September 2022 by PHAM News

phamnews.co.ukSEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 60 | ISSUE 7 Meet the heatMonoblocnewpump Grow your installation business with Daikin Altherma 3 Low Capacity Monobloc - ideal for heating engineers diversifying into renewables Turn change to your advantage

Daikin Altherma 3 Low Capacity Monobloc heat pump is easy to install and compact, so it’s the perfect solution for limited spaces. Turn change to your www.daikin.co.uk/the-monobloc-standardadvantage Daikin sets the new Monobloc standard Daikin Altherma 3 Low Capacity Monobloc offers the most compact solution for smaller homes All electrical and hydraulic components integrated in one outdoor unit, so only water connections needed to indoor system Runs on R32 refgierant, which has lower global warming potential, to reduce carbon emissions Available in classes 4-6-8, completing the existing Daikin Altherma Monobloc range in classes 9-11-14-16

UK households prepared to stay cold as energy prices rocket Inside this issue phamnews.co.ukSEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 60 | ISSUE 7 who are reliant on electric heating could be more than £ a year around enjoying£ a boom in demand, with thanto they ever have been in our iNews a woodburner in their home only , nearly they plan to keep their heating neverthat to turn on their heating, and with children under % are ( %) are prepared to take out a to £ that the new price cap will drivemto predicted that nearly two with the £ % in London and % in be a pipe they are priced Solar gains every week (compared to a week in July % £ not to turn their heating 10 FireAngel CO alarms to be won! 52 Talent Show 12 Point of View 26 COMPETITION

01.12.22 www.energysavingawards.co.uk

So what can be done and what part has this industry to play?

editorial

We deserve a better deal SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 60 ISSUE 7 Contributors Inside this issue 5 06 News Review 12 People on the Move 12 Talent Show 15 Your Views 16 Energy Matters 18 Gadgets & Tools 20 Training Update 22 Planning for the Future 22 Business Matters 25 CIPHE Viewpoint 26 Point of View 27 Merchant News 28 Products in Action 55 Product News The Essential Magazine for Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement Professionals Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News Published

27, 373 ABC Audited circulation Jan-Dec 2021 FREE ENQUIRIES:SUBSCRIPTION

publication

Regulars

made

Perhaps it’s hard to imagine, when much of the country has been bathed in some summer sunshine over recent months, but there’s no doubt that many UK households are going to be facing some real hardship when the forthcoming winter starts to bite. With predicted energy price rises set to take up a frighteningly large amount of most of our monthly budgets, the number of people considered to be in fuel poverty will reach unprecedented levels and good luck to any government which pledges to reduce that number any time soon. The cost of energy, coupled with galloping inﬂation for several other everyday expenditures, means that many adults are hoping to severely limit the times they’ll turn their heating on over the winter period (see this month’s cover story), but for some older people and more vulnerable members of society such a move will inevitably be less about comfort levels and more of a life and death decision. No one would pretend that there are any easy answers, but it is concerning that those in power seem to be unable to oﬀer anything other than insubstantial handouts and short term solutions.

Publishing Ltd 16/18

The government’s aborted Green Deal scheme, which first saw the light of day in 2013, can hardly be claimed to have been a success, but the basic principle of repaying loans from energy savings achieved deserves to be revisited. In the current climate, most UK households simply cannot afford to make the investments necessary to upgrade their existing heating systems, but long lasting improvements could be made with money lent for a variety of energy saving measures. If the industry were able to provide verifiable evidence of the expected gains from the use of different types of controls and appliances, then surely it wouldn’t be too difficult to calculate the savings that would follow. by Chris Jones by: Pinede Hawkesyard Hall, Armitage Park, Rugeley, WS15 1PU Tel: 01889 577222 Email: rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without written consent from the publisher. articles represent the views of the Author(s) and are not the necessarily those of the publishers accept no responsibility for claims by This magazine includes a number of colour photographs paid for by suppliers. Tel: 01889 577222 Email: circulation@phamnews.co.uk & Southern Sales Office: PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1DP Tel: 01525 716143 Editorial Email: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk Sales Email: nathan@phamnews.co.uk Office: PHAM News, Argyle Business Centre, 8 Leicester Street, Southport, Lancashire PR9 0EZ Tel: 01704 501090 Email: russ@phamnews.co.uk

ViewpointEditor’s

Northern

Attributed

Editor. The

Editorial

manufacturers or advertisers.

PUBLISHING TEAM Managing Editor Chris Jones Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Publishers Chris Evans / Russ Jackson Southern Advertisement Manager Nathan Wood Classified Sales Sharon Nutter Administration and Production Helen Green Circulation Manager Sue Bethell Design Consultant Tim Plummer Bidet style toilets are growing in popularity, but there are some installation issues that need attention With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s important not to overlook the value of TRVs What are some of the key things to consider when providing CO alarms for your customers? Follow us on twitter @PHAMnews Jerry Whiteley CIPHE Viewpoint Andy Speake Gas Safety Sindar Singh Radiators & Towel Warmers 25 36 49 ISSN 1368-9061 Printed by: Precision Colour Printing Ltd. Origination by: Design & Media Solutions Products in Action More application stories on page 28 Don’t forget to use our online reader enquiry service to quickly find the web page you need Radiators & Towel Warmers Special Features Pumps & HeatingHeatingOilSparesSafetyGas How modern radiators have been designed to work well with low temperature systems We find out more about a new online multi-merchant platform for ordering heating spares The response of oil-fuel users to the government’s decarbonisation plans and associated costs The latest developments in CO alarm technology and how to get involved with this year’s Gas Safety Week 29 534349 Look out for next month’s issue HeatingElectricBoilersGas Tools UpdateTrainingWorkwear&

Staffordshire

spotstheftCopperhot under the Act to mandate higher standards of IAQ – so this is another Wood, chair of BESA’s Health & Well being in Buildings group. “There is now a wealth of guidance freely available to help building managers achieve healthier and safer indoor environments quickly and cost therefore, why this is not being mandated, particularly considering all that we learned during the pandemic about the importance of

Recruitment concerns

The clear advice from PHSP is that it takes four years to become fully experience is also stressed, with the need to spend time on site with a long period of time, alongside any classroom learning. phamnews.co.uk/ Advice for aspiring plumbers

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) says it is surprised that changes to pollution laws announced by the government ignore the importance of indoor air latest advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Association welcomes new measures from DEFRA aimed at helping local authorities create clean air zones under the terms of the new Environment Act, but to include “BESA,IAQ.along with other industry bodies and many health professionals, has been urging the government to use its new powers

Heat pump manufacturer LG has launched a New Build Design Service with the aim of assisting new build developers when specifying heat pumps into new homes.

The latest poll of members of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) suggests that the labour market is currently the number one area of concern. Industry uncertainty and a shortage of skilled labour has pushed labour costs higher and left businesses struggling to recruit the experienced personnel they need. What’s more, with the labour retaining existing workers. With % of respondents to the poll citing the labour market as the biggest issue facing their business, FETA says that it’s clear that recruitment has become a chief executive, comments: “The results of this poll

Latest laws fail to deal with indoor air quality

building material thefts, each with reported crimes since . Nine out of the top ten cities with the most reported thefts are based in the north of the country, with towns and cities including Burnley, Doncaster, and Barnsley all ranking in the top ten.

UK which have the most reported building material

Northern areas of the UK reported the highest numbers of copper and lead thefts, with Lancashire Constabulary ranking in first position, with areas, including Cleveland, Northumbria and South Yorkshire all ranked in the top areas with the most thefts. Copper and lead theft reports in from the police forces covered totalled

News Review6 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

The Association points out that, as people spend more than % of their time indoors, it is increasingly urgent that more time and money is spent on addressing IAQ. As well as setting more ambitious targets for reducing general pollution, the Association believes the targets for IAQ so that buildings can become ‘safe havens’ that enhance the health, wellbeing, and productivity of occupants.

The data, which was obtained from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the UK’s police forces, reveals the areas of the country which are at most risk of having building materials such as copper stolen from their homes or local buildings.

Peter Spurway, LG’s national sales manager – heating projects, explains: “This new service is in direct response to customer demand and increased deployment of LG heat pumps on new build projects. Our housebuilder projects team is extremely proud and excited to be bringing LG’s world class IOT enabled smart home innovations to the UK construction industry. “We look forward to continuing working closely with developers, architects, SAP assessors and building services consultants. Our personalised service promises to help ensure that the homes our clients provide are energy cost savings – as well as low phamnews.co.uk/

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis, determining the optimal location and performance simulation of the outdoor units.

Heat pump design service for new build projects

School leavers and career changers can now access advice on the following a new guide produced by The Plumbing & Heating Skills Partnership (PHSP). Available online, the guidance maps out needed, tips for choosing a training provider and the warning signs

The new service is designed for developments of six or more plots, with the objective of providing the necessary heating and hot water solution for any house archetype. It will provide full designs for plumbing and heating layouts, along with equipment schedules that specify the heat pump required, radiator or underfloor manifold heating positions, pipework and controls.

New research from renovation and building specialists

INMANUFACTUREDTHEUK HELPING TOSUSTAINABLEDELIVERYOUHEATINGSOLUTIONS As more and more homeowners choose air source heat pumps, now is the time to invest in your business and partner with Mitsubishi Electric for success. Find out more on why Mitsubishi Electric and Ecodan are the best choice for your business ecodan.me.uk/pn9 SCAN ME Listen to our Serious about Sustainability podcast episode #15 featuring DORÉ WOODMAN (Ecodan installer) podcast.ecodan.uk Multi-award-winningrangeofairsourceheatpumps Market-leadingultraquietsoundlevels lowGuaranteedtemperatureoperation Smart control and remote monitoring via MELCloud App Expert training, after sales and technical support

Young installer Tommy Rice from York has been named as the winner of the Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) Award at the JTL National Apprentice of the Year awards. Tommy, who works for electrical, plumbing and heating contractors JDL, comments: “I’m delighted to accept the MES award and really excited to make use of myTheprize.”topaward – the JTL National Apprentice of the Year accolade – went to Leicestershire based Michelle Robinson, who works for Electract’s inspection and testing team, while Lincolnshire based Alex Jolley, who works for Dornan Engineering Services,won the Paul McNaughton Electrical (formerly Electrical Apprentice) award.

• Check for lead pipes – often found in older properties built before 1970.

• Check the location of the internal stop tap, so that supply leak or for plumbing maintenance work.

Commercial washroom w a ter notWaterwise,nowspecialist,managementCistermiser,isanaffiliatememberoftheindependent,forprofitgroupfocusedonreducingwaterconsumptionintheUK.CistermiserwillworkwithWaterwisetochallengepolicyandstrengthenwaterandindustry.

The winners were also given prizes. Michelle received a £ cheque from JTL, while Tommy received a voucher from UK Plumbing Services Limited. Edmundson Electrical donated a Megger multi function tester for Alex. All three were presented with engraved glass trophies. plumbers on checks they can make in the homes of their customers:

NEWS IN BRIEF

On the other end of the scale, the Welsh counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys reported only van crimes combined, while Cumbria had only slightly more with van crimes sinceThe Ford Transit was the van make and model most targeted by thieves. With increasing concern about the need to conserve water, Watersafe has issued advice on ways for homeowners to ensure their drinking water stays safe and wholesome at the tap and isn’t wasted through leaks. As a UK register of approved drinking water contractors, WaterSafe is advising

• Check that appliances like washing machines and dishwashers are correctly installed

To demonstrate its eco credentials, Grohe will launch Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for over products by the end of October, showing transparent and comparable data on the environmental impact of products over their lifecycle. Vaillant has achieved si lv er membership status with the Supply Chain Sustainability School for its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The manu facturer was acknowledged for its ability to purchasingasbenchmarknotablyentiresustainabilitydemonstrateacrossitsbusinessportfolio,exceedingtheinareassuchenergyandcarbon,andproduct.

News Review8 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Despite van theft being a common problem across the UK, drivers are not doing enough to protect themselves, according to a new study from iCompario, a business comparison website. Over van drivers were asked about the actions they take to secure both their vehicle and contents when not in use. Three quarters ( %) said they knowingly leave themselves at risk by not taking sufficient care to protect their property and deter thieves. Meanwhile, % admitted they fail to remove their tools and other valuable items from their van when it’s not being driven.

The survey also asked about previous break ins to identify vulnerable places to park. Against expectations, it found that a secured compound or workplace car park, a locked garage at home, or the van owner’s driveway were hotspots ( % combined). Time wise, van related crime was most likely to take place either between am and am ( %) or between midday and pm ( %).

• Check for leaks on internal pipes and fittings, such as taps and toilets. A dripping tap could be wasting up to litres a year.

Almost all of the van drivers surveyed (95%) have yet to secure the catalytic converter on their vehicle, despite thefts of this part lockdown in . Leaving themselves open to further vulnerability, eight in ( %) also said they don’t park their van in a way that could stop a thief from being able to open or break the lock, such as parking against a wall. Just a quarter ( %) ensure they park their van somewhere extra secure at night, and only three in when( they’re out on the road.

excellence

• Check for leaks on the water supply pipe, the underground pipe that carries water to a property from the water main in the street. These can be hard to detect, but signs of a leak can be a higher than usual water bill, loss of pressure or reduced water flow at the cold kitchen tap, or an area of lush vegetation in a garden –especially during a dry spell.

Tommyphamnews.co.uk/Rice(l)with Ian Jervis, JTL head of learner assessment Shower manufacturer neutral, taking the business one step closer to being carbon net zero. Working with the Carbon Trust, a global climate change and sustainability consultancy, Triton achieved Carbon of a detailed audit into its operations.

Focused on transitioning its customers to net zero, Flogas Britain has acquired Protech Group, which will strengthen its range of energy solutions and broaden its customer base.

Theft hotspot iCompario also sent out FOI requests to police forces across vans were stolen or broken into between and . Of the police authorities that responded to the request for information, Leicestershire was the UK’s number one van break in or theft hotspot, with crimes recorded between and .

*Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit bosch-industrial.co.uk/guarantee-terms-and-conditions for details. **Time savings estimated and observed during customer installation studies. To learn more, please visit: bosch-industrial.co.uk/condens7000IntroducingtheCondens 7000 WP With outputs from 50kW to 145kW, our all-new commercial boiler series is the direct replacement for the GB162 V2 and has been designed to save up to 60% on the average installation time compared to its predecessor**. YEAR5BoilerGuarantee*

O’Connor, a multi diagnosis part Lee Frimston from Wavin. “We’re proud to have supported the

for the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration to April postbeing held on the evening of Patman via email at: TPatman@datateam.co.uk seminar, please email Lynn Sencicle: LSencicle@datateam.co.uk phamnews.co.uk

News Review10 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Band of Builders project success

Roadshow showerdemonstratetorooms

After a three year absence, the plumbers’ merchants and retail - all made to resemble natural Factory all enclosures,in plus a number of says: “Fortune has a proven track record of investing in brands, innovation and people. As part of our customers, trade professionals, to pursue our mission of sustainably managers are invited to emailto arrange a stop at their premises.

Aqualisa has been acquired by unit, alongside the Moen brand is said to complement Fortune management, connected products and global sustainability.

Aqualisa change of hands

Plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin has completed charity that provides support for members of the construction changing health issues.

News Review 11 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

hether you are entering, voting or participateeveryonevisiting,can in the inaugural Energy Saving Awards.

Organised by PHAM News, in partnership with our sister publication Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI), the new event is designed to celebrate the very best professionals, products and projects across the plumbing, HVAC and energy management sectors. The awards have been created to acknowledge the important work that has been achieved by manufacturers, installers, contractors, suppliers and organisations to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient. We look forward to giving professionals in this topical and increasingly critical area the opportunity to celebrate their collective achievements. Receiving an award or commendation from this event will help to separate the winners from their competitors and open up new business opportunities.

The Energy Saving Awards includes a special award that recognises the ability for installers and other industry professionals to use social media platforms to motivate and persuade others to embrace with their energy use. The award is open to any individual who is active on social media and has used their communication skills to provide energy saving advice and encourage their followers to consider ways they can save on energy bills. Entries are invited from those who can provide examples of their engagement with followers, complete with calls to action and positive feedback.

How to enter The deadline for entries is th September and a simple online entry portal makes it easy to ensure that you’re in the running for one of the top trophies. There are categories to choose from. While companies and individuals can enter for an award in more than one category, it is not permitted to enter the same product or project for multiple categories. Entrants are invited to put forward their case for winning in no more than words, but this can be backed up with attachments, multiple images and links to video content and websites. Nominations are also highly encouraged and can be submitted using the same online form.

How to vote Subject to meeting the necessary criteria, each entry and nomination will proceed to the voting stage taking place from th to st October. Industry professionals are invited to make their voices heard by casting their vote online, then all qualifying votes will be counted at the end of the closing date. The online vote will be the sole factor in determining who will be shortlisted to win the award in each category, with the ultimate winner to be announced at a special prize giving event set to be staged at the prestigious Tower Hotel in London on st December For a full listing of the award categories and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the dedicated website by using the online reader link below:

New awards event puts the spotlight on energy saving W

People on the Move PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) Policy Group has welcomed Baxi’s head of external affairs, Jeff House, as its new chair. Jeff has over 20 years experience, with a background in legislation and policy. He regularly represents both Baxi and the wider industry at government and trade body meetings, offering advice and analysis.

Three new members have joined Saniﬂo’s sales team to manage merchant customers for the full range of pumps, macerators and lifting stations in the portfolio. Matthew Cooknell is the business development manager for the Midlands while Khizer Munir (pictured) is BDM for the north. Kelsey Griffiths has been promoted to the team from her previous role in the technical department.

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

HETAS has appointed Carrie Artus as its new head of training. Most recently, she was responsible for the training and development of more than 300 staﬀ at Baylis Vauxhall, designing individual learning programs and delivering training solutions. She will be assisted by training project manager, Oliver Edgar Heat pump manufacturer LG has promoted Neil Hopkinson to the role of national heating sales manager – distribution. Neil has worked in the domestic heating and renewables sectors for the past 20 years and joined LG four years ago as sales manager (heating solutions) for the north and Scotland. He will be responsible for promoting the LG Therma V air source heat pumpTherange.expanding customer facing team at Stiebel Eltron has been enhanced by the appointment of Neil Maddison as a regional speciﬁcation manager. Neil joins the company having spent over 10 years at Go Geothermal and will be looking to apply his extensive knowledge of heat pumps to advise installers and developers. Joining renewables specialist Unitherm Heating Systems is Blue Hachipuka as the company’s account manager. He joins from Nu Heat, where for the past 12 years he worked initially in business development and latterly as an account manager, and will be based at Unitherm’s Exeter headquarters. Greg Banham has rejoined Fernox as the UK and Ireland sales director. With over 25 years sales experience in the heating and plumbing sector, Greg brings a wealth of water treatment industry experience, including a previous 16 year tenure at Fernox. His remit will be to strengthen Fernox’s presence in the UK and Ireland.

ATAG Commercial has welcomed Ashley Starkey to its ranks as its new area sales manager for London and the south east of England. Ashley will be promoting the beneﬁts of ATAG Commercial’s high eﬃciency boilers, as well as providing technical advice to merchants, mechanical contractors and installers.

Talent Show

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Soft-close slider door Renowned service-led approach Precision engineering for ease of installation Adjustable push-fit profile connections Mainly suitable for one person to install Technical and after sales support Extensive choice of sizes and door options Lifetime product guarantees LAKES LIFE EASIER DELIVERY WITHIN 48 TO 72 HOURS www.lakesshoweringspaces.com

To find out more visit NCBnavien.co.uk500 A superb all-round performer which comfortably fits within a kitchen cupboard • Built-in text driven display • Powerful hot water delivery • NaviFill - Keyless Filling Link NCB700 Our game changing combi boiler delivers hot water to large family •homesUpto 3x showers at once • Ultimate hot water performance • Rapid hot water with NaviCirc™ NCB300 Our new entry model which balances superb performance with competitive pricing • Easy to use display panel • Compact dimensions • Excellent hot water outputs 2 UPTO H20% 2 Next Generation Gas Combis Meet the new family of gas condensing boilers that are set to turn up the heat on the industry. With the NCB range, Navien is putting hot water first! NEW

The Tweet Spot

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

Let think...

I am drawing this problematic issue to the attention of PHAM News as I fear it is something which will hinder the installation of heat pumps. We are heat pump installers with over years experience in the industry. We have recently installed an air source heat pump in a fully heating throughout. The system will have a SCOP of approx - that’s % Today the property owner had a new EPC carried out so he can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. We are I looked back in our records and we new Passive House - the EPC rated this property with a natural gas boiler, the This is a huge problem. Surely this is something which should have been considered years ago as we all know that the heat pump market was fossil fuels and ultimately carbon. The average condensing gas boiler, so how could this have been allowed to go unchanged with such huge implications forThehomeowners.resultwillbe that customers will not want to install heat pumps if traditional fossil fuel gas boiler. They property rating reduced if they are trying to sell it. And any incentive to move properties from fossil fuel to heat pumps will be seriously damaged. It also works against the principles of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. There will be many potential BUS applications which will have an EPC carried out prior to installation with their existing gas install loft or cavity wall insulation to qualify for the BUS voucher. If the new EPC comes back after the installation showing the heating system has potential to cause huge problems. Something really needs to change and FAST. This cannot be left to continue. We clearly need a speedy revision of the assessment software

and you could win £100 for writing the star letter

your

The Tweet Spot Recent tweets that caught our attention Follow us on @PHAMnews Your Views Star letter Please address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News 1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

EPC ratings unfair to heat pumps

I am drawing this problematic issue to the attention of PHAM News as I fear it is something which will hinder the installation of heat pumps. We are heat pump installers with over 12 years experience in the industry. We have recently installed an air source heat pump in a fully renovated property with underfloor heating throughout. The system will have a SCOP of approx 4.43 - that’s 443% efficiency. Today the property owner had a new EPC carried out so he can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. We are horrified that the EPC has rated this new highly efficient heating system as POOR. I looked back in our records and we had recently fitted the exact same heat pump with underfloor heating in a new Passive House - the EPC rated this as AVERAGE. On an existing EPC for a property with a natural gas boiler, the heating system was rated as GOOD. This is a huge problem. Surely this is something which should have been considered years ago as we all know that the heat pump market was identified as the way to go to reduce fossil fuels and ultimately carbon. The efficiencies are much higher than the average condensing gas boiler, so how could this have been allowed to go unchanged with such huge implications forThehomeowners.resultwillbe that customers will not want to install heat pumps if they are seen as less efficient than a traditional fossil fuel gas boiler. They will definitely not want to have their property rating reduced if they are trying to sell it. And any incentive to move properties from fossil fuel to heat pumps will be seriously damaged. It also works against the principles of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. There will be many potential BUS applications which will have an EPC carried out prior to installation with their existing gas boilers rated GOOD but they may have to install loft or cavity wall insulation to qualify for the BUS voucher. If the new EPC comes back after the installation showing the heating system has been downgraded to POOR, it has the potential to cause huge problems. Something really needs to change and FAST. This cannot be left to continue. We clearly need a speedy revision of the assessment software to take into account the real benefits and efficiencies of having a heat pump. Dee Energywise-WalesMcCullough Ltd

PHAM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

us know what you

Let us know what you think...

or email

EPC ratings unfair to heat pumps

Share views

Recent PHAM News 1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP to:

tweets that caught our attention Follow us on @PHAMnews Your Views Star letter Please address your letters to: The Editor,

Dee Energywise-WalesMcCullough Ltd

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 SNIPEF has hailed the Green Home Festival a success Better way to saysenergyreducebillsEUADon’tforget about water saving Energy Matters

Introducing our NEW S2125 air source heat pump Visit our website to find out more today. NIBE.CO.UK TOP PERFORMING Optimised seasonal performance factor and low operating costs. HIGH SUPPLY TEMPERATURE Working range up to 75°C supply temperature and 65°C at an outdoor temperature of –25°C. LOW NOISE LEVEL New design for low noise level. NATURAL REFRIGERANT For reduced environmental impact. @NIBEEnergy NIBE (GB) nibeenergyuk

Theforward.fullspectrum LED light has cinematic colour accuracy, and sensors on the Litra Glow will adjust the light’s brightness don’t look like you’re in a hostage video. phamnews.co.uk It’s all in the lighting

The new battery powered LAX and LAX G multi line lasers from Stabila are designed to make indoor measurements simple and straightforward. Three ° lines horizontal and vertical position at the same time, while two vertical lines at right angles to one another enable the room to be divided into x °. There is also a plumb line that goes upwards and downwards, created by the point of intersection of the vertical lines, and a horizontal line for exact height

Gadgets & Tools18 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

How to make the big cuts

The TubiX pipe cutter, launched by Knipex in , has been enhanced with the addition of an extra large version designed to cut larger copper, brass and stainless steel pipes - as well as rigid steel electrical conduit and for stripping steel wire armoured cables. Described as precise and quick, the TubiX XL cuts pipes from to mm (¼ to in) and a wall thickness up to mm. To operate, simply place the open tool on the pipe, then position and lock the spring loaded cutting wheel into place on the workpiece using the QuickLock locking mechanism. The pipe is cut by turning the tool, and the clearance between the cutting edge and the pipe can be freely adjusted with the ergonomic feeding barrel. The cut surface can then be deburred if necessary. The cutting wheel on the TubiX XL is made of quality ballbearing steel while the metal housing is light and durable magnesium. The needle bearing and spring loaded cutting wheel can be easily exchanged without any tools. A spare wheel is also located in the handle cap. phamnews.co.uk/

Staying on the andstraightnarrow transfers and precise layout. Plumbers can use the tool to transfer marking points accurately to align pipe clips horizontally and vertically with one another, positioning and installing lines and heating pipes quickly. The main distinction between the two models is the colour of the laser lines: The LAX has red lines with a measuring range of up to m, while the LAX G has green lines for even better visibility over a measuring range of up to m. It’s possible to work with diodes providing maximum visibility. phamnews.co.uk/

With so many more meetings taking place on line, why not look your best with Logitech’s Litra Glow Premium LED Streaming Light? Whether you are remotely advising a customer or participating in an online training session or webinar, it pays to look sharp and put your best face

Update20 PHAM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

C&G’s Rebecca Hollamby and Rob Mallender present plaque to Steve Willis’s James Emmet

City & Guilds (C&G) has awarded Steve Willis centreofpassandanalysedtheshipC&G’splaque.(EPA)Point‘ExcellenceCentresTrainingwiththeinEndAssessmentdelivery’RebeccaHollamby,EPApartnermanager,toldtrainer:“WehaveourdataduetothehighrateandnumberdistinctionsatyouracrossyourGas

The Colchester Institute recently Mechanical and Electrical Services department, delivering specialist product training on its commercial and domestic has donated several appliances to the college, which will enable students to be trained in a realistic work environment. In addition, Rinnai will be using Colchester Gas Safe engineers in the area. phamnews.co.uk/

Viva Training, based in Halifax, has enhanced its heat pump courses by switching to BPEC’s Heat Pump learners the information they need in an engaging format. source heat pumps and an introduction to ground source heat pump technology, enabling experienced heating installers to develop their skills and knowledge, expand their services into the growing renewables sector, and achieve MCS accreditation.RichardFirth, MD for Viva, says: “This relationship with BPEC pump installers, which was given a boost earlier in the year when we became a Daikin Sustainable Homes Centre. Viva now provides a one stop shop for heating engineers - from quality training through to the purchasing of heat pump products, including expert advice.” phamnews.co.uk/

Building adhesives manufacturer Sika Everbuild has partnered with Leeds College of Building to support its tiling and plumbing students. The Leeds based company offers the students the chance to learn about its range of specialist sealants, adhesives, grout and more.

Legionella and plumbing courses in Wigan Big honour for EPAIntoachievementshotwater

All of Steve Willis Training’s gas apprentices complete an EPA at the end of their apprenticeship. The assessment must be carried out by an impartial organisationindependentandEPAthat is chosen by developmenthasStevetheseemployer.apprentice’stheTofacilitateassessments,WillisTraininginvestedintheofanewdedicatedgasendpointassessmentfacilityatitsBurgess Hill centre. All of SWT’s Sussex and Hampshire apprentices pass through this facility at the end of their apprenticeship training programme. There are currently gas apprentices on the programme and apprentices have passed through EPA since the facility opened in January phamnews.co.uk/

Adhesive experts train at college in Leeds

Steve Connell, assistant faculty director in construction crafts at the college, says: “We ensure students receive hands on practical experience in the real world which will stand them in good stead for their careers after college. Working with manufacturers is a really important part of this process and we’re delighted to welcome Sika Everbuild as our latest partner. We’re looking forward to working with the team and seeing our students get to grips with its products, under the eyes of industry experts.” phamnews.co.uk/

Engineering provision, we are pleased to provide an ‘Excellence in End Point Assessment (EPA) delivery’ plaque in recognition of your services. I would also like to add how learner focused your delivery team are.”

Wigan based legionella management and control experts, GMS Services, has launched a training academy, delivering courses for plumbers and others working in the water treatment sector. For plumbing and heating engineers, the GMS Training Academy currently provides Regulations (a necessary requirement for installers looking to join their local Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme), related Competent Persons Schemes, and (MCS) registration. Carl Ollerton, technical director for GMS Services, says: “As an industry leader in legionella control, we are well based on the way we train water hygiene engineers and plumbers working for GMS, we are LCL Awards approved to provide WRAS Water Regulations, with unvented hot water coming soon.” Training is delivered at GMS’s Wigan based centre or on site, depending on the course.

phamnews.co.uk/Training

Heat pumps with BPEC

GTEC has opened a new location for installers in the South East looking to gain new skills in renewable technologies. Hosted at The Building source heat pumps, water regulations, solar photovoltaics and electric vehicle charge point installation. Funded by the Building Compliance Testing Association (BCTA), The Building Performance Hub boasts a specially built ‘house’, a purpose-built venue, which enables installers to practice their skills in a more realistic Hubenvironment.isleading the way in helping those working in the construction challenges of Net Zero. GTEC’s range of renewable courses complement its existing delivery, creating an ideal setting for trainees interested in getting involved in the low carbon revolution.” phamnews.co.uk

F Gas courses in demand

Training Update 21 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Legionella risk assessments

Providing an ideal setting for low carbon courses

A new practical course designed for learners who are new to dealing Training, a specialist provider in compliance, technical and safety training. The course, which takes two days to complete, does not require any prior experience and is designed to provide delegates with concerning Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease for water systems. and high risk situations, completion of an example risk assessment, inspection of storage vessels and the monitoring systems required for site and virtually. Systems (WS). It includes more practical areas of delivery than any other WS course and competently equips delegates of any ability with the practical toolset necessary to conduct Legionella risk assessments of hot and cold water systems.” phamnews.co.uk

In response to increased consumer demand to keep cool during this summer’s record temperatures, Logic training reports that it has seen a massive spike in interest in related training. For example, enquiries for the training provider’s F Gas course rose by more than %. Fluorinated Gases (F Gases) are used in air conditioning, refrigeration and some heat pump systems. Engineers working on these technologies need F Gas training to understand how to deal with these potentially dangerous covering leak checking, refrigerant recovery, servicing, maintenance andWithinstallation.recentreports predicting for domestic air conditioning solutions, Logic believes that to take advantage of new market opportunities.Formoreinformation on Logic training’s range of F Gas courses, please use the online reader link below. phamnews.co.uk

Let me rephrase that: referrals are what drives a lot of growth in business, but a lot of businesses do not actively seek referrals – that is madness! A well designed referral system can dramatically increase the number of referrals you naturally receive, and it’s a great way to show your appreciation to your existing customers. See it as a reciprocal arrangement, beneficial to both parties.

Natural refrigerants have the lowest GWP values, while also being very suitable for use in different types of heat pumps. One of the best available natural refrigerants is R290, which we, at NIBE, have been using in several of our exhaust air heat pumps since the late 1990s. Utilising R290 does not impact the efficiency of the heat pump; in fact heat pumps with it are highly efficient and can deliver high temperatures. Our new S2125 contains the R290 refrigerant and has a GWP of only 3, which is almost negligible.

Planning for the Future

Only natural Extensive research and hard work has driven the development of some of the key components within our products, to ensure compressors and heat exchangers are right for natural refrigerants. Our ambition is to introduce more products using natural refrigerants to help our customers reduce the impact they have on the environment throughout the whole product lifecycle. Heat pumps are absolutely the way forward in reducing our dependency on fossil fuel burning appliances.

Business Matters

All NIBE heat pumps have hermetically sealed refrigeration circuits. Hermetically sealed means that the refrigeration components are tested for being airtight to a higher pressure than the systems operate to. Therefore, the charge of refrigerant should never be released to the atmosphere, unless there is a major failure to the componentry.

If referrals are your main way of generating business, how do you systematically ensure you receive them? Do your customers know that you welcome referrals? You can make it easy for customers to refer others by setting up an online form or providing business cards with your contact information.

Aaron McLeish Director at Together We Count

I t is clear that heat pumps have a big role to play in decarbonising home heating because they offer significantly reduced carbon emissions. However, like fridges and freezers, many heat pumps on the market use fluorinated greenhouse gases (F Gases) as a refrigerant. We are committed to ensuring that our heating solutions have minimal impact on the environment, so we have recently launched an air source heat pump with a natural refrigerant. But before I say more about the product, it is useful to understand why this is important. Back in 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed with the aim of reducing the effect of refrigerants and other substances on the ozone layer. Then 2016 saw an amendment to the protocol to reduce the volume of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F Gases) in the atmosphere too. Since 2015, European law restricted shipment of refrigerants with GWP (Global Warming Potential) and that law will require all manufacturers to reduce GWP by 79% by 2030 New UK regulations came into effect on 1st January 2021 and these effectively transferred the requirements of the current EU regulations directly into UK legislation, ensuring a continuity of the day to day requirements on contractors, suppliers and manufacturers. The UK will continue to restrict the use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and maintain the phase down schedule for F Gases.

It is incumbent on all manufacturers to ensure that their products have a minimal impact on the environment, which is why NIBE Energy Systems is committed to only using natural refrigerants – Jonny Hancock explains more.

Let’s imagine you are just starting out with two customers, and you ask them for two referrals every month. Let’s assume your conversion rate is 50% (you win one new customer for every two people you meet) and you don’t do any other marketing. By the end of the month, you will have four customers (assuming the original two customers stay with you). Then the next month you will have eight customers, then 16. If you keep the same momentum, by the end of month five you will have 64 customers and by the end of month 10, you will have a whopping 2048!

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Rewarding loyalty A referral system is a great way to generate new business while also recognising and rewarding loyalty. When customers refer others to your business, they are not only helping you to grow, but they are also showing faith in your products and services. This makes them some of your most valuable advocates. By providing them with a referral incentive, you can show your appreciation for their support and, as a result, a referral system is an excellent way to build customer loyalty.

By using low GWP refrigerants like R290 in heat pumps, we consciously manufacture systems to heat our homes while also helping to protect the environment. Contact us to find out about what we’re doing to help you help your customers achieve their sustainability goals.

At the same time, the refrigerants manufacturers use within their products must be of a standard which has as little impact on the environment as possible. To reduce the greenhouse effect, we all need to pull in the same direction.

Refrigerants –why natural is best

Word of mouth marketing happens when happy customers tell their friends and family about a product or service, and those people then go on to make an enquiry or purchase. The key word here being a happy customer. Missing a trick I find that many business owners I talk to don’t have referral systems in place –despite it being one of the easiest (and cheapest!) forms of marketing.

Jonny Hancock Product manager at NIBE Energy Systems increase brand awareness and boost sales. Timing it right There are many referral systems that a business can have. Here is one example: A good time to ask for a referral is after a customer has paid you. At this point in time they are probably happy with the work you have done (otherwise you wouldn’t have been paid). Therefore this is an ideal time to let your customers know that you welcome referrals. If you send receipts to customers, you could send them a thank you email, thanking them for their custom along with wording such as: ‘The way we grow our plumbing and heating firm is we ask for referrals. If you were happy with the work we have undertaken, please tell your friends and family. In return for telling your friends and family about us, we will…’

Social media In today’s age of social media, it’s easier than ever for customers to share their experiences with their friends and families. That’s why it’s essential to have offers and rewards in place to encourage people to tell others about your business. By providing an incentive for customers to spread the word, you can dramatically

Better for the environment Refrigerants have since been measured according to their GWP, which is a measure of how much the gas contributes to the greenhouse effect (a low GWP is better for the environment than a high GWP).

• Give you a voucher • Give you a gift • Money off your next boiler service • Donate to a charity • Plant trees • Etc, etc By taking some time to develop a referral system, you can ensure that word of mouth continues to be a powerful marketing tool for your business. A referral system can help you to build relationships with new customers. When customers are referred by a friend or family member, they are more likely to trust your business and give it a try.

In this month’s business advice column, Aaron McLeish examines how positive recommendations can go a long way in growing a business’s customer base.

Growth potential recommendationsof

Find out more For more information, please use the online link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/21

he best way to show you how bereferralspowerfulcanistoshow you a breakdown of the numbers.

Find out more As the director of Together We Count, Aaron McLeish is an accountant specialising in the plumbing and heating sector. Aaron is also author of The Quote VisitHandbook.thewebsite here: www.togetherwecount.co.uk

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 Business Matters 23

. Chase late payments Unpaid invoices and late payments are a serious problem for small and mediumpreempt this as much as possible by getting in the habit of issuing clear and easy to understand invoices as soon as a job is loggingcompleted.your costs, the materials you purchase for a job, and tracking the time you and your employees spend on it, the app has all the information it needs to feed into the invoice for you at the end. After issuing the invoice, the app allows you to follow up late payments with automatic SMS messages.Following these tips can help you to cut back on waste and maximise your bottom line. It is possible to grow your business and cultivate a good work/life balance. By working out more time for friends, loved so important because you should always work to live and not the other way around.

If you have teams of subcontractors who work you can group them together on the app and assign them phone or meet with them because app.

. Create a winning team By giving you the power to plan ahead, you can employ contractors when you need necessary. Fergus gives you the in seconds. You just drag and drop them onto it, and they’ll through the app.

Four steps to improving your work/life balance

How do you go about pursuing your business ambitions while avoiding over working and ultimately burnout? James Chillman, UK country manager for Fergus, has four tips to help improve your work/life balance.

Find out more For more details and to book a demo, please use the online reader link below: phamnews.co.uk

. Manage demanding customers Having a visual calendar is a powerful tool which uses a colour a complete overview of what jobs are booked and for when, what jobs need to be booked, and what stage each job is at. Demanding customers can be asking for constant updates and expecting work to be completed not today, but yesterday. But this anxieties, and once they see you have everything in hand, they are likely to be reassured. Fergus gives you all the tools you need to do this. You can break bigger jobs down into milestones, which makes managing costs and progress their mind about something at the last minute? You can make changes to the job in an instant and the software will ensure they remain linked to the parent job. You can log the cost and purchase of all materials, and track time spent on a job. At the end of a job, it will take just seconds to generate your invoice.

Dan Pollard, plumber and founder of Fergus management softwareR unning your own business is the dream for many people. Why take orders from others, and work to make someone else successful, when you can be your own boss of self satisfaction you get from starting something from scratch and growing it, through your own hard work, into a successful and However, for too many heating and plumbing business owners, being the boss is a double edged sword. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of working night and friends and family, only to burn out.Dan Pollard, a plumber and the founder of Fergus, experienced plumbing business and balancing that pressure against his personal life. It is part of the reason he developed job management software, but there are actions you can take right now which will help you get a better work/life balance. automate many of these, saving time, money and stress.

. Ditch the paper Despite the digital revolution of the past years, most tradespeople – over % in most markets, according to internal market research commissioned by Fergus – are still using manual, often paper based systems and processes to manage ignored by the software industry, predominantly because the average size of trades businesses was considered too small to matter.Paper based systems and other processes, such as email, which It’s all too easy for the business owner to miss something, whether it be the deadline for an invoice or to chase a late payment. Job management software allows you to integrate your business, granting you complete oversight from start to

packages customersfor annually, meaning that the annual safety checks are not being done. Our latest investments in Compare PAL and Contract PAL will mean that we can help homeowners to access the essential services that they need whilst supporting plumbing and heating installers of any size to easily provide their own white labelled service plans or make additional income by referring their customers to well known service providers.”

The Highbourne Group, parent company of City Plumbing, has announced that it has invested in two start up businesses which could help its installer customers to generate recurring income. Set for launch in the coming months, Contract PAL and Compare PAL are the latest additions to the Group’s service led propositions. Both of the businesses are geared towards helping installers to drive recurring income by providing homeowners and landlords with service plans, extended warranties, maintenance or insurance contracts.DaveGriggs, director of spares & services at Highbourne Group, explains: “Regular boiler servicing is critical to homeowner safety. However, recent statistics from the Gas Safe Register suggest that one in three homeowners are not getting their boilers serviced

Ryan Harmer, MD at Koze Group, says: “The addition of Vendigo to our family of brands allows us to bolster our e commerce towards our vision of supporting the entire spectrum of trade professionals with high calibre their baraboutandgreatermarket“Thecustomers.homeimprovementshasbeencryingoutforecommercecapabilitieswideraccesstoconsumertheprospectofraisingtheforbothofthose.” phamnews.co.uk and director of Contract PAL Ltd and Compare PAL Ltd, adds: “We’re delighted to have received investment from Highbourne Group as we set to launch Contract PAL and Compare PAL to the heating industry. In addition to helping installers increase recurring revenue, both solutions simplify complex challenges that, up to now, could only be addressed by the industry’s largest companies.” phamnews.co.uk/

PHAM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022 24

Simon Gough, co founder Matters says the company, will ensure that an installer’s existing and future customers have the widest possible highest possible approval rates, and best achievable pricing.

Heating installers are being promised unprecedented access packages following the acquisition of Vendigo Finance, a home Koze Group, the recently formed business behind the boiler pricing and ordering app, hiber. Koze Group Ltd was formed in January of this year with the aim of providing trade professionals with a series of digital solutions to aid their interaction with customers, including lead generation, parts The company provides an omni channel solution for hiber, enabling installers to introduce in their own home, online, over the phone or via email. The latest acquisition will see Vendigo Finance maintain its own panel of prime and near prime lenders while Koze Group takes on the role of credit broker. This,

serviceeasyinstallersProvidingwithcustomerplans

Business

How to avoid problems with bidet-style toilets

Jerry Whiteley Technical manager at the CIPHE A major challenge when installing such a device is managing backﬂow into the clean water supply and safedrinkingkeepingwater

For more information about the CIPHE, or to become a member, please contact the team via email: membership@ ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 472791

UK adoption While standard in many parts of the world, and even required by law in several European countries, the UK has been slow to recognise the advantages of bidet style toilets. This is beginning to change, however, and more UK homeowners are purchasing bidet attachments. A major challenge when installing such a device is managing backﬂow into the clean water supply and keeping drinking water safe.

Bidet style toilets are becoming more popular in the UK, and this trend is likely to continue. DIY plumbing is also on the rise leading to substandard installations and risks of contamination. Jerry Whiteley, technical manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) discusses some of the potential problems and how to avoid them.

Personal hygiene is in the followingspotlighttheCovid 19 pandemic, and demand for hygiene products is therefore higher than ever. At the start of this year, predicted bathroom trends suggested an increase in the popularity of bidet style toilets, many of which are a combination of a traditional toilet with a plumbed in attachment providing the bidet function. As these become more common in people’s homes, plumbing and heating engineers have an important role to play in providing professional advice and proﬁcient service in line with current Water Regulations.

Bidet backflow If an ablution hose (a component of many bidet style toilets) were to be left dangling into a toilet bowl, there is a possibility that water will flow the wrong way. A first step in preventing this would be to ensure that the hose is made short enough that this sort of contamination is not possible. Similarly, the water jets built into toilet seats in other types of bidet style toilets can become submerged in the case of a toilet blockage. If this happens, it is crucial that backflow is prevented and clean water kept uncontaminated. One effective way of preventing backflow in bidet style toilets is to incorporate an interposed cistern with an air gap (Water Regulations G15.9 & G15.10, section 6, pages 28,29,30,31). By doing so, it becomes impossible for water from the bidet or toilet bowl to travel past the air gap and into the clean water supply. Another approach would be to use a pipe interrupter (Type DC device). While this might be challenging due to design issues specific to the model of toilet, it is an option that plumbing engineers should be aware of and able to discuss with their customers. Before recommending this solution, consideration must be given to potential problems caused by reduced water pressure. One more option would be keeping hot and cold water supplies separated. If the hot water comes from a combi or unvented system, a separate water heater for the ablution shower would help prevent contamination. DIY danger DIY plumbing and rogue traders have become increasingly widespread. There has been a concurrent rise in fast track courses online, resulting in more unqualified people offering their plumbing services. Much of the information used in these fast track courses is inaccurate or based on non UK standards, meaning that what is taught and products purchased are not compliant with UK water regulations.Oneofthe pervasive elements of rogue traders is the fact that they can offer lower priced services by using cheaper equipment and saving time by cutting corners. One corner that can be dangerous to cut is using the wrong type of valve in the ablutionary hose. Due to the likelihood of faecal particles being present, the mechanism for preventing backflow must be reliable enough for use with category 5 fluids. At first glance, cheaper and faster to install methods may appear good enough to an untrained eye, but they leave the door open for contamination of clean drinking water. The future It is expected that the popularity of bidet style toilets will continue rising. As such, it is critical that qualified plumbing engineers safeguard public health. This can include educating consumers about the potential dangers of cost cutting and the expensive repairs that cheaper rogue traders or DIY amateurs can incur. Having membership with the CIPHE allows plumbing and heating engineers to prove their professionalism and proficiency to customers before work is begun, reassuring them that any system changes that accompany a bidet installation are carried out competently to prevent contamination.

CIPHE Viewpoint PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

MV I’ve had a long time to prepare. When you grow up in a family business like Viessmann, you get the opportunity to travel a lot and appreciate the business from a values perspective, which I think is important. When I was at school I would frequently work in the workshop and then, when I was at university, I would spend my holidays visiting people in the company, so I’ve always been connected to the business. I think you quickly understand that it’s not your business, it’s just borrowed from future generations. We have now gone through three generation transitions and I’m very mindful of our past history. Now Group Chairman, my father is still very much involved and, with more than 40 years in the business, his experience is invaluable.

MV For our core businesses, we want to move away from being a heating system provider to becoming a climate solutions provider, and that obviously influences our product portfolio. So, instead of purely being a boiler manufacturer we need to move to being a heat pump player and have also extended our portfolio of PV panels and home energy management systems. We’ve also added a lot of digital competence and a lot more value in terms of our after sales services. We’re celebrating our 105th anniversary this year, which reminds me that the 100th anniversary was just five years ago. The last five years went by in a snap and that’s why I have a bit of impatience, because we can’t bring every solution at the same time to all markets.

Max Viessmann is CEO of Viessmann Group and represents the fourth generation of the Viessmann family to head the heating technology business that was first founded in 1917.

Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann Group

MV Yes, we made a public announcement that we would invest one billion Euros over the next three years. That is the capital investment we make, so in production facilities and R&D facilities. It does not include the R&D spending that we have through our people, which is quite significant and we have also ramped up. We have huge confidence in being successful with our partners. If you look at recent developments, we grew 22% in 2021, in a very turbulent environment, so we have a lot of good reasons to believe that we can continue to be successful.

MV We might have one or two small differences, but overall, when it comes to how we are strategically repositioning and developing the company, there is full alignment. If we have different views on some things, we are disciplined enough to discuss such issues in a one to one setting. I think that’s one of the pre requisites for a successful generational transition – you don’t put the burden on employees to figure out which opinion to choose. It’s important to be very clear and disciplined about what you’re communicating.

One of the obstacles to the growth of the heat pump market in the UK is a lack of skills. Is that something you see as a challenge for Viessmann?

MV The UK is obviously a very important market. There has been a little bit of a time delay in introducing some of our new products, but that’s because we want the solutions to be perfectly suited to the UK. Our aim here is to be a premium player in the market and to represent the values that you would expect from a family business – being reliable and trustworthy. As the market leader in heat pumps in Germany, we have quite a

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/25

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions, how important is it that the company is seen to be practising what it preaches?

In an exclusive interview with PHAM News, Max talks about his plans for the company and his views on industry developments.

MV I think it did from a logistics point of view, but then everybody’s struggling with the same challenges. It sometimes helps to be a Central European based company, especially in the supply crisis that we see right now. However, we do not exclude the possibility that we might also actually have some manufacturing facilities in the UK in the near future. I think there is a great opportunity for the government to incentivise manufacturing in the UK, so ultimately there are less geo political dependencies.

MV Absolutely. We believe in developing partnerships for generations to come, because we’ve been partners for generations. Some of the businesses we work with in the UK have a second generation, and in some cases third generations. People also know that if they have a problem they can send an email to me. And of course that makes my inbox explode! The beautiful thing is that it’s not so much about problems, because we don’t have too many, it’s much more about collaboration. It’s a very personal thing and very different to other companies that are being run anonymously.

As a business, have you pledged to invest a certain amount in R&D each year?

As the fourth generation in the family business, do you think you’re well prepared to take on your new responsibilities?

Do those ambitions include ultimately being number one in heat pumps in the UK? MV It really depends on how you define being number one. Do we want to be the highest volume company in the UK? Certainly not, but we do want to serve a certain segment of the market that appreciates the integrated solutions that we can provide. We have a clear vision to be the market leader there. Because we’re not just a product company – we’re a solutions provider. When you put that in revenue terms, there is a good opportunity for us to quickly double our returns.

lot of knowledge that we’re now bringing to the UK. We see a lot of opportunities for us to build an even better reputation in heat pumps than we have today with boilers. There’s a strong willingness to invest and take things to the next level.

I think the approach that we’re taking in the UK, with practical training on the devices in our facilities, offering online training and supporting them with our field service technicians, represents a very balanced approach where everyone has a chance to level up.

You and your father are different characters, of course, so do you have different views as to how you see the business developing?

Our philosophy as a company is that we don’t sell a product and walk away, but we think ahead of what’s coming. I cannot influence how quickly hydrogen is going to be available in sufficient amounts, I can only say that our products are suited to make use of it. I think hybrid systems make a lot of sense right now and if the boilers are also using green fuels, then all the better. Frankly speaking, in the current energy crisis, we should be looking at anything that helps to bring running costs down. You don’t necessarily need heavy investments to reduce energy costs.

Investing in the future

MV I think we always see challenges as opportunities, so if we look at how we helped our partners to transition to become heat pump installers in Germany then a key part is obviously the product offering. Our gas boilers and our heat pumps have the same platform when it comes to the software tools that we use. They also share many components, which reduces the burden on after sales. But just as important is how we train installers and how we enable them to be successful.

How important is the UK to the company’s plans?

MV I think you really need to take into account different circumstances. So, if you live in a rural area, then I think the likelihood of heat pumps being the primary solution, especially for highly insulated buildings, is very high. If you live on the outskirts of a city, I think you will likely see a mixture of district solutions, accompanied by heat pumps and hybrid solutions, while the inner city will very much depend on district elements.

The commissioning process is deeply integrated into our digital services. Our aim is to have a ‘one click’ commissioning process going forward. So, instead of spending hours commissioning the system after you’ve installed it, the installer can focus on what’s really important – having expert knowledge on how to best install a system that is reliable and takes as little time as possible.

Can you say a little bit more about the strategic repositioning of the company?

Point of View26 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

MV I think the issue is very holistic because every aspect of the business has to be addressed. It’s not enough to have a net zero carbon emitting manufacturing site and not enough to have products that are not emitting CO2 over time. We need to look at the materials we are using too.

Viessmann is a family business, but it’s a big family of 13,000 employees. Do you consider your installer partners to be an extension to that family?

Has Brexit had any impact on how you view the UK side of the business?

Training our people and giving them the chance to develop and have skills that are relevant for the future is also hugely important.

Do you see hydrogen and hybrid solutions having a part to play in a low carbon future?

J anuary this year saw Max Viessmann take on the role of CEO from his father, Dr. Martin Viessmann, who has moved to Group Chairman. In a recent visit to the company’s UK headquarters in Telford, we took the opportunity to ask Max about some of his hopes for the business and the wider industry.

Merchant & Distributor News 27 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 expansionBathroom With the aim of addressing some of the recent country wide theAfternumber of customers using and the increasing numberm to our growing bathroom phamnews.co.uk/ Screens set edition featured Director Ross Duncanson phamnews.co.uk/ Created by plumbing and heating engineers, for plumbing and heating engineers. Try it for yourself and discover the difference, book your demonstration today! The digital multi-tool for plumbers and heating engineers. www.surefiresoftware.co.uk/PHAM

A range of renewable and energy saving technologies from the conversion of three stone built agricultural buildings into homes in Totnes. Each will be heated by an LG air source heat pump, which will be connected via multi branch manifolds heating system across the ground

Whole-houseapproachto deliverlevels.

a healthy indoor living environment, a constant supply of airprewill be supplied via Zehnder ComfoAir mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. with internal wall insulation, and mm of Celotex and a layer of TLS Gold Multifoil, incorporating a breather membrane. phamnews.co.uk/ /

Products in Action28 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Gate apartments in central London, due for completion in required the piping system to guarantee reliable quality to the explains: “Quality was our top priority, both in terms of the water solution to guarantee clean and safe water without contamination.” phamnews.co.uk/ / a Sanifos lifting station to Hampshire based MDL Marinas for its new marine lodges on the River Hamble. discharge from the bathrooms disruption to customers and going to be needed in the lodges themselves, but collection and storage was the biggest bathroom of each lodge, and a Sanifos underground lifting station to collect and pump away the waste to a landside drain, provided the best solution. a pipe out of each lodge which connects to a run of pipe under the service cover along the main pontoon. This then runs for m to meet an adjacent jetty where a Sanifos lifting station, built into an anti corrosion out of sight. It is activated when the waste is then pumped into discharge pipes under the water, up the wall of the quay and across to the mains drain. phamnews.co.uk/ /

Waste water discharge solution

Fit for the future We continue to promote our ‘Fit for the Future’ campaign, highlighting that, despite what you might see and read, radiators are very much able to provide the levels of comfort heating and hot water required in UK homes, when paired with heatThepumps.arrival of the low temperature heating system has brought with it perhaps understandable questions that speciﬁers, architects and house builders want answers to. Can we

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/32

In replacement heating systems for older properties there are of course 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 in a home. So what is the easiest and most cost eﬀective solution?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 aesthetically far more attractive anyway, 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 latest K3 radiators that have three panels and three sets of ﬁns – providing the additional metal surfaces needed, but without increasing the radiator footprint on the wall.

Radiators & Towel Warmers

The rise in heat pump sales is seeing the need for larger and higher capacity radiators, and we have responded by broadening the range of sizes and shapes for our most popular radiators, including the introduction of a wider range of vertical radiators, and meeting the enhanced need for our K3 radiators (featuring three panels and three ﬁns to oﬀer 50% more heating capacity from a radiator with the same footprint).

29 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

TRVs need to be fitted to every radiator except where there is a room thermostat fitted. The differential between the flow and return should be 10°C – giving a 45°C return, and a mean water temperature of 50°C. This will have an impact on radiators and simply means that sizing of radiators is more important than ever.Our increasingly popular vertical radiators also offer 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. So new low temperature heating systems offer additional opportunities for the products we know and love. There’s no need to change what we do, just an element of changing how we do it and the questions we ask when undertaking an installation or specifying for a heating system design.

still use products we ﬁt now with traditional boiler driven heating systems if the heat source is a heat pump? Is there anything we need to consider that we previously took for granted? The answer is of course yes – we need to look closely at how to ensure that the heat generated is shared eﬀectively in the new home or the existing home that is having its heating system upgraded. Keep to the facts But it’s important to sift through the information and look at the facts rather than the statements being made by some companies in an attempt to boost the sales of their own products.

The regulations also say that heating appliances and radiators should not be oversized.

New rules

Meeting demand for low temp solutions

The latest upgrade to Building Regulations in England (and Wales from November) brings with it a realisation that the key ﬁgure to bear in mind is 55°C –the maximum ﬂow temperature for all new wet heating systems.

Despite what some people might claim, modern radiators can work perfectly well with low temperature heating systems – provided that they are sized correctly. Chris Harvey from Stelrad highlights what needs to be considered and some of the best solutions available.

Chris Harvey Head of marketing at Stelrad Radiators will work well with heat pumps, but you will need to increase the size of the radiators to provide a larger surfacemetalarea

The development of lower temperature heating systems, such as those using air source heat pumps, has given rise to some misinformation and we have responded forcefully to those companies who claim that underﬂoor heating is the only or ‘best’ solution for heat pump installations.Morethan90% of all heating systems in the UK currently rely on radiators to share the heat around the home. In new build housing, using a heat pump based 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

H ere in the UK the changing nature of the heating sector is companiesseeinglike Stelrad needing to adjust to new requirements, in particular to meet the demands of the new renewable heating systems that are becoming more popular.

it 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 done up front and radiators sized accordingly. The levels of insulation can be agreed at the outset that will provide the best support for any heating system chosen, whether radiators or underﬂoor heating. The key to radiators operating well in any situation is to size them properly at the outset, which involves accurately working out heat loss calculations to achieve the necessary number of BTUs required to provide comfort heating in each room. At Stelrad we oﬀer a simple, free to use radiator sizing and heat loss calculator along with a renewables advice page on our website. Facts and helpful information are also shared through a free to take CPD, also available on the website.

Trade quality steel panelHighVanOver15radiators.yearguarantee120sizesavailablereadypackagingthermaloutput 25 ARANTEED RS 925KR419KR5022V 892XT NEW 386XT NEW Optimise heat with our stylish, modern TRVs. G15 UARANTEED YEA RS

EngineeredthefortradeBOTTOM-ENTRYFLUSHVALVE874FJ PUSH-FIT EQUAL 90°376HYELBOW Our ever-growing range of 600+ heating and plumbing products are engineered to meet professional standards and quality demands. With smart solutions to cut installation times, and long guarantees, Flomasta helps you rise to every challenge, no matter the job. Shop the full Flomasta range in-store or online at Screwfix.com FLAT THERMOSTAT IC TOWEL6793DRADIATOR

Find out more As part of the IRSAP Group, The Radiator Company is a member of the Manufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) – an industry body that ensures members only use approved laboratories to certify products in accordance with UK standards, to uphold compliance and best practice for the industry.

◼

Up to standard Ultimately, before making any recommendation, check the manufacturer is compliant with industry standards. It can be tempting to compromise on quality to meet lower budget demands, but as mentioned, this can have a detrimental impact on customer satisfaction if the product hasn’t been certified for its performance. There are two key indicators to look for to ensure any radiator or towel rail is of reliable quality: Delta T50 and EN442. Manufacturers should declare their radiator heating performance (BTU) figures have been tested using BS EN442 protocols and based on Delta T50 as standard and should be CE or UKCA marked to certify this. A trusted manufacturer will also be able to provide a Declaration of Performance (DoP) upon request, confirming the testing standards and the accuracy of its data.

red  The

V isit any verybathroomdomesticanditslikelythatyou will find a heated towel rail. Their popularity is no surprise given their convenient functionality as a place to not only neatly hang towels, but also warm them – how luxurious! However, despite these advantages, it is an appliance that is often overlooked when it comes to roomPerhapsdesign.that is because for many, a towel rail is synonymous with a white or chrome ladder design – rather boring no? Perhaps it is because for bathroom renovations, the entire floorplan has been designed with the bath, shower, toilet and sink in mind – leaving the towel rail to simply ‘fit in’ to the space that remains. Whatever the reason, there is more that can be achieved for clients, especially those looking to create a unique space or meet specific décor styles, with a wide choice of designer towel rails available on the market. Colour trends More customers are looking to replicate and create ‘Insta worthy’ living spaces, and we have seen an explosion

of colours and styles when it comes to radiator and towel rail specification. Even the traditional ladder rail can be invigorated with some simple colour treatment. Moving away from standard white or chrome and recommending that a towel rail is finished in an alternative shade can elevate an ordinary product into something more creative, eye catching and interesting for the client. Black (and matt black) remains a favourite. This colour elevates the overall aesthetic to evoke luxury and sophistication. When paired with other black bathroom fittings and appliances, this finish is really effective in creating a cohesive and elegant space. Colourful bathrooms are here to stay with pastel pinks, gemstone greens and dramatic blues all in demand – and today’s towel rail can match, complement or clash with these popular hues.

without breaking the bank

Within budget There is a misconceptioncommonthat designer radiators and towel rails must be expensive. The word ‘designer’ is the likely culprit for this, but there are a number of designer models available that can meet all budgets, whilst still oﬀering the performance, quality and style that customers expect.Using our own range as an example, we have a number of models with a RRP below £200 ex. VAT, such as those from our Poppy and Lupin collections. The primary consideration should always be whether the radiator or towel rail can perform (in heat output) as expected. If the price seems too good to be true, it may well be a cheap imitation that lacks the quality assurance checks that one would expect. Unwittingly specifying a radiator that is substandard could lead to customer dissatisfaction and even a negative impact on reputation.

To ﬁnd out more about the extensive range of heated towel rails available from The Radiator Company, please use the online reader link below. phamnews.co.uk/922/33 side loading Echo ladder style towel rail in eye catching Poppy towel rail delivers designer style

32 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

 The

No need to settle for something ordinary With designer options on the market that oﬀer more choice and variety, heated towel rails needn’t be mundane. Alex Burgess from The Radiator Company discusses how heating professionals can make speciﬁcations that delight customers and meet every brief and budget.

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Ladder alternatives Every bathroom is different. Installers should be able to call upon a wide choice of products to suit any style in any home. Designer manufacturers can offer modern towel rails in a variety of shapes to suit all décors, from traditional through toThecontemporary.sideloading Echo provides a unique upgrade to the common ladder towel rail with a modern and interesting design where users can simply slide the towel onto the rail. For those looking to emulate or restore period features, towel rails such as the Linton can enrich such design themes. This product combines white powder coated cast iron sections and chromed pipework to reflect the style of the 1920s.

Small spaces When working in smaller rooms where wall space is at a premium, a horizontal towel rail may be used to optimise the Alex Burgess National sales manager at The Radiator Company It can be tempting to compromise on quality to meet lower demands,budgetbut this can have detrimentala impact on satisfactioncustomer available area. The Sitar BDO, for example, can be positioned above a bathtub to use the height of the room to occupy this appliance, or under a window to utilise dead space. Towel rails with slim profiles will make the most of floor space, and space saving solutions such as the Athena and Athena BDO horizontal towel rails are ideal. These offer an installed projection of just 67 to 75mm from the wall, which is ideal behind the door, or in small cloakrooms and en suites.

 The Athena BDO horizontal towel rail offers a space saving solution

STELRAD. Compact with Style Vertical FIT THEFORFUTURE.Stelrad’srangeofradiatorsareaestheticallydesignedtoperformwiththefutureinmind.Allradiators,includingcurrentandnewmodelsarefullycompatiblewithlowtemperatureheatingsystemsandareinstockforimmediatedelivery.Stelradhavetheradiatorstomeety our installation, speciﬁcation and contract needs. Find out more at Stelrad.com Now in stock and ready for deliveryimmediate FULLYWITHCOMPATIBLENEWLOWTEMPERATUREHEATINGSYSTEMSLargerangeofsizes,styles,coloursandhighoutputradiators

34 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

 The Decoral 97 aluminium radiator with high output that is ideal for use with heat pumps and other renewable heating technologies

renewablesisAluminiumrightfor

& Towel

Dimensions (mm) (H) 1866 x (W) 660 x (D) 113 Output (Watts) ∆25ºC (50-40-20): 974 Dry Weight: 27.2kg Water Content: 6.2 Litres

Changes to eﬃciency targets in the Building Regulations mean low temperature heating systems will become more common. Alex Bradley from MHS Radiators looks at the advantages of using aluminium radiators in these energy saving systems.

Alex Bradley Commercial director at MHS Radiators

Homeowners will inevitably learn to embrace lower flow temperatures and seek ways to save energy, continueradiatorsaluminiumguaranteeswhichwilltohave a strong part to play in a sustainable future to their steel panel cousins. The science behind this difference lies in the chemical composition of the two materials, with aluminium’s lower thermal inertia ensuring it takes much less time for a radiator to meet the desired temperature. And, because aluminium radiators heat up and cool down more quickly, there is less chance of ‘overshooting’ the desired temperature – resulting in significant energy savings. This makes them the perfect choice to use with the lower flow temperatures demanded by the revisions to Part L and the more general take up of heat pumps.

Weighty issues Aluminium radiators have other benefits too. For example, they’re around 50% lighter than their steel counterparts – making installation much easier – while also providing flexibility in structural consideration for large projects, such as apartment buildings.Thisflexibility is mirrored with different styles and sizes. Our much loved Decoral 97 range, for example, comes in both horizontal and vertical configurations and has outputs (at Δ50°C) ranging from 277W to 4kW. Along with a 10 year warranty and options for different colours, the range is proving a popular choice to combine with renewable systems, such as heat pumps.It’snot just heating systems that make the difference when it comes to decarbonising our industry. There’s also something called embodied carbon, which the UK Green Building Council defines as: “The total greenhouse gas emissions (often simplified to ‘carbon’) generated to produce a built asset. This includes emissions caused by transportationmanufacture/processing,extraction,andassemblyof

Steel - Vertical K2 (Type 22) Aluminium - Vertical MHS Decoral Aluminium

every product and element in an asset”. This is where aluminium radiators demonstrate significant advantages. If we take our Decoral radiators as an example again, they are manufactured from 100% recycled aluminium. The aluminium recycling process requires only 5% of the energy used in the production of the primary metal, equating to a carbon footprint of 0.5kg CO2e per kg of aluminium produced, compared to 6.7kg CO2e/kg from primary extraction. And further carbon reductions are made thanks to the manufacturing plant being located less than nine miles from the raw material supplier. This allows the radiators to be constructed using recycled aluminium that’s still in liquid form. Sustainable choice These combined advantages provide significant sustainability benefits over other aluminium radiators, including a 90% reduction in emissions and 80m3 saving in natural gas usage. Plus, aluminium is endlessly recyclable – without ever losing its properties, which guarantees a low carbon footprint. As the UK moves away from traditional ways of heating homes and embeds renewable technology into its building fabric, we’ll all need to think about our approach differently. Homeowners will inevitably learn to embrace lower flow temperatures and seek ways to save energy and reduce carbon emissions, which guarantees aluminium radiators will continue to have a strong part to play in a sustainable future.

Dimensions (mm) (H) 1800 x (W) 600 x (D) 129 Output (Watts) ∆25ºC (50-40-20): 964 Dry Weight: 63.5kg Water Content: 9.5 Litres

W ith RegulationsthetorevisionsthePartLofBuilding still fresh in people’s minds, and the figure of reducing carbon emissions in new homes by 31%, it’s fair to say that the industry is continually looking for new and improved ways to comply. It’s probably also realistic that these revisions will be tightened again in due course in order to meet the 75 80% reduction in carbon required by the Future Homes Standard in 2025 This certainly makes sense on paper. But when you talk to homeowners who are either building new properties or renovating existing ones, there’s a lot of confusion about what’s achievable and what will work for their homes. Some people think that using a heat pump automatically means they have to install underfloor heating. It’s scaring some away from including renewables in their homes, even though there are benefits from both a financial and environmental perspective. The revisions to Part L outline the move towards new heating systems being designed with lower flow temperatures – at a maximum of 55°C. As you would expect, with the push towards decarbonisation, and the forthcoming boiler ban, discussion about heat pumps continues to set the agenda.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/34

Spot the difference: Steel v. Aluminium

Aluminium answers Everyone is familiar with the traditional steel panel radiator that has been ubiquitous in UK houses since they were invented in 1855. However, over the last few years, there’s been strong growth in the use of high performance aluminium radiators. There are a few reasons for this. Aluminium radiators have very low water volumes and much higher heat conducting capabilities – especially compared

Radiators Warmers

VSH Tectite lockable facility VSH Tectite when you're pushed for time, push VSH Tectite customer service +44 (0) 800 156 0010 www.pegler.co.uk VSH Tectite is a world-class push-fit system incorporating pipe, fittings, and valves, delivering cost savings. •pioneers in push-fit since 1996 •fast installation without the need for tools •perfect installation in small and hard-to-reach areas •dimensions 10 to 54 mm •temperature range -24°C to +114°C •maximum operating pressure 16 bar VSH Tectite full bore

Sindar Singh Product line director of valve technology at Pegler

The latest Pegler Terrier TRV is easy to ﬁt and has been designed to provide a speedy response to any changes in temperature

CUT TO THE CHASE

T his year has brought about some changessigniﬁcantto

With recent changes to the Building Regs set to drive the installation of more thermostatic radiator valves, Sindar Singh from Pegler, part of Aalberts Integrated Piping Systems, explains how TRVs can make a real diﬀerence to energy eﬃciency in our homes.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/35

Radiators & Towel Warmers choice or necessity, the changes to Part L couldn’t have come at a better time. About 80% of energy in homes is attributed to heating and hot water so changes to legislate ways of reducing this were clearly needed as part of the over arching strategy.

Big savings

The cost and energy usage savings that effective TRVs can have should not be underestimated. In research by the University of Salford it was found that, when used typically, a heating system that was fitted with TRVs would use ‘around 18% less gas, compared to the same system without TRVs’. The Pegler Terrier TRV was the first radiator valve to be manufactured in the UK in the 1990s. Today Pegler Terrier TRVs and MRVs command the largest share of the UK market, with over 20 million already fitted, and continue to be manufactured at our state of the art manufacturing and

PartL of the Building Regulations. With a clear aim to integrate the built environment into the government’s Net Zero strategy, the changes have many facets to drive forward greater efficiencies in our homes and lower carbon emissions. One consequence is that everyone who provides new build housing or is upgrading/replacing boilers in existing homes will be required to ensure systems include TRVs in line with the new regulations and in the guidance set out by BEAMA. TRVs and energy saving Since TRVs allow occupants to heat rooms to different desired temperatures, and even switch off radiators in rooms that are not being used, it should come as no surprise that regulations would be created to ensure their benefits were fully utilised across all areas of the built environment. The latest changes reflect this and are aimed at integrating TRVS into all new home heating systems, and those that require replacement or upgrade. It is estimated that this could save as much as £1000 over the lifetime of a new boiler (according to the latest figures from BEAMA based on January 2022 gas prices).Withenergy bills continuing to rise, it is fair to say that homeowners are looking for more and more ways to heat their home as efficiently as possible. So, for those looking to replace boilers with more efficient ones, either through

A simple way to reduce our energy use

 Under the latest regulations, TRVs should be fitted with any new or upgraded heating system  TRVs are an important part of the commissioning process for low temperature systems  Research has shown that the installation of TRVs can reduce gas consumption by 18%  The latest Pegler Terrier TRVs have been enhanced by a pure copper element which helps to speed up response times plating facility in Yorkshire. The latest Pegler Terrier TRV is optimised to deliver the best results possible. Enhanced by a pure copper element, the performance provides a faster response to temperature changes. Technical tests have shown that it provides even better accuracy for temperature settings with a 33% lower hysteresis, thereby reaching comfort levels in less time than other TRVs on the market.Inaddition to enhanced performance, the new Pegler Terrier TRV range supports installers with a variety of sizes and benefits. It is supplied suitable for 8, 10 and 15mm pipework and is also offered in a tamper resistant option. It fully complies with the requirements of EN215 and also carries a five year warranty against manufacturing or material defect.Installers also like the simplicity of the installation that a Pegler Terrier TRV brings. With minimum specialist tools required, and push fit and compression options available, replacing an existing TRV is a straightforward process. Once the system has been re commissioned, it is easy for installers to direct their customers to the user guide that is attached to the neck of each valve so that they can understand how TRVs can help them increase energy efficiency and decrease costs. Quality TRVs can make a real difference and as we approach the winter months their performance, accuracy and functionality will be invaluable to many households across the nation.

The new regulations Since June this year, installers have been obliged to ensure that new TRVs are fitted when replacing a boiler, or ensure that the ones already on the system are fit for purpose and working to maximum efficiency.Inaddition, all new and replacement heating systems will have to be designed with a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower, as part of the Part L uplift, and this is directly reinforced in a recent white paper by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council – Heating Up to Net Zero –which shows that low carbon technology, such as heat pumps and alternative fuel systems, will be needed along with low temperature heating systems.

Furthermore, it cites the importance of hot water cylinders for low temperature heat generators such as heat pump systems, and the use of TRVs as integral to balancing a system and becoming ‘an important part of the commissioning process for low temperature systems.’ This shows how TRVs can support current heating systems, but also alternative fuel or alternative methods of heating our homes in the future. For such a simple procedure, the impact that properly speciﬁed TRVs can have on reducing energy consumption and lowering a property’s carbon footprint can be signiﬁcant.

 

36 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Made balance.forperfectMadeforbalance.perfect

Auto-balancing TRVs

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

There are several ways an installer can balance a heating system:

Energy saving With the threat of further energy price increases, there has never been a better time for installers to work with their customers to make small changes now which will hopefully have a big impact on helping to reduce energy bills in the future.

the correct ﬂow rate regardless of other TRVs opening and closing or changes to the system correct ﬂow rate regardless of other TRVs opening and closing or changes to the system.

1. Using lockshields –Installers typically understand this method and they are a low cost option. However, it generally takes one to two hours for an installer to balance a system this way, as they have to calculate the diﬀerence in temperature across the ﬂow and return. Additionally, it is often not very accurate and settings are lost when removing radiators for decorating or replacement, when TRVs are opened and closed, or when the system is changed.

CUT TO THE CHASE

S ystem balancing is required as part of the thattheevenlyensuringessentiallyprocesscommissioningBenchmarkanditistheprocessofthatwarmwaterisdistributedthroughoutheatingsystem,makingsureallradiatorsreceivethe correct ﬂow of hot water needed. This is achieved by managing the ﬂow to each radiator to ensure that all rooms heat up evenly.

Balancing act – how to achieve an even ﬂow of hot water

38 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

David Kempster Drayton product manager

3. Auto balancing TRVs –This technology is a new addition to two of our most popular ranges – the iconic TRV4 and RT414 – helping to make balancing easy for installers and to also reduce the risk of call backs from systems not performing correctly. Auto balancing valves will ensure that radiators permanently receive the

 Drayton’s TRV4 Classic, ﬁrst launched in 1993, is the best selling range of thermostatic radiator valves in the UK

Quick and easy Installing the new auto balancing TRVs couldn’t be easier, all an installer needs to do is identify the heat output from the radiator the TRV will be ﬁtted to and correlate it to the correct position on the TRV using the setting table included with the product. For existing radiators, where installers are unsure of the heat output, they can use the new handy valve setting calculator on our website to determine the correct setting for each auto balancing TRV they are installing on the system. The Drayton balancing key, or an 11mm spanner, can then be used to select the correct position. This process takes just a few minutes, and is permanent, regardless of TRVs in the system opening and closing, and this technology is proven to save on average 8.8% on energy costs while also preventing any cold spots around the home.

With the ever increasing energy price hikes, there has never been a more important time for installers to work with customers to implement energy saving measures. One simple way of doing this is ensuring that the customer’s heating system is balanced correctly. Here, David Kempster from Drayton explains why balancing is so important and how it can be done.

Radiators & Towel Warmers an unbalanced, ineﬀective heating system that can lead to consumer dissatisfaction, which no installer wants. How to do it

 Drayton’s new auto balancing valve is easy to set and has been designed to ﬁt UK pipework

Essential practice Radiator balancing is an essential practice to improve boiler eﬃciency and avoid cold spots within the home, but it is a practice that many installers ﬁnd very time consuming and complex. Unbalanced systems can result in radiators not heating up properly, causing some rooms within the home to be cooler than desired. This also results in heating systems not being able to work to optimum levels, with condensing boilers failing to enter condensing mode. This results in not only higher heating costs or greater emissions than expected, but

Developed using our iconic TRV4 design, this chrome thermostatic radiator valve has been designed speciﬁcally for UK domestic applications, making it suitable and attractive for homeowners. The new auto balancing TRVs have the same dimensions as all GB pattern valve bodies found in UK systems, meaning no pipework needs to be changed when retroﬁtting, making it an easy solution for installers to swap out.

2. Pre setting TRVs –Some TRVs on the market allow installers to set the heat output of the radiator, which should be determined for each room based on expected heat loss, to balance the system, which makes this method more accurate than lockshield adjustment. The Drayton TRV4 and RT414 can be balanced using a unique balancing key, which is used to set ﬂow rates and then lock the setting to prevent tampering even when TRVs are closed completely for radiator removal.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/36

 System balancing is essential to ensure that hot water is evenly distributed and all radiators receive the correct flow  Unbalanced systems can reduce energy efficiency and result in radiator cold spots  Once set correctly, an auto balancing valve will ensure the correct flow rate, regardless of changes to system pressure  The technology has been proven to save an average of 8.8% on energy costs Auto permanentlythatvalvesbalancingwillensureradiatorsreceive

Known for its cast iron creations, Paladin Radiators says it blends tradition with innovation, quality and craftsmanship to make a stunning range designed to add a distinctive beauty to any residence, whether traditional or modern.

Gloucester based Apollo Radiators, an independent distributor of European designer radiators and towel rails, presents the Apollo Roma matt black steel column radiator, now in stock. This handsome model is available for delivery throughout the UK within two days at no extraThecost.Roma matt black is available in vertical, horizontal and low level orientations. Customers can also choose from bespoke colours, which are available within working days. The vertical version measures mm high, with widths in and mm. phamnews.co.uk/

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Hand built in the UK by a team of expert craftsmen in Paladin’s own dedicated For example, the opulent Oxford antique cast iron radiator (pictured) has its origins in late ’s France. This ornate cast iron radiator boasts a smooth, sweeping, scalloped top detail with an elaborate interwoven design at the feet. Freestanding and heat model is said to be suitable for a period room, barn or warehouse conversion. slightly aged look that works well as an understated expression of heritage and design. phamnews.co.uk/

Radiators & Towel Warmers

With grey an increasingly popular choice for customers, Vogue is highlighting its broad portfolio of available shades. The company’s full grey heating palette is available across many of its best selling contemporary ladder rails and radiator designs. These include: silver crackle, modern silver, modern steel, grey sparkle textured, anthracite, polished chrome, brushed chrome, bright nickel, brushed nickel, polished stainless, brushed stainless, pewter and more. Pictured is the Astute horizontal single DR anthracite radiator. It is designed with a mm height and six available high heat output ranging from to Watts (model dependent) and is manufactured from aluminium. phamnews.co.uk/

In keeping with the trend for monochrome design, radiators across its most to create the impression inmodelsSlimlinenowblack Towel getdesignedrailtonoticed Customers can choose from a W in stand year phamnews.co.uk/ standard heights – and or and phamnews.co.uk/ 40 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 Radiators & Towel Warmers Both Oni and Niva radiators Other designer radiators a wide variety of options to phamnews.co.uk/ Add the allure of aluminium

Radiators & Towel Warmers

The range includes double panel models and classic features an optimised water circulation system and is of installation, while the company’s column radiators are phamnews.co.uk/

Investment in Italy

temperaturein remains below °C and are also suitable for bacterial paint to suppressto mm) and lengths range from to phamnews.co.uk/

41 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

The Anit range of luxury domestic radiators are characterised by striking designs, low water content and high lightweight aluminium, models include the Pioneer range (pictured) which that are said to generate more thermal output and a lot more surface area than come with an internal coating system to phamnews.co.uk/

elcoburners.uk@ariston.comCLEANERGREENERBURNINGTODAYFORATOMORROW Thanks to more than 90 years of experience in the design and production of burners ELCO, part of the Ariston Group, is a leading brand in the development of innovative, efficient and reliable burner technologies with a consolidated presence in the field of low NOx emissions. Wherever a small, medium or high power burner is required, ELCO is the best partner you can rely on. CUTTING-EDGE BURNERS FOR HEATING AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS. FROM 11 KW TO 80 MW Low NOx EKL LN Ultra-Low NOx EKL BLUE HVOREADY

oil households surveyed said they would want to convert to a renewable liquid fuel such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) whilst 13% said they would opt for a heat pump. There is more than enough room for both technologies in the market.

Of those, 61% said the fuel should be prioritised for home heating –although a recent research paper by UKIFDA outlined that there is more than enough supply of HVO to meet the future demand across allInsectors.partnership with UKIFDA, nearly 150 oil properties have already converted to HVO as part of our demonstration project and reduced emissions by 88%. The conversion process is simple and expected to cost around £500 In short, it’s an aﬀordable and viableWithsolution.anelection due to take place within the next two years, now is the time for rural MPs to listen to their constituents on oil heating and ensure their voice is represented.

Level playing ﬁeld However, they must be given equal weight. Heat pump installations are currently incentivised through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, but there is no support for renewable liquid fuels. HVO is subsidised through the RTFO scheme for transport and aviation, and 98% of oil homes surveyed said the same should apply to domestic heating.

would spend £1000 upfront on a low carbon heating system

Pragmatic solutions

Responding to the views of oil consumers

Oil Heating 43 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 SURVEY RESULTS saidof97%oilhouseholdsinthesurveytheywantedtodotheirbit to tackle climate 20%would13%liquidwant87%changetoconverttoarenewablefuel,suchasHVOoptforaheatpump

Consumer choice

A choice of renewable solutions is therefore paramount. Not just to ensure consumer buy in but also to avoid a technology monopoly. Creating a diverse heating market will incentivise innovation, drive competition and ultimately bring pricesThere’sdown.also the question of fairness. 88% are concerned that oﬀ grid properties are being treated unfairly under the government’s plans. While the government proposes that they cannot replace their oil boiler from 2026, those on mains gas can continue to replace theirs like for like for a further nine years until 2035. This clearly isn’t a level playing ﬁeld.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/46

The issue is cost. The reluctance to move to low carbon heating isn’t due to an objection to cutting emissions in principle, it’s simply unaffordable for too many. With the cost of living crisis, budgets are tightening and the current options are too expensive. A fifth (20%) of oil households said they would be willing to spend up to £1000 upfront for a low carbon heating system. Just 11% said up to £10,000 and only 3% would be willing to fork out up to £15,000 An added challenge is the quality of off grid housing stock. Of the oil households surveyed, less than half (47%) said they had cavity

T he hasgovernmentsetoutits plans for oﬀ butdecarbonisation,gridinallthenoise the voice of the consumer is often overlooked. It’s surprising given that their response will ultimately determine whether net zero is achieved. After all, the move to low carbon heating is reliant on millions of homes and businesses accepting changes to how they live and work. In its Heat and Buildings Strategy the government proposed an end to the installation of new fossil fuel oil boilers from 2026. Instead, in most cases, oﬀ grid properties will be expected to install a heat pump once their existing heating system needs to be replaced. The government can set the policy and a direction of travel, but success will depend on how consumers react. This will in turn impact the wider industry as technicians and manufacturers will diversify into technologies where they see high levels of demand. So, with the current backdrop of the cost of living crisis and post pandemic recovery, what do consumers think? Over 500 oil heated households were surveyed as part of the Future Ready Fuel campaign, which revealed several unique insights. Survey results Firstly, consumers actively want to decarbonise – 97% of those we surveyed said they want to reduce their carbon emissions and play their part in tackling climate change. So, why haven’t more consumers adopted low carbon technology already?

If the government goes through with its proposed ban on oil boilers from 2026, it will need to oﬀer users more options than just a heat pump. OFTEC’s Malcolm Farrow says giving consumers a choice of technology will be essential to driving forward the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.

88% are concerned that off grid properties are not being treated fairly

Malcolm Farrow OFTEC head of public affairs wall insulation, whilst only 14% have external or internal wall insulation. Heat pumps, the government’s preferred technology, currently cost around £11,000. Added to the energy efficiency upgrades many off grid homes will be required to make, this a sensible solution could push the price to over £20,000. It’s therefore not surprising 87% said they are worried they cannot afford the government’s current heating plans.Akey element of the plan is that the price of heat pumps will fall, making them an affordable option. With inflation rising fast it’s hard to see how their ambition to reduce the cost by 25% to 50% by 2025 can be achieved. What’s the solution? Consumers want choice so they can choose the right fuel for their home. In the survey, 97% said they should decide what heating system they need to upgrade to.

We believe we must recognise the new economic reality we are living in and adopt a pragmatic, technology neutral solution so consumers can choose the one that best fits their circumstances. We know off grid properties are very diverse, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges. There’s no one size fits all solution.Heatpumps have an important role to play and we’re welcoming more technicians onto our training courses to help them install this technology. But, for harder to treat homes, renewable liquid fuels should also be an option. The decision is then in the hands of the consumer.

The vast majority (87%) of

Whenefficient.a

installation PROJECT DETAILS PROPERTY TYPE A 3-bedroom semi-detached family home JOB LOCATION Coalburn, South Lanarkshire PRODUCTS SPECIFIED Navien LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler and Smart Plus Controls INSTALLATION COMPANY John Grainger Plumbing & Heating

q The

What’s more, the unit itself looks a million dollars, so we are over the moon. The ten year warranty from Navien is definitely a bonus as well, providing us with extra peace of mind, while the aftersales support I’ve received from the company has been amazing; the whole Navien team has been great from the outset –I’d recommendwholeheartedlythem.”

◼ phamnews.co.uk The Navien Smart Plus wireless room thermostat offers a number of advanced features, including the monitoring of fuel consumption and boiler running costs LCB700 Blue Flame boiler is easy to manoeuvre and has been designed for problem free

Efficient blue flame boiler offers energy saving solution

W hen an old, familyboileratmosphericinefficientatahome in Coalburn, South Lanarkshire began to fail, a replacement was needed to ensure the 3 bedroom semi detached property had sufficient heating and hot water. The homeowners consulted their local installer and, as a result, an external Navien LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler was deemed the ideal upgrade. The Navien boiler (and accompanying Smart Plus control) was fitted by Lanark based John Grainger Plumbing & Heating. Once the system was up and running outside the property, the new blue flame A+ rated oil boiler with Smart Plus technology proved to be extremely economical and family in Scotland needed to upgrade their old and inefficient boiler, an external Navien Blue Flame oil boiler, combined with the company’s Smart Plus Control system, provided a solution that impressed both the homeowners and the installation company.

Installer’s view Commenting on the boilers, John Grainger, owner of John Grainger Plumbing & Heating, says: “I was already familiar with Navien, having read up on them and seen some product demonstrations. The LCB700 is a well manufactured boiler, and it was the perfect choice for this project, especially as it was to be sited outside the house, which meant a robust and reliable unit was required.” He adds: “In terms of the installation itself, the LCB700 boiler was lightweight and easily manoeuvrable, while there was also good access to all the parts and components inside. Everything was very straightforward, while Navien helped a lot, providing plenty of assistance and support throughout.”TheNavien LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler uses the latest blue flame burner technology to ensure the highest standards of performance and energy efficiency. Benefitting from relatively light lift weights from 58kg, all units utilise stainless steel heat exchangers and 60/100mm plastic flues. In addition, the boiler boasts low NOx emissions of only 57mg/ kWh and impressive efficiency levels as high as 104%.

John continues: “The Navien LCB700 boiler is an excellent product. Their blue flame technology definitely offers something different – I think it’s a fantastic concept likely to be widely embraced even more in the future. Once I heard about it, I wanted to get involved; it’s such a new style of boiler and burner, with some great technological advances, you can’t help but be impressed. For this particular job, the previous boiler was 20 years old and so inefficient, so the LCB700 should help the family save money on their fuel bills.”

Smart Plus Navien’s Smart Plus Control Pack was also installed alongside the oil boiler. Smart Plus has been designed to deliver unrivalled energy efficiency and running costs. In fact, when the LCB700 Blue

Flame range is connected to the Smart Plus Control Pack, it delivers an industry leading A+ energy rating, as well as simple control of up to three zones, for the very latest in home Homeownercomfort.Greg Gormley was certainly impressed with the new heating system, as he observed: “The Smart Plus controls are intelligent, mobile and easy to use, while the boiler heats the house very well – the blue flame technology has had a positive effect indeed.

Oil Heating44 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

/922/47 p

external

Proud manufacturers of the most efficient boiler on the market, we can guarantee savings of 25-30% on your fuel bills if you upgrade your standard efficiency boiler to a Firebird high efficiency Envirogreen condensing boiler. With 97.5% efficiency, our boilers use less fuel and are future-proofed for years to come. The Envirogreen boiler range is also ready to be used with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which is a fossil free fuel. Free Home Heating Consultation – Call or Email Today t: 01752 691177 | e: newbuild@firebird.uk.com | www.ﬁrebird.uk.com Comprehensive warranties on all parts Cost-e ective home heating solutions ERP Rating A The Most E Boilercientonthemarket

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/49

It is estimated that Firebird’s Envirogreen condensing oil boiler range can save households up to 30% on their home heating costs, thereby helping to alleviate the current pressure on households and businesses, which have seen home heating oil almost double in price.

It has been well documented that the first target within the cross hairs of BEIS decarbonisation plans is the banning of replacement oil, LPG, and coal fired boilers. Unless something changes, the plan is that in commercial properties this will take place in 2024 and in domestic dwellings from 2026. The suggested alternative will be a heat pump, perhaps a high temperature model, or even biomass boilers in hard to heat properties. We have for some years been trying to get the government to acknowledge and accept the use of bio oils as an alternative to traditional kerosene oil. There are some signs that the government has accepted this, for instance, within SAP there

Oil Heating

How oil-heated homes can adapt to the future

Martyn Bridges Director of technical services at Worcester Bosch

O ver the past decade we have seen a rise in new technologies coming to fruition in the heating and hot water space. However, something that has been constantly pushed to the back of the agenda is oil. So where does oil currently stand in the bigger picture and what should we expect from this type of heat source in the future?

More sustainable solutions

The Vortex range of oil fired boilers from Grant UK are available in internal, external, floor standing, wall hung and combi models with outputs ranging from 15 to 70kW. All feature the latest low NOx burner technology, with the VortexBlue models incorporating Riello’s RDB BLU ultra low NOx compact blue flame burner. Installer friendly and straightforward to maintain and service, Vortex boilers can be registered with a five year guarantee while VortexBlue boilers can be registered with a 10 year guarantee when installed by a member of Grant UK’s G1 Installer Scheme. Floor standing Grant Vortex Eco and Pro models are biofuel compatible (depending on type of biofuel and percentage blend, such as HVO).

is now a place for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) which achieves the lowest carbon dioxide rating of any of the fuels. Lack of support However, while BEIS has acknowledged that bio oil has potential, they are not promoting or supporting it in any way. They are anxious to see a roadmap which shows that this sustainable oil source is prevalent and can be maintained without reverting to traditional kerosene.Biooils help towards the greening of the oil supply that an oil boiler works from, either as a blended version of kerosene mixed with some bio oil or 100% bio oil alternative. Either of these two options would be a great start, with 100% bio being the ultimate goal. However, between then and the supply chain starting to produce volumes of this sort of fuel, the reduction in oil consumption could be enforced by the addition of a heat pump to a current oil boiler installation, or even from solar thermal to an oil fired system. In such a system, a heat pump would be able to deal with the heating system for around 70% of the time, leaving the oil boiler to deal with the colder winter months and any hot water generation needed. Although the state of play for oil boilers is looking promising, there are threats on the horizon, which we will be able to address when new information is available in the coming weeks.

46 PHAM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

Mark Doyle, general manager, says: “We are continuing to innovate and drive more sustainable heating solutions that help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and future proof their homes. Our responsibility to our customers and the environment are the key drivers behind everything we do.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/50

Wide fuelincludeschoicebio-options

How can the oil heating industry help oil fuel users to respond to the government’s drive for decarbonisation?

A reduction in oil consumption could be enforced by the addition of a heat pump to a current oil boiler, or even from solar thermal to an oil fired system it will offer an immediate 88% reduction in carbon emissions. To learn more about biofuels and their place in the future of oil heating, listen to episode 4 of Grant’s Net Zero Heating Show by using the online reader link below.

Over the last few years Firebird has invested heavily in developing products with increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The company claims to have the most efficient liquid fuel boilers on the market, at 97.5% efficiency and NOx emissions as low as 60mg/kWhr (which is half the EU limits).

Making plans OFTEC and the industry have been organising a number of trials of HVO fired boilers, now fitted in well over 100 properties, and being operated without

Firebird’s boilers are also fully compatible with HVO, and the conversion requires little or no modification to existing home heating systems.

Martyn Bridges from Worcester Bosch shares his insights on current policy options and the potential development of biofuel alternatives.

Government plans

It is estimated that the typical cost of converting an existing oil heated home to HVO is likely to be less than £500 and issue for well over a year, which has provided some evidence to the government of its technical feasibility.Nowthe industry has been asked to provide more detail about where the oil quantity required (estimated to be around 4 million tonnes annually) can comeSeveralfrom.participants in the oil industry are doing this in a hope to persuade the government to acknowledge HVO oil and to perhaps change their present position on when oil will be banned. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/48

Oil line installation kit with a Crossland oil filter Teddington fire valve with 9m capillary† Pre Wired Grundfos UPM3 Flex AS Circulating Pump Includes 2 Bottles of Inhibitor ADEYproMagnaclean2filter †9m capillary as standard with an Internal boiler, 3m capillary as standard with an External boiler. THE OFGENERATIONNEXTOILBOILERS*Subjecttotermsandconditions.Visitwww.warmflow.co.ukformoredetails.

about time that all oil heating manufacturers started to provide a for purpose oil line as standard.

Top of my list would be ensuring that every new boiler comes with a ‘life long’ rather than a manufacturers‘long supplying an oil line that does not Apart from reducing the amount of disposable which is a complete waste of precious resources, the same time. For homeowners it would reduce the cost of a service, while installers would have quicker boiler services and be protected against insurance liability claims due to poor quality oil

Andrew Hounsfield MD of Hounsfield Boilers

Why put up with degradable lines?

Oil Heating48 PHAM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

Fully-

The Agentis range of oil boilers from Professional boiler, are set to go on display at this year’s National Ploughing Championships ( th & th October on the Chatsworth Estate, North East hand, homeowners and engineers alike will have the opportunity to look under the hood of the Agentis Pro, which comes with over aaccessories.£Magnaclean Pro wired Grundfos circulating pump and comes installers up to two hours of installation time.The company says that sustainability and future all Agentis boilers are also HVO compatible. phamnews.co.uk

lines that leak and cause damage – all claims of £ k!). False economy is one that has long annoyed me. The unsustainability of producing disposable parts and the false economy of replacing a hose regularly, is even more frustrating as there is an alternative out makingthere. boilers more sustainable was one of my core aims. We all quite rightly HVO we can make the fuel for oil boilers sustainable and cut emissions, but there is so much more to being sustainable that moving away from disposable parts is the change that would have a massive impact for sustainability, and for me having a ‘life long’ oil line included with my boilers is a no brainer, as it already The hose we use is an aircraft gradesteeloil braiding, whereas the industry standard (rubber or thermoplastic) degrades and requires regular replacement. That’s bad for the environment and bad for homeowners who are already up against it with energy prices increasing. Surely it’s time that all manufacturers started providing for purpose, the standards that oil, and the whole heating industry, has to comply with,) appeared to have been ‘swept under British standard the vast majority of oil lines that are imported in the UK for use with kerosene boilers are designed to be used elsewhere around the world. They are simply not suitable for kerosene, and tear and will need to be replaced. However, where change can be easily made to reduce disposable parts, and especially where the solution already for senseindustryforhomeowners, installers and for the environment, and that’s why wall hung or free standing, have life long oil lines as standard. phamnews.co.uk

W hile the oil boiler industry and oil heated homes are still waiting for the government to approve HVO for domestic use, there are many other steps that can be taken quickly and easily for the oil boiler industry to become more sustainable.

England and Wales have new legislation/regulations requiring all rented properties to include CO alarms with all fuel burning appliances in ( st October in England and 1st December for Wales). Scotland also recently introduced the requirements within st Feb ) which required all homes in Scotland to have a CO alarm installed with this new legislation is currently unknown. phamnews.co.uk

It is estimated that % of all dwellings in England do not owner occupied homes, social and private rented homes (source: English Housing Survey).

Andy Speake Aico’s national technical manager

How have CO alarms advanced in recent years? CO alarms now have a longer lifespan (typically years) and are more resilient to nuisance alarming. Many alarms are now capable of providing such as directly downloading to a mobile device, or remote data extraction to the cloud. Alarms also now have the capability to report on lower levels of CO.

Getting up to speed with the latest CO alarms

What would you say are some of the most important features an installer should look out for? Installers should ensure that alarms relevant British/European standards – BS EN (and BS EN if installation is required within recreational vehicles, e.g. caravans or boats). Alarms should also have the UKCA/CE markings in Additionally,place.installers should ensure that alarms are purchased from a reputable source and are within should clearly display their end of life date.

How long can a user reasonably expect the gas sensor in an alarm to last? Modern CO alarms have a lifespan of years. chemical cell (sensor) is one element that limits the life of the alarm but also battery and environmental conditions will be taken in to consideration in the lifespan of an alarm. Is there a way to test if the CO sensor is still working? CO alarms will repeatedly continue to self test

49Gas Safety PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

The Ei 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

quietly when installed and will indicate if a fault if detected. However, it is recommended that the user regularly tests the alarms at intervals no greater than each month. Pressing the test button on an alarm performs a full diagnostic check including the sensor, battery, sounder, and interconnection (if present). Performing such a test will also help to ensure that the occupant is familiar with the sound of the CO alarm. as reliable as single alarms? Yes, these are essentially two separate alarms in one housing. It is important that the relevant third on the alarm – BS EN for smoke alarms, BS for heat alarms and BS EN /BS EN for CO alarms. Combined units can reduce the number of alarms necessary to provide adequate protection within the property. It is important that the recommended siting requirements for each however (radius of coverage and minimum siting indicationdistances).on the alarm. How much should consumers expect to pay for a reliable CO alarm? Consumers should expect to pay between ££ for alarms with the features outlined above. Is it worth paying more for a ‘smart’ or app connected alarm? Alarms featuring ‘smart’ data extraction directly to a mobile device start from around the £ range. If cloud connectivity is required, then the costs do the occupant and landlord. Alarms with remote cloud connected features enable landlords to keep track of the alarms installed within their properties, get live data on alarm activations, alarm testing, faults/tamper information, and know when the alarms need to be replaced due to end of life. Occupants within the property can download data directly from the alarm to their mobile device and see any low level CO data or gain information on the alarm’s activation/ professionals needing to perform maintenance on the alarms in the property.

Do you know how many gas or solid fuel using properties in the UK currently don’t have a CO alarm?

What type of CO alarms should you be recommending to your customers? We talked to Andy Speake from Aico about how CO alarm technology has developed in recent years and asked him to highlight some of the most important features that installers should be looking out for.

Sunday: Winter safety tips It’s particularly important to stay aware of vital gas safety advice as we go into the winter months. Look out for signs of unsafe gas appliances, such as yellow lazy ﬂames and pilot lights frequently blowing out.

Now in its twelfth year, Gas Safety Week (12th to 18th September) presents the industry with an opportunity to come together to promote one common goal –keeping the nation safe by raising awareness of the risk of faulty gas appliances and the importance of using a registered engineer.

Gas Safe Register also ran three consumer awareness competitions on Facebook across the week, with entrants being encouraged to ﬁnd the Gas Safe Register logo, ﬁll in the blank and identify the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Winners received a CO alarm and a £50 Amazon voucher.

2 – Making sure you don’t block vents or attempt DIY gas work – always use a Gas Safe registered engineer

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/54

users with the opportunity to Every day counts

Monday: Get in the know about gas safety 1 – Knowing the tell tale signs of an unsafe appliance such as dark, sooty stains or increased condensation

Working together to promote gas safety

The Gas Safe Register is keen to encourage installers to take part and pledge their support for Gas Safety Week.

to ﬁnd out how many unsafe gas jobs have been carried out in their area.

Do you know how to stay gas safe?

Wednesday: Carbon monoxide awareness Carbon monoxide (CO) can be a deadly product of unsafe gas appliances. Find out more about what it is, how it is produced and the best ways to protect against it at GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Headline news With recent news coverage of fatal gas explosions in Bedford and Birmingham, the public shouldn’t need reminding about the dangers of being complacent about gas safety. In total, there were 25 gas related ﬁre and explosion incidents reported in 2020/21, and while that might appear to be a small number considering there are over 22million gas using households in the UK, it does help to emphasise that there is still work to be done when it comes to getting the right messages across to consumers.

Thursday: Renting a property If you’re living in a rented property, your landlord has gas safety responsibilities, one of which is to provide a Landlords Gas Safety Record annually.

To access some of the free communication materials to help promote the gas safety message, including pre written press releases for distribution to local press and social media, simply visit the online link below.

The online map also provides users with the opportunity to sign up for an email reminder to let them know when their annual gas safety check is due.

Gas Safe hero Doug, ﬁrst introduced in 2014, 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 and warm in their homes. Two years ago, Doug was joined by the ‘Safety Squad’ – Leon, Aisha, Bob and Olivia – four animated gas engineers designed to represent diversity within the industry and the diﬀerent types of gas work they undertake.

Free toolkit Gas Safe registered installers are invited to take advantage of the free Gas Safety Week supporters’ toolkit which includes new images and animations to use on social media, plus posters, web banners, articles and fact sheets designed to help get the safety message across. Every day of Gas Safety Week has a different topic (see tinted box, right), and the toolkit makes it easy to post a new message each day of the campaign. This year focuses on the steps consumers can take to ensure they stay safe, including not attempting DIY on gas appliances and being aware of the warning signs of unsafe appliances, such as dark or sooty staining around an appliance. Other key tips highlight the need to ensure that vents remain unblocked, the risks associated with DIY gas work, the benefits of an annual safety check and, most important of all, to only ever employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Consumers are also advised to always ask to see an engineer’s Gas Safe ID card and to make sure they check the back of the card to see which gas appliances they are qualified to work on. The articles and fact sheets, freely available to download, address the concerns of different target audiences, including commercial catering, carers, businesses, tenants and landlords. The article aimed at landlords spells out their legal responsibilities, such as the obligation to make sure that gas pipework, appliances and flues are maintained in a safe condition and the need for an annual safety check. Landlords are reminded that their tenants can report them to the HSE if they fail to arrange for such a safety check.

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

Last year Last year’s Gas Safety Week retained the focus on community safety from 2020, while also introducing a ‘No Excuses’ theme, unpicking the excuses people use to put oﬀ having an annual gas safety check (along with other household tasks), and highlighting why it is so imperative. The campaign also featured a series of videos in which MPs across all parties lent their support, giving constituents advice on how to stay safe and encouraging them to get involved.

Tuesday: What to consider when buying or selling a property If you’re buying or selling a home, there are so many things to remember and it’s easy to lose track. Remind yourself of your gas safety responsibilities at GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Saturday: How to check your registered business How do you check an engineer is Gas Safe registered, and what do you need to look for on their ID card when they arrive to start gas work? Find out more at GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Gas Safety50 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Friday: Avoid illegals – always use a Gas Safe registered engineer When your gas boiler breaks down, it may be tempting to reach for the first name you can think of, but always make sure they are Gas Safe registered first. Gas Safe registered engineers are qualified and competent to carry out gas work for you.

he gas industry’s annual week long campaign to promote gas safety gets underway on September. This year’s theme is ‘Get in the Know’, with the aim of providing consumers with some essential gas safety tips before temperatures start to drop and gas heating appliances are switched on for the ﬁrst time in a while.

Other initiativescommunicationhaveincludedthecreationofaninteractiveGasMaptoolthatenablesconsumers

Getting involved

British Gas gave the week a boost when the company launched a PR campaign and teamed up with the Daily Mirror to give away 1000 CO alarms to customers, after carrying out research into how many UK homes potentially lack a CO alarm. Other industry stakeholders to get involved included Alpha – the company carried out new consumer research, which revealed that 40% of Brits have not had an annual boiler service in the past 12 months.

Only a Gas Safe registered engineer has the superpower to fit, fix or service your gas appliances safely and legally. Get in the know, visit  GasSafetyWeek.co.uk carried out in their area.

51Product Spotlight PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 H a full range high resolution up to x NETD (Noise Equivalent less than mK. Up to Hz moving targets. The thermal More accurate thermal vision temperature measurements Pocket Series The Hikmicro Pocket Series resolution Hikmicro VOx x ( resolution in LCD touch screen. temperature range of °C maintenance.toThe the Wi the Pocket to share images in real time. The Pocket Key features performance• thermal camera for professionals • Share images in real time generate• reports using • • Built in •• Built in speaker • TheIPB L sohightemperatureintemperatureThermographicmeasurementtransformersubstations.×measurementoftemperaturetargetsinon. Key features L • × resolution • × resolution in • Built in rechargeable Li • Up to 8 hours continuous running ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Win a CO alarm of

Northern Ireland While there have been no recent changes in Northern Ireland, the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 makes carbon monoxide alarms a mandatory requirement for all homes where a new fossil fuel appliance is installed. The Private Tenancies Act, which requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in privately rented homes, and places a duty on landlords to repair them, received Royal Assent on 27 April 2022 Like England and Scotland, there are no requirements in the case of appliances only used for cooking.

Competition closes on 1st October 2022

to10bewon!

Carbon guidecountrymonoxide:bycountrytotherules

The HSE recommends that all homes should ﬁt an audible 10 year CO alarm that complies with BS EN 50291 1. It emphasises that a CO alarm should never be regarded as a substitute for proper maintenance and servicing of appliances ◼

Scotland

This year, the laws are changing for carbon monoxide alarms in homes in the UK, meaning that many more domestic properties will be legally required to have this protection. However, each nation has a diﬀerent set of rules for the level of protection required, and that also varies depending on property type. Here, we explain what the regulations are and where they apply.

Thealerts.APPCOG would like to see a mandate in England, Wales and NI for alarms with sealed battery units, because they are tamper proof, better value for money, and require minimal maintenance. Owner occupied households are outside the remit of regulations, except for Scotland. While the regulations in England, Wales and NI cover rented accommodation and new appliance installations, owner occupied homes are regulated by separate rules. This, says APPCOG, will mean a lot of people will fall through the cracks.

FireAngelFireAngelCOMPETITIONFireAngelWe’veteamedupwithtogive10readersanewadvancedcarbonmonoxidealarm

’s new FA3313 compliesmonoxidepoweredbatterycarbon(CO)alarmwiththe latest EN and features2:2018 standard50291-one year replaceable lithium batteries. Supplied with a ﬁve year warranty and providing a 10-year sensor life, the alarm electrochemicalcontains sensing technology that provides an accurate and proven method of sensing carbon monoxide, in line with latest requirements.

HOW TO ENTER: Email your answer to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘FireAngel’ in the subject line and include the following: (1) Your name (2) Your company’s name (3) Contact phone number (4) Please type ‘YES’ or 'NO' after your answer to indicate if you are happy to receive email offers from FireAngel www.ﬁreangel.co.uk/speciﬁcation-manager

Read the question below and email your answer to PHAM News. The winners will be selected from a draw of all the correct answers received before 1st October 2022. One entry per person only. (a) 1000 (b) 100 (c) 10 What is the lowest level of carbon monoxide in parts per million (ppm) that the FA3313 can detect?

courtesy

The cost-effective and eﬃcient alarm also provides rapid alerts to dangerous CO levels. It features an in-built memory function, which provides a visual indication of previous alarm activation, while advanced diagnostics support can be downloaded via a cable.

accommodation and new build properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gasCarboncookers.monoxide alarms are also required when a fixed combustion appliance (again, excluding gas cookers) is first installed in any home. Both private and social sector landlords will have a duty to repair or replace alarms, once informed that they are faulty. Although regular alarm testing will remain the residents’ responsibility, a landlord must ensure that every alarm in the property is working correctly at the beginning of each new tenancy.

Wales Many of the regulations affecting Wales will largely mirror those in England and are covered in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, which comes into force in December. This requires landlords to ensure all their rental properties are in repair and fit for human habitation. Within this legislation is the requirement for working CO detectors to be fitted in properties where there is any gas appliance, an oil fired combustion appliance or a solid fuel burning combustion appliance. Unlike England’s regulations, Wales requires a CO alarm to be fitted in rooms where combustion fired cookers exist.

Many of the policy changes to CO alarms were recommended in the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group’s (APPCOG) 2017 report, ‘Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Tenants Safe And Secure In Their Homes’. While the group regards all this as welcome progress, it says some policy gaps remain. The APPCOG points to the exclusion of gas cookers from the regulations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as a significant oversight. A report by National Energy Action found that of the 59% of homes with a gas cooker, only 25% had the cooker serviced annually, leaving these properties more in need of protection.Thegroup also highlights the lack of mandate on the type of alarm that should be fitted into homes, with the exception of Scotland. Guidance on fit for purpose alarms would help ensure landlords and households purchase alarms that meet British Standards, and keep the ones that may not work reliably out of circulation. Higher quality alarms which meet the relevant standard are also less likely to cause false

Since 1st February, 2022, all Scottish homes, including owner occupied dwellings, are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking) or a flue. In rented properties, landlords are responsible for supplying the alarm. Scottish regulations go a step beyond the other three nations in setting out the type of alarm fitted –they must meet relevant British Standards (EN 50291 1) and have ‘a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan’ to prevent tampering or the need for battery changes.

Gas Safety

PHAM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

A ll four UK governments have recognised the need to mitigate the risk of carbon monoxide exposure in homes, and each has taken steps to beef up regulations for the social housing and private rented sectors. Carbon monoxide can form when any carbon based fuel is burnt. Typical sources include gas appliances, petrol engines, and solid fuel (e.g., fires and stoves). According to NHS data, severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes approximately 60 accidental deaths per year in England and Wales alone. However, exposure to carbon monoxide at sub lethal levels causes non specific symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which is often attributed to other illnesses. This means CO exposure could be going under reported. The latest data from National Poisons Information Service indicates the majority (57.3%) of exposures occur at Throughouthome. 2022, new regulations affecting CO alarms are coming into force in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with varying levels of stringency among the four nations. Here is a quick guide to the regulations in each country: England The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will come into force on 1st October 2022. These changes will require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in all rented

The alarm’s low level monitoring function contains an intelligent sensor that increases its sensing rate for detection of low levels of CO, in line with the new informative annex in EN 50291-2:2018. This reduces health risks of CO poisoning from constant low CO concentrations, while simultaneously preventing the build-up of dangerous levels of CO, by detecting levels as low as 10ppm.

Policy gaps

What kind of feedback have you had from installers, and are there any improvements you’re looking to make following that feedback?

MJ The feedback has been very positive. We have spoken with a lot of installers and the common theme is an appreciation for the visibility of BuyTrade oﬀers. It allows them to make decisions quickly, get what they need and get on with theOnejob.feature that’s been requested is the inclusion of exploded diagrams. This is on our list for development and we’ll have these available in the next few months.

The app is free for installers to use, but are you happy to say how it generates an income for the business? Do you take a commission from the stockist for each purchase?

Martin Jones MD of TradeHelp

You currently partner with City Plumbing, Wolseley and HRP Trade, but are you looking to expand the number of merchants you work with and is that likely to include smaller, independent merchants?

MJ There has been a huge change in the way consumers shop over recent years, with major supermarkets and companies such as Amazon and Just Eat changing our perspective on how we purchase everyday items. Not to mention Covid 19 adding to the explosion of online shopping popularity. Everything is now focused around ease and choice. However, it’s clear that the heating sector has been lagging behind. For example to find the part required for June this year saw the launch of BuyTrade, a new multi merchant ordering platform from TradeHelp, designed to help installers quickly find the spare parts they need. We recently spoke with MD Martin Jones to find out more about how the online search tool works. & Heating

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/55

uyTrade is the name of a new free to use heating product finder and ordering platform for heating and plumbing installers. Launched by TradeHelp, the app is available for both mobile and desktop and is designed to help installers find the spare parts they need fast and efficiently, using real time stock availability from multiple merchant branches. Once an installer has found the spare parts they require, they can compare collection and delivery options, as well as prices, to help find the best option to meet their needs. We asked MD Martin Jones to explain a bit more about the thinking behind the app and why installers should be interested. What first motivated you to set up BuyTrade?

What systems have you got in place to prevent consumers from making purchases on the app?

53Pumps

MJ From initial concept to launch, the platform took about three years to get oﬀ the ground. There was obviously the creation of the software and user interface, but the main challenge was developing digital links to our partners’ systems, to enable us to access the live stock information.

Spares PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

MJ Over time we are more than happy to engage with additional merchants, including independents. The key for us is to empower our users with choice, whilst delivering the highest levels of service. If other merchant partners can meet these expectations and provide the data we need to link into our systems, it will only increase the popularity of the platform and bring more business to all of our partners.

MJ We recognised early in its development that, in order for BuyTrade to be attractive to smaller businesses, the model – along with the instant search functionality – had to be free, much like our TradeHelp software. To make it viable we therefore worked with our merchant partners to negotiate competitive pricing, enabling us to take a small margin on each purchase.

It’s early days, but what kind of products currently generate the most interest?

Introducing an easy way to purchase spares

What do you consider to be the primary features likely to attract installers to register with the platform?

MJ Installers have to register their company to use BuyTrade and create an account. This allows them to save delivery addresses and payment details, plus link with merchant accounts. Each company receives an introductory call and our team will review the registrations.

MJ Yes, deﬁnitely. The second release of BuyTrade will include a variety of popular larger products, such as boilers, heat pumps and renewables. The functionality for this is already in place, it’s just a case of linking the products stocked by our partners into the platform. We expect this to go live later this year.

As the volume grows through the platform (hopefully with the support of our 14,000+ TradeHelp Network) we aim to make these prices even more competitive in the future.

MJ The first release, launched in June 2022 at the Installer Show, is dedicated to boiler and heating spares, and the most common searches and transactions currently reflect the most popular boiler brands. We also offer a manual service which has proved to be very popular; users can request alternatives to out of stock or obsolete items (as well as non spares items) and our team will advise within 60 minutes of the enquiry – and in most cases, source the product within 24 hours. Installers can use the app to search over 1.6m heating related products. That’s an impressive number, but is it likely to grow still further? Are there plans to include larger products, such as boilers and heat emitters, over time?

We wanted to create a tool to save installers time and money, both in finding the product they need but then also sourcing it quickly convenientlyand at a competitive price a job, you have to visit local merchants, telephone around different branches or search multiple websites, all of which is very time consuming and detrimental to businesses. As such, we decided to conduct some research with our TradeHelp members to better understand what would help them. We found that they wanted a single platform displaying live branch stock information from multiple merchant partners, along with a choice of delivery and collection options. Our motivation behind BuyTrade was to create a tool to save installers time and money, both in finding the product they need but then also sourcing it quickly and conveniently at a competitive price.

MJ Primarily it’s the ability to view live stock availability across over 950 branch locations nationwide with our partners Wolseley, City Plumbing and HRP Trade. The site provides a free search function for boiler parts, with images and a variety of fulﬁlment options including 90 minute express delivery. Installers can purchase through their merchant credit account or by credit/debit card and can access the competitive and consistent pricing that is linked to the TradeHelp Buying Group terms. How long did it take to launch the service from the initial concept, and can you say something about the work involved?



◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/56

 The latest single-phase pumps are modelled on the standards for large-scale commercial pumps to achieve better efficiency in variable speed applications Armstrong’s DEPM range incorporates on-board inverters so they can adjust automatically to changes in load With Active Performance Management, managers can use the subscription-based Pump Manager to further optimise efficiency Reductions in energy consumption offered by efficient pumps mean the site’s carbon footprint is lowered

T he energyongoingcrisis factorschangedfundamentallyhastheinvolvedin

significant reductions in energy consumption. The pumps also incorporate a constant flow function, for maintaining a precise flow rate in recirculation applications.Importantly, the latest pumps for single phase applications provide far greater connectivity than traditional low cost circulators. Being able to see how system components are performing in real time is extremely valuable in reducing energy costs and improving the environmental performance of a building. Without information on fluid flow across the system, it’s difficult to diagnose and optimise efficiency. With accurate flow information, the picture changes entirely. In the case of the Armstrong DEPM pump models, Active Performance Management capability is resident as standard and building owners/ energy managers can opt for the subscription based Pump Manager service to further optimise efficiency. Pump Manager is a cloud based application that uses the embedded intelligence and connectivity of Armstrong Design Envelope pumps to provide performance insights and reports to system operators. With greater access to information, operators can make changes and address p Armstrong’s Design Envelope Permanent Magnet (DEPM) pumps for light duty applications using single phase power (200-230V)

pump selection and operation. As energy prices soar, the CAPEX (capital expenditure) savings associated with the conventional approach of installing low cost, light duty circulators are swiftly being negated and even reversed by lifecycle costs. Rising energy bills are compounded by the costs of repair and replacement inherent in the traditional approach, as light duty circulators used in these systems are usually not repairable, and are often designed for only a few years of operation.Asaresult of these changes, the time has come to consider the advantages provided by the latest generation of pumps available for single phase power application. Some of the energy efficiency advantages and connectivity you might associate with pumps for larger scale commercial projects are now being incorporated into circulators for single phase electrical power. Latest capabilities The latest generation of pump models for single phase operation follow the design standards for large scale commercial pumps and incorporate proven technology which improves energy efficiency in variable speed applications.ThenewArmstrong DEPM pump range, for example, incorporates on board inverters, making them capable of adjusting automatically to changes in load. Design point and setpoints can be adjusted to match on site conditions and there is the option of sequencing the pumps to operate along their peak efficiency control curve for all load conditions. Equipment loading can be optimised across the system as a whole, to achieve

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Advances in pump technology mean the latest generation of pumps for single phase power applications are delivering many of the benefits of their large scale commercial counterparts. Here, Armstrong Fluid Technology’s Andy Harrop makes the economic case for investing in the latest longer lasting, energy saving, single phase pumps. Pumps & Heating Spares issues to optimise HVAC performance. Online trending and analysis across multiple parameters on single pumps, or on an aggregated basis for multiple pumps, can assist in identifying performance degradation and facilitate a predictive and proactive approach. The technology reports issues such as excessive vibration, pump in hand, risk of cavitation or a dead head, for example, should they start to occur.



Andy Harrop Global director of technical applications and knowledge transfer at Armstrong Fluid Technology



Carbon reduction As time goes on, the case for the lower CAPEX circulators may get worse before it gets better. Continuing with the traditional approach to pump selection has become a gamble on the international energy market. Long term investment in the cutting edge technology, however, can enable you to take back control of energy and maintenance costs.

Make a big leap in single phase applications

CUT TO THE CHASE

Completely compatible The performance management technology for this new generation of single phase pumps is designed for compatibility with industry standard BMS, EMS or CMMS solutions. In addition to optimising energy efficiency, access to this level of connectivity can increase pump availability and reliability, reducing unexpected failures and providing early problem detection. Lastly, it helps organisations report their energy use and environmental performance. Potential energy savings, with proper application of Active Management,Performanceareupto 40%. The latest generation of single phase pumps can also help building owners improve the environmental performance of their sites. The reductions in energy consumption, of course, can improve the site’s carbon footprint. In addition, there may be opportunities to reduce embodied carbon. This is an area of increasing interest for owners of building stock as well as for industry bodies such as CIBSE. The low cost circulators can score poorly in terms of embodied carbon, and can thus affect the value of the building negatively. Securing the efficiency of a building by investing in pumps with greater functionality could protect the owner from legislation and may even provide the possibility for certification, which would obviously be beneficial to the owner.

Some of the energy efficiency advantages you might associate with pumps for larger-scalecommercialprojectsarenowbeingincorporatedintocirculatorsforsinglephaseelectricalpower

“As an industry, we are all striving to create sustainable solutions for buildings and all parts of the construction process, including in plumbing and underﬂoor heating systems. This new product will help our customers to achieve their sustainability goals in all types of projects.”

New from NIBE Energy Systems is a Photovoltaic Thermal (PV T) and Heat Pump solution, described as a ‘multi source’ product for use with the company’s ground source heat pumps.

Entry fpremiumboilerlevelwitheatures

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/61

The Wilo Isar BOOST5 is also an energy and cost eﬃcient option, thanks to its smart sensors, eﬃcient hydraulics and demand sensing technology. This means the system automatically adjusts its speed to meet requirements, only providing an extra water boost when required.

PV-T heat pump is completely silent

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/58

Mark Dowdeswell, senior category manager at Uponor, explains the impact of the new product development: “Our PEX Pipe Blue combines the same market leading features of our standard PEX pipe with added sustainability beneﬁts. This is an important step forward in our eﬀorts to constantly improve the carbon footprint of our products.

The Wilo Isar BOOST5 is designed to deliver optimum water pressure where needed. It is a compact, plug and play solution that uses multistage, self priming and automatic pressure boosting technology to combat ﬂuctuating or insuﬃcient water pressure. The system guarantees constant pressure for domestic water supply in large domestic settings, as well as smaller non residential amenities, businesses and small sports facilities.

A plug in design makes it easier to install, and an LED display and simple button controls make it simple to operate for the end user. Comprehensive built in protection features ensure safe operation. The system is also made of a corrosion resistant techno polymer, for a long service life.

A compact water boosting system has joined Wilo’s residential and light commercial product portfolio.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/60

Completing its R 32 monobloc range, Daikin Europe has unveiled the Altherma Low Capacity R32 Monobloc, available in small capacities for smaller homes. The heat pump, previously launched in classes ranging from 9 to 16kW, is now available in three smaller classes (4 6 8kW). The new smaller capacity units include a built in wiring centre and optional back up heater, as well as all hydraulic components. They can easily ﬁt under a window and, since there is no indoor unit, oﬀer a solution for homes where space is limited.

The Vibe MAX is Vokèra’s new boiler platform said to combine value for money with high end functionality. Available in a choice of combi and system models, the compact Vibe MAX is designed to be 20% hydrogen blend ready and includes all new features, such as built in Modbus connector, revised ‘universal pipework’ layout, and a primary heat exchanger in corrosion resistant stainless steel. This latest addition to Vokèra’s range utilises advanced electronics, including a modern human machine interface (HMI) and digital touchpad interface to assist operation, installation and servicing. Vibe MAX also incorporates a Bluetooth clock module that allows the user to easily program the ‘heating’ on/ oﬀ schedule via a smartphone, using the app.

Well suited to

Patrick Crombez, general manager heating & renewables, says: “Our Daikin Altherma 3 Monobloc started out in big capacities only, and we were one of the first to launch an R 32 monobloc for bigger homes at the time. Now, with Altherma 3M available for smaller homes as well, we offer a complete R 32 monobloc range, with heat pumps that fit any European home, no matter how big or small.”

Claiming to oﬀer the ﬁrst bio based plastic PEX pipe to the UK market, Uponor has launched the PEX Pipe Blue as a sustainable solution.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/59

The 26kW and 30kW Vibe MAX models both offer 93% seasonal space heating efficiency and improved domestic hot water (DHW) performance. It measures just 700 x 400 x 275mm, ensuring ease of handling and siting in all types of residential properties, even where space is at a premium. Vokèra says hydrogen ready boilers are considered key to facilitating the conversion of existing gas distribution networks from natural gas to low carbon hydrogen. As a 20% hydrogen blend ready boiler, Vibe MAX is suitable for homeowners looking for an efficient heating solution that can burn a methane/hydrogen blend as and when their local network makes the switch.

phamnews.co.uk/922/ followed by the relevantnumber.enquiry ONLINE

Finally, as part of its advanced design, Vibe MAX has the potential to become part of the IoT in today’s smart homes using Wi Fi connectivity. This option will enable homeowners to control their heating for optimum comfort and eﬃciency and monitor their energy consumption via cloud based services. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/57

Supplied with an estimated service life of 50 years, this product has a reduced carbon footprint of up to 90% compared to fossil based plastic PEX pipes due to the use of bio based materials in its manufacture.

Product News 55 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jonny Hancock, product manager at NIBE, explains how it works: “PV T panels are equipped with PV cells at the front that convert sunlight into electricity. The rear consists of a thermal heat exchanger that extracts aerothermal energy from the ambient air. “The operation of the heat exchanger is comparable to that of an air/water heat pump, without the requirement of a mechanical fan. A PV T system therefore works 100% silently. Depending on the heating requirements, they can replace traditional boreholes or ground arrays, minimising disruption and removing the need for extensive ground works, which can be impractical on some sites.”

Sustainable PEX pipe

The new Daikin Altherma 3 M replaces existing models working in 5 and 7kW and running on R 410A refrigerant. Equipped with R 32 refrigerant, the new monobloc is said to reduce the environmental impact of the heat pump by 70%. It also has compact dimensions of 770 x 1250 x 362mm and oﬀers up to an A+++ energy label performance for space heating and up to A+ with Daikin’s hot water tanks and thermal stores.

Wilo says the product’s eﬃcient hydraulic design and insulated casing means the system runs smoothly and quietly.

The PV-T collectors produce electrical energy that can be used to operate a ground source heat pump. The technology is designed to provide suﬃcient energy, even on cloudy days and at night, and can also provide additional comfort in the summer through passive cooling. In warmer months, the circulating brine helps to cool the PV aperture surface, improving generation eﬃciency.

The smaller class models have also beneﬁtted from an aesthetic upgrade, with a white front grille made of horizontal lines, hiding the fan from view. Inside, the rotative switchbox facilitates the job of the installation and commissioning of the unit.

Boosterpropertiessmallercombats

For anyinformationfurtheraboutoftheproductsfeaturedonthispage,simplyvisit

inadequate water pressure

Commenting on the new heat pump, Andy Taylor, general manager of Clivet Group, says: “Edge EVO 2.0 - EXC is a versatile solution that lets the user have the best possible comfort with great energy efficiency in every period of the year. Remotely manageable from a smartphone or tablet, it is smart, convenient and user friendly.”

Say goodbye to perished and stuck washers

New from Clivet is the Edge EVO 2.0 air to water packaged heat pump with capacities from 4.7 to 30kW for heating, cooling and domestic hot water production. It combines efficiency and high temperature water even in temperatures down to 25°C. It can also produce water at 60°C with outside air down to 15For°C.even additionalapplications,harsherangenerator is available to outdoors,meansspaceextremeperformancemaintaininthemostconditions.Thesavingdesignitisinstalledwithnoindoor unit required. Other key features include: excellent

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/63

The first in a new range of gas fires by Charlton and Jenrick, the Panache 8040, features large, chunky logs combined with black glass liners to create a luxurious ambiance wherever it is installed. It can achieve a net efficiency of 78% with a heat output of 4.5kW. This fire is compatible with a variety of installations, with accessories allowing for installation with plaster up to the edge of the fire, into a trim, with limestone slips, and into a limestone fireplace. Charlton and Jenrick says this range of installation options is unmatched for this kind of product, making the Panache adaptable to a wide range of interior spaces.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/64

Product News56 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

The neXgen drain off cock from Tesla UK has been designed to put an end to stuck, jammed or failed washers within drain off cocks. The product is suitable for draining hot and cold water, heating system water, and glycol/antifreeze from a solar system. The company claims that its patented, one piece insert is a complete overhaul on the traditional design.Thelow friction inner piece is made from high wear resistance material that moves in and out of the body and doesn’t rely on spindles, washers or moving parts that are subjected to debris and corrosion. It also provides a wide operating temperature range ( 40 °C to 120 °C), suiting it to a wide range of applications. It’s available in three versions: standard 15mm for solder and compression; long tail for press fit, push fit, solder and compression; and premium, which is suitable for all these applications but has the added benefit of a hozelock connection.

performance at low temperatures, with optional 3 and 9kW auxiliary heaters; possibility of high temperature distribution water up to 65°C; ability to combine up to six units in cascade for up to 180kW; and advanced connectivity for management through the dedicated MSmartHome App or via the standard Modbus port to ELFOControl3 EVO.

boilers.TheBESA

Wireless control joins UFH line-up

Heat topsreadypumpHIUthelist

The NeoAir V2 M features illuminated soft touch keys, self learning preheat functionality and multiple programming options to suit the preferences and needs of the user.

Offering a fresh and new colour pallet for wood burning stoves, Arada has launched the ‘Bold Edit’ collection, designed to make a big impact on interior design.Taking inspiration from nature, the Bold Edit colours are available across a variety of Arada’s products – from the sleek, contemporary Hoxton stove to the traditional Hamlet or Ecoburn.Pictured here is the wood burning Hamlet in Peapod green. Other colours in the Bold Edit range include Raincoat yellow, Miami Blue, and Flamingo pink.

volume weight average return temperature of less than 33°C –which the MTA Plus improves upon by over 30%. Ian Bradley, MD of Modutherm, says: “We’re incredibly proud that our MTA Plus is the best performing unit on the market.

The industry is still adapting to lower temperature energy sources, such as heat pumps, so we have worked tirelessly to deliver a product that fits the needs of modern heat networks. This ‘heat pump ready’ HIU is perfect for a huge range of projects and the BESA testing validates how impressive it truly is!”

Expanding its Uflex underfloor heating controls range, Grant UK has launched the NeoAir V2 M programmablewirelessroom thermostat. The battery powered device has wireless RF connectivity and can either be used as a thermostat, a time clock, or as both a thermostat and hot water timer. One remote sensor can be connected to the NeoAir V2 M which can either be used to monitor the floor temperature or it can provide remote air temperature sensing. The NeoAir is also compatible for use with single or multiple wireless air sensors when the control is paired to the NeoHub and NeoApp, making this wireless control suited to large, open plan properties when an average air temperature needs to be calculated.

The MTA Plus is an indirect HIU featuring two high performance SWEP heat exchangers. These allow the unit to deliver outputs, offering DHW up to 75kW and heating up to 20kW. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/62

Heat pump can take on harsh climates

operatorssmoothtapsLuxuryare

Premium ultrarangeunveiledmanufacturerbathroomElisahastheAntonellaoftaps,featuringsmoothmovement and precise water flow control. Customers can choose from a collection of premium single lever pillar and wall mixer taps, and a free standing bath filler with shower attachment (pictured in brushed brass), for a luxury look. Manufactured from high quality brass, and featuring easy to clean surfaces, Antonella taps come in a range of colour options to complement the company’s Emilie and Rosa shower collections, including chrome, brushed brass and a matt black finish, with a matching pop up waste. These premium taps are backed by a five year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Bold colours to punch up the room

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/66

Edge EVO 2.0 - EXC is also available in a hybrid version in combination with a condensing boiler for the instantaneous production of domestic hot water.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/68

Test results from BESA have given Modutherm’s MTA Plus top marks, which the manufacturer says makes it the “best performing heat interface unit (HIU) on the market”. The unit registered the lowest VWART (volume weight average return temperature) in both the high and low temperature tests, with values of 26°C (high) and 24°C (low) respectively. This means the MTA Plus HIU is suitable for use in fourth generation low temperature heat networks using heat pumps or UK standard is the main test regime from which specifiers should compare HIU performance. CIBSE CP1 best practice also states that where indirect HIUs are specified, they should be used with a tested

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/65

Gas fire goes almost anywhere

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/67

An independent survey carried out by research agency Expert Trades has revealed that CT1 is the most popular sealant and adhesive brand in the UK. The poll of 270 tradespeople showed that the British made product was the top choice for its versatility, ease of application and lifeWithexpectancy.itsantimould properties, together with the ability of being able to perform under water and work in almost any conditions, means that many plumbers have chosen CT1 for not only sealing,

The boxed ventilation range from Nuaire has been enhanced with the addition of the Hybrid Cooling System, designed to tackle residential overheating and meet Building Regulations.

The Kstone trays are 45mm high and have a structured resin bonded stone ﬁller for increased stability. The slip resistant (SR) models feature the latest development in surface material which exceeds all EU standards for barefoot bathing. The SR properties are embedded in the material, rather than a coating on the surface, meaning it can not be removed and is comfortable to stand on. These options are now available in both white and slate grey models.

forventilationCoolingnewbuild

An easy fit bracket is included with each product for added convenience, and every model in the Midas 220 collection is backed by Aqualisa’s five year guarantee. Mike Simpson, chief marketing officer at Aqualisa, says: “The Midas 220 series continues to be one of our most popular ranges, combining outstanding performance with elegant styling, reliability and ease of installation. With its trusted, iconic design now available in Brushed Brass and Matt White, homeowners have even greater choice to make a striking, contemporary statement in their family bathroom, shower room or en suite.”

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/73

The Kstone slip resistant tray range from Kudos is now available in a slate grey colour. This range, with matt black waste available to order, comes in 40 options, which includes rectangular, square, quadrant and oﬀset quadrant shapes in multiple sizes.

The Midas 220 mixer shower line up from Aqualisa now includes versions in Brushed Brass and Matt White. Equipped with a thermostatic brass body and brass handles, and featuring cool touch surface technology, the Midas 220 series complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) quality criteria.

Andrew Nash, divisional manager and overheating expert at Nuaire, says: “Overheating is a modern day concern, and although current Building Regs don’t talk enough about mechanical cooling, in most instances there is no other option. It’s important we tackle this issue and future proof our residential systems to keep properties healthy and habitable.”

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/70

Additional choices in ﬁnish has the Midas touch but bonding shower panels and bathroom accessories. Along with sister product BT1 (Bathroom Technology #1) it is claimed to be the only product you need for working on kitchens and bathrooms.CT1havea long standing relationship with many leading independent plumbing merchants and have now also partnered up with Wolseley, making the ‘snag list eliminator’ available in many of the merchant’s 560 branches around the country.

First launched to the UK market in 2000, TracPipe is a BSI Kitemarked stainless steel semi rigid gas piping system that can be used on both commercial and residential projects for LPG or natural gas. Supplying gas from the meter to the appliance, the pipe system can be buried directly in the ground or used externally above ground without the need for additional corrosion protection. Typically three times faster to install compared with traditional rigid steel or copper pipe installation, the piping system is easy to cut and bend by hand and requires no soldering, welding or special tools. It has a two hour ﬁre rating when installed in continuous lengths and can be routed within ﬁre protected shafts, corridors and lobbies.

Product News 57 PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022

Zero wateremissionson-siteheater

Joining Lochinvar’s range of high performance electric storage water heaters for commercial and large residential applications is the Cavalier ECO, comprising seven models that meet the requirements of the EcoDesign (ErP) directive. They can operate at working pressures up to 8 bar with storage capacities of 173 and 264 litres. They have been designed to meet growing demand for all electric hot water solutions that produce zero on site carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s Net Zero targets. These fully packaged water heaters feature factory ﬁtted multiple immersion elements for rapid hot water production. This ranges from three 3kW elements in the lowest output model (9kW) up to nine 6kW elements powering the highest output (54kW) water heater, which can provide hot water recovery rates from 155 to 930 litres per hour, based on a temperature rise of 50°C.

Trade’s top choice of sealant

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/69

TracPipe is supplied in sizes from DN12 to DN50, with lengths of up to 90m as standard, with longer lengths available as special orders. TracPipeCC is the same pipe, but has been designed to be installed in unventilated voids by the addition of a secondary containment sleeve – it features a polyethylene outer cover over the length of the product. According to the manufacturer, it is the only product of this type to have been successfully independently assessed by two of the UK’s leading test authorities, and is supplied in sizes DN15 to DN50 ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/72

Slate grey slips right into modern design

Nuaire says it has created an energy efficient, space saving system that can be effortlessly designed into new build specs that face overheating problems, such as floor to ceiling glazed apartments where there is no option for natural ventilation, and dwellings without shade from the sun’s heat.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/74

Time-saving ﬂexible gas piping system

The new product is an ancillary cooling module that works with the existing MRXBOX MVHR to provide a whole new hybrid MVHR and cooling system - delivering clean indoor air while combatting overheating – a modern day issue in many high rise new builds.

The Cavalier ECO also works seamlessly with heat pumps when installed as part of a ‘hybrid’ system. As this approach produces zero carbon or NOx emissions on site, they are fully BREEAM and ‘London Plan’ compliant. The immersion elements operate in sequence to provide fast recovery of hot water and better eﬃciency, especially during oﬀ peak demand periods. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/922/71

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 58 Information Centre

Directory Radiators phamnews.co.uk/922/115

New website for CIPHE

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has launched a new website to give members more control over their membership, and professionals access to industry insights, news and advice. The site includes advice on a range of public health issues, information on careers and training, along with enhanced online tools such as the updated and improved Find a Plumbing or Heating Engineer facility. Online application forms for CIPHE membership are also available. nd out what else is available visit www.ciphe.org.uk Or enter the code shown below. www.plumbpal.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/922/154

phamnews.co.uk/922/117 phamnews.co.uk/922/114

New Snickers Workwear System for Autumn Snickers Workwear’s body-mapping Jackets, Tops, Trousers and Accessories work together for sustainable working comfort and protection wherever and whenever its needed. The new clothing in the Autumn Workwear System includes windproof, waterproof and Hi-Vis garments for both men and women to keep them warm, dry and visible all day, every day. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, make Snickers Workwear your ﬁrst choice for tackling the toughest of jobs and the worst of Checkoutweather.www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

or enter the code shown below. ALTECNIC Release New Product Brochure The new brochure includes 146 new product ranges and a shift in focus to sustainable heating through the introduction of a heat pump focussed section to provide a complete sustainable solution. Also featured are a number of new products such as the 108 Anti-Freeze Valve, a coste ective solution to protecting heat pump installations from freezing, and the Cale XF, a new multifunction dirt and air separation device. To download the new brochure visit www.altecnic.co.uk or enter the code shown below. phamnews.co.uk/922/152 phamnews.co.uk/922/153Safety Products *27,373 ABC Audit (Jan-Dec 21) To Highlight your Business, Products or Training Courses to over *27,000 PHAM News readers Contact Sharon on 01889 577222 or email: classified@phamnews.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/922/151 Information Centre phamnews.co.uk/922/111 we collect - we calibrate - we deliver ..EASY AS GAS CALIBRATION te4 st less Book online or call 01782 567 www.test4less.co.uk099 Calibration Services Instruments for control, regulation & protection 0161 946 0088 www.banico.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/922/112 Controls Nextwww.heatingcontrolsonline.co.ukDayDeliveryAvailableon100sofControlsThermostats,Programmers,TRVs,Underfloor phamnews.co.uk/922/113

PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 59Training & Assessments SOUTH WEST PENINSULAR TRAINING LTD, Westover Trading Estate, Langport, Somerset TA10 9RB Tel: 01458 253493 Email: info@swptraining.co.uk www.swptraining.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/922/124 phamnews.co.uk/922/118 phamnews.co.uk/922/121 phamnews.co.uk/922/122 phamnews.co.uk/922/119 phamnews.co.uk/922/123 phamnews.co.uk/922/120 GAS ENGINEERS & PLUMBERS NEED ACS ASSESSMENTS?ECSGasTraining 10 Market Street, Hoyland Barnsley S74 9QR Tel: 01226 www.ecsgastrainingltd.com741800 If advicefriendlywantyoufreejust call me, Graham Hawkes 07775 informalanytime506124foranchat WE ARE SITUATED JUST 5 MINUTES FROM JUNCTION 36 M1 WHY NOT VISIT US ON ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS AND ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT YOU WANT CALL US FOR DATES £2000GasPlumbertoCourse+vat On completion of any of the above courses, you can gain MCS Registration. As always our prices are unbeatable! AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP TRAINING AVAILABLE NOW INSTALL ONLY£500.00 + VAT INSTALL & DESIGN£600.00 + VAT DESIGN ONLY£160.00 + VAT

www.navienchoice.com Installers can now receive great rewards on every oil and gas boiler registered through the Navien Installer App. From grabbing a snack on the go, through to the latest tech and gadgets, our points always give you the best prizes… Bank them or redeem them, it’s your choice! Bankpointsorredeemimmediately choiceHugeofrewardsBestvaluepointsinthesector Gets you straight to the points! Terms and conditions apply. UK Mainland Only. Navien’s NEW loyalty scheme