September 2015

Volume 53 | Issue 8 | September 2015

Are installers prepared for energy labelling?

Come 26 September, installers will be required to produce a label showing the efficiency rating on newly fitted boilers and heating system components under the ErP Directive. But are they ready?

When the Energy-related Products Directive comes into force on 26 September, installers of space and water heating products will be responsible for evaluating the efficiency of the system and generating an energy rating label, similar to those commonly seen on white goods. As part of the build-up to the launch, manufacturers have been surveying installers to find out how prepared they are to take on this additional job role. Results have shown a mixed level of readiness and acceptance.

Worcester was among the first to ask installers their views on the ErP, and its findings back in June revealed that 78% of the 500 questioned feel unprepared.

More recently, a survey conducted by NuHeat Underfloor Heating & Renewables found that whilst most installers understand the purpose of ErP and energy labelling, over three quarters still do not feel confident in calculating and producing the required energy label for a system package to hand to their customer.

In addition, over 80% said that they feel the ErP is making their job unnecessarily complicated, as they already advise their

customers on product and system energy efficiency. This finding echoes the results of Worcester’s survey, which indicated that more than half of respondents said they were concerned about the effect the Directive will have on their day-to-day duties.

A survey of Bristan Connect plumbers has turned up more positive results. Despite concerns over how the ErP will impact industry, 67% said they welcome its arrival.

When asked what word best summed up their feelings around the ErP, half said ‘positive’, while a quarter felt ‘excited’. In contrast, just a quarter (25%) said they felt

daunted. Exactly half said they felt more than prepared as they have been reading up on it well in advance.

To support the introduction on the 26th, most manufacturers have developed online calculators that will help installers of their products make quick and accurate energy labels. There are also numerous videos on YouTube explaining the details of ErP, which can be found by searching for ‘ErP Directive’.

Commenting on the imminent launch, Peter Manning, Bristan’s Technical Liaison Manager, says: “ErP constitutes one of the most important pieces of legislation that the industry has seen in a decade, helping to drive out inefficient products and create greater transparency. In this way, it will create a great opportunity for installers to more easily advocate the highest rated products, in turn, creating increased profit opportunity.

It is therefore nothing to be concerned about, but rather welcomed.”

For more detailed information on the ErP Directive, turn to page 28 for answers to some of the frequently asked questions posed at Plumb and Parts Center's recent ErP Roadshow.

Government to slash renewable subsidies The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is proposing to cut the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) subsidy for solar PV by as much as 87%, following a review of the popular renewable energy initiative. Small wind turbines are also under threat.

From 1 January, rates for smaller scale solar installations may drop from 12.47p per kilowatt hour to just 1.63p, with large standalone units facing a decline to 1.03p/kWh, compared to the current 4.28p. FiT may also be closed to new entrants. All this is subject to a consultation, which is currently underway.

Industry and green groups have responded to the announcement with uniform shock.

Many fear that a sudden cut may result in a boom-and-bust market that will damage businesses and jobs in a thriving sector.

David Hunt, Managing Partner of renewables recruitment company Hyperion Executive Search, comments: “How can the renewables sector plan for the future when faced with chaotic policy-making aimed at winning headlines as opposed to helping the renewables sector continue to play a key part in the economic success of the UK?”

Head of Policy and External Affairs at the REA, James Court, says: “87% is beyond the worst fears of many of our members. Solar has come down in cost dramatically in the past five years and has grid parity in its sights.

The industry feels like it’s having its legs cut away metres from the finishing line.”

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Alasdair Cameron, adds: “These absurd solar cuts will send UK energy policy massively in the wrong direction and prevent almost a million homes, schools and hospitals from plugging in to clean, renewable energy.”

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Comfort for sick animals Wingham Wildlife Park has reduced its heating costs thanks to the installation of two Windhager 45kW BioWIN Excel wood pellet boilers. The boilers, which use a six-probe suction feed system from the pellet store to the boiler, heat the park’s offices and animal hospital rooms.

Located in Kent, the park specified the wood pellet biomass boilers to replace its oil heating system due to its eco-friendly credentials as well as the money saving benefits from the RHI scheme. The fully automated 90kW BioWIN Excel Kaskade system was installed by local installers, Grummant Heating and Plumbing Services.

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September 2015

NEWS Review

3

Inside this issue Boiler services Roundtable Debate A group of installers discuss the state of the market and a range of industry related topics

See page 22 t

Professional’s Choice We talk to a Suffolk installer who is working hard to ensure he never lets a customer down

See page 44

Heating Controls The latest in smart controls technology and how a controls upgrade can make a difference to ErP ratings

See page 49

Radiators & Towel Warmers How investing in new radiators when changing a boiler can help to reduce heating bills

See page 61

The Technical Magazine for the Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement Industry

Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News

Editor’s not up to scratch Viewpoint An undercover investigation by consumer advisors ‘Which?’ has revealed that a number of boiler servicing engineers are making mistakes that could put householders at risk. The organisation invited 10 engineers from different companies to carry out a boiler service and then recorded their work on hidden cameras. According to the report, only two carried out the minimum legal checks and all of them failed to follow the manufacturer’s servicing instructions.

“These results are shocking with most engineers we put to the test failing to do what is legally required,” says Which? Executive Director Richard Lloyd. “Faulty boilers could have serious or even fatal consequences for consumers, so more needs to be done to crack down on incompetent engineers.”

All of the service engineers were Gas Safe registered, with five from national companies, such as British Gas, SSE and CORGI Homeplan, and the others being independent.

The secret filming revealed that six of them did not take any action to fix the gas pressure, which had been set deliberately high, and two did not even take

by Chris Jones

Reading the energy label

the case off the boiler. Other potentially dangerous failings included not checking the boiler case for leaks and letting unburned gas hiss out into the room. Two of the engineers were found to have lied about performing gas safety checks.

Which? says it has shared its findings with the Gas Safe Register and they have promised to investigate further. A spokesman for Gas Safe said: “Our experts inspect around 30,000 gas jobs every year, and if there are any instances where we find an engineer is not working safely, we take appropriate action to remedy this.”

Which? recommends that its members should ask for a written report from the service engineer and says that a boiler service should last at least 30 minutes.

It’s a date that’s unlikely to be ringed on many calendars, but the 26th of this month will see the long heralded ErP Directive come into force. If you’re still a bit uncertain as to what all this energy labelling business is all about, then you can probably take some comfort that there’s still plenty of time to get to grips with everything.

You’re not going to get a tap on the shoulder from the ErP police – the National Measurement Office – for non-compliance on the 27th and you would have to be pretty unlucky to come across a well-briefed customer who wants to quiz you about consumption figures and product fiches. But for those installers who are happy to engage with customers about energy ratings, the new labelling system does provide a good opportunity to set forward the arguments for upgrading their existing heating system.

With the Government seemingly reluctant to provide consumers with any real incentive to reduce their energy usage, it is up to the heating industry to put forward the case for investing in energy saving measures, and the introduction of A to G labels should at least provide some extra ammunition when making the sales pitch. It could be argued that the Directive is overly complicated, and there is already talk of a future readjustment of how some products are rated, but it’s one more positive step toward encouraging consumers to take more of an interest in their heating system. The other good news is that manufacturers and merchants will be doing all they can to make sure you have all the information you need to look like an expert – so why not take advantage of what’s available and help spread the energy labelling word.

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© Copyright 2015 | Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without written consent from the publisher. Attributed articles represent the views of the Author(s) and are not the necessarily those of the Editor.

The publishers accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers or advertisers. This magazine includes a number of colour editorial photographs paid for by suppliers.

2015 may not go down as one of the hottest summers on record, but one installer can look forward to some sunshine in Barbados, having landed one of the big prizes in Twyford’s ‘Win Big’ promotion. Steve Marsh from DH Marsh Plumbing & Heating in Dudley was congratulated by Sabine Mané, Head of Marketing, after being selected in a random draw and choosing to go on an all-inclusive dream holiday for two.

Over 1000 installers registered to take part in the promotion, which offered the chance to win a choice of luxury prize packages worth up to £5000, as well as earning £250 cash back every time they bought £400 of the company’s Energy Collection products.

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03/09/2015 16:09

September 2015

4

News Review

Service ensures lifetime support

To ensure its underfloor heating systems continue to operate as efficiently as possible throughout their operational lifetime, Uponor has launched a dedicated aftersales service. The new service covers the lifespan of a UFH system – from commissioning to regular service, maintenance and repair, to system upgrades.

The service is applicable to any Uponor UFH system, whether it is installed by one of its installer partners or by the company’s installation unit, Uponor Building Energy.

A Support Agreement

purchased from Uponor at the installation stage guarantees that the UFH systems covered will be properly commissioned, either by the company’s contracting division, or by an Uponor accredited installer.

The support service, available at three levels, comprises of a team of radiant heating and cooling specialists, as well as a national network of service partners, to ensure that a trained UFH specialist is always within easy reach if a customer needs urgent maintenance.

Efficient reassessment for oil operatives Now available from OFTEC is a new re-certification package for oil assessments for technicians renewing their qualifications. It is designed to be quicker and more efficient so installers take less time away from their jobs.

Covering the OFT10 suite of oil assessments – OFT10101 (pressure jet), OFT10102D/W (vaporising), OFT10105E (appliance/system installation), and OFT10-600a (tank and supply installation) – the new re-assessments are intended to reduce the time technicians need to spend in a training centre.

OFTEC sought the views

David Knipe, OFTEC

of oil installers, certification bodies, training centres, appliance manufacturers, and its own inspection team to come up with the recertification package which

meets ISO 17024 requirements, the industry standard for the certification process.

Training Manager David Knipe explains: “From our conversations with installers it was clear that time spent away from the job for training was a key issue for many. So we consulted with industry members to scope out whether reducing the assessment length, whilst at the same time maintaining the highest possible standards, was a viable option.

“The outcome was that for re-assessments only, it wasn’t necessary to repeat

some of the basic training elements, as this would just be going over old ground for our more experienced technicians.

“Therefore, the new recertification courses have been designed to concentrate more on practical elements as well as recent legislative changes, developments in technologies, industry risks, and feedback from competent person scheme inspections. This allows technicians to renew these essential qualifications as proof of competence, but spend less time away from work.”

Quality plumbers Anonymous vans Plumbers are invited to take part in APHC’s second Quality Plumber Week, running from 28 September to 4 October.

The Week includes a ‘7 prizes in 7 days’ event, which encourages plumbers to post pictures of themselves on Twitter showing their work. Prizes include a wetroom kit from AKW Ltd, MagnaCleanse flushing system, Bosch professional cordless hammer drill, Polypipe plumbing equipment, Wilo backpacks, and Hep2O goody bags from Wavin. For more information on Quality Plumber Week and to learn how you can get involved visit www. aphc.co.uk/quality-plumber-week. You can also join the conversation on Twitter using #QPW15.

Prize draw for selfies with controls Horstmann has launched its Shoot & Score competition that asks installers to take fun selfie shots of themselves with their Horstmann control and share it on social media.

Specially selected winners will get a replica shirt of their favourite team, be it football or rugby.

At the month’s end in September, October and November the entries will be drawn, with the winners collecting a football or rugby shirt of their favourite team. The competition is capped off with a December prize draw open to all entrants where they could win a 42in smart TV just in time for Christmas. Every entry will also receive a free gift from Horstmann.

Details for entering the competition can be found on the dedicated website: www.horstmann.co.uk/win

A survey of tradespeople across the UK, carried out by ECIS, has found that while 60% are happy to promote their business on the side of their van, 40% like to keep their van devoid of company name, contact details or industry accreditations.

Results showed that 25% don’t brand their vehicles for fear of being targeted by thieves. All the contractors questioned are worried about the risk of theft, and 31% have had their vans broken into, with 42% of electricians and

30% of heating, ventilation and plumbing engineers being the victims of attempted or actual theft.

The trade profession most worried about theft, citing that as a reason for keeping their van brand-free, were heating and ventilation contractors, followed by plumbers and electricians. However, nearly half of electricians (48%) and plumbers (46%) do not bother to take their tools out of their van at night, despite what any signage on the vehicle might say.

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September 2015

News Review

6

Singing for charity

Travelling tool roadshow

For the second year running, Twyford is sponsoring its Bathroom Singer of the Year competition, this time in partnership with regional radio station, Signal Radio.

Participation is open to anyone living in Staffordshire and Cheshire, with all funds raised going to Help a Signal Child, the charity fund run by Signal Radio which supports disadvantaged children across these two counties.

The competition runs till the 20th September. Entrants are invited to upload their two minute video song to the website (www.twyfordbathroomsinger.co.uk), choosing between a ‘serious’ or ‘silly’ category. After the closing date on the 20th, everyone has until 28 September to make a donation and vote for their favourites. The winner of each category will then be announced, with two winners choosing a full Twyford bathroom suite from the company’s current collections.

This September, Ridge Tool Europe is running its ‘Driving Innovation since 1923’ roadshow. Aimed at a wide range of industries, including the plumbing and HVAC/R sectors, the show will display a selection of its 200 tool types, giving visitors a chance to take part in interactive demonstrations.

The latest solutions from Ridgid at the show will highlight innovations in CCTV camera systems,

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Pros get Scheme discount for TRV Members of IdealPRO, the installer loyalty programme

by Armitage Shanks and Ideal Standard, can now take advantage of a partnership that allows members to join the CIPHE at a special discounted rate of £100.

The partnership aims to promote the benefits of CIPHE membership amongst the 2500 IdealPRO members and raise awareness of the Institute’s role in plumbing and heating engineering.

The scheme also offers discounted Armitage Shanks and Ideal Standard parts, along with exclusive offers, promotions and rewards, dedicated customer service, and installation training. Visit www.idealpro.co.uk for more information.

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The roadshow kicks off in Chelmsford on 7 September, with thirteen further stops throughout the month of September across the UK. To find out the show coming nearest to you, visit the dedicated website: www. ridgidroadshow.com

Kiwa Water tec has launched its own certification scheme for thermostatic mixing valves and tempering valves. This scheme offers manufacturers an alternative approach to gaining approval for thermostatic mixing valves (TMV2 and TMV3) and tempering valves. It includes initial product testing, manufacturing process checking (by means of annual factory production control inspections), as well as an ongoing testing program over the lifetime of the product. For more information, email: water tecenquiries@kiwa.co.uk

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Get a football shirt of your team of choice every time you purchase a GB162 50kW boiler in Worcester’s latest promotion. Upon buying the recently-launched GB162 50kW boiler, installers will be able to redeem their preferred shirt from any of England and Scotland’s Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two clubs.

The 50kW model of the GB162 is a condensing wall-hung gas-fired appliance, suited to large-scale domestic installations and light commercial applications.

For more information on Worcester’s new GB162 50kW boiler and to download a promotional leaflet visit www.worcester-bosch. co.uk

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Perfect for heating homes.

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Introducing Polypipe’s easy-to-install underfloor heating systems More than ever, people are warming to the idea of underfloor heating. It’s energy efficient, economical to run, and comes with lots of flexible options. So it’s easy to see why our products have become popular choice for British homeowners. Renovation or new build, there’s a product for all types of projects.

But we know that’s not enough. We want to make sure you have the information and support you need to get the job done. That’s why we recommend joining our Registered Installer Network. You’ll get all the information, training, and support you need from a dedicated Underfloor Heating Manager. What’s more, joining our network will make you a supplier of choice. Find out more at polypipeufh.com

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September 2015

News Review

8

Industry stalwart elected President New market focus for ATAG Heating

Jim Marner has been elected President of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) for 2015/16. With 32 years experience in the building and engineering services sector, Jim’s current employer is Shepherd Engineering Services (SES). He joined the firm as a craft apprentice in 1982.

Within B&ES, Jim was a member of the Council of the Association from 2003 to 2006 and Chairman of the North West Region from 2006 to 2008. In 2012, he was elected to the chairmanship of Yorkshire Region, and returned to the Council in the same year.

Jim Marner assumed the

(l-r) Immediate Past President Andy Sneyd, President Jim Marner, President Elect Malcolm Thomson, and VP Tim Hopkinson

presidency of B&ES at its annual general meeting in July. Speaking to the gathering, Jim said a key role of the B&ES is to help its members face up to the challenges of the marketplace

and to turn them into business opportunities.

He went on to set out the principal items on the agenda for the year ahead.

“We must address the skills shortages which, at

every level of the workforce, are threatening to limit the extent to which members can take advantage of the economic recovery.”

He also said that the organisation must continue to fight for the introduction of a fairer and more equitable payment culture and to try to establish a more accessible and transparent pre-qualification regime.

At the same meeting, Malcolm Thomson of Enigma Environmental Services became President Elect, and Tim Hopkinson of Hargreaves Ductwork was elected Vice President. Andy Sneyd will serve during 2015/16 as immediate past president.

Register boilers and Castleford depot do more with app With the launch of its new app, Alpha Heating Innovation is enabling installers to register their customers’ boilers easily and on the go. Registration is key to ensuring that customers’ warranties are valid.

Two years ago, Alpha introduced the ability to register products with Alpha and GasSafe at the same time via its 3rd party not if icat ion scheme on its website.

Taking this to the next level, the company’s new tool makes this registration process even easier by allowing installers to

complete registration while on site. To complement this feature, the app includes a ‘scan barcode’ capability to further reduce registration time.

The app has also been developed to give installers key information including a history of registered installations as well as a Parts Database section. It also has both a contact form and a ‘contact us’ button linked to a hotline number for a rapid response.

To download the app, look for Alpha Innovation in the App store or Google Play.

Last month marked the one year anniversary of Specflue, the supplier of renewable heat products and flue systems, trading at its Castleford depot. Since opening its doors last August, Specflue says it has seen demand increase for a number of its flue and chimney products and has reported a 20% increase in sales in the areas it distributes to from its base in Gilcar Way in Castleford.

MD Jeremy Fry says: “We opened an outlet in the north to enable us to service customers based in the Midlands, all the way up to the Scottish border. 12 months on and Castleford has proven to be a success, with flue and wood burning stove sales increasing, verifying that we made the right decision to invest in a new depot.”

consistently year on year,” comments Phil Bell. “Our XL and Q Series will continue to spearhead the company’s activities in this market sector, while our highly successful A325 ECX domestic condensing combi will be the mainstay of our activities in the new build sector.”

For further details visit: www.atagcommercial.co.uk

Recent changes to the Heat Network (Metering & Billing) Regulations that affect district and community heating suppliers will be explained at a free breakfast seminar at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday 15 September.

Community heat metering and billing specialist ENER-G Switch2, together with Pellings and AgilityEco, are hosting the seminar to advise heat suppliers, such as developers and landlords, on how to comply with the regulations.

Guest speaker Chris Smith from the National Measurement & Regulations Office (NMRO) will explain the latest regulatory changes introduced

by DECC. This seminar will provide examples of real life heat schemes, demonstrating how the introduction of metering can bring cost savings and efficiency benefits to landlords and residents.

To register for a free seminar place, email: market ing@energswitch2.com

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Chichester-based ATAG Heating, the wholly owned subsidiary of Dutch boiler manufacturer ATAG Verwarming BV, is to focus its business towards commercial boiler sales and the new-build boiler specification market. To distinguish it from the now separately run domestic side of the business and avoid confusion in the marketplace, it will operate under the banner ATAG Commercial and continue to supply the market through the wholesaler distribution network.

ATAG Heating’s team, led

by MD Phil Bell, has been responsible for establishing the brand’s reputation since the early 2000s, distributing both domestic as well as commercial boilers.

“Commercial boiler sales have been particularly buoyant and our market penetration is growing

Call 01785 218 222 today or for further details go to: www.altecnic.co.uk or email: tradesales@altecnic.co.uk

02/09/2015 12:10

September 2015

Quality and innovation at the heart of our boilers.

News Review Encouraging apprenticeships School leavers are being encouraged to consider an apprenticeship or vocational training as OFTEC kicks off a drive to recruit more young people to careers in the heating industry.

Major companies and unions have warned that the talent gap – which is thought to be the result of a continued decline in apprenticeships – is threatening the economy just as it is getting back on its feet. The concern is backed by government statistics which show that in the academic year 2013/14, a total of 440,000 apprenticeships were started in England – 70,000 less than the previous year.

Adrian Lightwood, OFTEC Registrations Director, comments: “With the economy now picking up, there is a growing demand for skilled tradespeople across the UK. But while there are plenty of

roles to be filled, fewer people are taking vocational courses or apprenticeships to bridge the growing gap.

“Skilled tradespeople are of vital importance to our economy and it’s important to remind young people that vocational qualifications and apprenticeships are not a second class choice. They can offer a real opportunity to start a rewarding career.

“For anyone thinking about leaving school at 16, or who doesn’t want to go to university, apprenticeship schemes and vocational courses can be a great option. By encouraging a new generation equipped with the right skills and a pride in their work, we can help to ensure the skills gap is plugged and the industry moves from strength to strength.”

Adey winners do Register the ton in Astons now for the show

Winners of the Adey Professional Heating Solutions MC+ Rapide competition took to the track to experience the thrill of driving an Aston Martin at speeds in excess of 100mph. The four winning installers all purchased bottles of Adey’s MC+ Rapide aerosol chemicals and were then picked at random to enjoy a day of track racing at Millbrook Proving Ground.

The lucky four were Gordon Hampton from T W Steam & Heating Services Ltd, Alan Tittershill from Alan Tittershill Gas Services, Simon Richardson from Purr-fect Plumbing and Heating, and Joe Lawford from Zap Services.

Run for the elderly TrustATrader, the online directory of trusted and approved local traders, is calling on its members to help support its official charity, Friends of the Elderly, by participating at the Battersea Park 5k and 10k runs on Sunday 18 October.

The charity’s research shows that over five million older people are affected by loneliness ­– something that TrustATrader members see evidence of on a daily basis.

This, and their desire to

make a difference, is why the company is supporting Friends of the Elderly’s ‘Be a Friend’ campaign. The campaign is combatting loneliness in the older population by encouraging people to get to know their older neighbours.

To sign up, go to the website and make sure you specify that you’re running for TrustATrader (https://www.runthrough. c o .u k / ?e v e nt= o c t o b e rbattersea-park-5k-10k)

condensing boilers.

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Two of the winners: Alan Tittershill (left) and Joe Lawford

This year’s Screwfix Live show will welcome more than 120 suppliers to Farnborough, Hampshire, on 25 September. Now in its third year, the three day event brings together the industry’s top trade suppliers to give visitors insight into innovations coming to market and allow them to get hands-on with the latest products.

Visitors will be able to take advantage of live demos, product give-aways, freebies, and exclusive promotions, as well as 10% off everything all weekend.

A newly added Sports Bar area will also be available.

Andrew Livingston, CEO Screwfix, comments: “More than 120 of our top suppliers are already lined up, including leading brands such as DeWalt, Titan, Hep2O, Stanley, and Hitachi. They’ll be showcasing thousands of key trade products which are all available in the new Screwfix catalogue.”

Screwfix Live at Farnborough Exhibition Centre is easily reached by car and public transport.

To register visit: www. screwfixlive.com

Stainless steel is, without doubt, the best material for primary heat exchangers in

ENQUIRY

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01/09/2015 14:45

September 2015

News Review

No fuss.

No mess.

Online community Shower for NAPIT members music promo

The versatile, transitional adaptor for threaded fittings and valves.

NAPIT has unveiled a new forum that lets installers connect with like-minded tradespeople and access expert support online. The launch follows its website redesign and an upgrade to its certification software. The forum with updated interface offers a dedicated ‘Ask NAPIT’ area where members can get their questions answered by the team. There is also a resource page full of useful links to technical information, services and stories, as well as a marketplace to buy and sell trade kit. To find out more, visit: www.napit.org.uk

Safe Water website

>B< Oyster negates the need for messy jointing techniques making it fully rotatable for ease of installation.

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The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has launched a Safe Water campaign to raise awareness amongst consumers of issues such as Legionella, plumbing misconnections, and hot water scalding.

There is now information in the consumer section of the CIPHE website which covers a wide area of topics that will be of interest to landlords, gardeners, people

looking after children or elderly relatives, and those thinking about building extensions or changes to their plumbing systems.

The Safe Water campaign is designed to inform the public and encourage them to use a professional plumber when it comes to work in their homes.

To find out more, please visit www.ciphe.org.uk/ c o n s u m e r /s a f e -w a t e rcampaign

Installers who purchase a Redring Expressions Revive Shower before 30th September will receive a free waterproof Bluetooth speaker worth £15 as part of a new promotion from the showering and hot water solutions manufacturer.

The bathroom-friendly wireless speaker can be claimed by registering proof of purchase online (w w w.r e d r i ng.c o.u k / speaker).

Nick Mawby, Category Manager for Water at Redring Xpelair, says: “Expressions Revive is the ultimate solution for installers searching for an easy-to-fit shower. The Bluetooth speaker gives an extra incentive to try this new solution and to see for themselves why we are so enthusiastic about the newest addition to our range.”

Electric shower draw winner Triton has announced the winner of its recent ‘Tank up with Triton’ promotion, which ran throughout more than 800 electrical wholesalers across the UK this summer.

The campaign offered professional electricians the chance to get their hands on a fuel gift card with each qualifying Triton shower they purchased during that period. Every participant was also entered into a draw to be in with the chance of winning a Van Vault Secure Storage Box. West Midlands based electrical contractor, Glenn Price, was lucky enough to be selected at random as overall winner. He collected his prize during a recent trip to his local wholesaler, GA Nicholas Edmundson in Walsall.

‘Tank up with Triton’ winner Glenn Price (left) with Rob Lemon, National Account Manager at Triton Showers

Following his visit, Glenn said: “I was really surprised to hear the good news and I have already had the new secure storage box fitted to help keep my equipment extra safe. I always have a

Triton T80Z Fast-Fit in stock and regularly recommend the product to my customers, so it was great to be rewarded for buying one of my favourite showers. Thank you Triton!”

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01/09/2015 14:49

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September 2015

12 News Review Open day to cover Winning network for biomass installers benefits of LPG Rural installers looking for a better understanding of the benefits of LPG are invited to attend Calor’s free installer open day on Saturday 3rd October. The event is being held at the new Calor Gas National Training Centre, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire, and is an opportunity for domestic and commercial heating installers to learn more about the benefits of working with LPG, and how Calor is able to support them.

Starting at 10.00am, the day will comprise a number of short training sessions, ending around 4.30pm.

However, installers are free to arrive at any time and join in sessions that interest them.

Topics covered include LPG vs other off-grid fuels, working with Calor, plus advice on tank and cylinder siting. Additionally, there will be numerous site

ENQUIRY

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Installers of products from Windhager are invited to take up membership of the company’s new Windhager Installer Network (WIN).

Membership is open to installers across the UK who are currently installing or are looking to install biomass boilers from Windhager’s range for the domestic and commercial markets.

In order to become a member, installers will be required to complete

Windhager product and technical training courses,

7 year guarantee tours throughout the day, including the cylinder filling plant, and the opportunity to see all the storage tank types available. Attendees will receive a selection of Calor goodies, and food and drink will be provided all day.

To book a place or to find out more, contact Rural Development Specialist Ian Digby at IDigby@calor.co.uk.

Installers of Worcester’s Greenstar Si and CDi gas boilers and compatible accessories can now take advantage of a new guarantee initiative of up to seven years.

Every Greenstar gas boiler already qualifies for a five year guarantee, with further extensions now for those who pair a boiler with one of Worcester’s range of

controls and accessories.

Extended guarantees include: six years for a Greenstar gas boiler installed with a Greenstar System Filter; seven for a Greenstar Si Compact with Wave or Greenstar Comfort control; and seven for a Greenstar CDi with Greenstore HE unvented cylinder or one of either a Wave or Greenstar Comfort control.

and attend refresher courses when requested.

Installations will also be assessed to ensure that their standards meet Windhager’s benchmark.

Members of the network will receive full training and support, ranging from technical documentation to marketing and exhibition support from the Windhager team.

Further information on the benefits of the Windhager Installer Network is available on the website (www.windhager.co.uk/win).

Move to mains gas LPG suppler, Flogas Britain is making the move to enter the mains gas arena, bringing its experience gained in the off-grid market to mains gas business customers for the first time. Businesses will benefit from a suite of monitoring and reporting tools that allow simple energy management.

Supplying businesses of any size, Flogas Mains Gas says it offers a simple proposition: competitive fixed pricing, easy-to-understand contracts, and customer service. Customers with an annual spend of less than £7500 will be able to switch online, while customers with a higher spend will be switched through a member of the Flogas team.

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T8ozTHFF pham half page_Layout 1 07/08/2015 09:07 Page 1

September 2015

PEOPLE on the Move

Keeping Installers

NEW

Since 1975

The Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) has welcomed Paul McLaughlin as its new Chief Executive. With a background in electronics and electrical engineering, Paul spent 12 years with Coca-Cola where he held a number of senior positions. Most recently he was MD of a food specialist business based in the West of Scotland.

Vent-Axia has announced that Mark Hoskins has been promoted to MD of Volution Group’s UK Ventilation Division. Previously Mark was the Group’s UK Sales Director. In his new role he will be responsible for the UK ventilation companies, including Vent-Axia. Mark joined the company last year, and with 20 years management experience he brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

Vokèra has appointed Phil Adams as its new MD. Phil joins with extensive knowledge of the industry and a wealth of experience, having worked within the HVAC sector and at the Riello Group (Vokèra’s parent company) for nearly 20 years. Phil’s new role involves continuing to strengthen and grow the Vokèra business within the UK and Ireland and the development of the Vokèra brand.

Radiator manufacturer Stelrad has announced the appointment of a new Product Manager. Fraser Toogood, who joined Stelrad from Ideal Boilers in 2009, takes on the new role, having previously been Business Development Manager for the northern territory. His new position will see him based at the company’s headquarters in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.

Grant Davies is the new Operations Manager at BPEC. With more than 40 years experience within the plumbing and heating industry, Grant joins the company from UK Certification Ltd, where he spent six years as Scheme Manager involved in ABC, SCF and SMB committees, external verification, quality systems, and formatting assessment modules for approval.

Flushing expert Siamp has appointed Ross Rigby to the newly created role of UK Commercial Manager. Ross has more than 30 years experience in the plumbing and bathrooms industry, most recently with Grundfos Pumps. Working from Siamp’s Oldham base, he aims to further develop the company’s commercial business network across the UK. Intergas Heating has made two new appointments. Joining from Baxi, Andy Burton (pictured) takes on the role of Area Sales Manager, while Mark Prescott, formerly Regional Sales Manager at Kane, joins as Business Development Manager – North. Both bring a wealth of experience to their new roles, with Andy having worked in the industry for over 25 years and Mark having 13 years of experience.

Hitachi Air Conditioning has expanded its heating team with the appointment of Andy Henson as Technical Engineer – Heating. Andy’s background covers both heating and cooling products, having worked with Hitachi air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, before moving to NIBE Energy Systems as a service engineer, progressing through to training and site support roles.

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A new National Training Manager has been named at Redring Xpelair. Craig Cundey joins the company with a wealth of experience, having worked in the field for over eight years.

Craig has managed training centres, developed learning packages, and managed apprenticeship programmes. In his new role, Craig will be responsible for internal training programmes, as well as marketing external training.

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September 2015

16 YOUR Views

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£100 Star Letter Calling for independence

give us back our independence, scrap all the official bodies and assessments, let us be responsible for our own train ing and keeping ourselves updated (surprisingly most of us have the intel ligence to do that). And what of all train ing centres and governin g bodies? Well why not chan ge the current notification system whereby once a job is completed it has to be independently inspected by some officially approved body paid for by the customer (an independent private company with the correct accreditation for example).

This would do away with the ridiculous self certi fication and gives the end-user the confidence that the job has been done correctly.

All the trainers could be repu rposed.

That might make their lives difficult though, because they would have to make some real life decisions in the real world instead of just sitting in judgement on the rest of us. Some insta llers might reel at such a suggestion of havi ng their work independently inspected, but those of us that are confident in our skill-set would welcome it, especially if it meant no more aldom and red tape.

Personally, I would love to see the whole offici an Brandreth trade turned on its head. What do I mean? Dunc il ema ed, Via work what Well how about going back to

I write in response to Gary Millar’s article in last month’s issue headed ‘helping to bridge the skills gap’, where he says we are facin g our biggest skills gap for a generation. Whilst I have no doubt that this is true, perhaps we should look closer to home for the causes of this dilem ma.

There must be thousands of self employed engi neers who are doin g only a fraction of the work that they are capable of simply because it is not financially viable to put themselves through all the training courses and pay all the official bodies to do the work just in the hope they might find enou gh jobs to cover the costs.

Myself for example, I left tech nica l college in 1979 and I was considered qual ified to do plumbing, heating (gas, oil, solid fuel, warm air, etc) lead roof-work and more! In my working life I have done a huge amou nt of work in all these fields both domestically and commercially. And what do I do now? Just domestic boilers, fires, and cookers in natural gas. Most of us love the job but hate what it has become and feel total ly underrepresented.

The way things used to be

I came across this old photograph of my uncle the other day and thought it may be of interest. I recall seeing this test piece at his home on the Llyn peninsula many years ago. I think the piece might now be located in a plumbing section of a museum in Bangor. He told me that this Maltese cross, which has no function other than as a student test piece, was formed from a single sheet of lead without any joints just by painstakingly working the lead, using the tools in the picture.

I appreciate that you don’t normally do any historic content, however I did think that maybe some young plumbers starting out on their career would be surprised to see what they would have been doing for training circa 80 years ago.

Haydn Newcombe Via email

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BAXI

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SUPPORT

In my view most of the problems have been caused by the water companies who have made cut backs purely for shareholder profits resulting in a reduced inspectorate and leaving domestic properties with a 10% audit regime or nil inspections.

With regard to training of apprentices, most colleges operate as profit making centres due to limited government funding for vocational training and are now pushing students through plumbing courses to achieve good retention and success rates to fly the OFSTED flag.

Over the years, the course content has been reduced and multiple choice exams introduced which allow lecturers to teach students to simply answer test questions. In some cases students are expected to complete 11 Level 2 plumbing certificate modules in one academic year following on from a basic Level 1 course, with many students not gaining a suitable apprenticeship.

Also, for financial reasons, some colleges have ceased delivering Level 3 plumbing qualifications and uptake is low because I understand that mature students now have to seek an educational loan to cover the college fees. The Level 3 qualifications are where the Water Regulations and unvented hot water training and certification is embedded.

How does the customer know that they are getting a qualified experienced plumber? Only through trade organisations, which seem to be very limited at working together to produce a robust training and qualification process.

I am glad that I am now retired as I cannot see any major improvements coming through that will produce many good qualified tradesmen in the future – not unless there is a complete rethink and restructuring of the industry that will incorporate robust apprenticeships with excellent training that embraces the new technologies that are flooding into the industry.

R.A. Smith Melton Mowbray

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How refreshing to read last month’s star letter, ‘Serious about regulations’, which encapsulates all that is wrong within the industry. Having served a four year apprenticeship, worked as a Senior Water Regulation officer and having spent the last 12 years teaching in college, I can identify with Mr. Chambers’ concerns.

Most new builds now have unvented hot water systems installed. How many on site plumbers are certified? How many systems are inspected and how many are ever serviced?

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Standards Save energy are in decline by finding the off button

Despite the fact that yours and other similar publications are full of articles on various methods of saving energy and what one might call ‘green’ type products, I see little evidence of people employed in our industry taking up these products.

Being a bit of a ‘green’ type myself, many years ago I thought about the idea of painting some radiators black and putting them on my roof. Sadly, I never got around to it. But about 15 years ago I did install two solar thermal panels on our roof and now I wouldn’t be without them.

Five years ago, I put some solar PV panels on mine and my two off-spring’s roofs. Despite the fact that I believe the figures are grossly exaggerated, if you care about the planet and future generations, then we need to be doing these things.

In the ’60 and ’70s some of these things would have been do-it-yourself products, but we don’t seem to be big on DIY projects these days.

An observation about reducing energy usage – just turn it off! We are presumably approaching the end of generations that would have grown up without central heating, so many people would not know what I mean.

Put a jumper on!

Peter Louch Via email

Undercutting installers

I would like to reply to the letter ‘grief with gas registration’. Why should someone who has his registration fees paid for by his employer be able to undercut a person who has paid £1000 (plus lost days doing the exams)? The chances are he will be doing the work at weekends, undercutting legal installers and depriving the country of tax payments, working cash-in-hand and using many materials he has acquired from his employer. In my experience, this is common practice as the large companies send out a heat pack, and much of the pipe and fittings don’t get returned.

Also, any registered installer who signs off this work, or any other illegal installation, should be prosecuted as they are screwing all the legal installers.

Bob Edmunds Maidstone

Let us know what you think...

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The Editor welcomes letters from readers on all aspects of the industry. Letters can be sent by email or post but must have a return name, phone number and address (not for publication).

Please address your letters to:

For free hands-on training call 0844 848 8281 today baxi.co.uk/training

The Editor, PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP

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September 2015

18 Point of View

Why it’s important to have a voice Roger Webb has been at the forefront of the heating industry for over 40 years. As he retires from his role as Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, he spoke with PHAM News about his time at the HHIC and some of the challenges that lie ahead.

W

ith more than 30 years working at British Gas and 12 years as Director at the HHIC, Roger Webb is able to offer a good insight into how the UK domestic heating industry has evolved and how it may develop in the future.

Now part of the Energy Utilities Alliance, the HHIC aims to represent the views of manufacturers and the wider heating industry, but the market is made up of many different companies and a range of heating Roger Webb technologies. How easy is it to find some consensus?

“It’s mainly a question of trying to look at the bigger picture. It’s a huge market and there’s room for everybody.

One of the biggest challenges has been moving the HHIC from a ‘boiler club’ to becoming the voice of the domestic heating industry. You might have some consensus among boiler manufacturers, but are you going to get consensus between boilers and heat pumps? We have to be seen as fuel and technology agnostic. In the last year, we’ve been approached by government officials for pretty much anything to do with heating, which I think suggests that we’ve made that transition.”

One of the main aims of the HHIC is to influence government policies and legislation and also to play an advisory role for consumers. Do you think more could be achieved with more resources?

“I’ve never seen ourselves as resource constrained.

There may only be six people within the HHIC team, but there are also lots of valuable people amongst our members. Success comes from coordinating the skills and resources you have available and managing effectively.”

Do you think this year’s general election result could be viewed as good news for the gas industry?

“For a number of reasons, yes. I think they’ll take some sensible decisions – more broadly based economic decisions about energy. I hope it includes some green thinking, but not just green because it’s green.”

Those companies that have been looking to promote renewable technologies have been frustrated by the stopstart nature of various green initiatives in recent years.

Do you think the Government should be doing more to incentivise investment in low carbon solutions?

“Governments tend to look for big solutions – the opportunity to make a big impression, but what we need at this stage is incremental improvements on what we’ve got. After all, we don’t know what the answer is going to be tomorrow. If we can make some incremental steps, to take the technologies that already exist, nudge them up a bit, encourage the deployment of renewables where appropriate, then I think that’s the way to go.

“We need more medium term targets than targets that are set several years ahead which governments can then leave for future administrations to worry about. We need to have targets that the industry can work towards so that there is more certainty that there is going to be a return on investment. Everyone needs to know what direction we’re heading in.”

How big a contribution to the UK heating market do you think is likely to come from renewables by 2050?

“It’s very difficult to say because you’re talking quite a way ahead, but I would predict it won’t be more than 35%.”

Would that 35% come mostly from heat pumps?

“I really don’t know. They are a complicated piece of kit and I suspect that the industry needs to do a fair bit yet to make heat pumps really attractive to consumers. If we’re successful in decarbonising the electricity grid, produce low carbon electricity, then it’s obvious to use some of it for heating, but there’s no guarantee of that. If we were to have better insulated properties, then heat demand will

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be a lot lower, but you will still have hot water demand and there may be better ways of meeting that demand than a heat pump.

“Before heat pumps start to become mass market, I think we need to see some further advances in technology. The big challenge at the moment is to overcome the purchase cost. Why would you spend £11,000 on a heat pump when you can have a combi boiler for less than £2000? I’m by no means anti-renewables. It’s just a question of delivering the right product at the right time.”

The RHI has been criticised for only being taken up by people who can most afford renewable technology in the first place. Do you think that’s fair comment?

“Yes, but what’s the purpose of the scheme? I think the purpose is to get enough product out there to learn about it, to start to get the prices coming down and to get some critical mass. It may well be used by consumers who can better afford renewables, but would they have made the investment without the incentive? I think we may just have to live with that for a while.”

Would the Government’s incentive schemes stand more chance of success if they made more effort to get installers on board?

“For any scheme to succeed, it needs to engage the salesman. And the salesman is the installer. It’s easy for government to work with big companies and set up big schemes, but the market is tens of thousands of small installation companies and that’s not likely to change.

“I think the lack of a representative body for installers is part of the problem. One of my regrets is that we didn’t find a way to do that at HHIC. I think perhaps there are some people out there who think they can just get rid of the small installers and big companies would take over, but that won’t happen. So the installers need to be brought into the fold somehow. In the end, they are the sales force for the equipment and they are the sales force for the schemes that can make things happen.”

Do you think the Government has a good enough understanding of the heating market?

“Governments know what they can do policy-wise but they don’t always understand the market. I think what we need is some sort of Heat Council – a body that takes a long-term view of the delivery. We’ve got the Committee on Climate Change that sets targets, but how do you meet those targets? What are the policies, the incentives, the regulations you need to deliver? I think the only way you’re going to get there is by government and industry sitting down together.”

How do you look back on your time at the HHIC? “I’ve enjoyed it. I was slightly worried at first, because I had no idea what I was getting into. I feared it might be a bit of a backwater, but far from it. I’ve been very lucky. At British Gas I had hundreds of people reporting to me, but your actual influence on the world is far greater in this job. With just a small budget and a few dedicated people working alongside you, you have the potential to change the course of the industry.

“Trying to influence decision makers in Westminster has its frustrations, but it could be a lot worse! I talk to my European colleagues, and the relationship we have with our government and civil servants is far better than they’ve got in nearly all cases.”

Have you any advice for your successor, Stewart Clements?

“You have to find your own way. It would be nice to think that there was a blue print, but I don’t think there is. You can’t do the job sat in an office, though. You need to get out there and meet people. You need to get on the right committees and ensure that your voice is heard.”

27/08/2015 13:07

02/09/2015 14:37

ENQUIRY

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September 2015

20 COMPANY Spotlight

40 years of powering the shower 2015 sees Triton Showers celebrate its 40th anniversary. We take a look at some of the major milestones that have helped the Nuneaton based manufacturer maintain a leading position in the market since the launch of its very first shower back in May 1975.

T

riton’s story began in May 1975 under the name Triton Aquatherm, when a team of just six people designed and manufactured the company’s first shower from a garage in Atherstone, Warwickshire. From the very outset, the aim was to produce products that were simple to install, easy to use and had mass market appeal.

These values remain at the heart New MD David Tutton of the company today.

Just over a decade after being formed, the firm became Triton Showers in June 1986 and quickly established itself as a UK brand leader before being acquired by Norcros Holdings Ltd in September 1987.

Throughout the 1990s Triton continued to grow by taking a marketing and customer service-led approach.

By the time the business celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2005, Triton was offering next day delivery for customers.

Furthermore, in 2006 the brand introduced a range of showers incorporating wireless technology, which proved a significant step forward for the bathroom industry.

The Triton factory produces around 900,000 units every year

credentials of the T80Z Fast-Fit, the new thermostatic model boasts added durability, safety, and ease of use for homeowners.

Latest developments

More recently, the attention of Triton’s product development experts has turned to a new generation of showers which bring together safety, simplicity, and design. By combining recognised accreditations and ease of installation, the Safeguard+ electric is now available to meet the growing demand for inclusive products.

As well as developing some of the country’s most Best sellers popular showers, Triton’s status as a responsible British Today, half of all electric showers in the UK carry the manufacturer also led to the achievement of zero waste Triton brand – none more popular than Triton’s T80 to landfill status earlier this year – two years ahead of schedule. family, currently Britain’s In July 2015, Triton entered “The T80Z Fast-Fit quickly became best-selling range. Originally another exciting phase in its introduced back in 1978, these the perfect one-stop solution” company history. After 17 years high quality showers give installers and their customers plenty of choice when it of consistent growth under the leadership of long serving Managing Director Lorna Fellowes, Business Development comes to new or replacement installations.

In 2012, Triton boosted its T80 electric shower collection Director David Tutton was announced as her successor.

Following in Lorna’s footsteps, David’s pledge as MD is with the launch of the T80Z Fast-Fit – a product designed to offer installers the best ever replacement electric shower to provide continuity while building on the achievements on the market. Eliminating the problems associated with of the past 40 years in order to protect Triton’s core existing pipework or cabling being in the wrong place, competencies including product innovation and the T80Z Fast-Fit quickly became the perfect one-stop customer service.

Above all, he will continue to concentrate on solution for every electric job.

Having added to the T80 collection with several new maintaining and forging close relationships with additions over the course of nearly four decades, Triton customers throughout the supply chain, from installers marked this year’s 40th anniversary with the introduction and specifiers to builders merchants and retailers who of the T80Z Thermostatic Fast Fit. Building on the are so vital for the continued success of the brand.

The T80Z Themostatic FastFit shower, launched in 2012

Triton’s Eden concentric mixer shower

COMPETITION To mark Triton’s 40th anniversary, PHAM News is giving FOUR lucky installers the opportunity to win both of the manufacturer’s newly launched showers: the T80Z Thermostatic Fast Fit AND the Eden Concentric mixer (pictured above), which are suitable for a variety of domestic applications and offer all the fixtures and fittings needed in just one box.

How to enter Simply read the question below and then write the appropriate number on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. So, for example, if you think the answer is January, you should write 101 on the card. The four winners will be drawn from all the correct entries received before the closing date of 2nd October 2015.

In which month did Triton launch its first shower? a) January........................... 101 b) May................................. 102 c) August............................ 103 For more information on Triton’s range of electric and mixer showers, visit www.tritonshowers.co.uk. Also download Triton’s free-of-charge smartphone app for handy tips and advice whilst on the go or, for the latest promotions, follow @tritonshowers on Twitter or like TritonShowers on Facebook.

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September 2015

22 ROUNDTABLE Debate

Views on the state of the market Reports suggest that it is a good time to be in the heating and plumbing industry, with rising levels of demand for those with the right skills and qualifications. We asked five installers about their views on the market and other issues that impact on their business.

I

MW – The tooling’s not cheap. We’re only up to 54mm, but the issue we’ve got is how often we’d require a larger tool. You have to ask if it is worth investing in a new tool, plus all the fittings as well. Our 54mm kit rarely comes out. In fact, I could probably count the amount of times we have used it.

s 2015 a good year to be running a heating and plumbing installation business, and what are some of the key issues that will influence future prospects? These were some of the themes discussed at a recent roundtable meeting of five installers representing the domestic and commercial sides of the industry. The installers were invited by Geberit to the company’s Warwick based headquarters and training facility to share their views, and the meeting was chaired

by PHAM News Editor Chris Jones. The five installers were: •

IS: Ian Stead – Flowmaster Plumbing, based in Leicester.

•

WH: Waseem Hussain – Plumbing Doctors, Coventry.

•

MC: Mark Carver – Carver Wright Ltd, based in Melton Mowbray

•

MW: Mick Wright – also from Carver Wright Ltd

•

JW: Jonathan Williams – Bristol Gas Services

Would you say you’re happy in your job and the amount of work you’re getting at the moment?

MC – A lot of our work comes from the food production industry and we just had our biggest ever quarter at the beginning of the year. It’s tailed off a bit this second quarter. I think it’s basically because we’re relying at the moment on one client, but we are their first port of call for everything.

So when they spend, they spend with us, but when they don’t, we notice it.

WH – I work every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year if need be. I don’t mind because I enjoy it. But the advantage of being your own boss is that you can finish when you want.

JW – The main thing about being selfemployed is that you get to choose who you do work for and when. I don’t work with anyone else or have to get work for anyone else because I’m my own boss.

Having said that, I suppose you could argue that all your customers are your bosses.

IS – We use the stainless steel system a lot, because although it’s probably twice the cost in materials, it can save a lot of money on labour.

MC – And the other thing is hot works. The food industry is notorious for fires and that’s our main driver for using a press fitting system. I think we’ve probably only soldered a fitting once this year and that was only because the space was just too tight to use the tool.

From l to r: Ian Stead, Waseem Hussain, Mark Carver, Mick Wright and Jonathan Williams

MW – You might think to yourself that you’ll have the next day off, but then one of your customers rings up and wants their boiler fixed and you’ll be round there the next morning instead.

JW – I like the job I do, but I don’t think people appreciate it. I’ve got five kids and I don’t see them enough. I like the job, but it doesn’t fit in very well with my life. It’s not like I never see my family, but it is difficult. I try to draw the line at working weekends.

IS – I think we’re in a job that you can’t turn off from. You can’t just go and sit down and not think about the job, especially if it’s your business. It’s stressful. When you employ other people it’s that much harder because you need to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re working properly, as well as getting on with your own work, dealing with all the paperwork and running the job. You’ve got to make sure that everybody’s doing what they should be doing.

Do you mainly rely on word of mouth to generate business?

WH – I get work from word of mouth, but the problem is they’re all cheapskates in my area! A lot of the work I have to turn down. I ask: “where did you get my number from?” I know what they’re going to be like before I even get to the house.

I’m currently getting a website designed so that I can expand my customer base. I need to attract customers who are prepared to pay a little bit more for good quality work.

Waseem Hussain – “The advantage of being your own boss is that you can finish when you want”

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JW – I don’t advertise. I’ve always just relied on word of mouth. I’m self-employed and generally work on my own, but I’m at the stage where I need to think about taking people on. At the moment I just get people in when I need to.

Have you thought about taking on an apprentice?

IS – We use the Mepla system as well as Mapress. We use the Mepla because we do a lot of student blocks and if we do copper, or anything else, it goes out as quickly as it goes in! When you use the plastic, it stays there and doesn’t walk. Most of the student blocks now are all timber framed, so they don’t like you soldering.

IS – Apprentices are good, especially if you can keep them, because you can build your workforce up nicely to where you want to be. It’s about getting the right lads with the right attitude and the right mentality. I’ve been lucky, to be fair. I’ve got two really good ones. I’ve got one young lad who’s 17 and I’ve got another who’s been with me for over a year. It’s a question of getting them early enough, because you can learn some bad habits.

JW – I’ve got more work than I can handle at the moment, but it’s a question of finding the right person and knowing that you have enough work ahead.

IS – Time is the other issue. For somebody on his own, if he’s got that much work, he hasn’t got the time to teach an apprentice, but when you’ve got enough people, you’ve then got the time to spend that hour a day and someone else can say, “right, come and stand with me and watch him for a bit”. When they’re more experienced you can spend half an hour showing them how to do something and then leave them all day to do it.

MW – We’ve had one young lad that joined us a couple of years ago and that’s worked out well. He was 19 when he approached us and he’s been with us a couple of years now. He was a plumber by trade. He’d done his Level 3 but had struggled to find a job before we took him on.

How many of you regularly use a pressfitting system when installing pipework?

MC – We use the Mapress stainless steel system all the time. It tends to be nearly all we use, although we do use a bit of copper if it’s not in kitchen areas. We tend to work mostly in food production areas.

Mark Carver – “We use the Mapress stainless steel system all the time.”

WH – We mainly do domestic work and use both copper and plastic, but I prefer to use copper because I know it’s not going to leak if it’s soldered properly. I’ve had people work with me who are using push-fit fittings and they’re very fast, but you do worry that they might have missed an insert or something. They might not push it in fully. But I know when they’re soldering it, it’s 100% secure. A lot of customers also prefer we use copper, especially if they can see it. It’s very hard to make plastic look neat.

MC – The problem with using Mapress for the domestic market is that it’s not readily available. It’s not easy to go into your plumber’s merchant and ask for Mapress.

And also of course, your jobbing plumber is probably not going to spend over £1000 on a kit to do all those sizes.

MW – The fittings aren’t particularly pretty either. They’re just a bit too bulky to be sat at the bottom of a domestic radiator.

02/09/2015 12:21

September 2015

ROUNDTABLE Debate 23 it loved the idea. If the prices drop a bit, then I can see it being very popular. The course was only a few hours, so it didn’t take too much out of the day. What I also like is that when I went home I got on the YouTube channel and they had a series of videos there, so I was able to send the link to some potential customers, show how it works and how easy it is to install.

Jonathan Williams – “Honesty is always appreciated because no product is infallible”

Have you used Geberit’s Duofix frame system, and do you think there is more demand for wall-hung solutions?

IS – We’ve just done 50 apartments in Wigan. I’ve also used Geberit’s wall-hung system for a £6m house in Chelsea and all the toilets were back to wall. The back to wall system is great to work with, but it’s not for every home because it’s a matter of cost and you also need to have the right environment to fit it in. You’ve got to have the space to get it in and with a typical small bathroom you’re a bit tight for space because you’re building it out by another six inches. I think it’s only really suitable for big, expensive bathrooms.

IS – All my lads have been in and done the Mapress and soil weld courses. It’s very worthwhile, especially when you’re on site and someone asks about qualifications and training. These days, it’s all about ticking the right boxes and there’s also a lot more concern about health and safety issues, so it always looks good to have been on a relevant training course.

JW – I’ve also been on a few boiler manufacturer courses. Sometimes you just get some sales patter but other times the trainer might be an ex-engineer who wants to pass on their knowledge, which is so much better. I don’t think I would go on a course, though, unless I knew for sure that I was going to use the products.

Finding the time to attend training is always an issue. After all, if you’re not working, you’re not earning.

IS – I know one or two people who run their own business who seem happy to spend all their time going on different training courses. The lads do all the work while they go on one course to the next.

MW – Again, I think it’s more appropriate for the commercial market. Homeowners are unlikely to be able to see it on display down at B&Q. Even if you go to your bigger plumbing merchants, there are no brochures to look at. They’ll give you a plastic cistern if you want a wall hung toilet. The basins would literally be wall hung and not on brackets. I think from a marketing point of view it’s down to us installers to encourage customers to consider it as an option.

Some of you have undertaken training at Geberit’s facility. What courses have you done and how did you find the experience?

JW – I’ve attended the Mapress training course. It was really good to get an overview of the tools and actually use them in practice. Plus we got an overview of all the other Geberit products as well, such as the concealed cistern and frame systems.

It’s a clever system because it looks like you can cut down the installation time massively, especially in a commercial or industrial setting.

WH – I came to a training course on Geberit’s Aquaclean concealed toilet system. I live in a Muslim community and a lot of people when I told them about

23.indd 1

How do you see your business developing in the future, and are you optimistic about the state of the market?

JW – I think it’s often a question of trust.

Sometimes they think you’re just trying to make money out of them. You try to help the customer by selling them weather compensation or something, and they think you’re just trying to rip them off. I’m only trying to sell something that is actually really good and isn’t going to make me much money.

MW – I’d like to think we’d continue to expand and keep growing. It would be nice for us if we could eventually take more of a back seat and get guys in to do the work.

WH – I show my Gas Safe badge whether they ask for it or not, but in my experience customers are not very interested.

JW – It’s a shame they changed from CORGI, because everybody knew CORGI. IS – I think they do know about Gas Safe because it was very well publicised. And everyone knows the problem with gas if it goes wrong.

WH – In my area, we’ve got loads of cowboy fitters who aren’t Gas Safe, but part of the problem is that they often do better work than the ones who are. That’s because there are all these quick training courses now and you can qualify in just six weeks. But I’ve seen a few installations and they’re not great. The problem is, if you see a dangerous situation and you alert the customer they don’t want you back. Then word gets around – “don’t get him, he’s quite strict!”.

Ian Stead – “I don’t think I could go back to doing domestic work.”

Are there any ways you think the courses that you’ve attended could be improved?

JW – The practical stuff’s the important thing. Honesty is also appreciated because no product is infallible. If they highlighted the good points about a product or installation system, but also mentioned some things which could be improved, then that’s so much more useful than claiming that everything is wonderful, because nothing is ever perfect.

IS – I think generally in life you learn more by your mistakes, so it’s great when you get the chance to really put a product through its paces. When we did the Mapress course here we really did put the pipework through the works! It’s always useful to find out where the breaking point is – and much better to do that in a training room than when you’re on site.

JW – I like learning about new technologies. I’m looking at signing up for some biomass training because that looks interesting. You don’t need to get much extra work for it to pay for the course. I’ve been looking at MCS, but it’s not really designed for smaller companies. It all seems about checking that you can do things rather than actually doing them.

I like learning and I want to learn as much as I can about more technical plumbing and see where that takes me. I plan to be as diverse as I can within the plumbing sector. I’m not too concerned about earning a lot of money, but I like working for myself.

Would you alert Gas Safe about an installer who’s carrying out gas work but isn’t registered?

WH – I’ve done it once or twice, but it takes time. They want so much information. The customer also has to provide information and it’s just a lot of hassle. It’s better to just do what you can do to make it safe. I know guys who are carrying out work who don’t know what operating pressure is and haven’t even got a flue gas analyser. Then again I know lads who haven’t bothered with qualifications and they’re brilliant. They know what they’re doing, but don’t want to get the qualifications because it costs too much. They don’t think they’re going to get any extra work that would pay for it.

IS – The other thing many consumers would be concerned about is accessibility.

Any concealed cistern has got to be easily accessible.

MW – With an old fashioned back to wall system you’ve got to create an access panel. At least with the Geberit frame it’s all serviceable through the front panel. For the consumer, I think that’s really a good point.

Do you think installers could be more active in selling products to customers, and is there more you can do to win their trust?

IS – There are people out there who haven’t got a clue. They go on these quick courses and then they go out into the big wide world and they think they’re a plumber or a heating engineer.

There are a number of trade exhibitions targeted at professional installers. Have you ever taken the trouble to visit any of them?

IS – I’ve tried to go and get to a few of them over the years, but I’ve never actually been to any of them.

JW – I thought some of them have looked quite interesting, but the problem is finding the time.

IS – It would be better if they were on in the evenings or even at the weekend. I know a couple of my lads who would go if it were a Saturday. But they’re always Wednesday/Thursday. You book your ticket, because it’s free, but you just can’t get away.

MC – Why spend two days looking at something that might be completely irrelevant? It’s not good use of time.

Mark Wright – “I’d like to think we will continue to expand and keep growing.”

IS – But if you’re not going to make money, what’s the point of working for yourself?

You can go out and work for a company, work the same hours, probably earn a better wage sometimes, and then switch off at the end of the day. If you want to work 12 hours for a company like that, you can earn a really good living. I’ve got lads of mine earning really good money, because they’re out of town and working long hours. I’m thinking, they’re walking out with more than me!

I don’t think I could go back to doing domestic work. You’ve got to go into someone’s house, move the furniture, take the carpets up, it’s all got to be nice and neat, and then you’ve got to put it all back again at night. You’ve got to make sure everything’s working by 5pm, because they need to cook the dinner. I can’t be doing with any of that. When I’m working on site, I can put everything in one of the pods and then walk away.

WH – I think all that health and safety stuff you have to deal with in the commercial sector would drive me away.

IS – As long as you know what you’re on about, health and safety’s not a problem, but it can be a bit of a power game. You’ve just got to be able to shout and fight your corner.

PHAM News would like to thank Geberit and all the participants for their time

02/09/2015 12:30

September 2015

24 GAS Safe

Spread the word about gas safety Gas Safety Week (14-20 September) is an annual awareness week organised by the Gas Safe Register. MD Jonathan Samuel is asking heating engineers across the UK to show their support for the week and use it to help get the right messages over to customers.

T

housands of engineers, businesses and industry bodies have already pledged their support to the fifth annual Gas Safety Week, so it’s set to be bigger than ever.

However, for it to be a successful campaign, we depend heavily on the industry’s support to share gas safety messages with people across the UK. This year we have a number of exciting ways in which you can do this, from running Gas Safety Week events to taking part in a nationwide social media Thunderclap.

With the rise of digital technology we’re doing far more on social media and other digital channels this year to engage with the public and industry stakeholders. As mentioned, we’ve organised a Thunderclap that supporters of the week can sign up to (see details at the end of this column). A Thunderclap is a crowd-speaking platform

Jonathan Samuel, MD at Gas Safe

which helps a group of people to be heard by saying something together at one time on social media. By signing up to this free service, you can be part of the nationwide launch of Gas Safety Week on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

We will also be using social media to send regular updates on events that engineers are running throughout the week. We’d love to

hear about what you’re doing, so when you’re posing for that selfie, make sure you send a copy to us!

Throughout the week we will support engineers as much as possible to ensure they have the tools to tell their customers about gas safety. When you pledge your support to the week (visit www.

GasSafetyWeek.co.uk) we will send you a free toolkit which contains a range of marketing materials, including a template news release, social media updates and electronic leaflets.

Staying safe Considering that one in six homes have a dangerous gas appliance, we are encouraging the public to visit the dedicated website (www.

StayGasSafe.co.uk) throughout the week so that they can check out how dangerous their area is. Here, members of the public will also be able to sign up to the free gas safety check reminder service to ensure

they don’t forget when they next need their gas appliances checked.

It would be great if you could urge your customers to visit the site and sign up to the reminder service. This will not only help keep them safe, it will also enable you to build a good relationship with them as their trusted gas engineer. Of the 68,000 deadly gas incidents that our registered engineers prevent every year, half of these are down to the fact that people had failed to get their gas appliance regularly serviced and had been left in a poor state – in a recent survey 45% of engineers said the reason they had to turn off a gas appliance was because it had been poorly maintained.

round, we will be featuring in the media to get people thinking about the safety of gas appliances in their homes. Listen and watch out for us and join in the conversation.

Get involved

Sign up to the Thunderclap at: http://bit.ly/GSW15thunderclap.

You can also follow us on @Gas SafetyWeek and help spread the word by using the #GSW15 hashtag.

Media campaign Throughout Gas Safety Week we will be engaging with national, regional and trade media to raise awareness of gas safety in the UK. As boiler switch-on time comes

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26/08/2015 15:18

September 2015

26 Green Matters

Reaction to Green Deal closure Over the summer, the Government announced that it would no longer fund the Green Deal Finance Company, which means homeowners no longer have access to a pay-as-you save scheme for energy efficiency measures. Here, we round up industry reaction to the decision.

In July the Government announced that it would provide no further funding to the Green Deal Finance Company, which effectively signalled the death knell of the Green Deal scheme.

According to government sources, the decision was made in light of low take-up and concerns about industry standards.

Although Energy and Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd says Government will work with the building industry and consumer groups on a new value-for-money approach, there is, as yet, no replacement programme that will act as a catalyst for improving energy efficiency in UK housing.

Reaction Industry has reacted to the Government’s decision with a mix of disappointment and acceptance. However, few have expressed surprise that the programme has been dismantled.

Peter Thom, MD of Green Heat, had been a supporter of the Green Deal since its inception and views its closure as a failure of Government to listen to the recommendations from installation companies at the sharp end.

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No popular support Jeremy Hawksley, Director General at OFTEC, believes the green initiative didn’t address the genuine concerns of homeowners. He says: “The extremely low take up of the domestic RHI just serves to highlight the lack of appetite most consumers have for expensive renewable technologies – even with Government support.

“Instead of encouraging people to completely change their heating systems, which can be both costly and complicated, the Government should be pushing more affordable, easierto-implement measures such as a boiler scrappage scheme.”

Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE, adds that the repayment mechanism was unappealing to homeowners: “We always felt that Green Deal put homeowners who took up the loan at a disadvantage, especially when they wanted to sell their home. The loan is attached to the property and added to the electricity bill, so if it was assessed for the needs of a large family wanting lots of hot water, the same rule may not apply to the new occupiers who bought it. They could be paying much higher bills in the long run.”

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two years, but despite regularly raising our concerns with Government so improvements could be made, too much red tape has continued to prevent smaller installers like us from delivering the improvements our customers want.

“The scheme was meant to be easily accessible to all, but training and certification requirements have been a cost to small installer businesses and have diverted time away from making the all-important energy efficiency improvements to our customers’ homes.”

Neil Schofield, Head of Governmental and External Affairs at Worcester, agrees that the Green Deal was flawed from the beginning: “While the intention behind the Green Deal may have been positive, the complexity it added to the supply chain, its unappealing interest rate, and the way in which it marginalised our network of heating engineers made success very unlikely.”

A number of groups have expressed concern about the lack of a replacement scheme for the Green Deal, viewing the lapse as potentially long-term.

“The end of the Green Deal will impact on many other policy areas,” says Ian Fletcher of the British Property Federation.

“We are concerned that without a functioning pay-as-yousave scheme, the premise set out in the regulations that meeting energy efficiency targets should come at no up front cost to the property owner is now in jeopardy.”

Martyn Reed, Operations Director at Elmhurst Energy, adds: “The announcement was particularly disappointing because it arrived with no consultation with the stakeholders, nor a clear plan to ensure the supply chain can remain intact until the next initiative is launched.”

Concurring, Stewart Clements, Heating and Hotwater Industry Council Director, comments: “Little thought appears to have been given to a replacement. There are still over 12 million inefficient boilers in UK homes, with almost 80% of homes not having basic controls. If we are to support ‘hard working families’ whilst achieving our carbon emission targets, then a new mechanism needs to be developed.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, thinks a better decision would have been to reform and rebrand the Green Deal. He says: “What’s clear is that the need to improve the energy efficiency of our properties is an increasingly pressing priority, but the Government is showing very little leadership.”

Dani Putney from NICEIC and ELECSA adds: “We can’t let the knowledge, skills and know-how that has built up over the last few years go to waste. We would urge the Government to learn from this and consult with those who worked hard to make Green Deal work before it comes up with any new policy. There is no doubt that all these measures will have a drastic effect on renewables.”

23.01.2015 12:10:10

01/09/2015 16:37

September 2015

Green Matters 27 Easy way to check How to demonstrate the benefits of solar efficiency gains Green Check is the name of a lead-generating plugin from Elmhurst Energy designed for the websites of installers fitting energy efficiency measures. It provides a methodology for calculating energy efficiency based on a simple set of questions.

It aims to add value to the customer’s experience on a website by demonstrating where they are now and how much they could save with specific energy efficiency i mp r o v e m e nt s .

These could include lighting, boiler replacement s, cavity or solid wall insulation, replacement windows and loft insulation.

“Green Check puts consumers in the driving seat so that they can discover the potential savings for themselves in a way that they can trust,” explains Stephen O’Hara, MD of Elmhurst Energy. “Because it’s embedded on your site, you can also customise the questions asked, as well as branding to fit with your corporate guidelines.”

Elmhurst Energy can also customise the ‘recommendations’ area to focus on the measures you can deliver and allows links to your web landing pages.

For more details on Elmhurst Energy and Green Check software, visit www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk

Kingspan Solar has launched an online calculator that quickly works out the cost benefits for a customer looking to install a solar thermal system.

The calculation is made with a few simple pieces of information about the homeowner’s existing heating system.

The web-based calculator will be useful in illustrating the financial reasons for choosing a solar thermal heating system. The site

also generates a search for recommended Kingspan Solar Accredited Installers (KSAI) with the qualifications to fit a solar thermal system,

providing the platform for registered KSAI’s to capitalise on new business opportunities.

The calculation takes into

New renewables VAT may harm market VAT increase on low carbon heating products would have a huge impact on an already struggling market according to Delta-ee. Earlier this year, the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK has incorrectly applied the 5% VAT rate to the “supply and installation of energy-saving materials” in residential buildings.

This includes lower carbon

Heating & Renewables Roadshow

heating products such as heat pumps, micro-CHP and biomass boilers.

Delta-ee ran an independent analysis looking at the customer and long term market impacts of a potential increase of VAT on low carbon products.

Steven Ashurst, Research Manager of the Microgen Insight Service at Delta-ee, comments:

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“From our analysis it is clear that if a standard rate of VAT is applied to low carbon heating products, an already challenging market will become more difficult.”

The Microgen Insight Service shows that an increased rate of VAT to 20% typically adds more than £1000 to the end user cost, which for GSHP and micro-CHP sees a 50% drop

The UK’s only regional event for heating and renewable energy professionals brings the whole industry to your doorstep.

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in customers’ willingness to pay the difference.

Delta-ee’s Pathways Tool & Roadmap Service forecasts that under a scenario where a 20% VAT rate is applied to ASHP, GSHP, biomass boilers and micro-CHP, the combined annual sales would reach ~60,000 units per annum by 2025, 40% less than compared to the 5% VAT rate.

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account the value of an annual RHI payment and shows total income over the seven year RHI period and the potential savings over the lifetime of a solar thermal system (25 years).

The expectation is that this will allow installers to convert people who may not have previously considered solar thermal.

The calculator can be accessed by v isit ing : h t t p : //s o l a r c a l c u l a t o r. kingspanenviro.com

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September 2015

28 Energy Related Products

Providing answers to questions about the ErP Directive The Energy related Products (ErP) Directive will come into force on 26 September. To help installers prepare for the new energy labelling scheme, Plumb and Parts Center linked up with some of the industry’s major manufacturers to organise a 40-venue nationwide roadshow. As official media partner, PHAM News also attended many of the events.

P

lumb and Parts Center, alongside manufacturers Ideal Boilers, Baxi,Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Heatrae Sadia, Kingspan, Honeywell, Danfoss, Fernox, Adey and Grundfos, took to the road from April to July, helping installers get to grips with the details of the regulations and how to take the energy efficiency message to The evening events were free to attend and often attracted over a hundred installers their customers.

Alan Clarke, Heatrae Sadia: “When it comes to water Over the course of the 40 free-to-attend events, installers were able to find out more about what types heaters, different sizes will be affected in different ways. of heating products are affected, what manufacturers Ecodesign affects water heaters with a rated output equal have done to prepare for these latest regulatory changes to or below 400kW and storage tanks with a storage and how Plumb and Parts Center are helping to make volume of up to 2000 litres.

“However, only water heaters with outputs of up to understanding ErP as straightforward as possible. Many of the presentations attracted crowds of big numbers, but 70kW and storage tanks with storage volumes of up to for those installers unable to attend we’ve put together a 500 litres will be given an efficiency band and a label. brief summary of some of the questions answered during Products heated by electricity are rated against a series of hot water tapping patterns which are related to the the presentations. capacity of the water heater.”

What exactly is the ErP Directive and why do I need to Francine Wickham, Fernox: “Whilst the ErP Directive know about it? is a major change for manufacturers of boilers, controls Martyn Bridges, Worcester: “The ErP Directive is a and cylinders, chemical water treatment is not directly new regulation set by the European Union designed to affected. However professional installers will be aware drive improvements in the efficiency and performance that the use of chemical water treatment has been a of heating and hot water products by ensuring that regulatory requirement since its inclusion within Part L minimum primary and secondary levels of efficiency and of the Building Regulations in 2006.” emissions are met.”

Richard Wright, Adey: “We use ‘Best Practice’ to Tim Pollard, Plumb Center: “ErP is a timely opportunity highlight the importance of using best in class filter/ for installers to sell better quality, more efficient products chemical solutions. It is vital to get the system health to customers who are more open to the energy efficiency check correct whilst installing ‘A’ rated ErP boilers, thus message than previously. Consumers are already familiar offering homeowners a guarantee of quality and service with the energy efficiency labels on washing machines, on the installation.” fridges and televisions, so it is an ideal time for heating installers to take advantage of the necessity for new Will the energy label appear on the product itself? labelling for heating systems.

Tim Pollard, Plumb Center: “The energy label does “As consumers continue to be more energy-savvy, not need to appear on the product itself unless it is on shopping around for the best prices from energy display, ie at the merchant. It must be included with companies for heating and electricity, installers can take the product literature for products manufactured after the opportunity to encourage homeowners to upgrade 26th September, and if manufactured prior to that date, their heating systems to more energy-efficient ones, available from manufacturers’ websites.” which will save them money over the life of the system.”

Gareth Ash, Danfoss: “Although temperature controls What products do the regulations apply to?

Jeff House, Baxi: “The regulations apply to both space and water heaters and is split into two sections, both of which installers must take into consideration. Firstly, the Ecodesign Directive will mean space heaters and water heaters that haven’t met efficiency requirements won’t get a CE mark, and so manufacturers won’t be legally allowed to supply products into the supply chain.

Secondly, the Energy Labelling Directive will mean all affected products have to come with an efficiency rating and label.”

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do not require a product label, they are classed depending on the level of control they have over the efficiency of the system. There are eight classes in total – these range from a simple on/off thermostat, right up to multi-zone temperature controls. Controls manufacturers are only required to state the class of the control on a product fiche (datasheet).”

What is the difference between an energy efficiency label and a product fiche?

Jeff House, Baxi: “Additional performance and efficiency parameters will need to be disclosed via a ‘technical fiche’

and within product data tables, which must be included on company websites and in installation instructions supplied with the product.”

Will I be able to install a boiler that hasn’t got an energy label after 26th September?

Adam Foy, Ideal Boilers: “You will be able to use products purchased or manufactured and in the supply chain prior to this date, and the relevant energy efficiency data is available from manufacturers’ websites.”

How will controls help to improve the overall efficiency rating?

Gareth Ash, Danfoss: “Fitting a modulating room thermostat (Class 5) or a room thermostat with TPI (Class 4) instead of a basic on/off room thermostat (Class 1) can achieve an increase of up to 3%.”

Andy Mansfield, Honeywell: “It is possible that using a control with the highest class rating (Class 8), the overall package efficiency can be raised from A to A+.”

What products make up a space heating package and how do I go about producing a package label?

Martyn Bridges, Worcester: “There is a responsibility to provide a package label when combining a heating appliance with a temperature control and/or solar device, cylinder or a supplementary heating appliance (ie. a hybrid heat pump).

“Whoever puts that package together for the end user will need to create a label that provides the combined energy efficiency rating using the efficiency or consumption figures listed on the product fiches to calculate the final system efficiency.”

What are manufacturers and merchants doing to help?

Adam Foy, Ideal Boilers: “While there might be instances where installers will have to do some energy efficiency calculations and produce a system label, much like those already used on domestic white goods, merchants and manufacturers have already done most of the work and, should there be any queries, are there with advice, tools and support.”

Will the way products are rated change over time?

Alan Clarke, Heatrae Sadia: “Lower performing products (for instance those rated G) will be removed from the European market between September 26th this year and September 26th 2019 with tiered cut-off points.”

What are the penalties for non-compliance and who will police the scheme?

Tim Pollard, Plumb Center: “Monitoring and surveillance will be the responsibility of the National Measurement Office (NMO). Compliance with the regulations will be mandatory, therefore installers must be aware of their responsibilities. There may be a short period of grace to enable installers to get up to speed with their responsibilities, but this has not been confirmed.”

01/09/2015 15:15

by nearly two-thirds of UK installers* Visit www.adey.com to find out more about ADEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smarter chemistry and Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing chemical brand. *Source: ADEY commissioned survey of independent UK installers 2015.

ENQUIRY

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September 2015

30 Exhibition Preview

Join UK Construction Week Encompassing nine trade shows all under one roof, UK Construction Week aims to bring together the whole of the building industry at the NEC this October. We take a look at some of attractions that make a vist worthwhile.

A

s part of UK Construction Week taking place this October, the inaugural HVAC 2015 show will open its doors at Birmingham’s NEC on the 6th as a new three-day event on the trade exhibition calendar. Dedicated to heating, ventilation and air conditioning, the show is expected to attract some 55,000 visitors representing installers, contractors, specifiers and engineers.

Nine different trade shows are united under the UK Construction Week banner. In addition to HVAC 2015, visitors will also have a chance to visit Timber Expo, the Build Show (incorporating Civils Expo), the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2015, Kitchens & Bathrooms Live, Plant and Machinery Live, Smart

Buildings 2015, and Grand Designs Live – all covering over 1500m2 of exhibiton space.

Seminars

Communications at the B&ES, comments: “B&ES is very pleased to be supporting this year’s HVAC 2015 event as part of our broader involvement in UK Construction Week.

We see great value in being part of an event that will demonstrate all that is cutting-edge about the sector, and also position it at the heart of construction.”

Tackling topics such as the future of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat

Central to HVAC 2015 will be the HVAC Hub, playing host to a comprehensive seminar schedule with input from a number of leading industry figures and associations, including the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES).

Jack McDavid, Head of

pumps, energy reducing strategies in commercial buildings, guidance on new legislation and gas safety case studies, the HVAC Hub will also host the ‘Meet the Installer’ networking scheme.

This feature is designed to link main contractors and manufacturers with on-theground installers, ‘Meet the Installer’ gives visitors the opportunity to generate new business and initiate longterm working relationships.

Topics The seminar schedule kicks off with a guide to UFH systems designed to help those looking to capitalise on the current increase in demand for more efficient heating solutions. Headed

by Howard Flood, MD of Projects Division at Warmup, the session will equip visitors with the knowledge to specify the right UFH solution for the right building and customer requirements.

Sustainable lighting and wellbeing will also be on the agenda as Fanella Frost, Group Marketing & Business Development Director at Monodraught and Photonstar, discusses circadian rhythm, hybrid lighting and the Internet of Things. The focus then moves to the future of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps, with a presentation around the direction technology, legislation, and the industry as a whole are heading in.

Rounding off the seminar programme will be a detailed look at overheating in homes.

Nicola O’Connor, Project Manager at Zero Carbon Hub, will discuss the problem of the gap between design and as-built energy performance, and present proposals for narrowing the gap.

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September 2015

Exhibition Preview 31 Media attention

Casino time

Broadcast journalists John Humphrys, Steph McGovern, and Krishnan Guru-Murthy have been confirmed to host the main stage seminar programme at UK Construction Week.

Bringing their insight and journalistic experience to the show, the hosts will play a role in steering the conversation as they tackle the key issues facing the industry today through a comprehensive content schedule of debates, panel discussions, CPD seminars and practical workshops.

John Humphrys, a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Today Programme’, will take to the stage on day one as topics such as governmental policy, the housing crisis and the economy are discussed.

Day two will be chaired by Financial Correspondent for the BBC, Steph McGovern.

She will bring her business insights to a programme addressing the skills shortage and key infrastructure projects on the horizon.

In addition to the complete business and networking package offered by UK Construction Week, there is also a casino night hosted in partnership with Construction Enquirer, and a beer festival to help visitors and exhibitors relax and unwind at the show.

Taking place on the first night of the show (6 October), the casino night will be held at the newly opened Genting International Casino at Resorts World Birmingham.

Just a five minute walk from the doors of UK Construction

John Humphrys, Steph McGovern and Krishnan Guru-Murthy

BBC journalist and specialist news reporter Krishnan GuruMurthy will lead the final day of proceedings as topics such as procurement opportunities, BIM and unifying the industry are addressed.

seminars and networking events, all designed to help the visitor fulfil both their immediate and longer term project needs.

Just for buyers Visitors to UK Construction Week will also have the chance to take part in a hosted buyer scheme. This allows buyers to go directly to suppliers and vendors that best meet their needs.

The UK Construction Week team has organised a bespoke programme of handpicked supplier meetings,

A casino night is planned for visitors on the show’s first day

Week and conveniently located to nearby hotels, the night offers a chance for visitors and exhibitors alike to relax with a few games of American Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat or Electronic Roulette.

There will also be a UK Construction Week Poker Tournament, with players competing to win the Prize Fund of £500 and help raise valuable funds for charity.

Entry is just £10 and will go directly to the winner’s charity of choice.

Opening at 12pm on each of the trade days, the beer festival will provide a more relaxed atmosphere in which to grab some refreshments and a bite to eat, or simply catch up with friends, colleagues and clients. With a wide range of traditional, local and rare craft ales on offer, plus a variety of entertainment and live music from across the UK, the beer festival will be a welcome break at the end of a busy day.

Entry to the beer festival is free, but early bird tickets are

Come for the exhibition, stay for the beer festival

now on sale for £17.50, which includes three beers and a hot dog. Corporate packages are also available at £175 for a reserved VIP table for 10 people, including three beers and a hot dog each.

Registration for UK Construction Week is free of charge for trade visitors. Your badge entitles you to free entry to all of the nine shows taking place from the 6 – 8 October 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham. Go online to register: www. ukconstructionweek. com

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September 2015

32 Gadgets & Tools GPS technology tracks down your stuff TrackR is a small, coin-sized device that easily attaches to your valuable items.

The associated app locates any lost or misplaced item in seconds via a distance indicator or by Crowd GPS. You can attach it to your keys, wallet, bicycle, pet, or even those valuable tools you don’t want going walkies.

There’s also a handy twoway alert that prevents you from leaving your items behind. A single phone or tablet can track up to 10 items simultaneously.

TrackR uses a new form of

GPS technology called Crowd GPS. When a tagged item goes missing, your smart device will begin to search for the missing item. When another

user is near the missing item, that user’s smart device will ping a server to send the GPS coordinates to the registered user. As more people join the

network, the more real-time GPS updates there are, and the better the Crowd GPS network works.

Plus, the TrackR app displays the distance between you and your items – letting you know how far away that missing item is.

The device lasts for over a year on the battery included with the product, and the coin cell battery is easy to replace when required.

The TrackR sells for £24.99, with free postage and packaging. Get yours online: www.thetrackr-uk.co.uk

Clamp down on it Professionals looking for a set of clamps that make the job easier can turn to Hultafors which has launched a set that is described as being easy to use, durable, and capable of delivering a reliable clamping force quickly and efficiently.

They’re made from sturdy glass-reinforced nylon and have a die-cast steel rail that enables them to withstand tough conditions and maintain a consistent clamping force over a long period of time. They ease the process of putting clamps into place to support or stabilise whatever you’re working with. Hultafors says it has brought together a compact and ergonomic design with durable materials for maximum clamping.

www.hultafors.co.uk

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Pinpoint potential moisture problems The MR160 Imaging Moisture Meter from Flir Systems comes with a built-in thermal camera and features infrared guided measurement (IGM) technology.

With the addition of this capability, the moisture meter has the ability to instantly pinpoint potential moisture issues, which are represented visually in the thermal image.

The user then knows where to place the MR160 probes on the surface of the wall, ceiling, or floor to best quantify

moisture levels and problems.

The device comes with an internal rechargeable battery and is easy to carry on a tool belt. A built-in laser pointer and display cross-hairs are designed to make targeting easy. Users can capture and save both measurements and images together and transfer data to a PC for analysis.

The MR160 is priced at £479 and is available from Flir distributors.

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www.flir.com/MR160

Cleaner fits in your pocket Big Wipes 4x4 are designed to help remove all modern construction sealants, from PU foam to adhesives, paints, coatings and grime.

The wipes contain four powerful cleaning agents and four dermatologically tested skin conditioners (aloe vera, lanolin, vitamin E and glycerine) to nourish and protect the skin, making Big Wipes 4x4 cleaning wipes tough on grime and kinder to your hands.

Big Wipes are now available in a compact pack of 40 sheets, making them easily transportable around site in tool pouches. These industrial strength wipes come in handy when you’re confined in tight spaces and you need to get rid of grime.

The wipes in the new packs are as big as their counterparts in the large tubs (20 x 30cm) and stay just as hydrated thanks to the self-adhesive quick seal, which stays sticky from first wipe to last.

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www.bigwipes.com

One stop shop for fixings New from DeWalt is a range of anchor systems and direct fasteners for plumbing and heating applications, from high load mechanical anchors for commercial heating plant, to light and medium duty fixings for installing domestic radiators, sanitaryware, and bathroom fittings. The products are available in a range of sizes and finishes, included zinc and stainless steel.

Product Director Yura Biryukov says: “DeWalt can now offer a high quality anchor or direct fastening solution for commercial and domestic heating and plumbing applications as part of a new range that includes high performance adhesive anchor systems. Our anchors are compatible with power tools, accessories, and attachments from the DeWalt range.”

ENQUIRY

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www.dewalt.co.uk

ENQUIRY No.

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September 2015

34 Gadgets & Tools Type with ease on EC technology improves performance phone and tablet Bosch has added three new products to its Professional range of cordless impact drivers with electronically commutated (EC) motors.

New in the 18 Volt range is the GDS 18 V-EC 250 Professional, and added to the 10.8 Volt range are the GDR 10.8 V-EC Professional and the GDS 10.8 V-EC Professional.

The new additions are said to last a third longer between battery charges

As well as the longer operation per battery charge, Bosch says that the brushless EC motor is also maintenance-free.

An additional bonus of EC technology is its compact and lightweight design which makes the range perfect for use across a variety of applications, including wood and metal construction.

and up to double the product lifetime when compared

to impact drivers with conventional motors.

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Brushless motors give a longer life Entering information into keyboard with the familiar Makita has expanded its your smartphone or tablet QWERTY layout and all the brushless motor range on site can be inconvenient shortcut keys you use the to include versions of its if you have to rely on the most. The durable integrated screwdriver, angle grinder built-in keyboard to hunt and stand firmly holds your and circular saw. Brushless peck the keys. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why phone or tablet at just the motor design is thought to Logitech created the K480, right angle for you to read enhance the performance a multi-device keyboard while you type. and longevity of the tool, as designed for use with up It works with Windows, it reduces friction within the motor and thereby releases to three devices.

Mac, Android and iOS. The universal keyboard Amazon sells the Logitech greater power from the means you can type in K480 Multi Device Bluetooth engine. The reduction in ECODAN INSTALLER AD - 178x274_Layout 1 15/12/2014 08:40 Page 1 motor friction consequently comfort on a full-size desk Keyboard for ÂŁ34.99.

extends the runtime available from the battery.

The DFS452 LXT

screwdriver generates a maximum of 490W and will run up to 4000rpm. It is delivered in a type 2 Makpac connector case with two 18V 4.0Ah Li-ion batteries and DC18RC fast charger.

The brushless motor is also featured in two new cordless angle grinders: the DGA455, which runs a 115mm diameter grinding wheel, and the DGA505

which will power a 125mm grinding wheel.

The DHS680 165mm cordless circular saw also benefits from the attributes of the brushless motor which, with a 4.0Ah 18v Liion battery, produces 680 Watts of motor power that will run the 165mm blade up to 5000rpm without load.

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Can a heat pump help grow your business?

Becoming a Mitsubishi Electric Heating Partner will enable you to supply one of the most advanced, energy efficient and renewable heating systems available today.

New cylinder range with improved efficiency Now includes energy monitoring as standard MCS Approved and qualifies for RHI

To find out how Ecodan can help grow your business, and for more information on the RHI or help with obtaining your MCS installer accreditation:

Call 01707 278666 email heating@meuk.mee.com or visit heating.mitsubishielectric.co.uk

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September 2015

Training Update 37 Autumn schedule for Geberit systems

Portchester centre gets a makeover Portchester Training Centre, near Portsmouth, has been refurbished by Steve Willis Training Centres to deliver its gas and electrical short courses. The refurbishment included increasing the size of the reception area and one of the classrooms, and giving the centre a complete makeover, improvements that will directly benefit users.

MD Steve Willis comments: “I am extremely pleased with the refurbishment. It is amazing what a positive difference the improvements have made to the Centre.”

To coincide with the refresh, Steve Willis Training Centres also confirmed the Portchester Centre will now be open with a manned reception from 8am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, which matches the opening times of their Burgess Hill Centre in Sussex. stevewillis.com

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September kicks off Geberit’s autumn schedule of training on its washroom and bathroom products. The freeto-attend modules are aimed at installers looking to get a better understanding of the piping and sanitary systems from Geberit.

Geberit also offers bespoke training days. Sanitary systems training modules can include standard WC systems, offering those new to wall-hung installation the chance to get interactive with the range of Duofix frames.

The premium WC systems courses are for those already familiar with installing Geberit products to learn

about Monolith, Omega and the AquaClean range.

Both standard and bespoke training is delivered at

Geberit’s Training Academy in Warwick. Attendees will receive a free Geberit Duofix frame and flush plate to put their new-found knowledge to the test.

The next available course on Sanitary and AquaClean takes place on 9 September, with Supply and Drainage Systems starting on 10 September.

For more information and further dates, visit the website below.

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www.geberit.co.uk

Heat pump courses cover all the bases A new series of heat pump courses have been launched by Glow-worm.

They provide installers with everything they need to know to recommend, specify, install and maintain air source heat pump systems.

Those just entering the

heat pump market can take advantage of an introductory course that covers topics such as the benefits of using heat pumps, how to identify suitable specifications, energy legislation, and the RHI. Installers who want to expand their knowledge further can register for the

level one programme which covers system design and installation, and includes hands-on training on the Clearly range of heat pumps and controls. Those who complete level one can then opt into a level two advanced course covering more complex system design,

You have high standards.

You can trust Wilo.

diagnostics and maintenance.

Installers who successfully complete the relevant levels will then be in with a chance of becoming an accredited Glow-worm installer, with the potential to enjoy further business benefits.

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The Wilo-Yonos PICO delivers great efficiency integrating proven technology, backed by a 5-Year Warranty.

You can trust Wilo.

Integrated LED display Tool-free electrical Wilo-Connector Unique pump venting function Simple adjustment with pre-selectable speed stages For more information visit www.wilo.co.uk or call 01283 523000

Pioneering for You ENQUIRY

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September 2015

FREE SET OF MONUMENT TOOLS

Training Update New facility opens in Leeds Leeds College of Building has opened the doors on its new education and training facility. The new 8000m2 building has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and occupies a position close to Leeds city centre on Cudbear Street and Black Bull Street.

Ian Billyard, Principal at Leeds College of Building, says: “Everyone associated with Leeds College of Building is delighted to see our new campus complete and open to students. As the UK’s only specialist construction College, this new building has been designed to provide a

when you take on a

Plumbing or Heating and Ventilating Apprentice...

modern learning environment where our students and staff can thrive. It will enable us to continue building on the high standard of training that

we are renowned for, as well as expanding the number of courses and qualifications.”

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www.lcb.ac.uk

Alternative gas competency Large gas firms can benefit from NICEIC’s alternative route to ACS re-assessment for registration with Gas Safe Register. The Group Competency Scheme (GCS) enables firms to deliver the necessary training, assessment and certification for all its employees in line with the needs of the business.

This approach could potentially save money and nonproductive down time.

...with JTL, the leading work-based training provider throughout England and Wales offering: Help with recruiting an apprentice from our Approved Applicant list. Approved Applicants have passed the JTL online entry assessment.

Dedicated JTL Training Officer.

Assistance with placements and courses for day- or block-release training at a JTL-approved college / training centre.

FREE off-site training and on-site assessments for learners aged 16-18 – you only pay your apprentice’s wages.

Help with accessing grants and extra funding. JTL will pay employers who recruit a heating and ventilating apprentice aged 16-18 a grant of £500 payable after three months, provided the apprentice remains on the JTL scheme.

Celebrating 25 years of delivering apprenticeships to young people 0800 0852 308 enquiries@jtltraining.co.uk

www.jtltraining.com ENQUIRY

GCS gives the business the opportunity to manage this process in a controlled manner. The business will have full responsibility for carrying out the training and assessment of employees inhouse, all monitored and documented within the business’s internal quality management systems.

NICEIC says that this route will give employers the flexibility to plan, schedule and deliver the appropriate

engineer assessment over a longer time frame, as opposed to having to satisfy ACS requirements in one short time slot. The GCS assessment of the relevant Matters of Gas Safety (MoGS) can be carried out internally by the business at any point throughout a five year period – without the need to send engineers to an external body.

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Learn to power on with tools Birmingham-based Greenworks Training Academy has partnered with Bosch tools to offer its customers handson training to promote best working practices when it comes to power tools, ensuring that trainees have got the right tools for the right job, and know how to use them safely and effectively. The service will also be available at selected Jewson, Gibbs and Dandy, and Grahams branches.

The new training programme is designed to drive home the health and safety message, preventing accidents and imparting a better understanding of how to use power tools safely and efficiently. It is aimed at tradespeople across all disciplines.

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Smart with meters Utilities Academy has been approved by Logic Certification to deliver training leading to a Smart Meter Diploma (QCF Level 2). It is aimed at candidates new to the industry wishing to learn how to install and exchange gas and/or power smart meters in domestic dwellings.

The course covers both gas and electricity, plus customerfacing skills that will help end users understand this new technology and change their energy usage to reduce consumption.

“Currently, there is a shortage of qualified smart meter engineers and with demand growing week by week, suitably trained installers are certain to be in regular employment for years to come,” says Steve Mulvany, Scheme Director for Logic Certification.

The course is being offered in light of the upcoming rollout of smart meters as the Government aims to meet its 2020 targets.

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September 2015

Training Update

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Boiler training cashback offer Press fitting made easy Highlighting the benefits of its extended network of training centres, Ariston is currently offering £300 cashback to every installer who attends one of its free boiler training courses. The manufacturer has opened 14 Centres of Excellence across

the UK, each providing an opportunity for visitors to gain some practical, handson experience of its latest high efficiency boilers.

“Our new nationwide network of training centres allows us to educate installers all over the UK about boiler

specification, installation and servicing, as well as essential maintenance, parts replacement, and how to identify potential faults,” says Gary Millar, Head of Technical and Training. “This will ensure their professional standards remain at a high level, while they will also be up-to-date with the latest developments in the Ariston product portfolio.”

Ariston’s £300 training cashback is divided into five instalments, with one cheque of £100 awarded to installers for the first Ariston boiler fitted, followed by four subsequent instalments of £50 for the next four items.

The offer runs until the end of the year.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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College makes the standard Salford City College is the latest college to join Worcester Bosch’s ‘college links’ programme. The partnership means that the boiler manufacturer will support the College to grow its gas, plumbing, heating and ventilation curriculum offering through the provision of equipment, materials, and training support.

Salford City College’s City Skills Sixth Form Centre has recently undertaken a complete renovation of its workshops to ensure that it reached the standard required.

Gary Taylor, Head of Construction at the Centre, explains: “We really needed to show evidence of delivery

to keep a strong partnership with Worcester Bosch, which is why the renovations have been so important not only for the students’ learning experience, but also the development of the department in terms of the college links programme and the support this will provide.”

Worcester Bosch will now come into the college to carry out regular training sessions with the students

and supply the College with the most up-todate equipment for the students to use.

Students will also get the opportunity to go on factory visits to Worcester as part of their enrichment during the course, and receive hands-on training sessions, delivered by experts at the company.

“We are delighted to receive accreditation as part of Worcester’s college links programme,” adds Gary. “It’s a stepping stone towards offering education in renewable, sustainable technology, which puts us up there with the top colleges in the country.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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More dates for PICV CPDs Following the success of courses run earlier this year, Marflow Hydronics has announced new dates for its CPD training courses on Pressure Independent Control Valves in October.

The free CPD courses are aimed at consultants, designers and specifiers who want to learn more about the products, improve their skills and specify, purchase or commission a PICV. The sessions are designed to provide delegates with knowledge on how the valves work,

the use of innovative pipe layouts, and how to make systems more economical, including the introduction of electronic balancing.

The half-day sessions are free for anyone to attend, but delegates are advised that they should have a good prior knowledge of water distribution systems.

Technical Manager Nick Martin says: “We had excellent feedback from those who attended the courses in April and May, and we’ve been getting numerous requests from

people asking us when our courses are going to be repeated. It’s great that people are learning so much from these training sessions and that they’re able to take what they’ve learnt and use it in their jobs.”

Marflow says that places will be allocated on a ‘first come first served basis’.

To register or for more information, please call 0121 358 2012, visit www. marflowhydronics.co.uk/ events, or email training@ marflow.co.uk.

The benefits of the Mapress system Press fit systems can offer an efficient and reliable solution for a range of commercial and domestic applications. Here, Geberit’s Product Manager Victoria Willis highlights some of the major advantages in terms of speed and security.

Piping has moved on, with new products and techniques available to create fitfor-purpose plumbing solutions that specifically meet the needs of the applications they’re being used for. This is undoubtedly good news for installers looking to work more efficiently and in sometimes tricky situations. However, with so much choice available, it can be difficult to decide which is best for the job at hand. Before blindly reaching for the copper piping and soldering tools, there may be a better option out there which will make your job easier and more effective.

Already widely used in the commercial sector, pressing systems, such as Geberit Mapress, are filtering down into the domestic market now too, offering a more convenient plumbing solution that works for almost any application. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of making the switch:

Easy to install Thanks to the speed and ease of installation, with just one tool for all types, Geberit Mapress can significantly reduce labour times. Compared to soldered joints which require a high level of expertise, a fully trained installer using Geberit Mapress will find the system incredibly straightforward to fit. Time isn’t the only saving to be made with Mapress though, as opting for this system can save up 30% in costs compared to traditional systems.

Safety first Providing peace of mind that the installation has been completed effectively, the Geberit Mapress unpressed connections leak during the pressure test. Consisting of a thin plastic foil encasing the pressing shoulder, the Geberit Mapress pressing indicator provides the installer with a visible indication of a pressed joint when the foil is removed during the pressing operation. This means that any faults can be found before a system is signed off, without having to completely drain the system should any leaks be found.

Pressing systems are particularly well suited to jobs where hot works aren’t practical. Listed properties, for example, may have a particularly high fire risk, making the use of solder potentially hazardous. What’s more, with no hot works, insurance premiums are reduced since there is no requirement for a related certificate.

Time saving With a pressing system there is no downtime, as pipework can be installed while the system is still wet and no waiting around for pipework to cool down once installed. This makes it ideal

The Mapress tool delivers a water tight joint in a matter of seconds

should repair work need to take place, particularly in commercial situations where lack of facilities can be a real headache for the client.

Neat and tidy Creating a neat, clean finish, press fitting rather than soldering greatly reduces the risk of damage to existing fixtures and fittings, making it the ideal option for refurbishment jobs, and perfect for pipework in tight spaces where it can be difficult to fit bulky welding equipment.

There is also far less mess involved, as it requires no cutting of compounds.

Press fitting eradicates swarf or filings usually caused by joint-making. Hardly any flushing is required as a consequence of the clean installation process.

Versatile option Available in diameters of up to 108mm, Geberit Mapress comes in a range of materials, specifically suiting the environment it’s required to work in – copper, stainless steel, carbon steel (including a 66.7mm fitting), CuNiFe and even multi-layered options. The system is colour coded so you can easily identify material in your stock, with the coloured caps protecting the fittings from dust and dirt to reduce cleaning requirements.

More next month Don’t miss next month’s PHAM News when we’ll look at the wide range of applications that press fittings systems such as Geberit Mapress can be used for – from hot and cold water, gas, plus work with biomass and solar thermal – and how to choose the right product for the right application.

View our installation videos to find out more

www.geberit.co.uk/YouTube ENQUIRY

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01/09/2015 15:35

September 2015

Training Update Best practice in ventilation Drawing on the expertise of sponsors Airflow Developments, The National Training Group (NTG) has released a new Ventilation Learning Guide, which explains the importance of ventilation and best practice principles for those specialising in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry.

The guide outlines why effective ventilation is important for protecting the longevity of homes and ensuring occupants do not suffer from negative health effects due to poor indoor

air quality. It also explores a variety of whole-house, continuous and intermittent vent ilat ion solut ions, and explains optimum installation zones for each specific option.

“The Learning Guide’s mantra is ‘Educate to Inspire through Lifelong Learning’,” says John Kelly, Marketing Manager at Airflow Developments, “and we fully support this ethos when it comes to training and educating those on the best use of ventilation. Without proper ventilation the fabric of our buildings will deteriorate and occupants are at risk of toxic home syndrome.”

To download the new Ventilation Guide visit: www.kbbntg.org/product/ ventilation-series-1-pdf

Instant hot Good year for water online new entrants

Redring Xpelair Group has launched an online training academy aimed at wholesalers and merchants who want to learn more about the products in the Redring range of instantaneous hot water solutions.

The online academy consists of three 20 minute modules that cover everything from the basics of water heating to the features and benefits of Redring’s water heating products.

The course has been developed to enable managers and trade counter staff to gain more knowledge on the products on offer across the Redring range and equip them with the understanding and confidence to sell the benefits of instantaneous hot water and the latest showering technologies.

There is also a facility to access newsletters and the latest technical information instantly, as well as the opportunity to provide feedback on RXG products and services.

Apprenticeship provider JTL has announced a successful 12 months of recruitment. In the year 2014/15, the company achieved in excess of 2000 starts across England and Wales for the first time since 2007/08.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive Jon Graham says: “We’ve seen the figures heading in the right direction for the past couple of years following the significant dip the sector experienced in the recession years.

“These figures suggest that the perceived improvement in the economy is real and stabilising, and that businesses in our target market – especially the small and medium-sized enterprises – have decided the time is now right to recruit and bring new blood into their businesses. It’s all very encouraging.”

Improved infrared tuition At Alpha we like to reward our customers. With our new loyalty scheme, installers earn points for every boiler registered to spend on a choice of hundreds of items, plus are invited to attend VIP events and claim business-related benefits.

If that wasn’t enough, to celebrate its launch, we have increased the warranty on our InTec2 XE and CE models to 4 and 6 years during September and October.

www.alpha-innovation.co.uk/alphaone

0844 871 8760 ENQUIRY

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The ITC (Infrared Training Centre) has launched a new training schedule that reflects several customerled modifications and enhancements.

Its Level 1 course, for example, has now been condensed into four days

from five. Both Level 1 and Level 2 ITC courses are also approved by BiNDT (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing) and are PCN ready (Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing).

A Premium Level 1 training package is another new

addition. As well as receiving a Flir TG165 imaging spot meter, Premium students have a free subscription to ITC on training and ITC InfraMation conference proceedings to provide ongoing technical and applications support.

For Level 1 certificate holders, there are also now three separate two or three day training modules: Advanced Electrical, Advanced Mechanical, and Advanced Buildings.

Free webinars have been introduced into the ITC mix for the coming months. More than 600 people participated in the most recent live introduction to thermography.

Visit www.irtraining.eu/en/ webinars/webinars for future dates and topics.

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02/09/2015 14:31

September 2015

INDUSTRY Insight

G2 water efficiency Continuing his in-depth look at the New Approved Document G, industry expert John Griggs looks at G2 and the implications it has for the maximum water use per person, per day in new dwellings.

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and any alternative sources n the ‘new’ 2015 Part G, it of water. is G2 that is the focus of The calculator is the changes since 2010. ver y verbal, providing Part G now includes the Water instructions on how the Calculator in the nine page water use of any appliance or Appendix A, which does not fitting should be determined. have to be used if you adopt The basic calculation matrix the new ‘fittings approach’.

(Table A1) is on page 38. For Another change to G2 is the each empty cell you have option for local authorities to insert a value and then to include a condition in apply simple arithmetic planning permission that new to determine the Total dwellings use a maximum of Water Consumption to be 110 litres of wholesome water John Griggs MSc FCIPHE IEng submitted to the BCB. per person per day.

The potential maximum consumption set Range of fittings in 2010 was 125 litres per person per day, If there were only one appliance or fitting and this corresponded to that of the Code of each kind, that would be that. However, for Sustainable Homes (CSH) for level 1 and most dwellings will have a range of taps and 2 of 120 litres for internal water use, plus 5 litres for external water use. In 2015, the WCs. This is where the calculator starts to 125 target is retained, but with a new option get complicated, as each type of appliance of 110 litres per person per day. The lower or fitting is dealt with in a different way to target corresponds to the CSH level 3 and determine the Proportionate Consumption 4 maximum of 105 litres for internal water Values. There are seven tables for multiple use, plus the 5 litres for external water use. items, one for water softeners, six tables for greywater use, and four for rainwater.

Building Regs The Appendix concludes by referring to the The option of 110 litres can only be applied Fittings approach within G2.

To use the Fittings approach, none of the where the Planning Permission has made it conditional, as set out in 36 (3). However, selected appliances or fittings can have a as the 125 litres is only a maximum consumption greater than shown in the consumption there is nothing to prevent a tables in G2 Guidance (summarised in the builder producing a dwelling that is far more table below). This simple approach cannot water efficient, even if it is not a planning be used if the dwelling has a waste disposal unit, water softener, or any water reuse requirement.

The text included under the new heading system. in Part G is a direct lift from Part 4 of the 2010 Calculation help Regulations, but only the first and fourth paragraphs. This is why the numbering of An online calculator is available that can the last paragraph is not related to those help with the selection of terminal fittings above. This section requires the wholesome (www.thewatercalculator.org.uk), but it does water calculation to be sent to the approved not include data on washing machines or dishwashers. Since the consumption inspector or Building Control Body (BCB). values for white goods were developed in Guidance the CSH, the EU has revised their Energy The recommendation remains to provide Labels and it is no longer possible to obtain information to the occupiers and building the consumption values needed directly. owners so that the water efficiency of the Appendix A contains the formulae that are building can be maintained. The information needed to convert the EU annual water use should include the calculated consumption figures that are now on labels.

Water fitting

125 litre maximum consumption

110 litre maximum consumption

WC

6/4 litre dual flush or 4.5 single

4/2.6 litres dual flush

Shower

10 litres/minute

8 litres/minute

Bath

185 litres

720 litres

Basin taps

6 litres/minute

5 litres/minute

Sink taps

8 litres/minute

6 litres/minute

Dishwasher

1.25 litre/place setting

1.25 litre/place setting

Washing machine

8.17 litres/kg

8.17 litres/kg

John Griggs has worked in water supply and drainage research for over 30 years and represented the UK on various European and International Standards committees. He is a Director of JPJN Partners Ltd, a company that links together a growing number of construction, water and plumbing experts who provide consultancy services to UK and international clients.

The company is based in Hertfordshire and has a website at: https://sites.google.com/site/ jpjnpartnersltd. John can be contacted by phone 07910 456314 and email jpjn99@gmail.com.

COMFORT AIR PELLET STOVES: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR STOVE RETAILERS With an average energy efficiency of 91%, Specflue’s range of MCZ Comfort Air pellet stoves are not only kind to the environment, but cost effective. Important to those with busy lives, the stoves can be operated and controlled remotely via a dedicated app, where they can be programmed to come on automatically as and when required.

To accompany the range of air pellet stoves and completely new to the UK market for 2015, are MCZ’s design diffusers, which can be integrated into any air-vented system providing exclusive light and aromatherapy functions. To find out more about how air stoves are the new must-have for the stylish environmentally conscious consumer visit www.specflue.com/comfort1 ENQUIRY

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Renewable Heat Solutions | Flue & Chimney Products | Wood Burning Stoves | Training

01787 880 333 // www.specflue.com 41.indd 1

01/09/2015 15:20

September 2015

42 Business Matters

The impact of the latest budget George Osborne’s summer budget could have implications for any small business that is weighing up the benefits of becoming incorporated.

Jason Piper takes a look at some of the Chancellor’s announcements, some of which are more complex than they first appear.

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or incorporated businesses, the big shock of the summer budget was changes to the dividend regime. No more grossing up and then claiming back a notional credit; instead, you’ll get the first £5000 tax free, then pay tax on the balance.

In practice, even after the £5000 tax-free allowance, the loss of the tax credit means that more tax will be paid overall. The actual sums are quite complex, and will be further complicated by the interactions with things like the Employment Allowance and changes to the corporation tax rate.

This is almost certainly an area where you’d need an accountant to work out the precise impact of the changes. As a rule though, the tax changes won’t have any effect on a company making profits of less than £18,000 – although at that level the tax savings from being incorporated will be pretty much wiped out by the extra administration costs.

In fact, that’s pretty much the case on profits up to around £40,000 per year at the moment when the true costs of running a company – either paying someone else or doing it properly yourself (accounts, Companies House filings, pensions autoenrolment, minimum wage compliance, RTI filings, dividend paperwork, minutes, etc) are totted up. And with the increases in dividend taxes, that ‘breakeven for tax’ point is likely to shift up to nearer £70,000.

Beyond that though, the combined impact of corporation tax and the new higher dividend rate actually see the tax benefits starting to fall again – here it might be more tax efficient to operate as a sole trader. However, at those sorts of turnover levels, your potential exposures are likely to be such that incorporation is wise, just to limit your liability.

There are other changes in the pipeline that could make a difference to your business structure. Although the Chancellor’s ‘triple lock’ should hold VAT, Class 1 national insurance contributions (NICs), and the main income tax rates steady, Class 4 NICs aren’t bound by that. So if the Chancellor

ENQUIRY

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Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne

decides to align Class 4 NICs with the Class 1 employee rate, then that would move the pendulum slightly back towards incorporation again. But remember that every business is different. If you can transfer significant goodwill into a newly incorporated business, then the changes around interest income become relevant and incorporation looks more fiscally attractive. The interactions are complex though, and will depend entirely on your own circumstances.

Numbers game If you’ve qualified up until now for the NICs Employment Allowance then you’ll need to check how many employees you’ve got, and whether that’s still going to be available. Sole director employees won’t qualify any more, and there will be anti-avoidance provisions in place to stop the obvious workarounds, like employing additional family members just to beat the numerical limit.

In practice of course, burdens like autoenrolment, demonstrating national minimum wage compliance and the like already make taking on employees unnecessarily a pretty unattractive prospect for small businesses.

A recent research study estimated that the unpaid work done by friends and family to keep small businesses afloat could be worth as much as £64m a week to the UK economy, and the continued increase in costs and administrative burdens of formally employing them isn’t going to encourage anyone to make things better.

One area the Government has long been worried about is disguised employment. Up until now, the tax burdens on a self employed labour relationship, or contracts with a company, have been so much lower than on employment relationships as to make it attractive to try to dress employments up as business contracts. Sometimes that’s a joint decision to share the benefits, sometimes it’s pretty much forced on an independent contractor by big clients demanding a limited company to contract with, and sometimes it’s just straight exploitation of low paid workers by criminal employers.

In order to make false self-employment less attractive, one thing the Government is going to clamp down on is travel expenses.

Although it’s theoretically aimed at agency workers who are claiming their daily commute on a tax return, it’s almost inevitably going to catch a lot of other targets. The proposal is that anyone who’s employed through one company but subject to a (theoretical) right of supervision, or direction, or control by another third party will be treated as if employed by the third party for travel expense purposes. That means that a driver carrying someone else’s goods will be their employee if the consignor is able to dictate the order of drop-offs, or change the route.

The concern is that the bar is set so low, with just a theoretical right to any of supervision, direction or control being enough, that almost any contractual relationship could be caught in the real world.

The much hated IR35 – tax legislation designed to catch disguised employment – is finally up for a fundamental review as well, with the Government consulting on ways to try to improve it. While that might be good news, the early indications are that it’s not necessarily going to pan out the way small businesses might want it to.

One clear message we’re getting is that ministers are standing by the figure of £400m per year ‘tax leakage’ around IR35, and they see it as their responsibility to try to stem that flow. The worry here is that some of the

suggested proposals, which aim to put more of the burden on larger businesses when they trade with smaller ones, could drive big business to treat all small companies as a risk to their own tax compliance record, which wouldn’t be to anyone’s advantage.

But it does look as though the disguised employment measures are targeted more at the unscrupulous employers and the mechanisms they use to line their own pockets than at the genuine small business trying to make an honest living.

Future changes In the longer term, there’s a deeper review of the whole future of tax and NICs which is going to be run by the Office of Tax Simplification. We can’t even begin to guess yet how that’s going to adjust the balance between employed and self-employed tax burdens, and how it’ll play out against the other changes to company and dividend tax to influence what’s going to be the best legal form for a business. One thing we must hope they remember is that in 2014 HMRC commissioned research which showed that tax isn’t the key driver in deciding what form a business takes – although it was clear that businesses who’d thought about the tax position tended to be more successful.

It’s not just HMRC who are looking at small businesses. The Department of Business Innovation and Skills has launched a review of the whole area of self-employment, looking at what Government can and should be doing to support entrepreneurs, traders and all the other individuals who are trying to make it on their own for one reason or another.

Some of the areas they are looking at are the benefits, such as maternity pay, which sole traders currently lose out on. Other target areas will have a benefit for all small businesses, whether sole traders or not, such as a continued focus on trying to deal with late payment issues.

Jason Piper is Senior Manager for Tax and Business Law at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

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September 2015

Business Matters 43 How to manage field service workers

Digital tax accounts to simplify payment The Treasury has announced plans that will transform and simplify the way businesses pay their tax through the introduction of digital tax accounts, set to launch over the course of the 2015-16 tax year.

The new accounts are designed to be synced with small firms’ business software, enabling companies to view their estimated tax bill in real time. Businesses will also have the option of setting up regular payments in order to better manage their cashflows.

Under the plan, the digital tax accounts will be accessible at any time from a computer, smartphone or tablet. On the surface these accounts will look similar to an online bank account.

The Treasury said the

switch to digital would make lives easier for companies who currently fill in an annual tax return. Part of the aim of creating a more straightforward UK tax system is a plan to expand the role and capacity of the Office for Tax Simplification.

Commenting on the Treasury’s announcement, John Thompson, Chief Executive of APHC, says: “Many small businesses, especially those with fluctuating cash-flows, can struggle to cover their taxation costs year to year.

“For this reason, we fully endorse the Government’s plans to introduce digital tax accounts, which should help small firms to better manage their cash-flows by allowing them to make estimates and schedule in early payments.”

Accountant pick SMEs looking for an accountant might consider the recommendation from TradePoint, the trade-only arm of B&Q. The merchant has named Crunch Accounting for its community of tradespeople, numbering more than 1million across the building, plumbing and electrical sectors.

Trevor Culpin, TradePoint Customer & Marketing Manager, says: “Bookkeeping and running accounts is often a headache for the small trade business, but is vital to the well-being of the business. We’ve chosen Crunch because they can help our customers take care of everything from monthly returns to HMRC annual submissions, alongside helping set up limited company status if needed.”

Darren Fell, CEO of Crunch, adds: “We’ve just launched a Construction Industry Scheme product for the first time so it’s very gratifying that an organisation as large as TradePoint would select us straight away.

“We’re looking forward to helping their client base better understand their accounting obligations and simplify their accounting processes.”

Other new Crunch partnerships include the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs (NACUE) as their recommended accounting partner for members. Crunch Accounting’s packages start at £64.50+VAT per month. For more information, visit www. crunch.co.uk

Okappy is the name of a new market network that combines the benefits of a marketplace such as Uber, a social network such as Linkedin, and cloud based job management software in order to fix the problem of broken communication within and between companies.

The Okappy platform provides a number of features designed to improve communication for companies with field service workers. Companies can connect to each other, send and receive jobs, and share the status of those in real-time as they are updated by the engineer out in the field.

The platform helps companies eradicate paperwork, reduce duplication and end disputes over invoices. With Okappy you can immediately see what was done for each

job and raise an invoice as soon as the job is complete.

Whilst other job management software works within a company, Okappy’s market network means the benefits of improved communication are shared with customers and subcontractors too.

Gerry So, Director of Okappy, comments on the launch: “For many companies, knowing what is happening with their jobs means chasing paperwork, lots of phone calls or emails. By combining the benefits of a marketplace, with a social network and online job management software we can reduce paperwork, reduce stress and improve cashflow by ensuring your invoices are paid on time.”

For details see the Okappy website (www.okappy.com) which includes a link to the app on the iTunes store.

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03/09/2015 11:01

September 2015

44 PROFESSIONAL’S Choice

Honesty is always the best policy Ipswich based installer Luke Smith believes in being straight with customers, but after six years running his own business he has also come to learn that it’s just as important to be honest with yourself – sometimes you have to accept that you simply can’t do everything.

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nyone brave enough to set up their own business will anticipate that life is not likely to be easy in the early years and one of the hardest things is to ensure that your working life doesn’t become your only life. Luke Smith, the face behind Ipswich based ACLJ Plumbing and Heating, says that he is only now starting to get the balance right after six years of running his own show and admits that some of the stresses and strains in the early years meant that he was in danger of burning himself out.

Having gained a few years experience at a local heating business, Luke decided to go it alone in 2009 but, with a new family and a mortgage to pay, the pressure was immediately on to maintain a regular income. Subcontracting for local building companies provided a good source of steady work, but then a few months down the line an increasing level of interest from his own customers began to create some time management issues.

“I started to pick up more and more of my own work and it got to the point where I had to think about my priorities,” Luke explains. “I couldn’t take weeks off site to do other jobs and you don’t particularly want to do them at weekends, so I would just go out and do extra work at night. I’d finish one job and then pack up to go to another one in the evening, but people don’t necessarily want someone working in their homes at that time of day.”

Not only were the evening shifts not always appreciated by customers, but Luke admits that his homelife was also starting to suffer. Thankfully, with the benefit of experience, he now acknowledges that working around the clock can start to take its toll.

“I realise that you have to take time off for yourself,” he says. “I try to work a lot smarter now. Before, people would ring up and I’d say ‘sure, I can do that’, but I’d then be turning up to do a job after 5pm. Now I’d say, I can do it, but I won’t be able to do it for three or four weeks. I think people respect that and they will either wait or they won’t.

It’s about being honest with people, but with yourself as well. You can’t just go at it hammer and tongs all the time.”

Right approach It may have been difficult in the early years, but Luke’s unwillingness to let people down has resulted in an expanding band of loyal customers who are more than happy to wait for his availability. He concedes that such dedication may not have been immediately obvious in his younger days, but that his time working alongside more experienced professionals has shaped his approach to installation work.

“I learned the hard way, by having to rip pipework out and doing it again,” he says. “I was always told to think: ‘would you want that in your house?’. The guys who trained me were pretty tough, but when you look back on it, you realise that it’s not a reflection on you, it’s a reflection of them. Your work reflects how well you’ve been trained.”

Luke says he gets a lot of satisfaction from doing a job to the best of his abilities and much prefers taking the time to complete a project for a local homeowner than working against the clock on a building site.

“Site work tends to be a bit more cut-throat,” he explains.

“I can’t say I always enjoyed it because it’s all about speed and moving on as quickly as possible. No disrespect to those guys, because they’re good at what they do, but I would rather spend time getting copper pipework to look neat and tidy than laying plastic pipe as quickly as possible.”

Luke’s pride in his work, coupled with good communication skills, has helped to generate a growing number of recommendations and positive testimonials. Now 32 years old, he says that some customers may question his level of expertise, but he can usually win their confidence once he’s had a chance to chat with them.

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Luke at work, servicing a Baxi Avanta-Plus boiler

Company branded workwear presents a professional image

“Initial impressions might not be as good as they could be,” he admits. “They see a young man with a tattoo at the door and they might not be so sure, but I like to think that I can change their view when I start talking to them. Some people perhaps would rather have someone who looks a bit more experienced, but they start to come round as soon as they realise you know what you’re talking about.”

Luke says that an increasing number of customers are doing their own online research into heating products and they will sometimes have strong ideas as to what boilers they want in their home. However, most homeowners are more than happy to rely on Luke’s assessment as to what’s going to best meet their needs and budget and, more often than not, that will mean a Baxi boiler.

“The example I use with customers when I talk to them about boilers is my Mum and Dad’s place,” he says. “For some reason my Dad was always dead set against combi boilers, but I fitted a Baxi Avanta Plus there and they absolutely love it. The last place you want to fit something that’s going to break down is your parent’s house because they’ve got your number and they won’t be afraid to use it at one in the morning if something goes wrong!”

“Energy efficiency is a massive issue at the moment, which helps to generate interest in powerflushing and magnetic filters,” he explains. “They’re things that are going to help save people money. They want a boiler that’s energy efficient and they don’t want to see their gas meter disc spinning around every time it’s on.

“I use the Adey Magnaclean and Adey chemicals too. I’m really impressed with them. I’ve fitted other filters, but I’ve found them a bit too bulky, whereas you don’t need that much space for the Magnacleans. It’s great that you can show people too the black sludge that is coming out of their heating system. They can see that’s it’s working, which makes all the difference.”

Good feedback Luke says he has been equally impressed with the Baxi EcoBlue boiler launched last year. “The reviews we’ve been getting from customers have been very good. They love it!

It’s nice and quiet and there’s no need for them to actually have to touch the boiler because everything’s on the iSense OpenTherm controller. I think that’s a big selling point.

They’ve also put a lot of thought into making the installer’s life easier, with easy access to all the components. It’s definitely a brand I’m going to be sticking with for a while.”

Luke makes the point to customers that he will be looking to come back and service the boiler, so he doesn’t want to fit an appliance that is going to cause any problems after installation. As well as recommending a reliable boiler, Luke is a keen advocate of powerflushing and system treatment products and suggests that the potential saving in energy bills is the best way to sell such products to customers.

Planning ahead Having appreciated the value of learning from other experienced installers, Luke says that he would like to take on apprentice at some point in the future, but only when the time is right.

“I get inundated with applications and I’d love to be able to help, but you also have to be sensible. It’s not like the business is taking on big contracts where I know I’m going to be busy for months and months, so it’s hard to justify someone else coming in. Having said that, I know I don’t necessarily want to be on my own all the time. When you take on bigger jobs, renovations and that type of thing, I do sometimes think it would be good if someone else was here, whether that’s an apprentice or just someone else who knows what they’re doing. I don’t want to be 60 or 70 and still be crawling under floorboards!”

With his girlfriend, Lisa, helping out with some of the admin and online marketing, Luke says that the company is now in a position to present a more professional image to customers. A new website (www.aclj-plumbing.co.uk) is up and running and investment in new workwear has proved to be money well spent. All of which means that demand for his services is only likely to go in one direction. Although he may no longer be working all hours, any dreams of taking a long holiday may have to be put on hold for now.

01/09/2015 15:24

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September 2015

46 MERCHANT & Distributor News Expansion in Devon Essex facility for one-stop-shopping for more coverage The 200th branch of Toolstation has been opened in Newton Abbot, which is also the fourth to open in Devon. The supplier of tools, accessories and building materials also has over 40 branches within the M25, and 11 in the West Midlands.

With each branch opening creating seven new jobs, Toolstation has now employed over 1400 people in its branches alone, with over 500 in its head office and distribution centres. The roll-out of new branches is set to continue to reach the 210 target by the end of 2015, with further expansion planned for 2016.

Craig Higgins, Retail Director at Toolstation, comments: “The opening of our 200th branch is a real landmark in what has proved to be a year of strong growth and it is great to see our network expanding across the UK. Our ultimate aim is to provide a great multi-channel customer experience at conveniently located branches, online or on our mobile website.”

Pipe and Climate Center has opened a new branch and fabrication facility in Basildon, Essex. With one of the largest trade counters and footprints in the Wolseley UK estate, the branch streamlines customer service by offering a one-stop-shop solution. As well as dedicated Pipe and Climate Center product and technical hubs, the site has a specialist fabrication and modular engineering facility, which includes lifting, welding and cutting machinery.

Pipe and Climate Center MD Andy Wighton comments: “Our goal is to be the distributor of choice for the industry, and we are

committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers. The new facility in Basildon will be instrumental to us achieving

Showrooms a high priority It pays A survey conducted by City Plumbing Supplies has shown that style-conscious homeowners prefer to conduct independent, in-depth research when making the decision to purchase a new bathroom. As a result, plumbers are much more likely to recommend the use of a showroom or accompany consumers during the purchase process. Results showed that 69%

preferred to research bathroom products independently, whilst 85% agreed that they would prefer to visit a showroom to make an informed decision rather than rely solely on a brochure. CPS says that homeowners still view bathroom replacements as an expensive and serious investment, but need the advice of plumbers to ensure that designs are pracitcal and functional.

Branch’s Partnership gives council cost savings new site The Gateshead branch of Docherty has been relocated to the Team Valley Trading Estate in Unit 15. The new premises offers greater access to products and services as well as a bigger warehouse and more parking. The new location is part of Docherty Chimney Group’s strategy to better serve its customers operating in the North East.

Since 2013, Graham Plumbers’ Merchant and Jewson have been combining forces to supply Bristol City Council’s in-house trade teams for both reactive and planned maintenance work. The partnership has resulted in cost savings on the contract value and has helped to improve resident satisfaction.

Bristol City Council has a significant level of housing stock to service and maintain, with responsibility for some 28,000 properties. In excess of 300 tradespeople are working in the field for Bristol City

this. Customers can now fulfil all of their product needs from one convenient location, as well as being able to access best practice services in fabrication and modular engineering. It is truly a one-stop-shop solution.”

The strategically-located facility is close to key transport links to service to the South East region, and a team of 40 branch staff are on hand to offer technical advice and support. For more information, visit www. pipecenter.co.uk

Council at any one time, meaning a comprehensive range of materials is required on a daily basis.

Graham and Jewson

supply a range of general maintenance materials, kitchens, bathrooms, along with plumbing and heating materials.

The partnership has resulted in cost savings, which have been achieved through reductions in operative downtime, reduced mileage, improved product specification and leveraging supplier support, product standardization as well as improvements to first time fix rates. The supply of material packs to sub-contractors has helped to standardize the materials at installation on gas heating and bathroom installations, reducing the variety of products the maintenance teams need.

to settle on time

Four customers of Plumbase are better off thanks to a Summer Pay Early promotion that rewards credit account holders who pay on time.

Plumbase customers are entered into the prize draw if they settle their credit account on or before the due date.

In the latest prize-draw round, four winners shared £2000 worth of Love2Shop vouchers: R K Drew & Sons from Devon; Peter Millwood from Poulton Le Fylde; JST Appliance Repairs in Norwich; and Creber Builders in Pulborough.

The competition was devised to encourage customers to settle early and give them a reward for doing business with Plumbase. The next Plumbase Pay Early promotion will be held at the end of the year.

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September 2015

HEATING Controls 49

New label will highlight the benefits of a controls upgrade The Energy Labelling Directive should make it easier for installers to prove the benefits of heating controls to end users, helping to improve the efficiency of UK homes – so says Jon Phillips, Head of Product Management at Baxi.

We hope that the Energy Labelling Directive, which comes into force on 26 September this year in conjunction with the Ecodesign Directive, or the Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive as it’s widely referred to, will help consumers to more clearly understand the potential savings that controls offer.

From this date, space heaters and combi space heaters of 70kW and below will require an energy label. And if a number of components are installed as a system at the same time, then an overall efficiency rating and customised energy label will be required for the complete package – in recognition of the fact that a combination of products can greatly increase efficiency.

Making it easy Whereas the manufacturer is responsible for providing product labels, whoever supplies the package to the end user and processes the transaction (known as the ‘Dealer’ within the Directive) is responsible for generating the package label and undertaking the necessary calculations. In most cases the installer will be responsible for this activity. At Baxi we’re committed to making the creation of package labels an easy process, and will provide all of the necessary tools required – such as package calculators, training, advice and guidance.

It’s important for installers to explain to customers that controls have the capability to improve the package energy efficiency rating – especially smart controls, which receive more credits.

Under the ErP, controls are categorised into classes, ranging from I to VIII. The class will be found in the technical details for the temperature control. To provide a few examples, Class I is a simple on/off room thermostat, delivering an increase in efficiency of just 1%. Class V is a modulating room thermostat, for use with modulating heaters, delivering an increase of 3%.

Class VIII would be a multi-sensor room temperature control, for use with modulating heaters, delivering an increase of 5%.

However, in order to make savings, the end user must be able to use the controls they have installed. A recent review found that consumers find heating controls difficult to use (especially the elderly and those in local authority housing) and many do not use them effectively. Therefore we suggest that installers consider the various control choices on offer, and match their recommendations to the customer type.

More advanced levels of comfort Bristol based controls specialist Horstmann is promoting the potential energy saving benefits of a controls upgrade, such as a combined thermostat and programmer, or programmer and time switch. The manufacturer points out that householders could save 53% on their energy bill by installing an effective heating controls package.

This package comprises a TPI room thermostat, TRVs on

the radiators and a timer – ideally fitted to a condensing boiler.

The company’s portfolio of wireless controls are claimed to deliver advanced levels of comfort, convenience, energy savings and intelligence to the homeowner. These include the latest wireless C-Stat ZW combined programmer and room thermostat (pictured), the CentaurPlus C17 ZW timer and thermostat combination, and the recently introduced HRT range of room thermostats

(all with energy saving TPI software) that are available in a number of installation options.

Horstmann says that its programmers and timers are ideal for general system upgrade applications, zoning installations, use in sheltered housing environments, and a range of hot water controls suitable for use with all tariffs.

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We would suggest that whereas an on/off room thermostat combined with thermostatic radiator valves is, generally speaking, going to be a good solution for an elderly couple, a tech-savvy young person is likely to be drawn to more sophisticated, smart controls.

Smart thinking Even though we know there are many UK homes without even basic controls, we believe there is growing appetite for advanced home technology – which is why we are working with Nest. The Nest Learning Thermostat takes away the hassle of programming; it is simply turned up and down like a manual thermostat for about a week, and then the control will create a personalised schedule that is refined over time. With its built-in sensors, it knows when no one is home, so Nest’s Auto-Away feature can automatically turn down the temperature, helping to save even more energy. The temperature can be controlled from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Through the partnership, Baxi training centres across the UK now offer installers hands-on Nest product training to become a Nest Pro. The training is delivered as part of our free one-day boiler courses, and feedback from installers attending has been very positive.

We anticipate that once energy labels for space heaters and combi space heaters are introduced, customers will – by associating them with the labels seen on white goods like fridges and washing machines – be able to understand not just how efficient a boiler is, but also the effect that adding some controls will have. With tangible evidence to hand, installers should be able to cross-sell controls more easily, ultimately improving the energy efficiency of UK homes. www.baxi.co.uk

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PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

View below details on our core ranges of thermostats and controls CAPILLARY CONTROLS: GTL: Universal control or limiter Minus 35 to 350 Deg C range 20A - 250V Available with auto or manual reset Ideal for Industrial and domestic water heating applications

CAPILLARY CONTROLS: BBSC: Capillary Combistat with built in control and secondary safety cut out Minus 35 to 120 Deg C range 20A - 250V Ideal for Domestic and low temperature Industrial water heating applications

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Energy labels

For the purpose of ErP, a space heating package will include one or more space or combi heaters combined with one or more temperature control and/or one or more solar device (the inclusion of a hot water storage tank does not prevent a package meeting this definition).

The different components of the package do not need to come from the same supplier and there is no requirement to take any pre-existing components into account. Therefore, if heating controls are added to an existing boiler (which would still deliver important savings), the package is not being placed on the market in the sense of the Directive, so a package label isn’t required.

Capillary Controls

T

he use of heating controls can vastly improve the energy efficiency of UK homes, reducing fuel bills and carbon emissions. It has been estimated that installing standard controls could reduce the domestic energy used for heating and hot water by 30%, and that ensuring all homes have a timer, room thermostat and TRVs would reduce UK CO2 emissions by 4.3Mt/year by 2020. According to the Jon Phillips from Baxi Energy Saving Trust, installing and correctly using a room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves in a typical three-bedroom semi-detached home heated by gas could result in average savings of £80-£165 a year – and up to 680kg of carbon dioxide would be saved too.

However, despite everyone talking about smart homes and how we’ll soon be using our mobile phones to turn our home appliances on and off to save energy, time and hassle, consumer awareness of heating controls remains generally low.

Figures suggest that controls aren’t always specified when a new boiler is installed, even though Part L of the Building Regulations provides guidance on the types of control that are legally required. Over 95% of homes have a boiler, but of these, 800,000 have no controls at all, almost eight million have no room thermostat, and over 70% are said to lack the minimum levels of controls specified in the 2010 building regulations.

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September 2015

50 HEATING Controls

Pointed in the right direction Despite the growing popularity of smart heating controls, not all installers are embracing this new technology.

Dean Jepson, European MD of Salus, runs through the reasons why it might be a good idea to take a closer look.

G

oing back seven years, with the advent of the iPhone and the App store, who would have thought that a ‘smart’ phone would change our lives so drastically? No longer reliant on a desktop computer or laptop, overnight we gained complete freedom and flexibility in a pocket-sized device that could perform many of the same functions as a regular computer.

From browsing the web and scouring social media platforms, checking emails, managing calendars and listening to music, to playing games, watching videos and movies, taking photos, reading the news, sending text messages and so on, smartphones have impacted on our lives significantly.

Now, it’s second nature to use our phone to tell us where to go, what to eat and to monitor our bodies.

Of course, we still use them for their original purpose too – to make phone calls!

Smart heating The advent of the smartphone has also transformed our lives and professions in many other ways. Rewind just three years to 2012, when Salus launched the first ever internet-enabled thermostat (or smart heating control), and the heating controls market began its own transformation.

Today, thanks to internetenabled and wireless technology, homeowners are no longer restricted to

add heating schedules based on all, five, or two individual days. A new Geo-location function even alerts when the homeowner is a set distance from their home to remind them to fine tune their heating and hot water requirements, if required.

Moving on

Dean Jepson, European MD

a traditional wall-mounted thermostat. Thanks to smart controls, they can remotely control and manage their hot water and heating requirements via a smart phone, tablet, or computer, with a specially designed app.

These heating controls are becoming more and more sophisticated, and fast.

No longer just designed to match our heating needs, homeowners can adapt their hot water and heating to suit their lifestyle at the mere click of an app. Should plans or schedules change, or if there are significant changes in the weather, they can adjust their heating and hot water remotely, from wherever they are. Some smart controls can even report back on their energy usage and costs.

At Salus, we have recently updated the app for our best-selling iT500 smart control. As well as hot water scheduling with three on/off times, new features include a hot water boost for up to three hours and new easy-to-

Of course, smart controls aren’t for everyone. After all, there are still several million homes in the UK that don’t currently have even a thermostat. But with broadband reaching almost 85% homes in the UK, and almost 80% of mobile phone users in the UK owning a smart phone, and with homeowners now ready to incorporate more internet-enabled devices into their everyday lives, there’s only one direction for smart heating controls to go….. onwards and upwards.

“With continued growth ahead, smart controls present the perfect opportunity to grow your business” Still not convinced that smart technology is the future? Then take a look at your car. Sat nav and Bluetooth are now commonly featured throughout many models, and with some, you can even preset the interior

There’s a free app for that An updated app has been launched by Salus in support of its internetenabled thermostat, the iT500. It gives homeowners enhanced control of their heating and hot water to match their lifestyles.

Suitable for use with all smartphones, tablet devices and computers, and downloadable via both iTunes and Android stores, the free app comes packed with features and functions. These include hot

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water scheduling with three on/off times, a hot water boost for up to three hours, and easy-to-add heating schedules based on all, five, or two individual days. Geolocation also alerts when the homeowner is a set distance from their home.

In addition to the latest features, the app retains many of its original functions which will be of use to installers as well as homeowners. These include video tutorials, step-by-step

instructions for set-up and usage, and a colour coded UK map that is locationspecific. Specification sheets for parts, as well as an iT500 product manual, may also be downloaded.

The iT500 heating control features a touch sensitive master control unit that can be positioned anywhere in the home, both tabletop or wall-mounted, to sense the room temperature. It boasts a contemporary slimline design with a black LCD.

temperature of the car from the comfort of your iPhone.

The home is no different.

Thanks to home automation, technology is thriving. Home connectivity is no longer a novelty – it’s quickly becoming commonplace, allowing you to stay connected to your home from near or far.

From being able to control the temperature and the audio system in your home, to the security, garage doors, lighting and appliances, there will soon be limitless options to control just about everything – and all from your new phone or watch.

Imagine being able to view the security cameras installed in the home from anywhere in the world, so that you always know exactly what’s happening?

Or imagine being alerted to events that you might want to know about right away whilst you are out, such as water leaks, unexpected access to your home, and a rise in carbon monoxide levels.

New norms Trust me, this is all gathering pace quickly and is already the norm for many households in America.

Smart home systems are set to enhance our lifestyles, make our lives easier and more productive through intelligent devices, and put us in the position of ultimate control.

So, with all these developments and changes, why are some installers still reluctant to embrace smart controls and all the benefits they bring? Why do they still stick to installing

the same heating controls that they have tried and trusted over the years? The fact is, as people, we are naturally slow to embrace change, new things, and sometimes even new people. Some of us need to wait until the technology proves itself before dipping our toe in the water.

The same is true for some installers. When they find the controls that best suit them and their customers, they remain loyal to them, without considering the benefits of other products. It might mean switching to a brand they are uncomfortable with, or embarking on a training course to acquaint themselves with the latest smart controls and technology. It might mean moving from their comfort zone.

Geo-location alerts users at a set distance from home

Not a fad However, if you only ever install one type or brand of heating controls, you are missing out on the benefits that other products, such as smart controls, can offer.

You then become limited to only the products you are familiar with, and ultimately, technology will leave you behind. It then becomes even more difficult, if not impossible, to switch to new options.

Of course, when smart controls first hit the market, it may have been tempting to dismiss them as quirky and nothing more than a faddy gadget. But smart controls are here to stay, and the time has now come to embrace them. As well as being the passport to achieving a smart home by providing the ultimate heating control solution, they will help reduce home energy consumption and running costs. Plus, with continued growth ahead, they present the perfect opportunity to grow your business.

There’s really only one direction for smart controls, and it honestly doesn’t matter what you sell, or if you think your customer won’t use smart controls. If

The heating schedule can be set to suit personal lifestyle

Boost hot water up to 3 hours

you don’t embrace them, the chances are that technology will leave you out in the cold.

As Bill Clinton once said: “The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.”

Find out more To learn more about Salus’s smart heating control technology, enter the number below on the reader enquiry and registration card.

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September 2015

52 HEATING Controls

Get in the zone with good design A well designed heating system can make all the difference to both comfort and cost savings for homeowners. Nigel Sanger, Technical Manager at JG Speedfit, explains the benefits of installing control systems when designing heating zones in the home.

W

hether in a new build or an older home, energy efficiency is achievable, with even traditional heating methods open to accessible adaptations, such as heating control systems. A clear strategy is needed during the design process to ensure that zones are both efficient and, more importantly, compatible with the environment.

One way to look at heating control is by comparing it to Nigel Sanger, JG Speedfit the way we light our homes.

If homes had one light switch to universally control lighting across the building, it would seem out of the ordinary and contribute to an expensive energy bill. Yet this is how the majority of households control heating in the UK, resulting in people spending unnecessary money and contributing to high energy usage.

Room by room Planning a good heating control system allows each room to have its heating turned on or off at different times, much like the way we switch our lights on and off. This allows heat to only be distributed as and when it is needed, meaning heating patterns can be dictated by the householder.

The benefits of controlling the heating-specific zones means that the householder can instantly reduce energy usage. To achieve this, heating control systems can be broken down into four steps – zones, time, temperature and interlock – to design an energy-efficient, cost-effective home.

When considering which zones to include in the system, lifestyle choices need to be considered. For example, some bedrooms may not need to be heated in the same way when unoccupied as when they are used every day, while retirement may mean that heat is required for longer periods throughout the day but not necessarily in every room.

Areas to be heated in a home are generally broken up into zones, and the temperature and heating duration of each would need to be controlled. However, sometimes there may be instances where there are two areas combined into one, such as an open planned kitchen and dining area, leading to the industry using the term ‘zone’ to describe an area to be heated and controlled by one thermostat. Some installers try to use one thermostat to control more than one zone, which

JG Aura thermostats can turn a house into a smart home

Many smart thermostats are installer and user friendly

can be inappropriate as the thermostat can only control the area that it’s actually installed in.

Deciding when the zones should be heated and setting the desired temperatures are the next steps for the design stage.

Providing householders with this controlled system helps bring ease of mind as the user knows exactly which rooms are being heated at specific times and at what temperature, making the design stage crucial in ensuring that the full benefits have been sought.

Heating controls in themselves do not save money. It is only when they are used in a way that changes the traditional ways rooms are heated that energy costs are reduced. This means the design stage can help reduce these heating times, including strategically planning which rooms fit into which zone. At what times of the day and to what temperature each zone is heated also need to be taken into account. Once this is completed, the homeowner will begin to see the rewards.

TRV limitations

Final stage The interlock stage is the final stage and is the physical action needed to switch the boiler on and off. Considering these four stages will help the householder understand the benefits that heating control systems deliver to the home, as they can start to see where the benefits will be provided.

The benefits of carefully designed heating control systems are clear on many levels. The energy savings contribute to reduced impact on the environment, while the controlled use of heating helps provide greater cost savings. Heating control systems also increase the response times through the boiler as it is not required to heat up all the radiators at the same time, which can help when using low temperature sources such as air source and ground source heat pumps.

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When recommending or installing new systems, there are always misconceptions that people have, and installing heating control systems is no different. Many people argue conventional thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) systems can mimic the energy savings that heating control systems deliver.

While TRV systems can indeed be turned up and down, this process has to be manually undertaken, meaning that the householder would have to adjust each radiator valve throughout the day to achieve different temperatures at different times. The practicalities of changing the heating patterns using TRV systems is questionable, as conventional TRVs have no means of turning the boiler on or off, meaning the boiler is left running for long periods of time.

Systems, including the JG Aura, provide easy to install and user friendly applications that can transform homes into smarter, more advanced buildings and provide the end user with total control of their heating. Flexible systems bring a range of applications to the householder, such as bringing a range of thermostats that can be set up as either wireless, or in groups with central control.

The possibilities of control, which is the end goal of systems like these, are growing with systems like the JG Aura having the ability to control underfloor heating, groups of radiators, individual radiators, single room packs and boilers. Combinations of what can be controlled are available, and it is vital all of these options are understood during the design stage to produce the best outcome for the householder.

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September 2015

HEATING Controls 53

Broad application of smart stats Despite all the talk of smart heating controls, many homeowners are still not aware of their benefits. Nu-Heat’s Heather Oliver, Product Development Manager, covers some tips on identifying the right job for smart stats and how to sell this technology to potential customers.

I

t’s easy to install a heating system with standard dial thermostats or a basic programmable option without even considering a smart thermostat, but it’s always worth talking through the benefits with the homeowner.

Virtually any property can benefit from a smart thermostat, whether a two-bedroom flat or a six-bedroom detached house. In larger properties, the homeowner can set a separate heating profile for every room in the house without touching the thermostat thanks to the option of remote functionality. Smaller properties can also use just a couple of smart ‘stats, making the most of the ‘learning’ abilities of some models that can adjust the settings to achieve the best and most efficient way to heat the property.

Regardless of the property’s size, a smart ‘stat gives a great deal of flexibility and ensures that the heating is only ever on when it needs

A radiator system without zonal control might be a good option for a single learning thermostat system, such as Nest. This type of thermostat can be placed in whichever room is used most often to maintain the most comfortable temperature.

Flexible control to be. If a room takes a while to heat up, the thermostat learns this and adjusts itself accordingly.

Ease of use Smart ‘stats aren’t just for the tech-savvy – anyone can use them.

The majority of thermostats have been designed for ease of use. The thermostat system can often be set up and then everything else can be accessed and adjusted from a tablet or smartphone.

If the owner is happy to read the manual to familiarise themselves with the functions on offer and can use a smartphone, then they

will quickly get used to their new thermostat.

Any heating system can be paired with a smart ‘stat, however some are better suited to certain models.

With UFH, for example, there will a be a range of different zones in the property that can be individually controlled. In this scenario a multiroom smart ‘stat system, such as Neo, works very well, enabling the homeowner to heat different areas of the property exactly as they please.

Different zones, such as bedrooms, can be heated for much shorter periods and to lower temperatures than main living areas.

Some versions feature geo-location that can turn the heating on and off depending on the owner’s location.

Geo-location is suitable for retrofit UFH floor constructions with a fast response time, such as LoPro Max, and for radiator systems.

Remote functionality adds to a smart ‘stat’s flexibility. Most offer an app that enables the heating to be controlled from anywhere, which can be useful when returning home from work late, for example.

Any homeowner without a regular schedule will benefit too. For these individuals, a basic programmable thermostat isn’t flexible enough to heat a

property efficiently when there is no standard heating profile to suit the household.

Many smart thermostats can record data on how a property is heated. This breaks down exactly how much it costs to heat the home and even how much can be saved by cutting back and turning the thermostats down by just a degree or two.

With smart thermostat solutions such as the neoStat being practical, clever and completely tailored to an individual’s lifestyle to give complete heating system control at anytime from anywhere, it’s not a difficult choice for a homeowner to make. For a small price increase over a programmable thermostat, they can take complete control of their heating system, heating the property to suit their lifestyle whilst maintaining efficiency and cutting their heating bills.

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A class leading new range with our fingErPrints all over it.

Alpha’s new range of domestic boilers has been designed in accordance with the Energy-related Products directive, offering an ErP ‘A’ rating as well as a host of premium features for users and installers alike. For added peace of mind, models come with up to nine years’ warranty when fitted with our PremierPack wall-mounting jig, complete with magnetic filter.

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September 2015

54 HEATING Controls

Going digital in small properties Matching the right control to the right property is key in ensuring a well managed central heating system. Andy Mansfield, Marketing Manager at Honeywell, explores the benefits of the Single Zone thermostat solution for smaller properties in need of more control.

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ast year, new industry research reminded our sector of the huge impact that heating controls can have on energy saving in the home. At the same time, we experienced a sharp step in consumer interest and sales of smart heating controls. It is no surprise then that the number of households updating mechanical dials to digital thermostats is on the increase.

Over the last few years, the complexity and capabilities of what are often perceived as simple domestic controls have been transformed. It seems that heating controls are no longer a neglected dial on the wall; instead they are progressively becoming part of people’s lifestyles and aspirational products in their own right.

One challenge for the installer has been accessibility to the right products for their customer’s needs. Products haven’t been available through the usual route to market, and the choice of products was restricted.

Our response has been to work with the merchants to give back to the installer the choice of where and what to buy, while also providing them with the right information so that they can choose the best solution for the customer.

Consumers themselves are actively searching for products in an attempt to understand what they want when it comes to controlling their heating. Training is an important focus, as well as supplying information via manufacturing bodies, such as the Honeywell Installer Network.

Right advice Flexibility and control are the main issues homeowners face when it comes to choosing the right heating control. The most difficult challenge is that of educating the customer.

As the face-to-face contact, installers are vital here and can help to advise the customer in getting the right control to suit their home, rather than choosing a system that’s far too technical for their

the app, they can simply turn their heating on when they are on the way home, or turn it off if they know they are going to be late. Homeowners can also turn the room thermostat into a programmable thermostat, with seven day combined time and temperature control being possible.

Room to grow

The Honeywell Single Zone thermostat can now control two separate heating zones

property. It seems that for larger properties there is more breadth of choice for smart products, however smaller properties, such as apartments and two to three bed homes, still have scope to control the heating have less choice. And that’s where an entry level device like the Honeywell Single Zone thermostat comes in.

One zone The Single Zone is a digital wireless device that is compatible with any heating system and with any boiler. As a multi-functional thermostat, the Single Zone can be used in many different ways. For example, it can be used as a wireless room thermostat as part of a time and temperature system, meaning it will work like a normal thermostat, but will be more exact and with its digital display with half-degree steps, look more modern than a mechanical dial.

Because it is wireless, upgrading a mechanical device to the Single Zone is an easy, no-mess option. When connected to the home’s wifi the Single Zone can be remotely controlled via the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app, enabling consumers to control their heating from their smartphones whether they’re across the room or halfway around the world. This

Achieve A+ rating with the Wave By installing Worcester’s Wave intelligent thermostat when fitting either a Greenstar i, Greenstar Si or CDi Compact combi boiler, the installation can achieve an A+ energy efficiency rating under the forthcoming ErP Directive.

As each of these boilers already has ‘A’ rated status, with guaranteed efficiency levels of 94%, the addition of a Wave Internet-connected Smart Thermostat provides the necessary 4% increase in efficiency installers need

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to attain A+ status.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Marketing and Technical Support at Worcester, Bosch Group says: “Ordinarily, to achieve an A+ rated heating system an installer would have to specify a boiler, a control, a 400 litre thermal cylinder as well as 4m2 solar thermal panels. With Worcester, all installers need is a boiler and a Wave thermostat, which not only makes the job a lot easier and helps

function is perfectly suited to homeowners that have different working hours every week and therefore can’t set a certain time for the heating to come on. Using

The Single Zone can be used as part of an evohome multi-zone system. It uses the same wireless relay box as other Honeywell connected products, so it’s the perfect foundation for consumers with larger properties who might want to upgrade to a more complex zoned system in the future.

As an industry we must ensure the latest technology and its associated benefits are available to everyone, everywhere – and that customers’ needs are properly assessed so that the right solution is fitted.

Convenient upgrade solution The wireless connected Honeywell Single Zone thermostat can now control two separate heating zones.

Suited for a zoned solution in medium sized homes, it provides a stepping stone between single thermostat homes and larger homes served by multi-zoned options, such as Honeywell’s evohome.

The upgrade will benefit installers working in newbuild properties, where UK building regulations require homes of 150m2 or more to have a minimum of two heating zones.

The Single Zone can be controlled manually

or remotely using the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app. With the addition of another zone valve, a Single Zone system can be turned into an S Plan Plus system, with no need for an additional gateway.

The Single Zone remains compatible with the evohome, offering installers the ability to offer

tech-shy homeowners a basic zoning system which can easily be upgraded to a multi-zoned system in the future.

Andy Mansfield from Honeywell says: “Zoning is an effective way to reduce both energy use and fuel bills, meaning that it should be a priority for installers and their customers.

“This upgrade to the Single Zone provides another tool in their kit, making it even easier to specify a connected heating system, whatever their customer’s needs.”

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RF hot water cylinder stat

reduce installation time, but also makes better financial sense for homeowners.”

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The latest addition to the range of controls available from Danfoss is the CET2000B-RF batterypowered radio frequency cylinder thermostat. This model combines the energy saving benefits of accurate temperature control of domestic hot water systems with the convenience of wireless installation.

The CET2000B-RF is supplied as a complete package, including CS2 cylinder sensor and RX1-S single channel receiver, ready for quick and simple installation, without having

to disrupt interior décor by running recessed or surface mounted cabling.

The unit’s large backlit LCD display makes it easy to read and adjust temperature settings, especially as hot water cylinders are often placed in dimly lit areas.

Cylinder temperature is measured by the CS2 sensor, a clamp-on unit fitted to the cylinder wall and wired directly to the thermostat.

The RX1-S receiver is mounted next to the boiler or zone valve and responds to commands issued by the thermostat over secure wireless connection. This arrangement avoids the need for wiring between the thermostat and boiler or zone valve, reducing installation time and cabling.

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HEATING Controls 55

Simple to fit and easy to use Brett Stringer, Product Manager for Siemens Heating Controls, argues that providing basic, easy-to-understand, controls for home heating systems is usually the best way to help customers save money and improve comfort levels.

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ith all the talk about smart home technology, it is easy to overlook the fact that many houses currently lack what are considered the most basic heating controls – thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).

Research from BEAMA shows that over half of the UK’s centrally heated homes do not have both a thermostat and TRVs, even though these simple but Brett Stringer, Product Manager at Siemens Controls effective technologies are the minimum requirements under room with the thermostat). It the most recent Building is also recommended as ‘good Regulations. practice’ to install TRVs when Part L (2013), which came replacing a boiler system. into force in April 2014, There are many advantages removed the requirement of thermostats combined with for dwellings under 150m2 TRVs, along with other simple to have two heating zones. residential controls such as Instead, new-build homes time controls. Together, they SALUSmust PHAMhave AdvertTRVs 292 x 198mm.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2015 11:49 Page provided create a robust system that1 on all radiators (except in the allows householders to turn

off radiators in rooms that do not require heating or ensure that heating and hot water are turned off when not required.

They are all relatively low-cost technologies, well within the price range of most potential customers and, perhaps most importantly, easy to use and understand.

Simple controls such as time switches are easy to programme and set – making them far more likely to be used property and effectively.

The notion of moving to smart homes is too big a leap for many householders.

Advocating use of internetenabled controls is effectively telling people to run before they can walk, when most homes do not even have the basic controls. A heating system that can’t be controlled by the users is simply going to cost money.

As with all domestic heating technologies, installers will be at the forefront of explaining systems to householders.

The importance of usability is also addressed in Part L (2013) which requires that householders must be given information on how to use their controls to reduce energy consumption.

Retrofit solution Although Part L only requires upgrades to controls when a new boiler is installed, the cost effectiveness of the thermostat-TRV combination is one that should encourage installers to recommend upgrades when making home visits for repairs or maintenance.

Retrofitting is also straightforward with this type of technology because it is not based on overly-complex

software and hardware.

For example, all Siemens’ residential time controllers are plug-in units that use a standard backplate so that upgrading (even from older models) is very easy.

Apps and web-tech may be grabbing the headlines, but good basic controls should come first if we are to solve the problem of poorly controlled homes. Although some government incentive schemes are encouraging householders to consider new forms of heating system, they do not go far enough in requiring controls – which would save even more money in the long-term.

Energy prices are rising, and more homes fall into fuel poverty every time this happens. Ensuring that domestic heating systems are efficient and well controlled

The range of domestic heating controls from Siemens

is key to solving this problem.

The TRV and thermostat combination offers a solution that provides both comfort and energy efficiency in a cost-effective way. It is an approach that also creates opportunities for installers to help their customers get better outcomes from their home heating systems.

For installers looking for information on good control to give to their customers, BEAMA provides a detailed guide to controls for consumers, which is available to download from its website (www.beama.org.uk).

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Make heating simple, with the iT500...

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Geo-location alerts when you are a set distance from your home.

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56 HEATING Controls

Smart technology made simple With so many smart heating controls available to consumers, installers need to know their options. Simon May, Product Manager at Drayton Controls, takes a look at the market and identifies a quick retrofit solution that is straightforward to install.

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ecent research has found that smart heating controls are becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Figures show the number of European homes with smart thermostats nearly doubled between 2013 and 2014, growing by 96% year-on-year to reach around 700,000.

Advances in technology mean that home automation is now more affordable and widely available to consumers, so it’s likely that the number of homes with internetconnected controls will continue to rise dramatically.

This means it is vital that installers are aware of the options available in order to meet customer needs and offer the newest heating technology available, and in doing so, maximise their own business.

Rising costs In a typical UK household, heating and hot water accounts for around 82% of total energy use. In addition, the cost of energy has increased by nearly 170% in the last decade.

This means that the cost of domestic energy is a big concern for budget-conscious homeowners.

Despite the fact that homeowners are more conscious about the cost of their energy than ever before, almost 8 million UK homes have no room thermostat and over 70% lack the minimum level of controls specified in the most recent Building Regulations.

Although these figures show that traditional controls aren’t that popular with consumers, one type of heating device is catching on far more quickly – the smart thermostat. So what is it about internet-connected controls that make them so appealing?

At present, there are around 35 million people in the UK who own a smartphone, with one in six UK adults looking at their phone more than 50 times a day, so it’s clear to see that as a nation we are addicted to our mobiles.

Internet-connected thermostats utilise mobile apps, which instantly makes consumers familiar with their functionality. In addition to this, smart controls provide a high level of convenience that makes them a big hit.

Keep control Technological advances mean that home heating control is more exciting, appealing, and simpler than ever before.

Smart thermostats allow the user to remotely manage the temperature of their property using an app on their smartphone or tablet, no matter where they are.

Homeowners are able to turn the heating on or off and adjust the temperature without needing to be near the

With around 35m people in the UK using a smartphone, there is a big potential market for internet enabled heating controls

home, as long as they have a connection to the internet.

For instance, if a homeowner has gone to work and left the heating on, they are able to remotely switch it off with the touch of a button, allowing for greater freedom and control over the amount of energy they are using.

On schedule It’s also really easy to adjust heating schedules on the go, which means homeowners are able to reduce their energy consumption by tailoring heating periods to fit in with their lifestyle and routine.

If this routine is disrupted whilst the householder is away from home, they are able to make tweaks in order to prevent energy wastage that could occur if schedules are not adjusted, for example if property is heated with no occupants.

Certain smart controls have been criticised by installers because of the tricky wiring involved, meaning the installation process is complicated.

Some devices also have a laborious set-up process that involves inputting a large amount of data about the homeowner, which they may be reluctant to divulge.

Trio of packs to suit variety of jobs The miGenie Wishes range from Drayton is a collection of internet-enabled heating control packs designed to make smart technology simple.

The packs feature heating controls similar to the MiTime and MiStat range, however they benefit from smart technology via an intuitive app. This allows homeowners to remotely regulate their heating and hot water from afar.

Because the products are pre-bound and fit on a standard backplate,

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they can be retrofitted and installed straight from the box in as little as ten minutes.

The Wish 1 pack includes a single channel controller, room thermostat and internet gateway, suitable for time and temperature control of combi boilers, giving the installer the option to upgrade controls without the need for rewiring.

The Wish 2 pack includes a dual-channel controller, room thermostat, and internet gateway for time

and temperature control of conventional boilers.

Installers can upgrade time control and thermostat without re-wiring and use with an existing cylinder thermostat.

The Wish 3 pack includes a multi-channel controller, two room thermostats, and internet gateway. It is designed for time and temperature control in larger properties, and an existing cylinder thermostat can be wired in so that two thermostats provide zone control for heating.

This means that the installation time can be increased, and there is greater scope for technical issues can that could result in additional callbacks.

However, by selecting a simple smart thermostat that is wireless and features a standard backplate, the installer can make the job as easy as possible by simply removing the old programmer and thermostat and retrofitting the new internet-enabled control.

Then the installer can connect the control to wifi and sync with the app, which the homeowner is able to download onto their smartphone, tablet or Apple Watch.

Go online With this in mind, heating controls specialist Drayton has launched a new collection of internet connected heating control packs – known as miGenie Wishes. British built to last, the miGenie Wishes are suitable for all applications to make installation easier and ensure the installer has the perfect solution for every job.

The miGenie Wishes feature heating controls similar to the MiTime and MiStat range. However, miGenie devices utilise smart technology, enabled by an intuitive app that users download onto an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.

A special feature of miGenie products is that they can also be synced and used with an Apple Watch, which is ideal for customers wanting the latest in heating technology.

Products contained within the miGenie Wishes range are pre-bound and boast a standard backplate, meaning they are easy to retrofit and can be installed straight from the box in as little as ten minutes. The controls are really simple to operate too, featuring familiar buttons and icons, and step-by-step instructions for set-up.

So installers looking to keep up-to-date with the latest advances in heating technology should become familiar with smart thermostats, and offer their customers a wireless solution for quick and easy installation.

Find out more For more information on the range of internet enabled controls available from Drayton, enter the number below. www.mi-genie.co.uk

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Heating Controls 57 Remote diagnosis for installers The One Controller from ATAG is an intelligent digital device that offers remote access to both homeowners and installers. Connected through the internet, it can be used by the homeowner to take complete control of hot water and room temperatures, while installers can access it for troubleshooting and fault diagnosis.

With intuitive touch screen controls, the programmer is designed for use with the ATAG iC combination boiler and the new ATAG

iC Economiser combination boiler, scheduled for introduction in the UK in October. A

built-in weather compensator probe records temperature changes outside the property,

increasing comfort by adjusting the heating system’s performance accordingly.

Real time notifications for the homeowner range from boiler faults to water pressure top up alerts.

The installer portal’s two way communication system uses real time boiler data to highlight potential problems, including alerts on loss of pressure in the system. There is also a notification prompt for annual service.

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Valves are compact and automatic Claimed to be the smallest automatic thermostatic valve on the market, the Eclipse range from IMI Hydronic Engineering provides automatic flow control and hydronic balancing for dual pipe radiator systems and underfloor heating.

The company’s Automatic

Flow Control (AFC) is now available in all standard valve sizes, including angle, straight, double angle and axial. The standard valve body also allows for easy replacement of valve inserts without the need to remove the

entire valve or to drain the system. Designed for use in heating systems with an operating temperature up to 120°C, the thermostatic valves help to ensure that maximum flow rate is always maintained, even under partial load operation.

Settings can be adjusted by

simply rotating a numbered cap on the valve insert.

The product range also includes connection fittings for bathroom and designer radiators, with two point connections for automatic flow control with the Multilux Eclipse and Multilux 4 Eclipse set.

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Auto balancing to adjust to demand Designed to meet the needs of installers and homeowners alike, Uponor has developed Smatrix – a portfolio of fully integrated control systems specifically designed to partner with all radiant heating applications, including UFH. It offers a fully integrated and easily expandable system for both wired and wireless controls.

Built-in auto-balancing technology constantly anticipates and adjusts the energy requirements to ensure optimal comfort levels can be maintained.

Neil Young from Uponor says: “Typically during the commissioning stage of a UFH system, the flow rate has to be manually balanced to fixed design criteria by an installer.

However, this criteria varies depending on the time of year and homeowner preference, and a system which is optimally balanced in the summer will generally

under-perform during winter.

As homeowners are not able to re-balance the system themselves, an installer is required to make any subsequence changes.”

To help solve this issue, the Smatrix range features an in-built algorithm which monitors a host of external factors that can affect room temperature, and then automatically balance the different heating zones.

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The perfect solution for convenience and efficiency

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Powerful for maximum convenience in the home | As one of the most efficient heat pumps available, the WPC (S) delivers satisfaction not only because of a COP of up to 5, but also because of its compact size and high level of integration. The unit even incorporates a 200l DHW cylinder. › Excellent coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 5.0 › Extremely quiet in operation › The range now includes a powerful 13kW single phase option WPC (S) Brine | water heat pump

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58 Products in Action Heat pumps fit in Hotel goes green with biomass system at National Trust As a supplier of renewable energy systems to National Trust properties, Stiebel Eltron’s latest project is for two historic farmhouses in Snowdonia. Stiebel Eltron worked with installer Ecosystems Wales, which has previous experience of National Trust work, to supply a new WPF17 SET ground source heat pump system for Hafod y Llan farmhouse, at the foot of Snowden. The 18th century home is being converted into a holiday home by the National Trust. It was previously heated by an oil boiler.

Also installed were two air source heat pumps at the National Trust Llyndu farmhouse and flat, just one mile away from the Hafod y Llan property. The WPL 25 heat pumps have replaced the previous oil boiler and will provide energy-efficient heating for the property, which is home to young farmers taking part in the National Trust farming scholarship programme.

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Best Western’s Derwent Manor hotel in Northumberland has increased its green credentials with the installation of a Windhager biomass system. The threestar spa and leisure hotel has 48 double bedrooms, six bars, six meeting rooms, large restaurant, and full spa and leisure facilities.

The hotel has recently upgraded its existing oil and electricity fuelled heating systems to a fully integrated Windhager biomass system,

which uses wood pellets to provide heating and hot water to the hotel, its cottages, and

all their leisure facilities.

The installation commissioned by GreenGuru NE is

made up of two separate 180kW systems, each comprising three Windhager BioWIN Excel 60kW wood pellet boilers in cascade.

Having the boilers installed in this format has helped to ensure increased efficiency of the whole heating system, enabling the hotel to make considerable fuel savings, and provides an automatic fail-safe in case a boiler has to be shutdown.

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Fully modulating burners for retailer John Lewis Kingston has selected Remeha to provide an improved and more efficient heating solution for its department store, which covers 359,000ft2.

The new heating solution involved the installation of two Remeha P520-24 sectional boilers, each powered by Baltur TBG 210MC fully modulating gas burners producing a total output capability of 3MW.

The burners were supplied

by EOGB based in St Neots.

By replacing the existing atmospheric boilers with boilers powered by EOGB/ Baltur burners, the store now benefits from significant efficiency gains leading to energy savings and CO2 and NOx reductions. At the same time, the units have superior reliability and lower maintenance costs.

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High praise for the Caspian Infrared heat saves money Smith’s Fan Convectors has supplied ten Caspian Low 120/12 fan convectors to heat up St Chad’s Church in Hanmer, one of the oldest churches in Wales.

The Caspian was recommended because of its dual ability to provide almost instantaneous heat to large spaces and deliver good heat where warmth is required quickly and often intermittently. St Chad’s originates from 1486, and the entire heating system has been upgraded to protect its heritage. The fan convectors have been poly-coated to

complement the sandstone pillars in order to integrate them into the background setting of the main function of the church. The installer

commissioning the system got the temperature in the church up to 25°C. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Hot water helps dairy farm Equipment from ACV has been installed at East Logan Farm, Castle Douglas, a large dairy farm in Scotland with over 230 milking cows. The facility has a considerable demand for hot water for cleaning processes.

Hot water was previously generated by electricity, which was expensive and, at times, unreliable. The owner of the farm made the decision to install a biomass boiler via installers VG Energy, with an SL600 tank from ACV which

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would reduce the running costs of the facility and improve the hot water produc-

tion. The installed equipment included a 150kW Heisomat RHK AK biomass unit and a Smartline 600 Tank-in-Tank cylinder.

“Installing the ACV Smartline Tank improved the quality of our milk by reducing its Bactoscan rating by five points, which dictates the market price and, in turn, improves our market position,” says Brian Yates, farmer.

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Infrared heaters from Herschel have been installed at a vehicle test centre and are expected to reduce energy consumption by 90% compared to the previous heating system. The public sector client also expects to see energy costs cut by 71% and carbon emissions reduced by 76%.

The 46,000ft2 steel-framed warehouse unit was built in the late 80s with blockwork walls and limited insulation.

At its apex, it is around 9.50m

and three electric convector heaters. The decision was taken to install 22 Herschel Advantage infrared heaters with a total heat output of just 44.85kW, a figure made possible because they offer directional heat and also heat the fabric of the building rather than the air.

These included IR2 and IR3 workspace heaters and IRP4 industrial heaters. high. The previous heating consisted of seven gas heaters

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Aico CO alarms are first choice First Choice Housing Association in Penarth, the Vale of Glamorgan, is installing Aico AudioLINK Carbon Monoxide alarms

throughout all of its properties in Wales and Shropshire.

As one of the first housing associations to install CO alarms in all its properties

in Wales, First Choice is now having to replace the alarms as they reach the end of their lives. It opted for Aico’s Ei208 CO alarm with in-built AudioLINK data extraction. AudioLINK allows for real time data to be extracted via the alarm’s sounder, facilitated by an AudioLINK enabled CO alarm, a tablet or smartphone, and the AudioLINK App. The housing association’s properties have up to four alarms, depending on the size of the property and the number of fossil fuel burning appliances within.

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Products in Action 59 Apartment upgrade Commercial solution at Bristol Lido Equipment from Johnson & Starley has helped transform the heating system in a luxury apartment within an old church, the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Penarth.

The specifier called for the WarmCair warm air heating, Aquastar hot water storage and Home ‘n Dry ventilation technology to make the home warmer while being more efficient.

Originally, electric underfloor heating had been installed to heat the apartment, but was inadequate for the areas with very high ceilings.

Fuel bills were ranging from £600-£700 a month, yet even with the addition of portable heaters, the warmth levels were not achieved.

The solution was based on the installation of a Johnson & Starley WarmCair C20DW high efficiency combined warm air condensing heater with domestic hot water. A 180 litre Aquastar hot water storage cylinder was also installed, providing capacity

The Bristol Lido is benefiting from year-round warmth thanks to the installation of two ATAG XL110 commercial boilers, which replaced four old boilers. Installed by Octagon Heating Services, the two XL110 boilers have a combined output of 190kW and will supply domestic hot water and heating for the restaurant, pool and spa.

“Our customers demand high quality, high specification equipment together with the optimum in service support, as well as higher efficiencies,” says Octagon’s Business Development Manager Colin Green. “We found that ATAG Commercial’s XL boilers ticked all the right boxes and were pleased to specify and install them on this prestigious contract.” www.atagheating.co.uk

that was more than enough to store the hot water generated by the WarmCair.

The Home ‘n Dry wholehouse positive input ventilation system introduces a constant flow of dry air that reduces relative humidity.

The system creates a positive pressure, forcing the stale air to escape through the fabric of the building. It is achieving good results and the damp is being alleviated.

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Instant hot water savings in the park The Rinnai Infinity range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters has helped Sunbourne Glan y Mor Leisure Park in Aberystwyth in the creation of a new toilet and shower block, without the need for a hot water storage system.

The facility boasts a new shower and toilet block, a laundrette, a modern health and fitness centre, plus a large heated indoor pool.

Rinnai rep Martin Embley advised the installation of two Infinity HDC 1500 interior continuous flow units.

“The system recommended

by Martin definitely covered what I wanted. I needed a continuous supply of hot

water for the shower block, which has eight showers in use morning and night during the season from March,” says Will Jones, park owner.

The new system prevents energy losses since there is no storage requirement.

During the peak season the block provides 100 showers a day, falling to as little as 10 off-season.

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Designed to be fitted without silicone or grout.

Just plenty of innovation.

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The innovative precision-fit panel system makes for a leak and silicone-free finish without the need for tiling and grouting. Now that’s clever.

For more information or to request a brochure visit kinedo.co.uk or call 020 8842 0033. *Moonlight comes without a shower control, giving you the freedom to choose your own.

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September 2015

60 Products in Action

Quick delivery on quiet ventilation NIBE fits in with sustainable homes The exceptional low noise performance of Quietflow centrifugal box fans was a prime factor in securing prestigious ventilation contracts for Elta Fans Building Services Division for two eight-storey student accommodation blocks at the University of Lincoln.

The design schedule stressed the importance of a number of factors, including

noise and optimised performance capabilities through the provision of DCV control.

Elta Group’s Product Marketing Manager, Nygel Humphrey, comments: “As well as meeting the strict

delivery schedule and budget requirements, also important was the ability of the ventilation system to provide speed control and fault monitoring for the customer’s Building Management System. It was clear that the DCV-enabled Quietflow range was the optimum solution.”

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Easy AC swap out Durable solution A Mitsubishi air conditioning solution has been installed in a bus station in West Bromwich.

The existing air conditioning system had worked well since 2002 but was getting old and was using the now banned R22 refrigerant.

The new system uses two City Multi Replace VRF units for the bulk of the complex, which includes the office and travel shop. Two Mr Slim split systems were also installed to provide air conditioning to the mobility shop at street level.

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The added benefit of using the City Multi system is that it can simultaneously heat and cool different areas so that energy loads can be more balanced across the building.

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Bathroom specialist Abacus has provided Browns department store in York with a washroom refurbishment solution designed to cope with heavy customer use.

A key component was the use of the Lustrolite Forest acrylic panel, which has the appearance and feel of glass, yet weighs less than a quarter of a traditional glass sheet. The panels were fitted to the outside face of the cubicle doors and behind the WCs. Lustrolite, which

has high impact strength and withstands wear, was also employed in the washstands supporting the basins.

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A South Wales developer has fitted eight properties with exhaust air heat pump (EAHP) systems from NIBE as part of a flagship housebuilding project near Cardiff.

As well as NIBE F470 EAHPs, the homes have been fitted with rainwater harvesting, green roofs, electric car charging points, extensive insulation, and thermally treated windows throughout – achieving a Code for Sustainable Homes Level Four for building fabric alone.

Developer LivEco was tasked with ensuring any

improvements to the GradeII listed farm buildings remained as sympathetic as possible to the original– whilst also incorporating new features that would provide residents with optimum efficiency all year round.

Having worked with NIBE products before, architect Gillard Associates specified the F470 EAHPs to provide hot water and space heating, as well as an effective ventilation solution, given the high levels of air tightness.

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Radiators & Towel Warmers 61

Making the case for an upgrade Homeowners are often reluctant to invest in new radiators when replacing their boiler, but they could be missing out on some significant energy-saving benefits. Kelly Smith, Myson’s Product Manager for Radiators, puts forward the arguments for a radiator upgrade.

H

omeowners are now mostly aware that a new boiler, although a large investment, can save them money in the long run. However, we have yet to convince them that replacing their radiators is also a good move. There are a number of reasons for this, of course.

Firstly, the vast majority of boiler replacements are a distress purchase. Homeowners rarely replace them voluntarily, even though they know that a new boiler would cost less to run. So it is only when the boiler finally breaks down irreparably that a new one is purchased. The cost of the boiler, plus installation, makes it a major purchase and while it is considered, it is somewhat forced and can come at a time when it seems least affordable; so adding the cost of new radiators may seem a bridge too far.

Secondly, homeowners are usually concerned at potential disruption to home décor if radiators are replaced. They perceive that if they need to redecorate, they will see costs escalate still further.

Most importantly, they simply don’t realise that new low system temperature radiators, when used appropriately with a high efficiency boiler, also make a contribution towards energy savings; as an industry we haven’t yet got this message across.

We tell homeowners that a new boiler can save them up to a third on heating costs, making the payback time for a new boiler something of a consolation prize for its installation cost. But what we are still not communicating is that the third less running costs they hope to see will not be delivered in practice at the high system temperature that many older radiators require to provide sufficient comfort heating.

The new boiler, which will in most cases be a high efficiency condensing boiler, will be at its most efficient only when operating in true condensing mode. However, older radiators typically have high water content and a relatively low surface area, so in order to emit heat they rely on a higher system temperature, typically in the region of 70°C,

which prevents the boiler from operating in condensing mode most of the time. But with radiators designed for use with lower temperatures, system temperatures of 45°C are possible, allowing the boiler to run in condensing mode most of the time.

Some systems may have had more than one replacement boiler over the years without changing the radiators. Radiators today are CE marked, including, since 2013, designer models and towel warmers, so they are guaranteed to deliver the output that they claim to provide. But installing a new boiler into an existing heating system can be a challenge if the age of radiators is not known. The installer can’t be sure of the exact construction or water content of each radiator and can therefore only guess at its output.

Setting up Older radiators may not perform as expected and the installer may not be confident that they were correctly sized to begin with. This is a considerable disadvantage when setting the system temperature and programming controls. As energy efficiency largely depends on a well-controlled system, this introduces a random aspect which will be difficult even for an experienced installer to predict.

The installer can of course accurately size new radiators according to the size of each room and the output of the radiator

The Myson Decor with top grill and side panels

(this is even easier when using our online Heatloss Manager). With a new control unit and a lower temperature, the installer can commission and set up the system to provide energy efficient comfort heating.

A well-balanced system, once set up by a professional installer, should not require adjustment by the end user.

Research results Research conducted at the University of Helsinki in 2008 concluded that new radiators designed to operate at lower temperatures can contribute to the efficiency of the entire system. It indicated that using low temperature system radiators can reduce running costs by up to 15% over a system with older radiators not designed for lower temperatures. This suggests that a significant proportion of the savings of the energy costs on running a new boiler could be dependent on it being run using suitable radiators which allow the installer to lower the system temperature.

Lower temperatures do not mean larger radiators. By lowering the water content and increasing the surface area of the radiator, with the addition of specially designed fins, we have been able to keep radiators to roughly the same footprint as older models, even at lower temperatures.

In practice this means that a radiator can be replaced with very little upheaval.

New radiators can be installed with very little disruption. Existing pipework, as long as it has not lost its integrity and meets current standards, can be flushed through thoroughly and reused, so the radiator is a very good like-for-like replacement around the home.

Perhaps even more importantly to the homeowner, modern radiators are almost invariably more attractive than their forerunners. Compact radiators, such as our Premier Compact, have come with free top grilles and side panels for many years.

These have a modern, streamlined look, but we still see much older, less attractive

2015 2nd Edition Out Now

Many homeowners like the look of modern radiators such as the Myson Premier Compact

panel radiators in use with new boilers.

Older radiators in highly visible locations were often covered or repeatedly painted over, which also tended to reduce their efficiency. A review of the whole system also gives the installer a great opportunity to explain options for using decorative radiators in main living areas and designer towel warmers in bathrooms and kitchens.

Over several decades, older radiators may have degraded. The inner surface of a radiator from the 1960s or ‘70s, when central heating first became popular, may well have deteriorated. Should these radiators start to break down, they can release particles which can damage the boiler as water flows through it, jeopardising this expensive new equipment. New radiators may prolong the life of the new boiler as well as helping to make it more efficient.

Undoubtedly, when we suggest to an end user that they invest in new radiators, as well as a new boiler, we are asking them to spend more. We need to communicate more clearly that we are also giving them the opportunity to save more in the long run, and also to reduce the overall payback period on their new heating system.

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62 RADIATORS & Towel Warmers

Getting the best results from heated towel rails Heated towel rails and radiators with towel hanging options continue to grow in popularity due to a combination of practicality, adaptability and a wider choice of style options. Chris Gotts, Retail Sales Manager at MHS Radiators, outlines the latest developments and trends in this product sector.

D

uring the last few years, heated towel rails and radiators with towel hanging options have escaped the confines of only being installed in luxury venues and are now regularly introduced to many properties, from apartments to large family homes. This can be attributed to advances in manufacturing and affordability, as well as consumers becoming more aware of their benefits.

Indeed, when purchasing heat emitters for the home, many consumers are now opting for designer radiators or towel warmers for their bathrooms and kitchens. This is because as well as providing heat to a room, these products have the added functionality of warming and drying towels, while blending in with the interior surroundings – or indeed making a designer statement.

This increase in popularity has seen the towel rail sector of the UK market grow rapidly, with many varied models becoming available, each claiming to be the best in its class. But with so many options to choose from, what should heating installers and specifiers be looking for to satisfy customer demands?

When choosing a radiator that will warm the kitchen or bathroom, there are many factors to consider. First of all, will the towel warmer only be used for heating up towels, or is it also going to need to

The Quadra, available in a range of colours, is both a designer radiator and shelving unit

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Combining function with style, the Tratto is available with optional LED side strips

The Step towel rail offers clean, simple lines

bring the bathroom or shower area up to temperature as well? This usually depends on the size of the room itself, which then dictates how much wall space is actually available. Of course, whichever model is chosen should be proportional to the room size so as to provide the desired heating conditions.

budget to suit, it’s worth considering more high end products, such as our Quadra, Step or Tratto models, pictured on this page.

A wide choice of materials is also available, with steel remaining popular due to its robustness and ease of manipulation in the manufacturing process. However, we are also seeing the use of stainless steel steadily increase, which can be attributed to the material’s excellent aesthetic properties.

High or low?

If a towel rail is to be the only heat source, then it clearly needs to be powerful enough to warm the entire room, as well as the towels. Alternatively, if it is going to be used alongside another emitter (such as another radiator or underfloor heating) then a lower output rail can be selected.

From a practical viewpoint, the amount of towels that will need hanging up every day should also influence product selection.

For example, less space will be required for a towel warmer in an en-suite when compared to one in a large family bathroom.

Consideration should also be made to the spacing of the rails of the towel rail to ensure enough space between each group of rails to allow a large bath sheet to be draped through.

Bear in mind that a full size towel radiator capable of heating a large bathroom can take up a lot of wall space, whereas smaller rails can be wall-mounted at waist height, leaving an area below for storage.

If space is not an issue, larger rooms can benefit from a heated towel rail and a radiator, or even radiators which have towel hanging options. Furthermore, many of our own towel rails come with adjustable dual fuel options that can be useful when the central heating is switched off during

the summer – with an electric element warming towels when required without overheating the bathroom itself. MHS also offers a range of electric-only options for properties that do not have wet central heating systems.

Towel rails are manufactured to allow for different sizes of towels (and sometimes even clothes) to be dried and stored easily. If the product is to heat the entire bathroom, a rail with larger diameter tubes is recommended, as these produce more heat than rails with smaller tube diameters.

The number of tubes is also important, because if there aren’t enough the emitter will be unable to generate a sufficient level of heat. Unfortunately, some manufacturers reduce the number of tubes and/or their diameters in order to lower costs, which can have a significant impact on the output and performance of the product. Another consideration should be the difference in heat output between white and chrome plated rails, as size for size, a white finish will generate significantly more output than chrome.

Style council Upon settling on the size of radiator and/or towel warmer, the other main consideration is style. With such a huge variety of products on the market, ranging from traditional ladder designs to more avant-garde creations, there are plenty of options available to meet the requirements of any application. Designer radiators can also be produced with towel holders and hooks, in a variety of styles and colours.

Of course, if your customers are looking for something more opulent and have the

Material gains Aluminium is another material that has entered the fray, after the emergence of renewable technologies (such as heat pumps), which operate at lower water temperatures, meaning radiators run with greater levels of efficiency.

As a result, aluminium radiators with towel hanging options have become more appealing, not only due to their compatibility with low temperature systems, but also their high outputs, low water content, and efficient heat transfer into a room. The eco-friendly metal can also be extruded into complex shapes, creating radiators that have distinctive sculptural characteristics.

Given their constant evolution and continuing rise in popularity, towel rails and radiators with towel hanging options are going to remain key features for kitchens and bathrooms for many years to come.

There is no doubt that whatever shapes and sizes are installed, these remain the best products in terms of keeping towels warm while ensuring rooms remain stylish, elegant, and at a comfortable temperature.

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02/09/2015 09:49

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September 2015

64 Radiators & Towel Warmers

Meeting the needs of energy efficient homes Are radiators up to the job of heating a home where the heat source is from a lower temperature flow renewable system? Chris Harvey, Marketing Manager at Stelrad, shows how some of the latest models offer both enhanced performance and space saving design.

T

he important thing with any heating system, and in particular with lower temperature flow renewable ones, is to ensure that the radiators are correctly sized for the heat source and the home they are required to heat. The radiators will need to be larger for a low temperature system, but by increasing the size of the metal surfaces the system Chris Harvey from Stelrad will be more than capable of providing adequate heating for a modern home.

One simple way people get around the need for larger radiators is to include vertical radiators which have larger heating surfaces. They take up less wall space because they run vertically up the wall and modern designer radiator designs can also become a focal point of the décor, rather than a functional heating appliance.

Another solution is our popular K3 radiators, which have three panels and three fins, providing far more heat than a one or two panel radiator can. The requirement is the same – to increase the amount of metal surface available to share the heat.

Advanced design Modern radiators are far more efficient and able to cope than pre-2000 manufactured radiators, simply because of the quality of the manufacture, with better quality steel, better paint finishes and better formed waterways in the radiator. They have far lower volumes of water circulating in them compared to older radiators. The fitting of a system filter and the right levels of water treatment will also help to ensure the circulating water stays as clean as possible, which will add to efficiency levels, whether its a renewable or traditional boiler driven system.

For existing homes looking to retrofit energy saving heating options, just undertaking a boiler upgrade and possibly a powerflush of the elderly radiators and pipework will not

K3 radiators feature three panels and three fins

Vertical radiators such as the Concord can enhance any room

always be the best solution. It clearly makes sense to fit new radiators to get the full benefits of a system upgrade.

New radiators on a clean heating system will contribute significantly to energy efficiency from a heating system in an existing home. Most modern radiators have been designed to share heat efficiently and to work well with both traditional boiler driven heating systems and modern renewable systems.

Our Radical radiator, for example, offers an independently assessed energy saving of up to 10.5% over traditional parallel feed radiators where the two panels heat up together at the same time. Radical sees the front panel heat up first – up to 23% more quickly than the front panel of a traditional radiator – providing up to 50% more radiant heat than a traditional parallel feed radiator. This makes it a very interesting option for housebuilders looking to meet the new carbon targets and provides another clear option for heat pump driven heating systems, where the technology will offer significant benefits, but again, only if properly sized.

Although our Compact and Elite models continue to take the lion’s share of new build radiator sales, we are seeing a steady growth of premium panel, designer and decorative radiators – particularly in kitchens and in the main living room and master bedroom in more upmarket properties. There is a very real feeling that radiators can be a focal point in the home rather than simply a functional heating appliance. That’s one of the reasons we are seeing

the higher priced, more aesthetically appealing colourful radiators taking a larger share of sales in the new build market. In particular our Planar and Compact with Style, flat fronted, slimline radiators are seeing significant sales growth in new build opportunities around the country as are their tubular and flat tube options – the Caliente and the Concord options in particular.

Colour choice Perhaps the most impressive change in radiators in recent years has been the huge increase in colours that radiators are available in nowadays. To paraphrase the famous quip

by Henry Ford, traditionally you could have radiators in ‘any colour so long as it was white’. We now offer many models in up to 35 different colours – with a small delivery waiting time – but a time wait that is worth it to get exactly the right colour and shade that the customer is looking for.

Typical of the opportunities for ‘heated colour’ in interior décor is our Swing radiator. This model is based on our popular Compact Vertex radiator, but sees the addition of a one piece, curved steel front cover that gives it a modern and aesthetically pleasing designer feel. It comes in white as standard, but can be specially ordered in up to 35 colours, making it an extremely attractive product for interior designers and architects looking to match radiator colours with corporate or specific colour décor.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.stelrad.com 152

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September 2015

66 RADIATORS & Towel Warmers

The generation gain Heat emitters can play a big role in improving system efficiency levels. Mike Wright, Product Development Manager at Quinn Radiators, highlights the benefits of specifying the latest generation of radiators which are able to deliver more output for lower running costs.

I

n today’s heating market, efficiency is king. Installers that can fit systems that not only minimise customers’ bills and carbon footprint, but will also deliver unbeatable performance, are in popular demand – and rightly so. In most cases, this focus on efficiency is directed to the heat source (from ‘A’ rated boilers right through to renewables) and on proper heat-loss protection for other system components, like Mike Wright from Quinn cylinders.

The introduction of new ErP (Energy related Products) labelling will cement this approach even further. However, it also highlights a key factor that’s missing – the heat emitters. By excluding these from the efficiency discussion, installers risk undermining the performance of the rest of the system – especially when we take into account the developments that have pushed the latest generation of radiators firmly to the forefront of the market.

Third generation radiators deliver up to 12% more heat

Spot the difference Ultimately, an efficient radiator should offer top-quality performance, matched with lower upfront and running costs, and a smaller carbon footprint. But how can the trade best identify the technical traits that will deliver optimum efficiency? In terms of spec, it boils down to two important factors: waterway pitch (the distance between the radiator’s vertical water channels) and convector fin configuration.

As such, the majority of conventional panel radiators belong to one of three categories (or ‘generations’), all of which offer differing levels of efficiency and technical make-up. The latest – third generation – are the most efficient on the market.

Although they look physically identical to their more widespread second-generation counterparts (and are fitted in exactly the same way), thanks to their design improvements, third-generation rads offer the best performance of any radiator available today. They have a reduced waterway pitch and denser fin structure that makes for a marketleading output per m2.

Flexible choice

First generation Introduced during the early days of domestic central heating, these were large, basic panel radiators with a 40-54mm pitch, hand-welded connections and no convection fins. They had a low pressure rating and very low efficiency, which meant a reduced output (Watts per m2 of wall space), high costs and a large carbon footprint (radiators had more steel and a higher water content). Later models were improved with the addition of ‘M’-shaped convection fins and projection backwelded connections. Although this improved efficiency, such radiators are still highly inefficient by modern standards. Only a handful of manufacturers still make them.

Second generation The addition of simple, waterway-welded fins characterise second generation radiators, along with a reduced 33.3mm pitch. This delivers some enhancements in terms of output and efficiency (improved pressure ratings and a lower water content per Watt) but still lags behind the latest third-generation technology.

Third generation Featuring even more fins than second-generation models, and a waterway pitch of just 25mm, third-generation radiators deliver improved heat transfer and are the most efficient radiators currently on the market. They offer the highest pressure rating, the lowest water content per Watt, and better output in terms of size (W/m2) and weight (W/kg).

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What’s more, because they deliver improved heat transfer and have a lower water content per watt than secondgeneration models, they also work more efficiently at lower Delta Ts. This allows more freedom in terms of matching with efficient heat sources and lower temperature systems, such as renewables.

In most cases, at a customer level, the appeal of a more efficient heat emitter is likely to be largely cost-driven; and from a financial point of view, opting for better radiator efficiency means installers and customers ultimately get more heat for their money. As third-generation products emit up to 12% more heat than leading second generation

Quinn’s Hi Lo range features more convection fins and smaller water channels for enhanced energy efficiency

rads, installers can specify smaller radiators and still meet the required heat output. This means that choosing a thirdgeneration radiator can provide significant capital savings by reducing upfront costs.

Size matters A smaller radiator not only means a lower initial investment – it also significantly reduces running costs (by around 5%).

Whether sizing as a like-for-like replacement for an older model, or opting for a smaller model with the same output, third-generation radiators have a lower water content than their predecessors. This means the boiler or renewable heat source has less water to heat, and rooms reach the desired temperature faster.

As a result, third-generation radiators bring down operating costs for the whole system, enabling installers to make a cost-effective choice that also makes long-term sense for their customers, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be compromising on performance. What’s more, unlike most radiators on the market, our third-generation Round Top models don’t have grilles or side panels – making for the lowest possible maintenance costs.

Obviously, an enhanced level of efficiency also translates into a lower carbon footprint – and helps boost ongoing energy savings across the heating system as a whole. In terms of the product itself, with less water and a marketleading wattage per kilogram of steel used, third-generation rads also offer the lowest overall environmental impact of any radiator on the market.

No compromise Thanks to huge steps forward in radiator technology in recent years, installers no longer have to sacrifice performance for savings.

Instead, they can now opt for a heat emitter that truly ticks all the boxes when it comes to energy efficiency, costs and output – instead of falling at the final hurdle by leaving emitters as an afterthought.

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02/09/2015 11:09

September 2015

Radiators & Towel Warmers 67 Ladder style leads the way The newest additions to MHS Radiatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; premium towel rails include the Neos (pictured far right) and the Scarletta (near right). Neos is a chrome-plated flat tube design while the Scarletta features 25mm round steel tubes.

A ladder style towel rail, Neos (pictured, right) combines classic good looks with a large surface area for warming towels. It delivers heat outputs up to 499 Watts and is available in two heights (952mm and 1306mm) and a 500mm width.

The radiator stands up to 94mm from the wall and includes easy-fit brackets.

This latest addition is also

available in an electric only or dual fuel version to increase flexibility and to underpin its quality in all models.

The Scarletta (left) delivers heat outputs ranging from 0.4kW to 1.5kW. Available in straight or bowed models in chrome or white finishes, Scarletta features electric only or dual fuel heating options. It comes in four heights (750, 1000, 1300 and 1800mm) and three widths (400, 500 and 600mm).

Both come with a five year guarantee as standard.

Electric LST rad

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Rainbow of colours enhance style

29382 Plan advert Chosen_Layout 1 19/08/2015 14:50 Page 1

Vasco has brought a range of new colours to its selection of radiators. Eight colours with seven shades of each transform each one into a statement piece. There are a wide number of basic neutral hues, from mist grey to black grey, plus a palette of pastel hues in matt or satin. Along with these, there are the diverse variants of white and black, and natural earth tones with a light structure in the warm terracotta palette.

The blue-green palette is composed of a number of soft hues ranging from moss green to water blue, and the uni-colours accentuate the radiator for striking interior style. www.vasco.eu

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Offering safety, efficiency and easy installation for convenient towel warming, the LSTS range of low surface temperature electric towel rails from Dimplex is suitable for a wide range of sectors including healthcare, education, retirement homes, sheltered housing, and public restrooms.

The LSTS model is surface temperature regulated to 43°C, meeting NHS guidance notes on safe surface temperature and eliminating the risk of harm for the young, elderly or vulnerable in the bathroom.

Like all Dimplex electric towel rails, the LSTS offers quick and easy installation and operates independently of the main central heating system to provide towel warming all year round. It is IPX4 rated for use in bathrooms and other wet areas, and comes in a distinctive white stove enamel finish. www.dimplex.co.uk

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THE PERFECT PLAN The PLAN COMPACT from Purmo is a sleek and smooth panel radiator. Its defining characteristic is its stylish flat front and lucent laminated finish. It comes with top and side covers that help to create a look that blends effortlessly into the background.

With a large range of types and sizes available from stock, as well as special colours on request, the Plan Compact truly is the perfect panel radiator.

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A DIVISION OF RETTIG (UK) LTD Eastern Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0PG, UK Sales: Tel 0845 070 1090 Fax 0845 070 1080 Email: uk@purmo.co.uk www.purmo.com/en

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September 2015

68 RADIATORS & Towel Warmers

Considering all available options For customers who want something different to a pressed steel panel radiator, there is now a wide choice of different designs to suit a range of budgets. David Simoes, Brand Manager at Zehnder Commercial, provides some advice on finding the right solution to suit the customer.

F

or many years pressed steel panel radiators have been a standard addition to the British home, but it’s fair to say that the average homeowner has been pretty indifferent to their presence. However, over the years our relationship with our heating systems has ‘warmed-up’ somewhat and many of us now take a much greater interest in both the type of system we install and the components within it.

Driven by innovative manufacturers, imaginative interior designers and creative consumers, the range of products on offer has considerably increased, and we are now in a position of choice. But with 90% of homes in the UK still installing pressed steel panel radiators it is clear that we have not all fully embraced the vast array of alternatives on the market.

As an installer you have the opportunity to guide and influence the selection process of your customers. Offering a customisation service to your customers brings with it many advantages, including adding value to your business and differentiating your service from the competition.

When it comes to the actual system design, producing a personalised heating system does not have to be time consuming or expensive. In fact, with some innovative thinking and a good understanding of the options available you can quickly and simply create great looking heating systems without a designer price.

Colour and texture Something as simple as colour can make a significant impact on both the aesthetics of a radiator and the room in which it is installed. A vibrant, bold colour can quickly create an instant focal piece for the room. Alternatively, the radiator could be colour coordinated to match the surroundings. Either way, the radiator can form a key part of the interior décor of any room.

Texture adds another dimension to the radiator design, and the choice of finish can further enhance its aesthetics. The use of a hammered, smooth, textured, glass or wooden finish can transform the appeal of the radiator and Zehnder’s Charleston radiator influence the overall effect. with a full length mirror

The Charleston Relax is ideal for hallways or conservatories

Right place Alongside colour, the positioning of the radiator can also have an immediate impact. A practical and simple idea for modern living would be utilising the radiator as a contemporary room divider.

For installations where pipework is static and the homeowner does not wish to incur added expense during refurbishment, radiators with flexible pipe fittings are now available on a range of contemporary designed radiators.

This means the new radiators can be installed exactly where the old radiators were positioned without any requirement for new pipework.

Many radiators now also offer dual functionality. Towel rails would be the most obvious example and as such have become a standard feature in many homes.

Practical and clever ideas for modern living include standard sectional radiators incorporating a mirror to provide a stunning centrepiece, or installing radiators integrated with benches in halls or conservatories. These options give rise to individuality and create a point of difference for the homeowner, whilst also complementing the basic function of the radiator.

Fusion styling Another quick and easy solution to creating a great looking heating system is fusion styling. In basic terms this means combining old and new items and mixing them together to create interesting and modern living spaces. A trip to a reclamation yard could result in installing a refurbished cast iron radiator alongside a contemporary counterpart, producing a unique and interesting mix and the creation of brand new designs.

Of course quality and performance are also key considerations for any radiator specification, and whatever style the customer is looking to create, heat output, heat-up

Extended range to match any design The wide range of options available from The Radiator Company has been extended further with the new Grandi Ovali, Ingot and Ellipsis ranges.

The Grandi Ovali is an energy efficient aluminium radiator that boasts a low water content and modern large tube design. It is available in three special finishes and all models are available from stock.

The Ellipsis is a sleek oval

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tubed steel radiator with a wide selection of 188 RAL colours and 23 special finishes in 54 horizontal and vertical models.

The Ingot (pictured) is a 20 x 15mm rectangular tube radiator and consists of a vertical and horizontal radiator as well as a matching BDO towel rail.

This versatile range has a choice of 48 models in both single and double configurations, and 6 BDO

Zehnder’s Kleo, available with single or double tubes and madeto-measure options, can act as an effective room divider

times and longevity should not be compromised for price.

All radiators must now be performance tested to meet EN442 requirements and have their certified heat outputs published. This means all products can be compared on a like-for-like basis, improving reliability and precision during system design.

Little and large Dependent upon whether the homeowner is looking to make more or less of a statement with a given radiator, size will play an important role in their decision making process. With an extensive range of sizes available it is possible to find a radiator to suit every space. From large focal pieces to small towel radiators for cloakrooms, every room in the house can benefit from a stylish makeover.

Remember there is no need to be limited by convention when designing a heating system for your customers. The depth and breadth of products available means that with just some simple additions you can give the homeowner the opportunity to create a unique heating system that defines their home. www.zehnder.co.uk

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Choice of aluminium styles

towel rail models, all with a choice of 25 RAL colours and 15 special finishes.

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Manchester based designer radiator specialist Geyser has launched Torpedo – a new collection of aluminium radiators. The range uses one single extrusion of aluminium to create three different styles of radiator.

Torpedo Shallow is a flat, low projection model where the bars line up against the wall. Torpedo Projected is a deeper profile version where every bar is lined up in uniform, while Torpedo Opposites feature a wave type combination of

projected and recessed bars across the front.

The range can be sold in either central heating or electric versions and deliver outputs of up to 4.1kW. All the radiators are equipped with multiple

tappings and come in a choice of four modern colours: white, matt textured sand brown, matt textured silver and matt textured anthracite (dark grey).

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September 2015

Radiators & Towel Warmers 69 Safety doesn’t have to sacrifice style The iCare range of low surface temperature radiators from AKW is made for any home or care environment where exposed heating is a safety a concern. Described as simple to install, reliable and aesthetically pleasing, the LST radiators have surface temperatures that don’t exceed 43°C. Comprising both radiators and towel warmers, iCare meets the NHS Safe Surface Temperature Guidelines, meaning that those who come into contact will not be at risk of serious burns.

This makes LST heating a

suitable choice in homes with small children or those with a reduced perception of danger, such as dementia patients.

To help specifiers comply with safety guidelines, these radiators and towel warmers are flexible enough to allow individual temperatures

to be easily adjusted. This means that it is possible to have LST radiators that are attractive and compact, yet also perform with higher levels of energy efficiency.

AKW says it has combined design with practicality, ensuring its iCare range is ‘touch safe’, while offering unobtrusive designs that fit in with the lifestyle of the family. Options include digital displays, a variety of finishes and sizes, and a choice of additional accessories to increase safety.

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www.akw-ltd.co.uk/lst

For low Designs out of the ordinary temp systems Whether looking for a discreet heating option or an interesting statement piece, Purmo offers countless colours, finishes and textures to enhance any interior.

“We all want to be able to create an interior which meets our own taste,” explains Sarah MacFarlane, Purmo Product Manager for towel warmers. “So we have created a colour wheel to inspire designers andis a modern homeowners to think The monza contemporary design of column radiator available in over outside the box and create 80 sizes, both vertical and horizontal.

Delivery to merchants is within 3 days.

Like all apollo radiators it is manufactured truly exceptional interiors.” in europe, in this case Italy.

The monza is ideally suited to lowproducts Purmo are temperature renewable systems, incorporating heat pumps and underfloor available to order in a wide heating.

Unlike most aluminium radiators it relies on range ofheat, RAL as well waterways to conduct and thecolours, design and technology is patented, and also suited aspressure metal, to high systems. matt, fine texture The monza is less than half the weight of steeland column radiators, and available finishes. at a anode The similar price. There are 46 colour options available within 7 days, the standard colour company’s comprehensive being ral 9016 white, available in 3 days. range of emitters, which includes vertical, horizontal, flat fronted and retro

inspired emitters, means there is a combination of product and colour finishes to suit individual tastes.

Colour wheels are available on request by emailing uk@ purmo.co.uk.

Purmo also supplies a wide range of towel warmers, from the standard ladder style to creative designs, such as the Kea. The Kea is designed with asymmetric horizontal tubes alternating to the left and right off a set of twin vertical heating pipes with central connections.

The Anafi (pictured) is another aspirational creation. This unusual model features interpenetrating horizontal and vertical lines and spatial form, giving it the look of a modern sculpture.

This radiator can be installed in the bathroom or kitchen.

Like all of Purmo’s towel warmer range, the Kea and Anafi carry the CE mark and come with a 10 year guarantee as standard.

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Colour matching A colour matching service is available from Electrorad on its range of electric Aeroflow radiators. It lets customers choose any RAL colour so it fits in with a particular scheme. Zinc galvanised and powder coated, Aeroflow is backed with a 30 year warranty. The Aeroflow offers three thermostatic control options: a built-in digital electronic room thermostat comes as standard with 24-hour/7 day programming, whilst an RF controller provides wireless controllability. An electronic analogue thermostat is also available. www.electrorad.co.uk

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Pull down racks New to AEL Heating’s Warmrack range of towel radiators is the Carson model. It features a rack that can be pulled down into an open position for additional space for drying. It is also capable of providing enough heat to warm the bathroom.

Carson is available in two heights, each having one integral high level airing rack. It is made with semi oval side channels and large (23mm) tubular towel holder bars. www.aelheating.com

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www.purmo.com/en

Radical approach to rads modern aluminium radiators suitable for low temperature renewable systems

The Monza is a modern design of column radiator

by Apollo, available in over 80 sizes, both vertical and horizontal, with delivery to merchants within three days.

This model is suited to low temperature renewable systems, such as those powered by heat pumps and specified in combination with underfloor heating. It is also best placed in high pressure systems. Made from aluminium, this rad is less than half the weight of steel column radiators.

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The Radical www.apolloradiators.co.uk radiator by Stelrad is claimed to offer a 10% gas saving compared to a standard heating system.

Described as a ‘serial feed’ radiator, its construction allows the water to enter via a centre tap connection, directing the water flow into the front panel first. After circulating around the front panel, the water eventually makes its way from the front panel into the back panel.

This means the front panel warms up 23% faster than standard parallel feed radiators.

Stelrad’s Chris Harvey comments: “Radical adds a

new string to our bow with a genuinely energy efficient radiator to add to the huge range of radiators we have available. Its reliability is confirmed by a ten year guarantee and the value is not in question when

you consider the fact that Radical comes with an inbuilt thermostatic valve and a string of benefits that no radiator released in the UK before can match.”

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September 2015

70 STEP by step

Fuss-free way to fit bathroom fans Noisy bathroom fans can annoy people to the point that they may choose not to use them at all, leading to condensation, mould and damp problems. Here, Xpelair provides a tutorial on how to fit its Simply Silent Contour Fan with Ghost Air Movement technology.

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ith more than 14 million UK adults having been affected by a noisy bathroom fan in their home, Xpelair’s new Simply Silent Contour Fan offers an easy to fit solution.

Combining easy installation and high performance with near-silent running, Simply Silent features Xpelair’s innovative Ghost Air Movement Technology – making it one of the quietest bathroom fans on the market.

Simply Silent is available in a choice of AC models, or a DC Constant Volume (CV) model which includes Intelligent AdaptiFlow Sensing, a smart technology which senses changes in airflow and adjusts the fan speed intuitively to maintain a constant volume of extracted air. This model also includes an integral hour run meter, particularly suited for social housing installations.

Here, Xpelair runs through the ‘So Simple’ installation procedure which offers quick, simple and fuss-free installation for walls, ceilings, panels or windows.

For installation, you will need the following: cross head magnetic screwdriver, drill, wiring / clipping pliers, measuring tape and power flow hood (for new build installations only).

(4) Fit grille using the unique wall kit (if required): For installations that have restricted external access, a wall kit is also available, including a length of rigid wall tube and a self-grip folding external wall grille. This means the entire installation can be completed from the inside.

(8) Attach cover and baffle: Attach the cover and baffle, which can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.

All models are available with a square or round baffle.

(5) Fix to the ducting and condensation trap: For replacement installations, check the existing ducting and condensation trap from the previous fan. Fix to the Simply Silent Contour Fan – or replace and fix if needed.

(1)

Remove existing fan: To begin installation of the Simply Silent, isolate the mains supply and remove the existing fan.

(9) Test the Simply Silent: The new fan is now installed and ready to test by switch, pull cord or by turning on the bath or shower to raise humidity levels, depending on the model.

Knock out noise (2) Remove cover and place the fan into position: Using a screwdriver, depress the latch and remove the cover, then place the fan into position. An additional adaptor kit is also available when replacing a 6in fan in the kitchen.

(6) Pull cable through and fix: Drilling a hole if required, pull the mains cable through the 20mm cable hole and fix, according to the installation instructions for the appropriate model.

(3) Align fan and fix

it into place: When fixing to a wall, use the level line on the back plate to align the fan, and fix into place using the three fixed radial points. If fitting into a plasterboard ceiling or into a wall with a fixed rigid duct, use the integral quick-fix clamps to avoid the need for drilling holes, using plugs and screws.

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(7) Set jumper to required position: Ensure fan is flush

and flat on the wall or ceiling and set the jumper to the required extraction speed of either 15 litres or 21 litres per second.

Over 14 million UK adults are being affected by having a noisy bathroom fan in their home according to research from Xpelair. The independent study revealed that just under half of the British adult population rated their existing bathroom fan as noisy, whilst a quarter of those described it as annoyingly noisy. The survey results also highlighted the impact that bathroom fans are having on poor sleep, with over 4.5 million adults having been woken up or kept awake by a noisy fan.

Steve Holton, Strategic Marketing Director at Redring Xpelair, comments: “A chronic lack of sleep affects over a third of the British public, with stress and taking work home blamed as the key culprits. However, noise is another critical factor that is keeping people up at night and the bathroom fan is one of the main offenders.

“Behind the scenes at Xpelair, there has been huge investment in our research and development and we believe this will add serious credibility to our product and service offering and really excite the market moving forward. This development was behind our Simply Silent Contour range – a new generation of 4in fans that feature Xpelair’s brand new and patented Ghost Air Movement Technology.” www.xpelair.co.uk

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September 2015

PRODUCT Spotlight 71

Getting the best from both worlds Many plumbers maintain a proud tradition of making copper fittings on site, but that doesn’t mean a plastic piping system shouldn’t be used where appropriate. Gareth Samuel, Product Manager at Hep2O, explains how installers can combine the best of both worlds.

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opper pipe has been the material of choice for plumbers for decades, with its excellent thermal performance and corrosion-resistant qualities. Many plumbers still swear by the benefits of making soldered copper joints on site, partly because knowing they have made every joint gives them confidence in a system.

In addition there is also an emotional attachment to the craft of making copper joints, which may have been handed down the generations.

Such an adherence to copper might however mean that some alternatives that might offer some significant installation benefits are overlooked. Plastic pipe is not only fast to fit, but the best systems can withstand the demands of a wide range of applications. Advanced plastic systems such as Hep2O can provide joint recognition and tamper-proof secure demountability which make it a contender against copper.

The benefits offered by copper installations also have to be balanced against the debris caused by soldering, which means having to flush a system post installation, in addition to the hassle of obtaining hot works permits.

Working together The choice of pipe system does not have to be seen as an either/or when it comes to plastic versus copper. Hep2O is designed to connect to copper as well as plastic pipe, because there are many situations where copper pipe will still be present, whether in a refurbishment of an existing system or a new installation. Installers who want to reap the benefits of an alternative solution don’t have to leave copper behind and can instead combine the benefits of both materials.

In order to assist plumbers wanting to connect copper and plastic pipework, our fittings can accept copper pipe just as readily as plastic pipe, providing a reliable joint.

The ability of Hep2O to connect to copper unlocks the potential to replace sections of copper-based systems in refurbishment schemes where total replacement is not desirable or necessary.

Plastic pipe is easy to run through floor joists

Hep2O pipe can also be connected to compression fittings to enable connections to copper pipe, providing the fittings comply with BS EN 1254, using an appropriate SmartSleeve pipe sleeve. Provided good practice is carried out by installers, a Hep2O pipe will not rotate in a compression fitting after tightening.

A common misconception exists that copper is the only method for connecting directly to a boiler, but plastic can in some circumstances be used. In the case of the Hep2O system, the pipe can be connected directly to boilers which have a high limit cut-out thermostat, pump overrun device, and connections which are a minimum of 350mm. While individual boiler manufacturers’ instructions on connections must always have the final word, in most cases it is only necessary to run a metre of copper pipe from a boiler before connecting to polybutylene pipe.

Our push-fit plumbing system demonstrates the value of listening to the practical requirements of plumbing and heating engineers. One result of this is the system’s quick and secure joint recognition method, In4Sure. The engineered fitting produces a rumbling sensation and is created when the pipe is inserted fully and twisted as a clear sign to the installer that they have made a secure connection.

Using this push-fit system, plumbers can achieve the reliability offered by a soldered copper joint, but with a much faster installation and no hot works. Ensuring secure fittings throughout a system is essential, as identifying and fixing a leak post-installation can be a major headache.

The whole Hep2O plumbing system, including fittings and pipes, also carries a 50 year guarantee which is unique in the industry, providing added confidence in its proven qualities for installers.

Flexible benefits One of the key benefits offered to installers by plastic piping is the high degree of flexibility that it affords, for example allowing installers to cable pipes around obstructions. This can be especially useful in the context of refurbishments, and means that fewer joints are required, saving not only on cost but also further installation time.

Pipes can also be inserted through floor joists, providing a safe and practical alternative to the t rad it ional approach of notching joists to take rigid pipework.

This method is allowed by Building Regulations Approved Document A, but has a number of disadvantages. These include the fact that pipework needs to be installed before the floorboards are laid on the joists,

Hep2O fittings with the HepKey which offers an easy way to demount fittings when required

meaning that a plumber has to work on open joists, creating risk. In addition the plumber will have to return to connect pipework to radiators after the floors are laid, and in the meantime pipe tails may have been moved by other tradesmen, and will have to be repositioned.

Using flexible plastic pipe, flooring can be laid before the plumbing is installed within the joists underneath, allowing trades to continue working above. As well as less risk to the plumber, there is also less danger of puncturing the pipe with nails when fixing the floorboards, as they are installed before the pipework.

Effective alternative Plumbers have a long-standing relationship of trust with copper, and in some situations it remains an essential component of pipework systems. However there are many situations where high-quality plastic alternatives will provide not only an effective alternative, but one that will happily work together with copper to provide a robust and effective installation.

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www.wavin.oc.uk

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September 2015

72 Vans & Racking

Van test: Fiat Doblo Building on the success of the 2010 revamp of the Doblo, Fiat has upped its game with the latest range that offers better handling, higher fuel economy, and more perks as standard.

Van tester Mike Smyre put the Doblo Maxi SX through its paces and renders his verdict.

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n 2010, Fiat made major revisions to its Doblo models, resulting in the ‘Van of the Year’ award in 2011, and those of you with long memories (and sad, sad lives) may remember that I was mightily impressed with the changes. The looks, the build quality and the ergonomics were all light-years ahead of its predecessor, resulting in a great all-round small van.

What, then, could be done to improve on this already Mike Smyre, van tester well-rounded package? To find out, I took delivery of the new Doblo Maxi SX with the mid-range 105bhp 1.6 turbo diesel engine. The changes on the 2015 model are not in the same category as four years ago – the ‘face’ has been re-designed, the clutch and gearchange action and have been improved, and there have been tweaks to the fuel economy across the range of engines.

Cabin cruiser The layout of the controls and instruments retain their practical and functional ergonomics, which continue to impress four years on. There is everything you need, nothing you don’t, and it all remains very intuitive to use. My only complaint is that the speedo and tacho could be easier to read – the numbers and needles are both a bit too small for a quick glance down. While the quality of the plastics is not quite up to the standard of the VW Caddy – or even the latest Transit Connect – and may even be described as spartan, they certainly give the impression that they are more than up to the rigours of everyday wear and tear.

The Doblo Maxi SX with the mid-range 105bhp 1.6 turbo diesel engine is practical, well-appointed and economical to run

Power play The 750kg load capacity should be more than adequate for most installers – if not, you can upgrade to a class-leading 1000kg for an additional £165. The sliding doors both sides and a PVC lining are standard on the Maxi model, and six tie-down hooks ensure your load remains firmly in place.

The rear doors have the 60/40 split that is becoming industry standard. Both open 180 degrees, and Fiat claim they can be both opened and extended using just one finger.

The 1.6 common-rail diesel is quiet and vibration-free and pulls adequately all the way through the rev range. Maximum torque comes at a mere 1500rpm, so there is little point in pushing the revs too hard. With 105 bhp pulling 2370kgs, it hardly gets the blood racing, but it does the job and never feels as if it’s running out of steam. If you regularly haul heavy loads, or simply want a bit more performance, there is a 2.0 turbo diesel option giving a very respectable 135bhp. Fiat claims to have improved both responsiveness and economy across the engine range.

Under the bonnet The 90hp 1.3 MultiJet II and 105hp 1.6 MultiJet II engines are now available in ‘EcoJet’ versions which offer a further reduction in fuel consumption and emissions levels using ‘Start&Stop’ (a £225 option fitted to our test model), low rolling-resistance tyres, low-viscosity oil, an ‘intelligent’ alternator, a variabledisplacement oil pump, and a new aerodynamic pack.

Fiat claims a fuel economy figure of up to 64mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km, and while manufacturer’s economy figures need to taken with a large pinch of salt, I managed 46mpg over the week I had the van. Bearing in mind I had only the ‘Start&Stop’ and was not driving with economy in mind, I reckon the full economy pack and sensible use of the throttle would make 50+ mpg more than possible.

The rear doors are designed with a 60/40 split

The seats are large and comfortable for both driver and passenger, with height and lumbar support adjustment on the driver’s side. Despite the standard bulkhead, there is also plenty of leg-room, and unless you have the kind of build normally found in a pro-wrestling ring, you’re not going to feel cramped in this spacious cabin.

There is plenty of storage for maps and documents, with a large shelf over the windscreen, generous pockets in the doors, and a small space under the passenger seat.

The solid practicality extends rearwards into the load space.

The 4.2m3 space gives an additional 1m3 over the standard Doblo, and can be extended to 5m3 by specifying the higher roof. The flat floor with minimal wheel-arch intrusion (thanks to Fiat’s bi-link independent rear suspension) and the squaredoff body shape make this a very usable space.

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How it handles The Doblo’s road manners are excellent. The power steering is perfectly weighted, and cornering and grip are everything you need in a commercial vehicle. There is a slight tendency for the front end to tuck under if you push hard into corners, but it is never unsettling. The suspension absorbs bumps and potholes with aplomb, and a rough road is the only time the cabin gets noisy. ESC, an optional extra on the 2011 model range, is now standard.

The clutch is light and progressive and the gear change on the six-speed box is slick. Fiat say they have lightened the former and shortened up the action on the latter, but they were notably good before, and without a back-toback comparison, I really couldn’t detect any difference.

The brakes are powerful and progressive with a nice feel to the brake pedal, and despite a couple of rapid stops, I never felt the ABS was kicking in.

Sliding doors on both sides give more access to the interior

The tall sixth gear (2500rpm at 70 mph), comfortable cabin, and lack of wind and engine noise at legal speeds make the Doblo an ideal tool for motorways and fast ‘A’ roads. It really does feel like you could drive all day and arrive fresh at your destination.

Looking back Reversing is not the easiest. The shape of the load space, while very practical, does, in combination with the solid bulkhead, severely restrict the rearward vision, and even the large mirrors with their convex additions do not give much clue as to what’s happening behind. This makes the parking sensors a very worthwhile £185 option. I didn’t have these on the 2011 test, and found myself leaving the van 3 feet away from any potential hazard to avoid a scrape. I really wouldn’t consider buying this van and not having them fitted.

So what, if anything, is wrong with the Doblo? Well, not a lot. I noted last time out that the cabin power outlet was in an awkward position and that the bonnet release was difficult to reach. These very minor gripes remain. My only other concern would be residual value. Fiat has made huge strides in build quality and reliability in recent years, and it seems somewhat unfair that this has yet to be reflected in resale values. But these rely to a large extent on consumer perception, and the Fiat marque has not, as yet, attained the kudos and reputation for longevity enjoyed by VW, Mercedes and the like. I would not let this put me off buying one.

Final verdict Our test van, with a host of standard extras plus the reversing sensors, metallic paint and power folding mirrors included, comes in a just over £18K plus VAT. For this you get a practical, comfortable, well appointed and economical vehicle with great load space and carrying capacity. Things have improved enormously at Fiat, and if you’ve been put off by the badge in the past, don’t be now. This van will not disappoint. www.fiatprofessional.co.uk

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September 2015

VANS & Racking 73 Manufacturer mpg claims misleading

Diesel engine is Euro 6 compliant The New Berlingo is the first of Citroën’s LCVs to be offered with Euro 6 compliant BlueHDi diesel engines. Part of the ‘Ready to Run’ range, the New Berlingo is also available with Euro 5 HDi 75 and HDi 90 diesel engines, complemented by the latest generation Euro 6 BlueHDi 100 and BlueHDi 120 diesel powerplants.

Depending on the model selected, New Berlingo is also available with Stop & Start technology, manual 5 or 6-speed gearboxes and Citroën’s ETG6 automated manual transmission.

The van’s CO2 emissions are now reduced to 109g/km for the BlueHDi 100 S&S ETG6 L1 625 LX model. The range has combined cycle fuel economy figures of up to 68.9mpg.

In addition to the introduction of the new BlueHDi engines, New Berlingo models also have specification upgrades to benefit both the operator and the driver.

Externally, the new vans have a redesigned grille

and front bumper, and are available with an optional Look Pack, featuring LED daytime-running lights.

Internally, both New Berlingo LX and Enterprise trim levels now have cruise control and a programmable speed limiter as standard. The top-of-the-range New Berlingo Enterprise specification has been enhanced with the inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen with Mirror Screen technology and an upgraded DAB audio system.

In addition, the Enterprise trim level now includes an alarm for increased security and peace of mind. New Berlingo offers an extended choice of options, including front parking sensors, a reversing camera and a colour touchscreen with audio streaming.

All New Berlingo panel vans are fitted as standard with Teletrac Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking.

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Van users are being warned to treat all fuel consumption figures with caution, unless they calculate them from their own experience. A recent report from Which? showed only 3 of 200 tested vehicles lived up to manufacturers’ official mpg figures.

Commenting on the disparity, Steve Clarke, Group Marketing Manager for Fuel Card Services, says: “This is hardly news, with various vehicle makers having been fined for misleading during recent

years. Van users can hardly expect that LCV manufacturers’ claims are any more accurate. Until this environment changes, van users should only trust

the statistics they compile themselves.”

The report on a threeyear study revealed that manufacturers’ official consumption figures were optimistic, on average by 13%. It appeared during the same month as an RAC report surveying 1000 business decision-makers.

Steve Clarke adds: “RAC Business found that 44% of those surveyed cited fuel economy as their top priority when acquiring new

Get the full package in one go Check list for drivers

Trade Ready Solutions, the complete package solution by Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle solutions in partnership with Hitachi Power Tools and Bri-Stor Systems, has been updated to include new van models, racking systems and tools, with the addition of new vehicle signage.

The package means you deal with just a single supplier for all your vehicle, tools, racking and signage needs. All funding, maintenance and repair costs of the van and its Trade Ready equipment are covered by one monthly payment.

Included is a choice of four Hitachi Power Tool packages which are covered by a three year warranty and a free tool refresh after three years. Each pack comes with multiple cross-compatible batteries, with all batteries and tools stored in stackable tool

boxes for complete safety and professionalism.

The racking system is supplied by Bri-Stor, with five packages to choose from. As the racking systems are ready designed and in production, the lead time for a fully equipped vehicle is reduced; even with customisation, waiting times are reduced

from months to just days.

The two new Ford van models are available for immediate customisation, but almost all other makes and models are available to order through the offer.

There are also a range of optional extras such as tow bars, fire extinguishers and specialist tools.

www.hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk

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Do you know your van’s maximum load capacity?

New research commissioned

by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has shown that nearly 50% of van drivers (over 1.2 million vehicles) are driving overloaded vans on UK roads.

The research, which surveyed both fleet managers and van drivers, found that nearly half of UK businesses don’t monitor the weights of their company vehicles, and 53% of drivers don’t know their vehicle’s maximum load carrying capacity.

Businesses can face thousands in unforeseen costs due to the increased pressure from overloading on a vehicle, resulting in

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vehicles of various types. It is not difficult to conclude that almost half of business vehicles are bought for their supposed fuel efficiency, but based on misleading claims in 93% of cases.

“If they had only surveyed van users, a higher figure would not have been surprising. The only sensible option is for firms to rely on their own fuel consumption evidence, while ensuring that they continue to refuel as cost-effectively as possible.”

higher maintenance costs in the long-run. Overloading can affect the van’s driving performance and lead to increased stopping distances, difficulty in steering, and potentially tipping over. It will also cause excessive wear and tear to the van affecting tyres, suspension and brakes.

Another impact is the issue of insurance if a vehicle is involved in an accident. Research showed that three quarters of fleet managers do not realise their insurance could potentially be invalidated if a company vehicle is involved in a crash and found to be

over the legal weight limit.

In addition, companies can face steep penalties for failing to comply with the legal weight limits of their vehicles including fines, immobilisation of the vehicle and, in severe cases, a court summons.

Last year, the DVSA stopped over 10,800 vans on UK roads and found 89% to be driving overloaded.

To help businesses avoid overloading, Volkswagen has created an online guide that includes information on vehicle payloads and locations of public weighbridges. Visit www. volkswagen-vans.co.uk / vehicle-overloading

We b u y a n y v a n . c o m is aiming to help van owners and drivers stay the right side of the law with a new ‘Walkaround Check List’. Every year, more than 10,000 vans are checked at random by the DVSA and drivers face unlimited fines, loss of their licence and up to 14 years in prison if their vehicle is not being operated correctly.

The webuyanyvan.com check list can be found at www.webuyanyvan. com/van-advisor/vanchecker/. Each of the sections covered by the DVSA are detailed in the guide, which is easy to use on all devices, including mobile. Each section has a handy tick box, making it easy to keep track of everything on the walkaround.

Rich Evans, Head of Technical Services, says: “Our new van website is there so van, pickup and truck owners can get a valuation for their vehicle within 30 seconds. We decided that in order to help owners, we’d include a number of helpful guides on buying and selling a van, pickup or truck.

The webuyanyvan.com walkaround check list is simple and easy to use, and we felt owners would appreciate the extra help in keeping to the right side of the regulations.”

02/09/2015 12:39

September 2015

74 CASE Study

Installing a bathroom in the loft Designing an en-suite bathroom in a loft was just one part of a major project to convert a ’60s bungalow in Hampshire into a modern family home. Stalbridge-based installer Adam Smith explains how working closely with the customer and suppliers was the key to success.

C

ustomers can easily imagine their dream bathroom, but helping to deliver it can be a completely different ball-game – and when it’s taking shape in a loft there are a few extra obstacles to overcome. However, like so many things in life, the more you plan the better the outcome, which is why installer Adam Smith and his customer Yulia Gleed left no stone unturned getting it right.

Julia’s day job, lecturing in 3D modelling and animation, helped to get things started.

“There were hundreds of decisions to make and things to get wrong,” explains Yulia. “My 3D experience helped enormously. I did a 2D sketch, then 3D, that way I could see the design take shape, and if something needed moving it was much better than waiting until it was built. Inevitably you still make mistakes, but at least I could minimise them.”

Family home Yulia wasn’t just looking to create a home for herself and her partner Neil, but also for her 16-year-old daughter Elina, and her mum Lilia. So she had to plan for three bathrooms: an en-suite for her mum, a big family bathroom, and the loft en-suite for herself and Neil. Before helping to turn Yulia’s designs into reality, Adam needed to think carefully about product selection to ensure that the installation was spot on.

“Yulia wanted a combi boiler, but that wasn’t going to work for her house,” he explains. “The system had too far to travel and a combi would have ruled out a secondary return loop. I therefore selected a 210 litre unvented hot water cylinder with an A-rated system boiler.

“With a big project like this, every wall placement is critical because it has a knock-on effect down the line. In the case of the loft en-suite we needed to make sure the soil pipes were in alignment with the bathrooms below so there was no need to re-route pipework.”

This is one example where 3D modelling really helped because Adam and Yulia were able to go through lots of options to find the best solution.

Going to plan “Yulia was very certain about the layout she wanted throughout the house,” says Adam. “In the downstairs en-suite she wanted the toilet in line with the basin, but it was difficult to achieve that result with the existing soil runs. In places the clearance was less than six inches, so we had to tap into another manhole to give ourselves more capacity.

Lofty ambition – the layout of the en-suite bathroom has been designed to make the most of available light and limited space

“The space in the loft en-suite is very tight so every inch counts. I recommended a Roca In-Tank toilet. Being a wall-hung system, only the pan is on show and there’s no cistern because it operates via an electrical supply. It was perfect for this project because it used up very little space and also meant no pipework was visible, which was important to Yulia.”

The use of plastic pipe throughout the project helped to provide extra flexibility. “Some of the downstairs is heated by a Kingspan underfloor system,” adds Adam, “and in the garage, where we needed to make sure the floor wasn’t raised higher than the drive, we used multilayer foil with clamp track to secure it, because this way we could ensure it fitted perfectly.”

Extra challenges

Products on show Plumb Center operates 20 bathroom showrooms to help installers and their customers plan their ideal bathroom and select products from a wide range of leading manufacturers. Attached to existing bathrooms, the showrooms offer a digital design service, expert staff and consumer friendly opening hours. Visit plumbcenter. co.uk/en/info/bathroom-showrooms to learn more.

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One major issue with this bungalow was its very thin beams and rafters, and sagging roof. So they had to face the challenging prospect of removing the roof entirely.

Luckily, they were able to lift and straighten the roof to take the Velux windows.

Also, the floor joists were only 100mm but for the floor to pass the Building Regulations they needed to be 195 x 45mm – so every single floor joist had to have a new one nailed to it to make it stronger.

“Without this improvement the floor would not have been strong enough for people to move around freely upstairs let alone hold a bed and a bath,” explains Adam.

The other critical issue was making sure the new stairway that led to the old loft arrived on the landing at the highest point of the roof. This was also important in the en-suite, because Yulia was naturally not too keen on the idea of having to shower with a stoop.

Team effort Successful projects are all about teamwork and good relationships. The customer, the installer and the merchant need to sit down and find the right solutions at the right

price. It’s about the merchant understanding the needs of the installer and they, in turn, being able to deliver the dream bathroom.

“It’s really important to understand the products you’re fitting,” says Adam. “And this is where an excellent merchant makes all the difference. If you have experience and knowledge of the products and your merchant understands what you need in relation to tolerances and products, you get the first fix right and the second fix is plain sailing.”

Small is beautiful Working in a tight space can be a big challenge, but there are a number of bathroom product innovations that can help to get the job done. For example Ideal Standard has worked with UK designer Robin Levien to develop Concept Space, which offers a number of solutions to transform any space – however small or awkward – into a beautiful bathroom.

The collection includes a big selection of compact baths, basins, toilets and bidets, all with flexible brassware positioning, designed to fit into really awkward spaces.

It also has many storage solutions, designed to utilize every nook and cranny.

Happy customer The conversion of the bungalow has been a long hard slog, but thanks in no small part to Adam, Yulia’s dream home is now a reality. She acknowledges that Adam’s advice and expertise has been invaluable to the success of the project.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant,” says Yulia. “I would have been lost without him.”

Adam set up his own business, AJS Plumbing & Heating, in March last year, having spent nine years working for his father’s business. In 2012 he was joint winner of the OFTEC Oil Boiler Installer of the Year award – “an achievement of which I’m very proud,” he says. Adam regularly employs a sub-contractor and has just taken on a Level 3 apprentice. www.plumbcenter.co.uk

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September 2015

WHat’s New 75 Optimised design Oil boiler is out of the blue for better efficiency New design features added to Kingspan Environmental’s Range Tribune Xe enable the hot water cylinder to offer more in terms of both ErP rating and SAP assessment.

As well as optimising performance and energy efficiency, the new cylinder design will also improve the speed and ease of assembly and installation.

The new casing specification and thicker insulation improve thermal efficiency.

Engineering changes include a side mounted hot water outlet, new inlet set, and swivel connection T&P relief valve.

An integrated dual thermostat for faster reaction time and the latest high performance pump technology on preplumbed versions are also new components.

A premium feature of the new cylinder is internal expansion control using an air pocket device to maintain pressure when water is drawn off. This further improves heat retention characteristics

Looking to preempt future European efficiency and NOx emission targets, Firebird has unveiled what is claimed to be the most energy efficient domestic oil fired boiler on the market.

The new Enviromax Blue Supreme is a condensing boiler that features a low NOx MHG burner and a patented heat recovery unit to improve combustion and maximise energy efficiency.

The Blue Flame technology is achieved by atomising

For flexible replacement of existing installations, the boiler features four tappings (two on each side) while maintenance is made easier by digital controls that provide fault diagnostics and operational history, as well as operating as an anti-cycling device and preventing pump overrun.

The boiler is available in three models, kitchen, boilerhouse and external heatpac with two fixed outputs (20 and 26kW).

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www.firebird.ie

More control in 4-in-1 digital actuator

but also means no external expansion vessel is needed, resulting in a quicker and more reliable space-saving installation.

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Aimed at installers Energy is Glow-worm’s new range of highly efficient boilers designed specifically for private domestic installers.

Featuring an automotivegrade aluminium heat exchanger, Energy features a four-sided cooling system that reduces stress on the heat exchanger to deliver long-term reliability.

Available in combi, system and regular heat-only options, along with a choice of rear or top flues, the ErP

heating oil at high pressure before it is mixed with pre warmed air and ignited. Hot combustion gases are then re-circulated through the burner blast tube through a specially designed slot which in turn concentrates the burner flame in one area and reduces the overall NOx levels. The result is a flame that produces soot free combustion along with reduced consumption of heating oil and low emission levels.

‘A’ rated boiler is suitable for a wide range of homes.

Each boiler also offers a DIN pipe layout to make boiler swaps quick and easy, and large waterways, meaning its suitable for retrofit jobs. A water flush cleaning system also removes the need for special cleaning tools, in turn reducing costs.

Find out more about the Energy range next month in our Gas Boilers feature.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Claiming a revolution in commercial heating and cooling control, Danfoss has launched the NovoCon digital actuator. This multifunctional device makes it possible to connect an HVAC system to a Building Management System (BMS) via BACnet communications protocol – adding advanced levels of hydronic balancing and control, whilst also saving valuable time on site.

The NovoCon is a four-in-one solution which combines a digital actuator, flow indicator, BMS communication device and data logger. Designed for use with Danfoss’s AB-QM pressure independent balancing and control valve (PICV), NovoCon simplifies

the installation and commissioning process and gives users access to unique data for maintenance purposes. It also offers remote commissioning of the heating and cooling system via the building management system, for example, the ability to balance hundreds of valves with a single mouse click.

The NovoCon has been independently tested by Imtech, which reported easier installation and commissioning as well as added flexibility when making subsequent changes in the system. The tests also showed that it was possible to install and commission the valve and actuator at the same time. www.heating.danfoss.co.uk

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Faster on-demand hot water The RapidHeat consortium, led by Cressall Resistors, has developed an on-demand electric water heater that is said to be faster and more compact than other similar products on the market. The EU-funded development project makes hot or boiling water instantaneously available in domestic or commercial applications.

The RapidHeat instant water heater dispenses with the need for the accumulator and eliminates the use of stale hot water, making operation more hygienic and also results in water and energy savings for the user.

The ceramic used in the RapidHeat water heater has high thermal conductivity, which enables high heat transfer at low temperature differences. High power density also means the heater is smaller and lighter than other technologies on the market, which makes it suitable for applications where space is limited.

www.rapidheat.eu

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03/09/2015 09:09 01/09/2015 09:16

September 2015

76 WHat’s New Lower energy loss Low level tray has high level elegance tanks join range The latest entry to Merlyn Showering’s portfolio is a low level 25mm tray. The Merlyn Trays Collection includes a number of colours within the Truestone range.

The mid-grey colour, which Merlyn calls Fossil, adds to the selection of white and slate black. The textured tray features a luxurious tactile finish with a natural yet high end look. The textured trays are available in sizes from 1000 x 800mm to 1500 x 800mm as square, rectangle, quadrant and offset quadrants.

Low standing losses are the main feature of Panasonic’s latest additions to its Aquarea range of tanks. They vary in capacity from 180 litres to 400 litres and help ensure that energy losses are minimal.

Marc Diaz, Country Manager for Panasonic Heating & Cooling, comments: “Complying with all relevant regulations, this new line of Aquarea tanks can be considered the highest quality and most robust cylinders on the UK market, whilst homeowners are protected by Panasonic’s 25 year manufacturer guarantee.”

without the complicated wetroom installation. To add to the smooth lines and

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Reap the benefits of twin pipework Giving installers of district heating systems more ways to improve system efficiency and reduce costs, Rehau has extended its range of Rauthermex pre-insulated polymer pipework. The company has introduced a smaller twin pipe 20mm Duo, and what is claimed to be the largest twin district heating pipe available in polymer in the UK – the 75mm Duo.

Complete kit As with all Aquarea cylinders, the new tanks are supplied with compression fittings and locating bosses, enabling a quick and simple on-site installation process.

The systems are complete with a G3 kit, temperature sensor, 3-way valve, 90° draw-off elbow, and lift up pressure relief valve to deliver an easier installation.

To ensure performance and restrict energy losses to a minimum, the tanks have been specially designed to avoid pressure loss whilst simultaneously maximising the heat exchange surface area. This is achieved by incorporating a multi-pass corrugated stainless steel tube into the unit.

The corrugated tubing provides a 20% faster recovery time than the tanks featuring plain tubing.

The new Level25 tray can be fitted flush to the floor to give a total wetroom look

contemporary look, there is a discreet integrated waste cover. Level25 includes square (900 x 900mm) and rectangular models in sizes from 1000 x 800 to 1400 x 800mm.

The new trays are part of the Merlyn Shower Tray Collection which also includes MStone (double skin stone resin) Upstand (a low level tray with four upstands) and Touchstone (Merlyn’s single skinned range of trays).

The cylinders are solar ready with a twin coil fitted to improve their efficiency further.

A slimline version is also available to address the size restrictions and the varied requirements of Britain’s modern homes. With the body of the unit just 475mm in diameter, Panasonic says that the tanks are suitable for use within the social housing sector where space is often at a premium.

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The range of Duo pipes in Rauthermex was previously limited to sizes between 25 and 63mm, but the

wider range of sizes are designed to help customers optimise the design of heat networks. Rehau says that the Duo pipework options are typically more efficient than the single flow/return pipe alternatives, and that the 75mm Duo delivers 14% less heat loss than the equivalent two single pipes at 80/60ºC flow and return temperatures.

The company claims that by using this type of pipework, significant savings can be made on system running costs, on top of the capital savings which come from the pipe itself, and up to an estimated 33% saving on installation costs associated with installing just one pipe rather than two.

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www.rehau.uk

Chemical aerosols Widescreen view and high output Three new MC+ Rapide formulations have been added to Adey’s range of water treatment chemicals. The latest entries of chemical aerosols are the MC2+ Rapide Silencer to prevent boiler noise and improve heat efficiency, the MC4+ Rapide Leak Sealer for small, inaccessible leaks and weeping joints, and the MC10+ Rapide Biocide – a dual acting formula that prevents bacterial contamination and algae formation in UFH and central heating systems.

The Rapide range offers installers fast chemical dosing which can be carried out in just 20 seconds against normal system pressure. They were developed and tested in Adey’s BuildCert accredited laboratory. www.adey.com

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How 1kW makes a difference to RHI With the aim of allowing end-users to make the most of the recent changes to the non-commercial RHI, Euroheat has reclassified its HDG Compact 200 pellet or wood chip boiler. Whereas before the most attractive tariffs ended under 200kW (199kWs or lower), this has been recently changed to include 200kW boilers, equating to £2000 additional RHI returns a year.

Simon Holden, co-founder of Euroheat, comments: “Moving the parameters of one of our most popular boilers might seem like a fairly insignificant change,

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but for RHI recipients, it means a considerable additional chunk of money.

One extra kW equals an extra £2000 annually – a

sizeable figure that will make a big difference to the lightcommercial customers this boiler type appeals to.”

The HDG Compact 200 is

a highly efficient biomass boiler, designed to burn pellets or wood chips as fuel.

Optimised combustion results in lower fuel consumption, with an advanced PLC control governing the boiler’s output, ensuring that only the required amount of heat is produced. Fully automated, with pellets or chips transported to the combustion chamber and then ignited automatically, the Compact 200 also comes with a self-activated cleaning feature.

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Now in showrooms is Elgin & Hall’s latest fire, the Opulence, designed for installation into a wider 22in cutout back panel, but with the convenience of fitting into a standard chimney opening without any building work.

The Opulence is a stylish glass-fronted fire offering 84% efficiency and maximum heat output of 4.2kW. With its widescreen engine, the Opulence is suitable for larger surrounds of 50in and above, such as Elgin & Hall’s 50in Roesia with complementing square edges.

There is a wide choice of frames – brass, chrome, nickel and brushed steel with an anthracite profiled edge. Fitted with a smartslide control for easy operation and control, the Opulence complements the recently launched slide control inset gas fires. All Elgin & Hall gas fires come with a five year warranty as standard www.elginandhall.co.uk

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02/09/2015 12:26

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26/08/2015 18/08/2015 15:19 11:21

September 2015

COMPETITION

Win with ADEY! As we approach the start of the heating season, installers are gearing up for their busiest time of year. Add to this the mobile nature of the job, which can make trying to keep on top of emails and admin difficult, and most will benefit from using a smartphone. ADEY has teamed up with PHAM News to offer readers the chance to win an iPhone 6 (16MB). Two runnersup prizes of a MagnaClean Professional2 chemical pack are also up for grabs.

ADEY’s market-leading Professional2 filter plus MC1+ and MC3+ make up the pack, ensuring installers are equipped with the best tools to protect the nation’s central heating systems.

As part of ADEY’s industry recognised four step approach to best practice, the introduction of its premium MC3+ chemical cleaner should be the very first thing an installer does when carrying out system maintenance, as it will help remove corrosion and limescale deposits.

Following a thorough system cleanse, a MagnaClean filter should be installed. ADEY’s MagnaClean Professional2 removes virtually 100% of the damaging suspended black iron oxide sludge which causes heating systems to break down. Its in-line, pushfit installation means it can be fitted in just two minutes, while multiple installation options can also be achieved. Finally, to ensure ongoing system protection and maintenance, its quality MC1+ chemical inhibitor should be added as the fourth and final step.

The prize The iPhone 6 is Apple’s latest iteration of its iconic smartphone – thinner than ever, yet the largest with a 4.7in retina HD display. The 16GB device comes loaded with the iOS 8 operating system with software to enhance the physical design.

Swipe gestures make it easy to navigate the iPhone with one hand. With new features like reachability you can interact with the larger screen in different ways too. It also features an 8-megapixel iSight camera with Panorama mode (up to 43 megapixels) and fingerprint identity sensor built into the home button.

How to enter Simply read the question below and then send your answer, along with your name and contact details, to marketing@adey.com by 30 September.

How quickly can a MagnaClean Professional2 filter be installed?

1 minute

2 minutes

3 minutes

Terms and conditions • • • •

Only one winner will be selected from the entries at random to win the iPhone. Two further winners will be selected at random to win the chemicals pack.

The prize stated cannot be substituted or upgraded.

Closing date 30 September 2015.

If you do not wish to be contacted for marketing purposes, please specify in the entry email.

www.adey.co.uk

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WHat’s New Ventilation that’s in demand Aimed at small to medium sized dwellings are Titon’s new decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) units: Solace and Solitude.

Suitable for either new build or refurbishment projects, both models can cater for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms due to their adjustable continuous settings.

Based on the results of tests by BRE, Titon claims that the Solitude is the most efficient dMEV currently available. It also meets 5Pa back pressure requirements.

Solitude is a constant flow dMEV fan which can be wall, ceiling, panel, or window

mounted. It benefits from a special impeller design, providing a combination of powerful performance and minimal noise. Additionally, the unit uses a boost with overrun timer that is adjustable between 0-30 minutes, manually activated

via a remote switch (in the form of a room light switch).

The Solace is available as a Basic Fan, where boost is manually activated via a remote switch; as Overrun Timer, which has boost with overrun timer adjustable between 0-30 mins; and as a Humidistat & Timer version with humidity sensor which is adjustable between 50 and 95%, which activates Comfort Boost mode. This model also features the boost with overrun time, adjustable between 0-30 minutes, manually activated via a remote switch.

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www.titon.co.uk

Tread pattern The power of for safer baths magnetic filter

The Opal bath from Twyford now includes a tread pattern. Aiming to support multigenerational living and aid with accessibility, the tread pattern covers the full length of the base, and the baths are available with the option of chrome hand grips.

Seven new variations with tread have been added to the range, and all come with a 25 year guarantee. The baths are available in 1700 x 700mm and the low-volume 1500 x 700mm model. Made from acrylic, the baths can be fitted with new twin-skinned Endurance front and end panels for extra robustness.. www.twyfordbathrooms.com

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The second generation of Inta’s intaKlean magnetic filter is now available. Designed to combat contamination problems caused by rogue particles in heating systems, the intaKlean 2 features a double gauze filter, which captures and keeps hold of nonferrous debris, as well as eliminating trapped air.

As fluid circulates around the filter body, nonferrous foreign matter is caught in the gauze, while the remaining ferrous debris is drawn to the centre of the filter and captured b y the neodymium magnet. The intaKlean 2’s full bore butterfly valves allow for convenient in-line installation without restricting water flow, and the magnet can be removed while the system is live for cleaning. Its anti-blockage design is said to guarantee continuous flow even if the filter has not been serviced.

ENQUIRY No. 184 www.intatec.co.uk

Aio taps into new deigns Extending its collection of Aio branded products, Methven has unveiled a new range of tapware, manufactured from Eco Brass, a high strength material which is lead and heavy metal free.

Aio tapware is described as having sophisticated simplicity, with its integrated lever and body design.

The collection features a variety of models suitable for all water pressure systems.

The Aio basin mixer features a directional aerator, which streamlines the water flow and minimises splash back. To

suit more compact bathrooms, a mini version of the basin mixer is also available. The range also includes a deck mounted bath and shower

mixer, complete with Aio handset. All the taps are backed by a 20 year guarantee.

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03/09/2015 09:15

September 2015

WHat’s New Shower works with level access pumps Bristan is making it easier to meet the complex requirements of wetroom retrofits in the care and social housing sectors by making its Joy Care shower work in conjunction with a number of level-access pumps (LAP), including the Whale Pump.

The company claims to offer a cost-effective showering solution for any commercial environment seeking to provide washroom facilities where disabled access is needed.

Lisa Ward, Product Group Manager at Bristan, comments: “The Joy Care shower provides the market with a truly innovative shower which can cater for varying abilities while also incorporating a stylish design.

“In particular, Joy Care has proven hugely popular in the care and social housing sectors given that, crucially, it can be used in conjunction with the full scope of LAPs, including the market-leading Whale Pump. The result is an

Sponsors of

`.

PRESS FITTING SYSTEMS easy to install and retrofit shower incorporating high functionality without compromising on style.”

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www.specifybristan.com

Protecting combis from scale The SC1 Compact is the latest entry to Monarch Water’s Scaleout range, a product that protects against limescale build-up.

With a flow rate up to 16 litres/min, the SC1 Compact has been primarily designed to protect the secondary side of small combi boilers, or any other application not exceeding this flow rate.

The Monarch Scaleout works by passing scale-causing calcium ions through a bed of food grade ceramic beads within the unit, which is then

transformed into a non-scaling calcium crystal. The crystals attach themselves to the beads. When they reach a certain size, they release themselves from the beads and back into the water. As a result of this physical change, scale no longer forms on surfaces, including heating coils and elements, fittings, or the inside of pipes.

The ceramic beads ensure pH stability and corrosion control and are suitable for use with all types of metal, including aluminium. www.monarchwater.co.uk

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New WCs are easy to clean Roca has extended two of its sanitaryware ranges to include new WCs – the Nexo wall-hung rimless and The Gap comfort height WC. Maximising on hygiene and ease of cleaning, the Nexo WC is now available in a wall-hung, rimless design.

Compatible with all Roca Duplo concealed cisterns, the Nexo rimless WC operates with an Eco flush of 4.5/3 litres. With the pan mounted securely to the installation system behind the wall, the cistern is neatly concealed.

The Gap comfort height WC is available as either backto-wall or close-coupled, both of which have a seat height of 480mm. The backto-wall pan is compatible

with Roca’s Basic Tank Compact concealed cistern and operates a 4.5/3 litre dual flush.

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Small VRV for urban areas The Mini VRV IV S-series from Daikin stands at less than 1m tall and is thought to be the shortest on the market. Suitable for urban areas and small spaces, the new unit is designed for residential and commercial applications and can be placed behind low walls or on balconies.

Offering a wide range of options, the new series is said to be suitable for all building types. Available in single-phase 4 and 5 HP units, the standard ranges of 4-5-6 HP units (single or three phase) have also been updated from VRV III to VRV IV models. www.daikin.co.uk

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Technical Tips

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

Security and efficiency are important when specifying the right pipes and fittings. Bill Barlow, UK Business Unit Director for Conex Bänninger, discusses why press fit technologies are becoming the product of choice for domestic and light commercial applications.

Speed and safety of installation are arguably the key drivers for any heating engineer or plumber, regardless of which product is being installed. Naturally, time means money, but a balance has to be struck between a quick turn-around and making sure that projects are delivered to expected standards.

Where pipes and fittings are concerned, this drive towards greater efficiency has appeared to move at a greater pace than any other. Whilst press fittings are now well established in the market, the popularity of traditional solder and braze methods have remained strong, with many installers feeling comfortable with what they consider a more permanent fitting.

The increasing time pressures on installation, coupled with tightening legislative requirements for flame licenses and working in close spaces, has brought press (and push) fittings to the fore in recent times, a move that has changed perceptions about press fittings and boosted popularity.

Problem solving The modern appeal of press fittings is rooted in ease of installation, good design and the fact that it does away with many of the health and safety requirements and logistical constraints of solder and braze fittings. The time saving element is another major appeal. The process is up to three times faster – and negates the need to stay on site for hours after completion, which can often be the case with a flame-based fitting.

Health and safety at work is paramount, and to undertake any welding works, the company installing must obtain a hot works permit in order to legally complete the job. For work in confined spaces, this becomes increasingly difficult to obtain, thereby delaying the job. Soldering and brazing methods also add additional administrative and insurance costs into the mix, which press fittings do not. The risk of leaving carbon deposits, flux, or localised annealing from hightemperature working is also alleviated by choosing a press fitting rather than a brazed one.

A further benefit of using high quality

press fittings is their versatility. Using a flame fitting in a confined space is largely an impractical solution, and when working under a sink or in a cupboard space, for example, it is very difficult to correctly make a joint when using these traditional techniques.

There is also a very real risk that the fitting could be left incomplete if the installer cannot get the solder to flow correctly around the joint, which heightens the risk of resulting leaks.

Fitting choice Avoiding leaks is naturally a pre-requisite for any fitting, but the choice of fitting can either increase or decrease this risk. It’s because of this that many in the industry choose three-point press over the more common two-point press option.

Three-point press is arguably the safest and most secure fitting on the market because they add an extra layer of protection, ensuring a leak-free, secure and permanent joint achieved.

One major benefit of the three-point press fitting is the ability to immediately identify an incorrectly pressed joint and take steps to correct it, negating the need to drain the system down or the risk of having to return at a later date to fix problem joints.

This is achieved by a pressing indicator (a specially designed O-ring that has a reduced section in two positions) which, if not pressed correctly, will leak profusely, even at low pressures (from 0.1 to 0.5 bar). When the joint has been pressed correctly, the O-ring material compresses itself to form a secure joint.

Trade tools The beauty of press fittings is that they only require a limited number of tools to complete the job compared to traditional methods. In addition, the installation process is straightforward, requiring only a tube cutter, deburring tool, press machine and press jaws.

Traditional fittings will always have their place in the market, and in some instances they are the only option, but there is no doubt that the domestic market is now marching towards press as the preferred option.

189

03/09/2015 09:19

September 2015

80 WHat’s New

Installation aid reduces air leakage Chrome additions deliver extra style

The latest from Timloc is a radiator pipework air barrier and installation aid. The air barrier helps reduce air leakage and aligns with Part L, which states that a maximum air leakage performance must be achieved in the design and build of all new homes.

Timloc’s product has an air leakage performance rate at 2Pa (average standard static pressure) and Part L’s testing pressure of 50Pa – without the need for sealants.

pipework. As well as reducing air leakage, Timloc says that the air barrier also helps to keep warm air in, thereby

The face-fix unit provides an air leakage barrier around the point of entry for throughwall 10mm plastic radiator

reducing heat loss and improving comfort levels and energy efficiency.

The unit projects from the wall by just 5mm, meaning that the barrier sits discreetly behind the majority of modern radiators. It has been designed for installation within all through wall concealed pipe void wall constructions, including studded dry walls and plaster dab solid walls.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.timloc.co.uk

190

Balanced flue system with glass front Enhancing its range of Global fires, DRU has launched two new additions – the glass-fronted 100 and 120 CF balanced flue system glass-fronted models.

Measuring 1m and 1.2m wide respectively, they have a generous height of 42cm for a good view of the fire bed.

In addition to the ‘front’ versions, these fires are now

Take a

Break

for chance to win £50 cash

Cooking Wordsearch Cooking Wordsearch Which one of the words is NOT in the grid?

Which one of the words is NOT in the grid?

A J S N E L E C N E I D U A L W C K

S E P E E R U M I S A U T E N G B A

E N O N S R P E W L T T E K R A M R

I S I A D H E V S T Y A S E H G E T M M E M E R P U T L U A N C I E S E L E S C R O A S T T L S A C U O T H U V S R C S I G E Q E A B I O L R H L R O L Z E N T X L L I S F BWordsearch N B N Circus

N E S I U N I G R E I D O S A E E I

F N L T S L T S E V A T O R I R S M

Which one of the words is NOT in the grid?

S E P E E R E M I W A L I I N G N A

E

I

S

N G N Al Dente O Y A P G L Barbecue S O E T U T Chasseur P N R E I L C C M Chops L T H T T O Confit T V U E I S Cooking K A E R I M R

Acrobats Audience Big Top Circus Clown Drum-roll

F S L U X L F B

I I S T A C G E R S T R T I T N E T

A L T M U I Z I R D E H S O I H N B

D L H S G A L C B C R R E A G W S N

N E S I N L I G R O E U O S H T E A

F V L T S S I T W M A T M R T T C M

G A X Y E T R E R O W M A R R R S G

T R O S T A R O P N M D F X O E O N

Elephant Horses Juggler Knife-thrower Performers Strongman

R T L W P T F N I S S S A B P L R O

O H A E C R E I T N T K A S E G L R

F M O B

G L X P E I S R A O W M G N M A D D

T P O S F R Y I N G C D F X B I O A

R H L N S T O N O S F R A W A M R W

C H O I E R E I G N I K O O C L T P

F C K Z S R G K V C L Q T U M I E N

M E A I O Y S T I B L L B S T I L Y

O L L L H L D A U B E O I S G O N S

G E S G N I F C T E T L U P M I N L

M U L S

R J N S

M T I L

Tent Thrills Tightrope Trapeze Travelling Tricks

Al Dente Barbecue Chasseur Chops Confit Cooking Crouton Daube Emulsion Fillet Frying Glaze Gratin Lard Puree Roast Saute Supreme

Last Month’s Winner

I E U E Crouton Gratin Z F L S K P L G and Answers Daube Lard E O H N L Y L I Winner: Mr R Strut from London Emulsion Puree E O M F P T W C Acrobats Elephant H I H N Fillet Roast Audience Horses A B E E Big Top JugglerSaute N S L S Frying T L O L Circus Knife-thrower C B I U Clown Performers Glaze Supreme S I S P Drum-roll Strongman M G E T

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.drufire.co.uk

191

An upgraded, larger-faced showerhead allows for a more powerful performance, whilst the added benefit of three power settings on the shower provide a comfortable temperature, making it suitable for all the family to use.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

192

www.galaxy-showers.com

Complete home solution

PHAM NEWS WORDSEARCH No.177

A J S N E L E P E N I D N A L W C S

available in 2-sided Corner and 3-sided Triple versions, offering greater versatility in terms of location and visual appeal. Rather than being restricted to the standard chimney, they can be installed in room dividing walls, special room features and other unusual places.

The Aqua 3000 and 3500 ranges from Galaxy showers have been upgraded to include chrome highlights on the dials and button, chrome rings around the knobs and chrome accessory kits.

Designed to be replacement showers for a family bathroom, the Aqua includes TempSure Plus, a technology that ensures a cool and safe starting temperature and stabilisation even when the pressure of the water changes, as well as working to flush away any excess hot water at the end of the shower to prevent discomfort to the next user.

The FlexiFit multiple connection cable and entry points make installation easier. The SlideFit accessory kit includes an adjustable top fixing bracket, a 1.25m hose, riser rail and soap dish.

Tent Thrills Tightrope Trapeze Travelling Tricks

Word not in the grid: Horses

Please email your answer, including your name and address to: info@phamnews.co.uk The closing date for the September 2015 issue will be 24/09/2015

The Saniaccess range of three macerators and a pump from Saniflo is designed to provide a one-stop-shop solution for new domestic applications.

Items in the range are suitable for a variety of applications including cloakroom, en-suites and greywater situations in kitchens and utility rooms.

The Saniaccess 1 is for use with one WC in a cloakroom setting and is primarily intended for new installations, as the inlet and outlet positions vary from other Saniflo models.

Saniaccess 2 is designed to service a WC and a washbasin and features two high-level side connections.

The Saniaccess 3 can service a new en-suite comprising a WC, bidet, washbasin and shower.

The Saniaccess Pump is

designed for domestic grey water applications including kitchens and utility rooms.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

193

www.saniflo.co.uk

RECRUITMENT Gas Safe Installer required for Fireplace and Stove Company Tel: 01252 876876

EMPLOY the BEST. FIREPLACES • STOVES • FLOORING

Gas Safe Installer required for Fireplace and Stove Company.

We require experience in the installation and servicing of traditional and contemporary stoves and fires. Based in Sandhurst, Berkshire.

Areas covered Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.

Hetas accredited would be an advantage.

Salary and hours negotiable.

C.V’s to becky@exclusivefireplaces.co.uk

recruitment starts here

Contact Sharon on

01889 577222

or classified@phamnews.co.uk

Missing word - Horses

80.indd 1

03/09/2015 09:55

September 2015

DIRECTORY 81 Autovents

Radiators

Insurance Broker CLA (Risk Solutions) Ltd

Aladdin Autovents - Classic range of automatic radiator de-aeration valves

Independent Insur ance Broker

Insur ance for PlumbING and HVAC Contr actors

• Avoid having to bleed air or gases from radiators • No more manual purging • Keeps Radiators hot to the top • Reduces corrosion • Avoid call out costs • 5 Year guarantee • Various sizes available

n Liabilities n Professional Indemnity n Tools and Equipment

n n n

Personal Accident Motor Fleet Contr actors All Risk

interest free direct debits available To discuss your individual requirements and a free no obligation quote tailored to your needs Ring 0121 321 4600 or email info@clarisksolutions.co.uk CLA (Risk Solutions) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration Number 468690

ENQUIRY

CLA (RISK SOLUTIONS) LTD

FOR FURTHER DETAILS www.nlbengineering.co.uk or Email admin@nlbengineering.co.uk or 01279 730363 Aladdin NLB Engineering

07

Financial Advice & Insurance ENQUIRY

Plumbsure Contractors Insurance & Financial Advice

01

Biomass Boilers

• Liabilities • Property • Contractors All Risks

www.ecoangus.co.uk 01934 862642

• Pensions & Auto Enrolment • Business Insurance • Investments

www.courtprice.co.uk Contact Courtprice: 0121 447 7555 | Email: info@courtprice.co.uk

Simple solutions for greener heating suppliers of MCS accredited wood burning boilers

Contact Address: Lloyds Building, 10 The Square, Alvechurch, Birmingham, B48 7LA

3 Offer the complete range of wood log boilers 3 Products fully MCS certified 3 Two complete ranges Angus Super and Angus Orligno 200 3 Output range 18kW, 25kW, 40kW, 60kW, 80kW, 96kW and 130kW 3 Grants available under Renewable Heat Incentive 3 92% Heat Efficiency 3 Significantly reduce heating costs 3 Incorporate into existing heating system

COURTPRICE

ENQUIRY

Underfloor Heating

02

Controls Banico A2 Banico Landscape_Layout 1 11/12/2012 16:22 Page 1

Radiator Keys

Underfloor Heating Systems

0161 946 0088

Total project design High quality products New wireless controls Trade only prices Fast delivery

www.banico.co.uk

British design manufactured to IS0900:2008 Ideal to highlight your Company Name, Phone number and Website.

www.gaiacs.com 0845 434 9488

GAIA

ENQUIRY

AEL

Personalised Radiator and Meter Keys BUY ONLINE www.radkeys.co.uk or email keys@radkeys.co.uk Ring 01628 484202 or 07795 999262

09

RADKEYS

ENQUIRY

10

Safety Products BANICO CONTROLS

ENQUIRY

03

Dust Sheets

Wilkinson Industrial Textiles

ENQUIRY

13

made in the UK and Europe

made in the UK and Europe

Made in the UK and Europe

ENQUIRY

08

www.apolloradiators.co.uk

ECO angus

Courtprice Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No 118692

Elegance & Style 2015 www.apolloradiators.co.uk

made in the UK and urope

APOLLO RADIATORS

ENQUIRY

14

Good Quality Indian Cotton Dust Sheets 4’ x 4’ - £1.50 I 8’ x 41/2’ - £2.25 I 12’ x 8’ - £4.40 I 12’ x 12’ - £7.40 Off cuts 6’ x 4’ £1.25 I Plus VAT and Carriage

ATC Semitec 7x1 - Sept 09:Layout 1

Unit 8 Copenhagen Road Hull HU7 0XQ Phone/Fax 01482 226 265 ATC Email: info@dustsheetshop.co.uk www.dustsheetshop.co.uk wilkinson

ENQUIRY

04

Heating Controls

Semitec 7x1 - Sept 09:Layout 1 GOTEC

13/8/

13/8/

ENQUIRY

11

SCAN FOR BROCHURE

Thermal Components

To find out how we can help you to further your ambitions, telephone Expert technical advice and sales 023 8066 8900from for information and support the UK market application pack. leaders in thermistor sensors and thermal components.

The professional body the the Domestic Heating Engineer.

To find out how we can help you to further your ambitions, telephone 023 8066 8900 for information and application pack.

www.idhee.org.uk HEATING CONTROLS ENQUIRY ONLINE

05

We are IDHEE

not a trade association, ENQUIRY 06 and we require our members to be qualified through recognised forms of study and achievement.

• IP68 Probes www.idhee.org.uk

The professional body the the Domestic Heating Engineer.

• Fast-response Sensors We are not•a Surface trade association, and we Sensors require our members to be qualified • Pipe-clip Sensorsthrough recognised forms of study and achievement.

ATC SEMITEC LTD Tel: 01606 871680 E-mail: sales@atcsemitec.co.uk Web: www.atcsemitec.co.uk

Expert technical advice and sales support

from the UK market leaders thermistor Expert technical advice and in sales support and thermal components.

THE BEST IN from sensors the UKFOR market leaders in thermistor sensors and thermal components.

• IP68 Probes

ATC SEMITEC • Fast-response Sensors • IP68 Probes • Surface Sensors • Fast-response Sensors • Pipe-clip Sensors

SENSOR DESIGN ENQUIRY

12

www.radiatorfactory.net

FOR ALL TYPES OF DESIGNER & ECO-ALUMINIUM RADIATORS

Tel: 0116 260 9257 THE RADIATOR FACTORY

ENQUIRY

15

• Surface Sensors

Pipe-clip Sensors DESIGN FOR THE•BEST IN SENSOR

FOR THE BEST IN SENSOR ATC SEMITEC LTDDESIGN DIRECTORY & INFO SEP 2015.indd 2

Tel: 01606 871680 ATC SEMITEC LTD E-mail: sales@atcsemitec.co.uk Web:Tel: www.atcsemitec.co.uk 01606 871680

E-mail: sales@atcsemitec.co.uk

03/09/2015 16:12

September 2015

82 DIRECTORY Training & Assessment

CREDIT BROKING LICENSE Want one?

Mr Combi Training Learn to repair Boilers/Combies BOOK NOW APPS FOR ANDROID PHONES

GAS SAFE REGISTERED & ACS only

’s DVD

'Hands on' learn how to use a Multimeter and Easy Fault Finding

Danfoss & Honeywell NEW

Wiring & Controls Course

APPS FOR APPLE PHONES

NEW

01234 84 11 22 www.mrcombi.com MR COMBI

The New Face of Showerlux IDEAL BATHROOMS have created a brand new Showerlux brochure. The new brochure features full page imagery, improved product feature text and full specification details making it easier to find the luxury enclosure. In addition, the enclosures are made to the highest quality and safety standards, supported by a lifetime guarantee and feature GlassShield easy-clean coating, so you can be sure that a Showerlux luxury enclosure will be the perfect showering solution, plus Installers also benefit from Ideal Bathrooms’ renowned customer service and next day delivery.

For more information visit www.showerlux.uk.com/brochures or enter the PHAM No

Experienced FCA energy consultant can complete this complicated process, saving you time and hassle.

16

ENQUIRY

Information Centre

SHOWERLUX

ENQUIRY

371

KIWA

ENQUIRY

20

ENQUIRY

21

Also ongoing compliance, training and monitoring.

Call David on 07887 552 442.

Water Heating

100% success rate!

STEVE WILLIS TRAINING & ASSESSMENTS

17

ENQUIRY

GREEN DEAL SPECIALIST

Specialists in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Training and Health & Safety Assessment

ENQUIRY

18

Accredited by •EAL•City & Guilds •CITB•BPEC

SANCTUS TAIGA TRAINING MOBILE DELIVERY AND RESIDENTIAL CENTRE AIR CONDITIONING / REFRIGERATION / HEATING / VENTILATING C&G 2079 Fgas Category 1 /2 / 3/ 4 C&G 7189 Diploma in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration C&G 6187 NVQ/Diploma Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Level 2/3 C&G 6187 Diploma in Installing & Maintaining Refrigeration Systems 5/10 Day Basic introduction to AC / Refrigeration for Non HVACR Tradesman 4 Day Installation of Commercial of low Temp Cold Room Applications 2 Day Service & Maintenance of AC / Refrigeration Plant 2 Day Commissioning & Decommissioning AC / Refrigeration Plant 2 Day Balancing Air or Water Systems

ELECTRICS 2 Day 1 / 3 Day 2 / 5 Day 3 / 5 Day 2 Day

HYCO

Basic or Advance Essential AC / Refrigeration Electrics Course 2382-12/15 17th Edition Update Part P Electrics Electrical Testing & Inspection Pat Testing Electrical conversion course (ME12 & ME18) Total Industrial Electrical Maintenance Commercial Electrical Installer

Advertiser’s Index

BESPOKE TRAINING Brazing HVACR 5 Day

Level 2 / 3 Training Courses Specialist courses specific to the Oil Gas & Marine Industries A Range of Health & Safety Courses

PLUMBING

HEALTH & SAFETY COURSES

Plumbing Diplomas and Fast Track Courses BPEC Unvented Water - Legionella’s

A range of Health & Safety Courses Please enquire for more information.

SANCTUS TAIGA TRAINING – SPECIALISTS IN HVACR & ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS

Contact us for further information or to discuss your needs:

Sophie Edwards on 0800 680 9021 sedwards@sanctustaiga.co.uk www.sanctustaigatraining.co.uk SANCTUS TAIGA Training Ltd

• • • •

Domestic Core & Appliances Non-Domestic & Appliances Commercial Core Catering & Appliances Introductory Gas Training Courses (Commercial, Domestic & LPG)

SOUTH WEST PENINSULAR TRAINING LTD

DIRECTORY & INFO SEP 2015.indd 3

ENQUIRY

19

Advance Appliances Ltd 6 Alpha Heating Innovation 40, 53 Altecnic Ltd 8, 46 Ariston Heating 11 ATAG Heating UK Ltd Inserts BES Ltd 1 BWT UK Ltd 32 19 Baxi Heating UK Ltd CMR Controls Ltd 71 Conex Universal Ltd 10 Cotherm (UK) Ltd 49 Drayton Controls 51 ESi Controls Ltd 52 Ford Motor Company 25 Gledhill Water Storage 31 Graham Group 2 Grundfos Pumps Ltd 43 Heating & Renewable Roadshow 27 Heating World of Spares Ltd 35 Intergas 12 JTL 38 JIS Europe 69 John Guest Speedfit Ltd 30 Kamco Ltd 60 Kingspan Environmental 24 MV Fluids Handling Ltd 3 Mitsubishi Electric Europe 34 Myson (Purmo) 67 Nest 84

Nu-Heat UK Ltd Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd PHEX Polypipe QMSA Ltd The Radiator Company Rems GmbH & Co KG Robert Bosch Power Tools Salus Controls Saniflo Ltd Screwfix Supplies 4 Heat Specflue Ltd Stelrad Ltd Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd Tacotherm (UK) Ltd Tapworks Triton plc UK Construction Week Viessmann Ltd Viega GmbH & Co KG Wavin Ltd Wilo (UK) Ltd Windhager UK Wolseley (Plumb & Parts Center) Worcester Bosch Group Wunda Group plc

36 47 Inserts 7 42 61 Inserts 33 55 59 21 64 41 63 57 26 4 13 77 9 45 17 37 18 48, 65 5 14, 15

•

OFTEC Assessment & Training (OFT 50, 101, 102, 201, 105e 600a)

•

Swimming Pool Boilers

•

Renewable Energy Courses

•

Unvented Domestic Hot Water/ Legionella/Water Regulations

•

LPG & LPG Generators

•

Courses designed for your specific needs

•

Electrical Part P & City & Guilds Electrical Courses

•

Static, Touring Caravans & Boats

•

Fire Alarm BS5839 and Security Lighting BS 5266

ENQUIRY

22

03/09/2015 17:11

September 2015

INFORMATION Centre 83

371

Graham Plumbers’ Merchant has launched its latest Green Book trade price list, hosting over 9,500 products. Included is the ‘Always Available’ range - over 3,000 products backed by the Graham pledge that they will always be in stock and delivered within 24 hours, or customers can claim a £10 voucher. For further information visit: www.channelgraham.co.uk To get a copy of the new Green Book just ask in your local branch or visit http://www.graham-flippinbooks.co.uk/ to download the PDF or enter the PHAM No. ENQUIRY

372

Easier sizing with Dimplex Quantum Heater App

DIMPLEX GDC

IDHEE

ENQUIRY

376

ENQUIRY

373

9

10

H-Series Motorised Valve

L N E PUMP

7

3

L N E

TIME CONTROLLER

1

2

3

4

N E L BOILER

5

6

1

2

ATC CYLINDER STAT

4 1 2

RMT230 ROOM STAT BLUE 230V 3amp fuse

George Staszak

380

ENQUIRY

For further information contact sales@salamanderpumps.co.uk call +44 (0)191 516 2002 or enter the PHAM No 377

Stokvis Energy Systems the UK's leading supplier of packaged plate heat exchangers, is re-launching its comprehensive range of Econoplates to highlight the inclusion of variable speed pumps. An A4 brochure is available to illustrate the Econplates range in its entirety, including optional extras and accessories. Stokvis Energy Systems also offers a specification advisory service to assist clients in achieving the optimum package to meet their needs in both new build and refurbishment situations.

For more details call 020 8783 3050 e-mail: info@stokvisboilers.com visit www.stokvisboilers.com or enter the PHAM No. STOKVIS

ENQUIRY

The new pump selector app from Salamander Pumps will provide instant information to installers and merchants to help them when specifying or fitting a Salamander Pump. The app - now available for download on Android devices from Google Play and on iOS from the Apple App store – includes: Pump Selector, Product Information, Find a Merchant, Torch Light, Register a Warranty, Contact Information and an assortment of downloads.

This new ‘NEXT GENERATION’ workclothes brochure celebrates 40 years of workwear innovation and focuses on what to wear if you want to stay warm and keep cool. The brochure provides information and advice on the best working clothes for the autumn and winter months – with a particular focus on the new ‘Next Generation’ Work Trousers.

For more information call the Helpline on 01484 854788 Email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the PHAM No SNICKERS

MR COMBI

New Pump Selector App

Stokvis Econoplates updated

Dimplex has launched a new app available on iPhone, Android and Windows platforms, which enables contractors to quickly and easily estimate which Dimplex Quantum off-peak heater is required for any given room. Contractors can enter details and the app will then provide the model number of the most appropriate heater based on its kW loading.

Users can also download further information on the Quantum range and link to a more comprehensive heat loss calculator on the Dimplex website. To download simply search for Dimplex Quantum in your app store or enter the PHAM No.

L N CH HW ON HW OFF

Please order from www.mrcombi.com or enter the PHAM No.

The Snickers Way of Staying Hot and Looking Cool

New Green Book From Graham

GRAHAM

®

8

ENQUIRY

Mr Combi® Training has developed a fantastic set of easy to follow coloured wiring diagrams for Danfoss and Honeywell Controls, 2 / 3 port systems, Faults, Frost stats, testing components, everything you need in one handy A5 book.

BROWN / WHITE

For years electricians and heating engineers have commented that wiring heating controls is a difficult subject to learn, existing diagrams are not always easy to follow.

John Reginald has released his easy to read, easy to understand book that takes the reader through the background and operation of each major component within combi boilers past and present.

The comprehensive fault finding logic guides provide professional solutions helping you to achieve professional standards.

Priced at £26 inc P&P www.combiboilerrepair.co.uk Also available from High Street and Online Book Stores COPPER JOB

Mr Combi Training GREY

Danfoss & Honeywell Book of Wiring

ORANGE

Central Heating combination boilers fault finding & repair

ENQUIRY

378

SALAMANDER

ENQUIRY

381

MX Collection – Catalogue Now Available!

It’s the first time The MX Group have provided a quality catalogue that lists and illustrates every product in its extensive portfolio of shower related products: Shower trays, electric showers, thermostatic shower valves, shower enclosures, accessories and for the first time its range of brassware. Also included is a large section on technical information with dimensions and sizing plus installation information, providing a complete showering solution.

For your copy go to the impressive web site at www.mx-group.com, call 01684 293311 or email sales@mx-group.com or enter the PHAM No. MX GROUP

ENQUIRY

382

Free hot water from the sun

Gosford Aquifier from Abode

New App for Worcester’s Greenstar i

The award-winning SOLiC 200 offers your surplus solar power to the immersion heater circuit instead of exporting it to the grid. Why install the SOLiC 200?

The Abode Gosford Aquifier tap has advanced water filtration technology allowing a flow of hot, cold and filtered water from a dual handle monobloc. Turning the cold hand backwards activates the Safelock Aquifier which is mounted under the sink. The filter unit is good for 5600 litres/1500 gallons of water or six months before renewal is recommended.

Worcester, Bosch Group has launched a new app to help installers get to know its brand new boiler, the Greenstar i. The app will make the transition to the Greenstar i from its predecessor, the Greenstar i Junior, as smooth as possible for installers, allowing them to discover the features of Worcester’s new landmark product as quickly and as easily as possible. The new Worcester Greenstar i app is available as a free download for smartphones and tablet devices from the Apple store and the Google Play store.

• Includes 10-year return-to-base warranty • Made in Britain • Saves up to £250 pa on water heating • Easy to install • Proactive sales and marketing support • Retail price £199 Visit www.earthwiseproducts.co.uk or call 01235 818122 for trade prices or enter the PHAM No. EARTHWISE PRODUCTS

ENQUIRY

374

The Gosford Aquaifier tap is available in Chrome and Brushed Nickel.

To view the complete range of Abode taps and accessories and new Abode brochures. Visit the Abode website www.abode.eu or enter the PHAM No. ABODE

ENQUIRY

379

For more information visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/i. or enter the PHAM No. WORCESTER BOSCH GROUP

ENQUIRY

383

Vokèra makes life easier for installers with new App

Upgrade to Powered Now app eases admin headache for even more tradesmen

Vokèra has launched the new Vokèra App to provide a wide variety of time-saving, useful content straight to a mobile device with the added advantage of convenient integration with Vokèra’s popular Affinity Rewards programme for installers registered on the scheme. Working on iOS and Android platforms, the Vokèra App is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.

The App includes the Vokèra Product Catalogue, Stockist locator, information on training courses and a special Affinity Members’ Area where Installers on the scheme can register installed products and view their rewards and points. For more information please visit www.vokera.co.uk. Or enter the PHAM No.

Powered Now’s app simplifies paperwork for plumbers and heating engineers by providing a comprehensive admin toolkit for every step, from preparing an estimate through to taking payment online.

New in Version 3: • Multi-user option automatically shares information across all employees. You can assign team members different roles allowing them to access different parts of the software, e.g. only the boss can see all financial details.

• Powered Now is now available on Android as well as iPads/iPhones, extending those who can use it.

It also means that while the foreman can control things using an iPad, his team might be equipped with lower cost Android smartphones.

Obviously, since all data is shared across all devices, the loss of a device doesn’t lead to loss of data.

• Other features include recording actual hours spent on appointments/jobs; taking before and after pictures of jobs and recording notes; and capturing customer signatures. www.powerednow.com info@powerednow.com or enter the Pham No.

VOKERA

DIRECTORY & INFO SEP 2015.indd 4

ENQUIRY

375

POWERED NOW

ENQUIRY

384

27/08/2015 09:15

Nest Learning Thermostat

THE THERMOSTAT THAT HAS EVERYONE TALKING THERMOSTATS. Customers love the award-winning Nest Learning Thermostat because it learns their schedules and programs itself to help save energy. And you’ll love it because it’s easy to install.

A single control It’s a thermostat and programmer in one, so people can manage the heat from one place.

No more programming Nest learns from its owners and programs itself.

And it automatically helps save energy when they’re away.

Nest on the go The Nest app lets your customers change the temperature, check Energy History and more from a mobile.

Works with most heating systems It’s compatible with combi and condensing boilers, system and heat-only boilers, hydronic underfloor systems, and air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

Let’s work together. nest.com/pro

The Nest Thermostat can work with other Nest products to do even more and create a thoughtful home.

Learn more at nest.com/eu ENQUIRY

NEST.indd 1

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02/09/2015 11:06