _bZ ^TeP^ bT_S an elegant all-black design. Homes with L 94-0 SPL_ [`X[ LYO ;A [LNVLRP NLY MPYPʭ _ Q]ZX _SP []ZO`N_TZY ZQ Q]PP ^ZWL] to power heating, hot water and cooling needs, while reducing carbon emissions and energy bills all year round. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˟˙

Domestic hot water system makes use of wasted energy Aimed at the domestic and small commercial markets, LG’s new wall XZ`Y_PO 3dO]Z 6T_ Pc_]LN_^ SPL_ Q]ZX a VRF heat pump to provide domestic hot water. The indoor unit can connect to LG Multi V VRF systems and uses wasted heat from cooling. It comes with L bL_P] ʮ Zb _PX[P]L_`]P QZ] SPL_TYR of a maximum of ˞˙°C and cooling temperature of a minimum of ˞°C. ?SP bLWW XZ`Y_PO 3dO]Z 6T_ `YT_ comes in a range of sizes to meet any requirement – from ˞̍˞ up to ˢ̍˙kW – and is compatible with low GWP R˜˛ refrigerant, incorporating integrated water side components to reduce TY^_LWWL_TZY _TXP LYO NZ^_ LYO Zʬ P]^ ^TRYTʭ NLY_ ^[LNP ^LaTYR MPYPʭ _^ LYO easy maintenance. The intuitive user interface is easy to use and users can set schedules based on their lifestyles, while daily or monthly power consumption monitoring allows

ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/921/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

The HeatCapture from Mira Showers is a wastewater heat recovery system (WWHRS), suitable for any development that needs to adhere to SAP regulations. It utilises heat from bathroom wastewater to TYN]PL^P _SP Pʯ NTPYNd of a domestic heating system. This results in the boiler applying less energy to heat water, as the required heat rise has been reduced. With hot water demand being added to the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) regulations for ˛˙˛˞, _SP 3PL_.L[_`]P bTWW SPW[ ^[PNTʭ P]^ and new property developers ensure new building projects are in line with these regulations from the onset. Mira claims its product will increase _SP ZaP]LWW SZ_ bL_P] Pʯ NTPYNd ZQ L new home by up to ˚˙%. With focus turning to how

developers can ensure their properties are more environmentally friendly without incurring additional fees, the HeatCapture not only provides value to its SAP points ratio, it also Zʬ P]^ 64B, L[[]ZaPO Pʯ NTPYNTP^ ZQ `[ _Z ˟˞%. The device is designed with a double wall stainless steel heat exchanger, said to be the only one of its kind currently available ZY _SP XL]VP_ TY _SP @6 The ridged stainless steel core ensures water exiting the shower waste or bath clings to the side of the tube to transfer its heat to the cool incoming mains. Conforming to EN˚ˠ˚ˠ, the steel heat exchanger is perfect for new build applications. Plus, once it is installed, the technology requires no further maintenance by the homeowner, meaning they NLY ʭ _ LYO QZ]RP_ bSTW^_ RLTYTYR LWW _SP MPYPʭ _^ ZQ _SP Pʯ NTPY_ ^d^_PX ?P^_PO LYO NP]_Tʭ PO Md B=,> 64B, -=0 L^ bPWW L^ MPTYR >,; registered, the Mira HeatCapture has undergone rigorous testing and validation to ensure performance, quality and longevity. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˟˚

QZ] Pʯ NTPY_ PYP]Rd XLYLRPXPY_ Users of LG’s ThinQ app, can simply control the cooling or heating system at anytime, from anywhere – the remote access to the system allowing users to maximise comfort levels. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˟˛

Fresh air without losing warmth The new Lo-Carbon Heat Save from Vent-,cTL SL^ MPPY OP^TRYPO _Z Zʬ P] PT_SP] ^TYRWP room or whole house heat recovery ventilation for existing homes. The decentralised `YT_ T^ ^`T_LMWP QZ] ]P_]Zʭ __TYR []ZaTOTYR Pc_]LN_ LYO ^`[[Wd aPY_TWL_TZY _Z TX[]ZaP indoor air quality (IAQ) and supply fresh air to rooms as part of a modular system. Achieving up to ˡ˝% heat recovery, the Heat Save uses the warmth from outgoing air to heat incoming air to avoid heat loss and to reduce energy bills for households. It’s ideal for using in pairs, as one unit is extracting, the other is supplying fresh air to provide a single room or whole house balanced ventilation system with heat recovery. It’s also easy to expand as needed, adding more units for a whole house solution which can all be controlled from one controller and can operate up to eight units in synchronization. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/ˢ˛˚̓˟˜

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01/09/2021 11:17

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Product News

Hands-off monitoring of tenants’ boilers

Smaller, easy to use chemcial containers

Worcester Bosch has partnered with Vericon to deliver a range of solutions for remote monitoring in the social housing market. The Vericon BCM (Boiler Control Module) offers a single control unit that social housing customers can use to monitor a wide range of applications in tenant homes, such as lighting, heating, temperature and humidity. It has been developed to work in conjunction with Worcester’s Greenstar 4000, 8000 and 2000 ranges, and is also fully compatible with the majority of appliances installed in tenant homes. The BCM device connects directly to a boiler’s core control, providing two-way communication and control of major functions. It issues realtime fault notifications, history and boiler telemetry, allowing faults to be managed remotely. In addition, the BCM acts as a gateway for other Vericon devices which can highlight potential issues and prevent faults from occurring in the future. The Autofill function monitors (and tops up) central heating systems autonomously, helping to significantly reduce engineers visits and help desk calls. AutoDose automatically tops up inhibitor in the system when low levels are detected, to aid in driving product longevity and efficiency. MultiDot monitors temperature and humidity within a property, helping to manage disrepair investment when it comes to complying with the Fit for Human Habitation Act. Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester, says: “The partnership will enable residential social landlords and their maintenance providers to achieve compliance, tackle fuel poverty, and provide a substantial return on investment.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/65

The Fernox range of chemical products has been expanded with the launch of the new, smaller volume 265ml Protector F1 and Cleaner F3. Just one bottle is enough to treat an average sized UK home – to clean and inhibit up to 100 litres of system water (12 radiators or 190m2 of underfloor heating). The 265ml range also uses less plastic and packaging and is 100% recyclable, thereby helping to reduce waste. Similar to the 500ml and Express ranges, the 265ml chemicals are easy to dose into the central heating system. For open vented systems the product can be dosed via the feed and expansion tank, while for sealed systems it can be added via a towel rail or a TF1 filter. Richard Crisp, head of chemistry at Fernox, says: “Correctly dosing central heating systems with a high-quality cleaner and inhibitor has long been part

Extra slim waste Said to be ideal for low profile shower trays, Wirquin has developed the Slim+ shower waste, featuring the company’s smart membrane technology to prevent bad smells and backsiphoning. At just 40mm in height, the Slim+

of installers’ best practice approach to central heating system maintenance – and updates to BS 7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist have only reinforced this practice. To ensure that installers have a range of reliable, quality products available to achieve the best results, we are constantly reviewing and updating our product portfolio.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/64

has been designed so that it can be fitted in various configurations and comes with a stainless steel fixing plate and three stainless steel screws with brass inserts to ensure an easy installation. A bi-injected washer under the tray helps to prevent any risk of leaks, while maintenance and cleaning is aided by a removeable cartridge that allows direct access to the pipework. An independent hair catcher is also removable without any need to disturb the membrane cartridge. Thanks to its compact size, the shower waste uses 30% less plastic compared to Wirquin’s first Slim generation, and it is manufactured from a new generation press that consumes 50% less electricity. The product is also packaged in the smallest recyclable cardboard to further enhance its eco-credentials. The Slim+ shower waste is made in France and comes with a 10-year guarantee. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/66

Touchless brassware Sensorflow E – a new range of touchless brassware – is the latest product for commercial washrooms from Armitage Shanks. Said to be ideal for replacement and refurbishment projects, the hygiene-led products features a clean, modern design and can be easily installed to replace existing fittings. The range includes rim-mounted, wall-mounted and panel-mounted basin taps and a choice of mains powered or long-lasting battery powered versions. In addition to being touchless, the Sensorflow E taps incorporate narrow waterways to reduce the build-up of bacteria. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/67

Full heating solution saves on energy use Ambion, the manufacturer of computer-controlled infrared (CCIR) space heating technology, has expanded its portfolio to include KERS water heating systems, providing a low-carbon heating solution that will meet the needs of the Future Homes Standard. KERS is an indoor heat pump with integrated mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) which works by recycling the warm air generated inside a home, such as in the kitchen and bathroom, to produce hot water without the need for an electric immersion heater. As well as boosting EPC scores, the CCIR and KERS combination can help to reduce fuel poverty by reducing energy bills. The company claims that CCIR uses 60% less energy than standard

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Style with durability

convection systems, while KERS uses 70% less energy than standard water heating systems. Oliver Baker, CEO at Ambion, comments: “We know from working with several social housing providers that they are looking for easy-to-install, cost-effective and highly efficient solutions to help them meet their EPC obligations and support the financial and emotional wellbeing of their residents. CCIR is a low carbon source of heat and KERS converts waste heat into low-cost, renewable hot water, so together they provide a solution that can achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/68

The new Beautiful Showering collection from AKW comprises the company’s more stylish shower enclosures, trays, electric and mixed showers, and accessories into one highly versatile range. This offers specifiers and installers everything needed to create contemporary yet durable shower rooms. The collection combines style and longevity, ensuring that the installation can withstand high levels of usage, while still looking good and requiring minimum maintenance over the long term. Many of the bathroom products come with ‘made for life’ guarantees. Items in the collection offer the same level of contemporary, low-maintenance design to both adapted and non-adapted spaces. It includes AKW’s Larenco and Level Best glass screens, Tri-Form and TuffForm8 wet room formers, and Onyx shower trays, bringing everyday luxury to the showering area. AKW’s Sulby 2 shower tray has also been included for jobs that involve an unbreachable floor. A range of contemporary Origins and Marlbrook wall panels, tiles, vinyl anti-slip flooring, Livenza Plus sanitaryware and brassware products, mixer and electric showers and bathroom furniture have also been included to complete the collection. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/69

01/09/2021 12:51

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Product News

COMPETITION

BESA test affirms efficiency of HIUs Altecnic has announced that its SATK32107 heat interface unit recently recorded top results in the rigorous BESA UK test regime. The HIU recorded the lowest VWART (volume weighted average return temperature) and annual primary ﬂow rate on the low temperature tests out of 23 HIUs. The HIU has been designed to ensure maximum eﬃciency on low temperature/ heat pump networks. The BESA UK HIU testing is performed by independent accredited

test houses to ensure fair and accurate results. As well as extensive testing, the subsequent report also provides consultants, contractors, housing associations and energy providers with all the accurate and detailed information they need. The SATK32107 achieved a VWART ﬁgure of just 28ºC on the low temperature

Magnetic ﬁlter ensures clean systems Designed for domestic applications, the new BoilerMagXC heating system ﬁlter is said to be competitively priced, delivering high performance in a compact unit. It incorporates Dual Flow technology to pack a lot of performance into a small space. Dual Flow technology means system water is exposed to the magnetic core twice on a single pass, allowing for the length of the extraction chamber to be minimised

Adding curves delivers more efficient space The Ultimate range by Kudos now includes a 700mm curved showering panel that sits neatly on a 1200mm bow fronted shower tray, offering an additional compact showering solution. The bow fronted walk-in enclosures provide additional space in the showering area. Specifically designed for British bathrooms, measuring just 700mm at each end and widening to 910mm, the 1700mm option will replace a standard bath and provides a generous showering area compared to the long corridor of a 1700 x 700 rectangular option. It is also available in a 1500mm length and is now joined by the 1200mm tray and complementary 700mm glass panel. The enclosures can also be fitted with the hinged deflector panel to reduce splashing if required, an addition that can be retrofitted thanks to the fixing design. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/72

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tests. VWART is a measure of eﬃciency and details the return temperatures that would be achieved on a typical UK project when the HIU is in all its operating modes. The lower the number, the more eﬃcient the HIU, and Altecnic says that it shows how good the HIU is at using the available energy from the network. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/70

whilst retaining high levels of iron oxide extraction. Featuring simple in-line installation, the BoilerMagXC comes complete with high quality isolation valves. National sales manager Craig Worth says: “The brand new BoilerMagXC is the ideal ﬁlter for those looking for high performance protection in restricted spaces at an attractive price. We identiﬁed a gap in our range by listening to our customers and installers, responding accordingly with a product we believe will add value to merchants as well as being popular amongst installers. The response to date has been overwhelming.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/921/71

We’ve teamed up with Mira Showers to offer the chance to win the new Mira Activate digital shower The Prize Representing the latest in digital shower technology, the Mira Activate has been engineered for easy installation. Suitable for both new installations, as well as to specifically retrofit the Aqualisa Quartz, there’s minimal pipework alteration required and the ceiling-fed fittings kit comes pre-assembled with two digital valve platforms for both high and low pressure systems.

Host of features The Mira Activate includes a stylish digital display and controller linked to app technology which monitors water temperature and ﬂow rates, allowing the user to create a personalised showering experience with up to 10 customisable shower pre-sets. It also boasts a stunning modern design with a luxury 250mm overhead, an award-winning 4-spray Switch handset, and a high quality chrome plated ﬁnish. An optional wireless remote control accessory (purchased separately) is available for extra convenience, as well as contoller bezel accessories in three different colour options.

InstallerPRO Installers will also receive additional benefits when fitting the Mira Activate range through Mira’s InstallerPRO programme. InstallerPRO is a free membership community designed exclusively for independent trade professionals, and offers priority technical support, business development tools, and the latest professional training – plus a range of merchandise, installer kit, and retail voucher rewards. Visit www.mirashowers.co.uk/ installerpro to find out more.

HOW TO ENTER: To be in with a chance of winning the Mira Activate shower, all you have to do is answer the question below. The winner will be selected from a draw of all the correct answers received and only one entry will be allowed per person.

Mira Showers is currently a shirt sponsor of which EFL football club?

(a) Sunderland (b) Cheltenham Town (c) Port Vale

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

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

www.mirashowers.co.uk

02/09/2021 12:13

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Directory Safety Products

Radiators

Boilers

INDUSTRIAL BOILER SPECIALISTS The UK’s largest supplier of Industrial Steam & Hot Water boiler plant. Fast, efficient Nationwide service for planned or emergency cover, R&D projects or extra capacity. • Hot water boilers 30-8,000kw/hr • Steam boilers 150-15,880kg/hr • Pressures from 7-17 bar • Oil, gas or dual fuel • Long or short term hire • Full commissioning service • 24/7 support • Nationwide Sales & Hire

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The Copper King phamnews.co.uk/921/104

NATIONWIDE SALES & HIRE Quote PHAM03

Call +44 (0)1992 451629 www.kingsboilerhire.com

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Controls Instruments for control, regulation & protection

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Water Heaters

0161 946 0088 www.banico.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/921/102

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

www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/921/103

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Advertiser’s Index AICO Ltd BES Ltd Bristan Group Ltd CMR Controls Ltd Carrara & Matta Continal Group Ltd Daikin Air Conditioning Esi Controls Ltd Elco Burners Firebird Products Ltd Geberit Sales Ltd Grant Engineering (UK) Ltd The IPG Ideal Heating JG Speedfit (Reliance Worldwide Corporation (UK) Ltd)

57 6 21 22 25 12 1, 2 55 38 43 3 41 7, 9, 11, 13 49 64

James Hargreaves (Plumbers Merchants) Ltd Kamco Ltd Keston Boilers - Ideal Heating LG Manthorpe Building Products MV Fluids Hadling Ltd Neomitis Ltd NIBE Energy Systems Ltd OFTEC Omegaflex Ltd (Tracpipe) Omnie Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd Pimlico Plumbers Ltd Pitacs Ltd

30 18 26 52 17 8 54 23 42 24 53 4 5 35

Polypipe Merchandising Solutions (Robimatic) 10 The Radiator Company - IRSAP 37 REMS Inserts Bosch Power Tools - Robert Bosch Ltd 19 Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd 27 Stelrad 33 Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd 28 Supplies4Heat - IRSAP 36 Testo Ltd 56 Towelrads 34 Valsir 29 Viessmann Ltd 15 Vokera 59 Warmflow Engineering Co Ltd 45 Wirquin Ltd 20

Plumbpal Products

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PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Training & Assessments Training & Assessments

Information Centre 63

Training & Assessments

Information Centre

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

Small relaxed and friendly classes

For more information visit www.gas-training-and-assessment.co.uk Telephone 01268 727797 or Email gastraining@btconnect.com phamnews.co.uk/921/112 phamnews.co.uk/921/152

To highlight your Training Courses to 28,468 regular PHAM News readers please ring Sharon on 01889 577 222 or email classified@phamnews.co.uk

MIDLANDS GAS ASSESSMENTS

Unit 1, Mainstream Way, Nechells, BIRMINGHAM B7 4SN email: mgabrum@tiscali.co.uk www.mgabrum.co.uk Domestic Natural Gas & LPG Changeover, Energy Efﬁciency and Water Regulations. Un-vented, Part P Electrics, Training & Assessments.

0121 333 3903

Snickers Climate Control Baselayers Upgraded, Innovative and Sustainable Snickers Workwear ‘Climate Control’ clothing delivers exceptional comfort and performance. There’s a range of garments that use socially and environmentally responsible fibre technology such as 100% recycled polyester, as well as others available in high-tech breathable fabrics. For consistent comfort, the seamless designs are also available in 37.5® ventilating technology for e cient body moisture transport as well as odour-reducing merino wool to suit di erent types of work, whatever the weather conditions. Visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or enter the code shown below.

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1st TRAINING LTD ASSESSMENT & TRAINING CENTRE Domestic and Commercial, ACS, NG, LPG and appliances, Un-vented hot water TEL: Huntingdon (01480) 450 872 www.1st-training.co.uk 1st Training Ltd info@1st-training.co.uk

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

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FEATURES APPEARING IN THE OCTOBER 2021 ISSUE

GAS BOILERS

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

ELECTRIC HEATING

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PHAM SEPT21 JG SPEEDFIT:Layout 1 24/08/2021 09:51 Page 1

September 2021

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