Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer June 2021

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JUNE 2021

BUSINESS & TRAINING

CREATE EXTRA VALUE FOR CUSTOMERS

SMART CONTROLS

HOW CONTROLS BENEFIT THE INSTALLER

THE GRANT HOUSE PART 2 OF OUR WHOLE HOUSE RENEWABLE HEATING PROJECT

VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

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CONTENTS phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

REGULARS 5

VIEWPOINT

6

NEWS

9

NEWS REVIEW

@professionalplumber

June 2021 VOL. 36 NO.5 phpi@hamerville.co.uk

16 THE GRANT HOUSE PROJECT

@phpimag

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 30 GIVE BACK WITH GROHE 32 MCALPINE’S NEW SEALANT

44 CIPHE UPDATE

33 ROUNDING UP THE LATEST SOLUTIONS

46 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT ROUND UP 48 HORROR SHOW 49 GIVEAWAYS 50 PRODUCT ROUND UP 51 PLAYTIME

SPECIAL REPORTS 11 GEOCEL RELAUNCHES TRADE MATE

40 THE LATEST CONTROLS

12 HEATING AND THE BUILDING REGULATIONS

SMART CONTROLS

13 WRAS AMENDS ITS STRUCTURE 14 THE BENEFITS OF BLUE FLAME TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS & TRAINING

36 THE BENEFITS OF USING THE LATEST CONTROLS

18 TRAIN FOR THE ‘GREEN’ FUTURE

38 PREPARE NOW FOR THE HEAT SOURCES OF THE FUTURE

THE GRANT HOUSE

20 GIVE CUSTOMERS EXTRA VALUE

16 PHPI FOLLOWS A WHOLE HOUSE RENEWABLE HEATING PROJECT – PART 2

24 COMMON PUMP QUESTIONS – ANSWERED

22 TRANSITION TO LOW TEMPERATURES

40 MULTI ZONING A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

28 FROM COMEDY TO COMBI-BOILERS

42 100 YEARS AT HEATRAE SADIA

PROFILE 11 TRADE MATE’S NEW LOOK

42 RECOLLECTING HEATRAE SADIA’S 100 YEARS IN HEATING PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 3

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VIEWPOINT EDITOR JONATHAN COLE phpi@hamerville.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR ABBIE SMITH asmith@hamerville.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER JAKE TATUM jtatum@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN & MIDLANDS SALES EDDIE WRIGHT ewight@hamerville.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH DIGITAL GROUP MANAGER STUART DUFF DESIGNER GEMMA WATSON GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE SWENDELL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PUBLISHER BRYAN SHANNON PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH LTD PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER is a business journal for those involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating and plumbing systems. It is available to the trade at leading heating and plumbing merchants and specialist outlets throughout the UK. The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication.

phpionline.co.uk

@phpi

@professionalplumber

phpi@hamerville.co.uk

Coherent framework Many people may have been left a little perplexed over the Government’s latest moves around climate change and decarbonisation. Recently the Prime Minister announced a new objective, setting us on course for a 78% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

However, this announcement came just weeks after the cancellation of the Green Homes Grant, a £1.5bn scheme – which included low carbon heating – to encourage homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their property.

Heating makes up a significant portion of emissions, with the domestic element thought to be around 15%. So it does appear counterintuitive to remove a scheme designed to help reduce emissions whilst tightening the overall target.

However, if we are to tackle the climate crisis it is becoming increasingly clear that heating – and domestic heating – will need to play a significant part. Low Carbon heating alternatives, such as Heat Pumps, are increasingly available and to help demonstrate how they could help enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, in this issue we have the second instalment of our series following a whole house renewable heating project. Follow the story on page 16.

As previously reported in PHPI, other solutions are also being developed and trialled, including those using Hydrogen and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The latest controls can also play a part, and we look at some of the solutions beginning on page 36.

Training will also be a vital component in delivering the latest energy efficient heating solutions. In the recent PHPI reader survey almost half of respondents were keen to access additional training on ‘Renewables’, so it is encouraging that many installers are keen on learning more. We have more information on training from page 18.

Heating engineers will be at the forefront of delivering carbon savings. Appropriate training and support must be made available to ensure the sector is equipped to play its part. It is equally important, however, that a coherent framework around the decarbonisation of heat is created to help us meet the country’s carbon emissions commitments.

“Training will also be a vital component in delivering the latest efficient heating solutions.”

Jonathan Cole

EDITOR

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For the latest news, plus video reviews, competitions and exclusive content, log on to the PHPI website at WWW.PHPIONLINE.CO.UK

56,339 (Certificate of Average Distribution for the issues distributed between January and December 2020)

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News

Share your thoughts with us on the industry via Twitter (@PHPI), Facebook (@ProfessionalPlumber), or by emailing phpi@hamerville.co.uk

RISHI SUNAK VISITS RENEWABLES TRAINING PROVIDER BAXI BOILER RANGES CERTIFIED FOR USE WITH 20% HYDROGEN Baxi has achieved certification for the Baxi 600, Baxi 800 and Baxi Assure ranges of gas boilers to run on a 20% hydrogen blend.

Until the gas network and domestic boilers are ready to be converted to 100% hydrogen, a blend of 20% hydrogen into the natural gas mix we use today would substantially reduce carbon emissions.

Nick Wilson, Commercial and Marketing Director at Baxi Heating, said: “The independent certification of our boilers means peace of mind for specifiers and installers. With proposals to supply a blend of natural gas with 20% hydrogen to more and more properties in coming years, we hope to make it easier for them to make their boiler purchasing decisions.

“While work towards 100% hydrogen deployment in large scale trials is moving apace, people still need affordable heating and hot water in the here and now. Providing boilers that will work safely and reliably with a blend of 20% hydrogen seems the logical choice.”

6 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, has visited North Yorkshire based renewables training provider, GTEC. At the end of last year, GTEC won a bid to provide heavily discounted training and certification to individuals and companies looking to upskill into heat-based renewables, backed by The Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through Midlands Energy Hub (MEH). Named the Renewable Heat Installer Training & Support Scheme (RHITSS), the scheme offers vouchers which provide up to 70% off the cost of becoming a renewables installer. There are currently 1,000 training places and 150 businesses signed-up to RHITSS. While at the centre, Rishi met with candidates to find out how training was helping them and reviewed the range of renewable technologies available at GTEC. Griff Thomas MD for GTEC, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Rishi and see his obvious enthusiasm for a low carbon future. We discussed the need for long-term and sustainable support to give to installers the confidence to invest in career development and the green agenda. The achievements of RHITSS is an example of what can happen when industry collaborates.”

HYDROGEN PROTOTYPE BOILER SCOOPS INNOVATION AWARD Worcester Bosch’s 100% hydrogen boiler prototype has won ‘Best Heating Innovation’ at the inaugural Green Home Awards.

The boiler can run on Natural Gas until Hydrogen becomes available and then be converted to run on Hydrogen with just two or three components. Unveiled in early 2020, the 100% hydrogen ready prototype has been regularly showcased as practical evidence of how to achieve net zero. It has also been presented to a number of high profile stakeholders in the UK – including the Chancellor, the All-Party Political Group for Hydrogen and the Committee on Climate Change – to show how hydrogen can replace natural gas fired heating system for a greener future.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication & Product Management at Worcester Bosch, said; “We do believe that our hydrogen-ready prototype will help pave the way for a hydrogen future in the UK, ensuring that homeowners continue to receive the heating and hot water they need, with zero carbon offset to the environment.”

For more information on low carbon technology, including the award-winning www.rdr.link/pa001 hydrogen boiler please

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PLUMBER HELPS THE VULNERABLE AND HOMELESS

GEOCEL AIMS TO ‘SET THE STANDARD’ ON SEALANTS

Plumber James Hunt is turning the profits from his new business into a lifeline for poor, vulnerable and hungry people.

The ex-soldier has set up Cafgas, a community interest company (CIC) that will pump money into good causes across North Wales and Cheshire including feeding the homeless, reaching the lonely and disabled and helping armed service veterans.

The profit from commercial work fitting new bathrooms, installing, repairing and servicing boilers and issuing gas safety certificates will pay for the outreach work that an in-house community organisation called Nanny Biscuit does.

James said: “The vision is to become one of the biggest plumbing and heating companies in the North West and North Wales within five years with all of its profits helping the most vulnerable in our community: the homeless, the elderly, armed service veterans and hungry families.”

Nanny Biscuit was set up in 2018 in memory of James’s grandmothers Jean Simmonds and Else Hunt who used to sneak him biscuits when he was growing up.

Since the start of the pandemic Nanny Biscuit and its army of 50 volunteers have helped elderly, vulnerable or struggling people across North Wales and beyond.

Sealant and adhesive supplier Geocel has teamed up with builder and TV personality, Julian Perryman to highlight a number of its product campaigns and the work it is doing for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (Lighthouse Club).

A video series, ‘Setting the Standard with Julian Perryman’, promoted across Geocel’s social media and YouTube channel will document Julian’s ongoing work with the brand. In the coming months, Julian is due to take up the ecoSEAL Challenge to try out the company’s reusable ecoSEAL system and testing THE WORKS PRO and the newly relaunched Mate ranges.

“I am delighted to be working with Geocel over the coming year on a number of its upcoming projects,” commented Julian.

To discover more about the company’s relaunched ‘Mate’ range turn to page 11.

REPORT CALLS FOR A MIX OF TECHNOLOGIES TO DECARNBONISE HEAT Heat pumps alone will not solve the question of UK domestic heat decarbonisation, and must be supported by a mosaic of heating solutions, a new report from the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) reveals.

The report ‘Decarbonising heat in buildings: putting consumers first’ explores the challenges of retro-fitting various low carbon heating technologies into dwellings vastly differing in size, age and construction, as well as customer acceptance of these solutions. Mike Foster, CEO of the EUA said: “Heat pumps will play a key role in the future of heat, however it’s important to recognise that for them to work effectively as the sole heating source, the building needs to be thermally efficient, and they require internal and external space as well as changes to internal systems such as radiators.

“Levels of disruption to people in their homes and associated costs mean heat pumps will be a solution for a minority of properties only, so hydrogen, biogas and hybrid systems need to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of heat in order to support our 2050 net zero ambition. This analysis shows a house-by-house heating solution is needed, and any thoughts to carve up the UK and force regional solutions upon consumers will be doomed to fail.”

To read the full report

www.rdr.link/pa002

To watch the ‘Setting the Standard with Julian Perryman’ series over the coming year www.rdr.link/pa003

Julian Perryman

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HEATING BUSINESS BENEFITS FROM VIDEO QUOTING SERVICE A Glasgow-based gas, plumbing and heating company has adapted its services to comply with Covid safety measures by offering a video quoting service.

Origin GPH launched the service during the Covid-19 pandemic last year as the nation went into lockdown. Over a Facetime, Whatsapp or Zoom video call, its engineers can directly give a client a fixed price estimate and some initial advice – all from the comfort of the client’s own home at a time convenient for them.

“When the pandemic began, we realised how important it was to support our clients who have been deprived of the opportunity to leave their homes, but at the same time many of them still had to deal with heating, gas or plumbing issues. As well as adopting all necessary safety measures and going through rigorous training with our staff, we also started offering this video quoting service for increased comfort and faster results,” said Stephen Dunn, Origin GPH Founder.

VAILLANT TO SUPPORT TINY FOREST INITIATIVE Vaillant is joining forces with environmental charity, Earthwatch Europe, to expand its Tiny Forest initiative in the UK. The programme aims to plant Tiny Forests in urban areas where access for local communities to verdant green spaces is limited or non-existent. Each Tiny Forest fits within an area the size of a tennis court and is planted with 600 varieties of local species of trees, shrubs and plants to encourage wildlife back to the area, as well as helping process rainfall and capture carbon.

Steve Cipriano, Commercial Director at Vaillant, said: “Supporting the local communities in which Vaillant operates has been a long-standing commitment for the business and we are always looking for new ways to make a tangible change. If there is one point that has come out of the past year, it is how important green spaces are to our well-being.”

PLUMBERS’ PAYMENTS PROBLEM PERSISTS UK tradespeople are seeing over £1,000 of payments per year withheld by customers following a completed job – according to research, conducted

by Ironmongery Direct.

It found that an average £1,062 is owed to trades across the UK. A third (33%) said they were waiting for over £1,000 from customers for completed jobs, whilst nearly one in ten (7%) are owed over £3,000.

Plumbers were found to be the most likely to have to deal with payment problems, experiencing withheld cash 2.6 times per year on average.

Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at IronmongeryDirect, said: “Withheld payments are an annoyance that every tradesperson has to deal with at some point or another, but when significant amounts are owed by customers it can become a serious threat to your financial security.”

For tips on dealing with outstanding payments

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www.rdr.link/pa004

NEWS IN BRIEF...

ARISTON ’s Velis Evo Wi-Fi has been declared the ‘Best Hot Water Innovation’ at the Green Home Awards 2021. The unit boasts an ultra slim twin tank design for up to 16% more hot water availability and is available in capacities of 45 and 80 litres. The Velis Evo Wi-Fi measures 27cm in depth and benefits from titanium enamelled tank engineering.

All units have a smart ‘blue tech’ touchscreen, and are supplied with an unvented kit, as well as a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

PIMLICO PLUMBERS has announced it is on course for its most successful financial year in its 42-year history.

The central London-based company is forecasting it will achieve turnover of around £48m by 31st May 2021.

Part of the growth can be credited to the company’s strategy to maintain trading throughout the pandemic and lockdowns. Chairman, Charlie Mullins OBE said: “We have always thrived in challenging situations and have a team of experienced people willing to adapt quickly, which has been instrumental in the past year and represented by these record numbers.”

Heating, cooling and hot water technology provider BOSCH COMMERCIAL has unveiled a new online booking system, intended to save contractors hours when arranging a project consultation call or site visit. Developed in response to the country moving to home working due to COVID-19 restrictions, by inputting the relevant information, contractors can book a call or visit without the hassle of phoning or emailing. For more details www.rdr.link/pa005

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NEWS REVIEW

CARBON EMISSIONS TARGET TIGHTENED

A

new carbon emissions target for the UK has been announced. The move is designed to ensure the country remains on track to end its contribution to climate change. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We want to continue to raise the bar on tackling climate change, and that’s why we’re setting the most ambitious target to cut emissions in the world.”

With heating contributing a significant portion of carbon emissions the sector was quick to respond to the announcement.

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU UK said: “It is welcome news to see that the Government has enshrined in law their target to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 following the recommendations outlined in the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) sixth carbon budget. As development in the construction sector continues to accelerate, delivering sustainable and efficient buildings will be crucial to achieving this and the later 2050 net-zero targets.

“Crucial to this development will be the decarbonisation of space heating for residential and commercial buildings. The easiest win in the short term is improving energy efficiency on both existing and new build and, for this, developers and specifiers have a variety of low carbon heating options.”

Jeff House, Head of External Affairs at Baxi Heating

The UK Government has announced a new target to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.

Opportunity for heat pumps Recognising that heat pumps could play an important part in the transition Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager – Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK noted: “15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from our homes as a result of oil and gas usage. If we’re to meet the government’s new 2035 target, the task of decarbonising domestic heating is an urgent one.

“Heat pumps are a well-established technology that can be immediately and efficiently implemented across the UK to substantially reduce carbon emissions.”

Challenges remain

signal of increased urgency to tackle climate change and deliver Net Zero.

However, the UK Government must move away from the ‘one size fits all’ approach to rural areas.

“The quickest and easiest way to meet these targets is to open up policy and the market to a range of energy solutions that fit all circumstances and offer choice and value to consumers. There is no bigger challenge and example of this than decarbonising the heating systems across the UK, especially in homes off the gas grid. The boxed in approach of heat pumps for all is unaffordable for millions of homeowners and will only drive resistance to the Net Zero goal.”

Commenting on the importance of consumer acceptance, Jeff House, Heat and Buildings Head of External Affairs at Strategy Baxi Heating said: “While Mark Wilkins, Director of low-carbon technologies will Technologies and Training at help in this transition, there Vaillant commented: “As a are still challenges. One of leading manufacturer of the biggest barriers to heating and hot water achieving the scale of solutions, we need to take ambition will be consumer action now for a more acceptance. Baxi Heating Mark Wilkins, Director of sustainable future. believes that consumer Technologies and Training “It is crucial that the engagement should start at Vaillant Government ensures the now, to help increase eagerly anticipated Heat and Buildings understanding of the need for low-carbon Strategy aligns with this new announcement technology and the role it will inevitably in order to help us reach various other play in meeting these goals.” targets such as 600,000 heat pump units in Rural impact 2028. We are already working with trade Commenting on how the announcement associations to develop new training could affect rural areas, George Webb, courses, but we still need a way to CEO of Liquid Gas UK said: “The ambitious encourage installers to upskill and increase new 2035 target should be welcomed as a the awareness amongst consumers.”

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SPECIAL REPORT | Trade Mate relaunch

trade mate

MAKEOVER

PHPI reports on the relaunch of Geocel’s Trade Mate range of sealants and adhesives.

A

dhesives and sealants are a vital part of any professional’s toolkit. Whether it’s for a specific task, like sealing a flue, or a more general application the Trade Mate range from Geocel has been on hand for over two decades.

To help it stand out from the crowd, for 2021 the company has given its popular Mate range a makeover. The range now features new premium packaging with each product’s intended application accentuated to make it easy to quickly identify on shelf, the ideal solution for the required job.

An extensive portfolio of professional sealants and adhesives, the Trade Mate range was created to provide a go-to solution to tackle every challenge a tradesperson might encounter on site. Each of the 23 products has been specifically formulated to provide a sealant or adhesive that enables the best possible finish.

Commenting on the relaunch, Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Geocel said: “By refreshing our range of high-quality products they can now be quickly identified on shelf, making it easier for plumbers to find sealants and adhesives specifically formulated for the required application – to ensure they always get the very best results.”

withstanding temperatures of up to 250˚C long term and 300˚C degrees short term.

Trade Mate Plumber Flue is available in both red and black.

Trade Mate Sanitary Seal silicone sealant is a fast curing, acetoxy sealant suitable for sealing all types of common sanitary wear. As well as ensuring adhesion, the sealant contains a fungicide to resist mould growth and has been PHPI has some Tr ade formulated to not crack Mate Plumber Flue or discolour. Ready to use available to giveaw ay. in just one hour, Sanitary Please turn to Seal has been designed page 49 for a long service life and a Whilst the full range high movement capability. It is features over 20 products, available in clear and white. installers will note that there are a Also available in white is the number of products specific to plumbing company’s Trade Mate Mirror Fix silicone applications, such as Plumber Flue, adhesive, which has been formulated for Plumber Joint, Plumber Thread, Plumber fixing mirrors, coated glass and metal Grease, Sanitary Seal and Mirror Fix. panels to walls. Designed to be Your plumbing mates non-corrosive, odourless and high strength, A one component, high-temperature acetoxy the adhesive is also mirror back safe. silicone sealant, Trade Mate Plumber Flue For more information on Geocel’s Trade is suitable for use on non-porous surfaces Mate product range, please and useful for sealing gas flues. Creating a www.rdr.link/pa007 flexible seal, the product is capable of

WA N T TO TRY IT OUT?

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SPECIAL REPORT | Building Regultions

HEATING UP

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, discusses why the entire the heating system should be within the scope of building regulations.

O

ne of the interesting positions we are facing currently is that parts of the heating system are covered by the building regulations, but not the entire installation process.

While the debate surrounding heat pumps and boilers plays on the government’s mind through the training and trial phase of approvals, the building regulations are facing scrutiny from heating providers to summarise the entirety of the heating system in the scope of their regulations.

What is covered?

While several aspects of the heating system are included in the building regulations, the entire heating system still remains out of scope. The installation and commissioning of boilers are covered within the scope of building regulations and are dealt within the Domestic Heating Compliance Guide, which will soon be absorbed into the actual building regulation document.

Hot water storage cylinders are covered by part G of the building regulations.

Current changes being proposed, which when approved, are that thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) or self-regulating devices will be required on every radiator fitted.

The system flushing, cleansing and treatment is also covered within the building regulations, as referenced in BS7593, the comprehensive document covering it.

All of the above is included in regulations but not the entire heating system, which certainly seems out of date and given imminent targets (and new technologies) are on the horizon.

What should be included?

The single biggest factor surrounding the efficient performance of a heat pump is the heating system. If a radiators pipework and the general components of the system are correct, the efficiency and the comfort levels of a home will be at a high level. On the flipside if there are issues then the negative impact can also be high.

Boilers, in contrast, tend to run through most issues and will generally warm the house even if the radiators and pipework aren’t perhaps as good as they should be.

To avoid such, when work is undertaken on a heating system, other areas should be assessed before an installer changes a boiler for either another boiler or a heat pump.

Entire room by room heat loss calculations should be looked at to ascertain whether existing radiators are big enough to run on the lower-flow temperatures of heat pumps. Additionally, while intending to understand whether the pipework connecting to both the radiators and flooring is large enough to cope with the increased velocity that a heat pump operates at.

If both factors are incorrect then complaints will be received from customers, either due to running costs, comfort level

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SPECIAL REPORT | Water Regs

problems or a mixture of both.

My suggestion would be, the simplest way to make sure these things take place, other than going down the MCS route, would be to bring the entire heating system under the scope and cover of the building regulations.

Bringing the old into the new It isn’t uncommon to see a heating system at 30 to 40 years old and over the years having a second or third new boiler connected to it.

Yet other parts of the system have not seen any upgrades or replacements, let’s say for this example, radiators.

Parts of the industry are planning to make applications to the government for radiator scrappage schemes. Although many radiators today are more efficient than half a century ago – thanks to being generally lower in water content, better designed and equipped with better convection currents – there is still the risk that they will irradicate over time.

Perhaps it is time to look at the output side of the heating system, while siting newer radiators in different positions from where they were initially installed. Something that would need to be considered in regulation.

Heating systems can be altered by home modifications, or furniture relocations making convection currents difficult to penetrate and as a result not warming the room, or even the home, correctly.

The result of obstructing convection currents causes us to turn the temperature of the boiler up to counteract the issue, which subsequently is counterproductive when in the interest of cost effectiveness and home comfort.

Another reason then why the entire heating system should be factored into the building regulations, particularly as pipework and radiators may need to be changed or adapted to accept a heat pump as the energy source. If we have a bit more consistency, instead of picking and choosing different elements of a system, then we will be much better equipped to accept new technologies and ultimately help reduce carbon emissions whilst not paying for it with home comfort.

While several aspects of the heating system are included in the building regulations, the entire heating system still remains out of scope.

For further information on Worcester Bosch www.rdr.link/pa008

WRAS SPLITS IN TWO

WRAS has separated services to create two new businesses to clarify its offering to the sector.

T

he Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has separated its subscriptions and approvals activities into two separate businesses, Water Regs UK and the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS).

The move follows an internal review and a series of in-depth surveys of members, stakeholders and subscribers.

Compliance & approvals Water Regs UK is focusing on promoting compliance with the Water Fitting Regulations and Byelaws across the UK to protect customers. It is also responsible for running the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) on behalf of 14 water suppliers in England and Wales.

The new business is primarily funded by water company subscribers and facilitates water company collaboration and the sharing of industry learning, experience, and good practice.

Product directory The new Water Regulations Approval Scheme business is funded by manufacturers and applicants and it has a specific responsibility for approving plumbing products and materials.

Responsibilities include maintaining a directory of more than 9,000 products and 3,000 materials.

Ian Hughes, Approvals Manager for the Water Regulations Approval Scheme, said: “Our vision is to be the most trusted independent UK certification body for plumbing products and materials, helping business and consumers choose compliant products that keep water safe. The launch of approvals as a dedicated business allows us to focus exclusively on that goal and offer one route to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.”

Julie Spinks, Managing Director of the Water Regs UK, said: “The launch of the new dedicated Water Regs UK business means we can further improve the support we provide to subscribers. It’s an opportunity to increase our profile among stakeholders and consumers, which will further build awareness and understanding of the water regulations and why they should be followed.”

For further information on WRAS please www.rdr.link/pa059

For further information on Water Regs UK and the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) please www.rdr.link/pa060

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SPECIAL REPORT | Blue Flame Technology

THE BENEFITS OF

BLUE I

n rural and off-grid areas, oil-based systems continue to be in high demand as viable heating options. Indeed, oil boilers are responsible for helping to heat approximately 1.5 million UK homes that are not connected to the gas network.

Units can be fitted either inside or outside, giving installers greater flexibility in terms of siting. Not only do oil installations take up minimal internal space within a property, they also benefit from an excellent heat release-to-cost ratio when compared to other fuel options. So, rather than being the antiquated, inefficient heat generators of the past, the latest condensing oil-fired boilers can operate at almost half the cost of a typical 25-year-old unit – while also remaining extremely simple to install and maintain.

However, there are still oil boilers out there that are either non-condensing or lacking the efficiency of the latest models.

These basic, yellow flame units pre-date the Ecodesign requirements under ErP legislation from 2018, which also stipulates that oil-fired boilers must have maximum NOx emissions of 120mg/kWh. NOx levels are under continuous scrutiny, especially given the health implications associated with them and the dangers of air pollution.

As a result, engineers encountering such boilers should recommend they are replaced with more efficient modern units

With sustainability increasingly at the forefront of the heating market, Sean Keleher, National Technical Manager at Navien UK, outlines the benefits of the company’s ‘Blue Flame’ technology.

Blue flame technology While there are condensing yellow flame models that adhere to these requirements, some manufacturers are looking to get ahead of the game and ensure their oil-fired units remain futureproofed as energy efficiency regulations continue to tighten.

Fortunately, efficiency credentials are significantly enhanced when oil boilers take advantage of the latest modulating blue flame burner technology, which has been growing in prominence throughout the oil heating sector for Take a look a number of years. at a video about Blue flame technology has been the LCB 700 Blue specifically Flame oil boiler engineered to turn heating oil into a as soon as possible. www.rdr.link /p vaporised spray. This is Oil installers are a009 then premixed with the well-aware of the benefits of air required for combustion, condensing boilers; they are before being drawn in through cheaper to run and much more the burner, resulting in a clean blue efficient, emitting much less harmful flame, which has much lower NOx carbon monoxide than non-condensing emissions and running costs when models. They benefit from larger heat compared to traditional, yellow flamed exchangers with more surface area, models. This enables installers to provide enabling them to extract more heat from their customers with a more sustainable the combustion process – reducing the and efficient oil boiler when they are amount of waste gases going into the seeking a like-for-like replacement. atmosphere.

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Navien’s own blue flame technology guarantees efficiency and ultra-low NOx emissions (57mg/kWh). In fact, we recognise the importance of blue flame so much, we only manufacture boilers including this technology.

Latest controls

efficiency credentials are significantly enhanced when oil boilers take advantage of the latest modulating blue flame burner technology

Oil boilers such as our LCB700 Blue Flame are lightweight (with lift weights starting from 58kg) and also ‘OpenTherm’ ready, so allow instant access to the latest control technology, at minimum disruption to homeowners, while reducing installation costs. As a result, using these models in conjunction with our Smart Plus control pack provides an overall, industry leading A+ ErP energy rating.

By utilising the latest in blue flame burner technology, boilers will offer the highest standards of energy efficiency. Blue flame burners are the future of oil heating, so should be considered the ‘go to’ option.

For more details on Navien’s Blue Flame technology please www.rdr.link/pa010

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THE GRANT HOUSE | Part 2 In association with

In this four-part series, PHPI and Grant UK team up to bring you a whole house renewable heating project, from start to finish. This month we meet Jake Meadows, the installer on the project, and discover how the installation becomes MCS compliant thanks to Grant’s G-CERT scheme.

GAINING MCS COMPLIANCE M eadows Plumbing & Heating is based in Chippenham, Wiltshire and covers all aspects of plumbing and heating including traditional fuel heating systems and renewable technologies. Jake Meadows is the installer on the PHPI/Grant House and we will be following his installation of Grant UK’s packaged solution for the house.

“I have fitted a lot of Grant products over the years and my experience with the company has always been very positive,” says Jake. “They supply really good products and the support is excellent too, from sales through to technical. We have worked closely with our local Grant UK Sales Representative, Chris Price, on a lot of our projects including underfloor heating installations, oil boiler installations and more recently with our renewable jobs.”

The installation includes an Aerona³

About the House The PHPI/ Grant House is a four-bedroom semi-detached property in Wiltshire which is undergoing a complete heating system upgrade as part of a wider renovation project. In addition to building a large extension off the side of the property, the owners are upgrading their home’s heating system, changing from a gas boiler to a renewable system thanks to the installation of a Grant Aerona³ air source heat pump.

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13kW R32 Air Source Heat Pump, a MonoWave High Performance 300ltr Cylinder, a Uflex Underfloor Heating System (throughout the downstairs of the new extension), a Uflex MINI Underfloor Heating System (throughout the downstairs of the original property) and Afinia Aluminium Radiators (throughout upstairs of the entire property).

The installation of an Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the property and will help to lower the household energy bills.

Furthermore, as Jake is an approved Sub-Contractor through Grant UK’s G-CERT Scheme, the heat pump is eligible for the Government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, earning the homeowners regular payments over seven years, delivering financial rewards for sustainable, low carbon heating.

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Discover more about the Grant House by scanning the QR code or you can visit www.grantuk.com/thegranthouse.

formally registering with MCS themselves. The G-CERT Scheme takes care of all the paperwork and Grant UK has been designing and notifications as well manufacturing re liable and easy to install as commissioning heating products for over four deca des. Its and signing off the product portfolio includes award wi nn system for MCS ing Vortex oil fired co ndensing boilers an d approval.” th e latest renewable technologies like solar thermal, air source heat pumps, cylin ders, and Removing the an oil boiler/air so urce heat pump hy brid. hassle The company als o has a growing ra nge of “With this particular heat emitters from wet underfloor installation, John heating systems through to fan assisted with the site convectors and alu minium survey and then radiators. attended the site again once we had completed the installation of the heat pump unit and system. He checked the installation to ensure that all the MCS requirements and standards have been met and then he signed off the job so that MCS approval on the install could be achieved. The G-CERT Team then handled the associated registrations, including activating the product guarantees and registering the installation on the MCS database.”

LONG HISTORY

G-CERT As part of the G-CERT process, John Williams, one of Grant UK’s inhouse Senior Field Service Engineers, attended the site to complete a site survey which included both the installer and the homeowner. With the installer, John discussed the heat pump positioning, the pipework runs and sizing.

In this particular instance, a heat loss calculation was not carried out because it had previously been completed – but a heat loss calculation is also another part of the site survey that Grant UK can help with through the G-CERT Scheme. In addition, John discussed with the homeowner what they want to achieve from their new heating system as well as answering any queries on the controls or other aspects of the system they may have.

The G-CERT Scheme takes care of all the paperwork and notifications as well as commissioning and signing off the system for MCS approval.

Coming up in Part Three

“It can be quite a costly process for a business to be MCS approved, which also involves significant amounts of administration that can take time to complete,” says Jake. “The G-CERT Scheme offers a solution to installers who want to install to MCS standards without

We follow the step-by-step installation of the home’s underfloor heating system.

You can keep track of the Grant House by using our RDR Link service – simply enter the following into your web browser. www.rdr.link/pa011

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magann/AdobeStock

BUSINESS & TRAINING

Installers must seek confidence in legislation not short term schemes, says Griff Thomas from GTEC.

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ollowing the announcement that the Green Homes Grant is now closed to new applications Griff Thomas from GTEC has urged heating installers look beyond government consumer initiatives and keep faith in renewable technology as the future of heat in the UK. “It’s disappointing that the Green Homes Grant has fallen short of what was promised but installers who have invested in training should not feel their efforts have been wasted,” says Griff. “Regardless of consumer initiatives, renewables are the future and installers willing to embrace new technology and training as a long-term investment rather than a quick-win will be well placed to prosper in the low-carbon future.”

The Green Homes Grant aimed to retrofit 600,000 households with energy efficiency measures and low-carbon heating.

“Demand for renewable heating installers will not disappear with the Green Homes Grant and we need installers to upskill into low carbon technologies,” continued Griff. “The Green Homes Grant acted as a springboard for investment in training, paving the way for the RHITSS which has

offered funding to existing engineers who want to future-proof their businesses with qualifications and accreditations in heat pumps and solar thermal.

Demand for renewable heating installers will not disappear with the Green Homes Grant and we need installers to upskill into low carbon technologies “Decarbonising domestic heat is a mammoth task – way beyond the reach of short-term government initiatives. We know that gas central heating will not meet decarbonisation targets for new homes when the Future Homes Standard is introduced in 2025. This legislation is a much better indicator of long-term change within the heating industry than the Green Homes Grant and I would urge heating installers to train for the future, not the scheme.”

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Future Homes The Future Homes Standard sets out new energy efficiency standards to ensure that new homes built from 2025 will be ‘net zero ready’ – heated with low-carbon technologies and highly insulated to produce at least 75% less carbon emissions compared to current regulations. The government's recent energy white paper revealed plans to ensure that all new heating installations are low-carbon from the mid-2030s.

“We can take positives from the Green Homes Grant,” says Griff. “Despite its failure to reach its potential, it has reinvigorated public interest in renewables after many wasted years out of the spotlight and shone a light on some of the innovative technologies that will play a significant role in creating the clean, green society we need for future generations.”

GTEC is a provider of renewables training. Along with MCS, GTEC has been facilitating the Renewable Heat Incentive Training Support Scheme (RHITSS). For more details please www.rdr.link/pa012

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BUSINESS & TRAINING The ability to add that extra value to customers, whether it is a service plan or providing a professional, automated quote online, goes a long way to presenting a stand out service. Claire Miller, Marketing Director at ADEY, explores how taking advantage of support offered by manufacturers and partner services can help develop your business.

Gain an advantage

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hen it comes to generating customer loyalty, there is much that still relies on reputation, quality of work and word of mouth recommendation. Yet, it can feel that businesses with bigger means and resources can offer customers those extra elements which some smaller heating businesses may feel they can’t compete with, especially when it comes to creating subscription-based, longer-term contracts or reacting to leads instantly and digitally.

Even after a challenging year, there are still plenty of opportunities for business growth for those wanting to explore them.

As we emerge from the lockdown, many installers will be keen to maximise the opportunities and find easy and accessible routes to give real points of difference in the eyes of their customers, helping them to compete in a hugely competitive and busy market. Having the means to provide and maintain service plans or being able to quote for work online, are just two examples of this, both of which not only look professional but also provide the ongoing benefit of helping to secure new all-year-round revenue streams.

To help installers win more work and get the very most from every job, it is worth considering what support and tools are offered by manufacturers and partner services. For example, earlier this year we unveiled ADEY Business Tools, exclusive to ADEY ProClub members. These are now proving extremely popular, with large numbers of installers launching personalised Service Plans to their customers.

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Business tools We know that time is money and installers are already very busy with the day job of running their businesses, so what they don’t need is for these types of offerings to add extra hassle to the day. For this reason, ADEY has partnered with specialists to ensure ADEY Business Tools offer easy-to-use and efficient options to really add value to installers’ businesses.

One of the Business Tools available is the ‘Service Plan’ feature from Tradehelp.

Installers can offer homeowners the opportunity to sign-up to a service plan that suits them. The plans have been built with ready-made terms and conditions and give installers an end-to-end direct debit management process to administer

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payments in one place. You set the prices, that’s it. Installers don’t need to worry about the time-consuming admin because it’s all managed in the tool itself.

For business growth, monthly service plans generate year-round income, so help to flatten the seasonal peaks and troughs.

Equally, homeowner customers can spread the cost of maintaining a healthy heating system over 12 months, and they don’t have to remember when their next service is due. Opting for a scheme such as this also ensures installers can offer plans at their own monthly price and reduces the admin that comes with selling a service, helping build a loyal and trusted relationship with their customers.

Digital quotes As customers expect the agility and responsiveness of digital communications and interactions with their installer, being able to quickly turnaround quotes and send them through via email not only looks slick,

being able to quickly turnaround quotes and send them through via email not only looks slick, but also has sustainability appeal too by reducing paperwork. but also has sustainability appeal too by reducing paperwork. For those wanting to use their website as a lead generator, adding a Quoting Tool feature, such as one from Truequote, again part of ADEY Business Tools, means installers can easily add a customised quote builder for boiler installations to their website.

As well as enabling installers to give homeowner leads a professional looking quote, it also has the benefit of notifying the installer when new high-quality leads arise for quick and easy follow up. With safety in

the front of many installers’ minds due to the current climate and cutting down on the valuable time so often wasted on jobs that are unlikely to go ahead, it also reduces the need to always visit a customer’s home to provide the quote in person.

Making the most of tools available from manufacturers is a simple and effective way to access specially created business support options without the hassle, so installers don’t need to spend time and money developing their own platforms or engaging with partners to be able to offer additional services. Helping provide a strong point of difference, using these tools will mean installers look more professional to both new and existing customers, and make them better able to compete in the marketplace, ultimately, unlocking the potential for growth and maximising the potential of every job.

To find out more about ADEY Business www.rdr.link/pa013 Tools

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BUSINESS & TRAINING

Stelrad has released a new training course to help people move towards low carbon heating technology.

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esigned to help people utilise radiators in a variety of scenarios and circumstances, Stelrad has launched the latest in a series of CPD programmes. The CPD offers a guide to heating a home with heat emitters on low temperature systems. It has been fully accredited by CIBSE and RIBA. A low temperature heating system operates at lower temperatures when compared to a traditional gas boiler heating system. Traditional gas systems operate at around 80°C whereas low temperature systems operate efficiently at between 45 and 50°C. “This latest CPD addresses the issues related to radiators and low temperature renewable heating systems,” said Stelrad’s Chris Harvey.

Sizing software Chris explained: “We know that the key to selecting radiators that are right for the homes in which they are installed, is to size them properly for each room. We still have the most popular Heat Loss Calculator and Radiator Sizing Software in the UK – available free from our website – both a simple to use basic version and a more complex version that can respond to more comprehensive calculation. You

LOW TEMPERATURE TRANSITION don’t spend more on a radiator than you need to, to end up with an oversized radiator in each room.”

More options

simply input the size of the room, the size and number of windows and doors, the materials used in the building, and the software will direct you to the right number of BTUs you need to adequately heat that room and suggest radiators from our range that will meet those needs.”

He continued: “As with traditional boiler driven systems, it is very important to size renewable heating systems correctly. We know that there has been a tendency to oversize radiators rather than calculating what was needed in homes for a long while, seeing many radiators never actually achieving the heat output they are capable of. After taking this latest CPD it will be clear that correct sizing is valuable not simply to ensure the radiators are the right size for each room, but as importantly, you

22 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Stelrad has added a number of new radiators to its portfolio to prepare for the increased needs of renewable systems. It has a number of larger models in all its key radiator models in recognition of the fact that for many homes larger radiators will be needed to cater for the lower circulating temperatures associated with renewable systems.

These larger K3 models have three panels and three fins as opposed to the more traditional K1 and K2 formats here in the UK. Stelrad recently launched K3 versions of its Planar, Elite and Compact with Style designs to add to the already K3 Compact radiators that have been in the UK in recent years.

In addition to manufacturing larger radiators, the company is also manufacturing and adding significantly to its range of vertical radiators.

To find out more about Stelrad’s CPD seminars call 01709 578950, email info@stelrad.com or www.rdr.link/pa014

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BUSINESS & TRAINING

PUMP IT UP

With a heritage of well over 100 years Stuart Turner knows all there is to know about pumps. Richard Ballard , the company’s National Training Manager, answers some common questions.

Q

How much increase in pressure can be expected from a mains boosting pump on a small house (three bed semi). Would I need to find room to site a large tank?

The maximum that you can pump the mains directly is 12 litres/min, by using a Mainsboost Flomate you can increase pressure by a minimum of 1.5 bar up to 3.2 bar.

The Mainsboost iBoost range is an integrated booster set and has a 200 litre tank, and can increase pressures up to 4.5 bar with flowrates up to 100 litres/min and can fit neatly within a 600mm tall larder cupboard, these products come in either fixed or variable speed options.

Other solutions would be to use a booster set, with the Stuart Turner iBolt range of pumps you can increase pressures up to 4.5 bar with flowrates up to

30 m3/h, a break tank would need to be sized to ensure that you have enough stored water for peak demand If noise is an issue you could use an in tank solution, such as our iMatic range, this is a tank with pumps submerged inside, this makes them very quiet during operation and is ideal if limited space is available.

Q

Do you have any installation tips for putting a Mainsboost into a small loft space with a low pitched roof?

Always check the incoming mains supply to the property at point of use, Mainsboost Water Performance Systems are suitable if the property has an incoming pressure of at least 2.0 bar static pressure but poor flow rates. To achieve the minimum pressure you can use a Mainsboost

24 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

charger pump together with Mainsboost horizontal vessels for this application. This allows you flexibility, use multiple horizontal vessels and spread the load across the loft space rather than use one large vessel.

Q

Is there any limitation to the types of items that can be linked to a lifting station when creating a new utility room below the mains drainage level?

Lifting stations have been designed to enable you to connect a bath, shower, basin, sink, washing machine and dishwasher to the unit. Lifting Stations can pump up to seven metres vertically and 72

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metres horizontally with flowrates up to 120 litres/min. The units are designed not to have WCs fitted to them.

The Lifting Station should only be used for the removal of grey water. Avoid kitchen towels, hair, food waste, cigarettes etc, as this will damage the unit. Do not pour in any corrosive liquids such as acids, solvents, oil, paint stripper, as this will damage the unit, and is not covered under the warranty.

Q

If the flow rate is too great on a universal (negative) head twin pump is there any way to reduce the pressure or limit the flow?

There is a selection of Universal pumps that would suit the application, you can choose between 1.5 bar and 4.5 bar pressure with flowrates from 32 litres/min, up to 52 litres/min, depending on the application.

Most taps and showers have restrictors to regulate the flow, therefore no reducers after the pump should be required.

Q

What solution would you suggest to pump both hot and cold supplies for a 4-bedroom detached house with a vented system? The property has a main bathroom and two en-suites.

A Monsoon pump would be suitable for this, depending on the gravity flowrates and pressure you can choose between a Standard and Universal Pump. All Monsoon pumps are continuously rated, therefore it is important to ensure that you have enough

Join Stuart Turner’s Installer Club to access rewards and more By joining the Stuart Turner Installer Club you will receive an unique membership number and personal account. Simply log in and earn points for every product installation you register. Rewards include Stuart Turner merchandise, workwear and products to help you get the job done. Points range from 350 to 8000 depending on the product and you only need 100 points to claim a reward.

A unique dashboard will also provide you with quick links to relevant documents, such as installation guides, and allow you to view your registration history to help identify when and where a warranty is due to expire.

To find out more and register please stored water to meet peak demands. A Monsoon 3.0 bar or 4.0 bar pump would most probably best suit this application, they would offer flowrates up to 40 litres/min.

www.rdr.link/pa015

For more detail about the Stuart Turner range of solutions please www.rdr.link/pa016

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 25

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BUSINESS & TRAINING

FROM comedy TO combi boilers The pandemic has been a strange time. Some businesses have boomed, many have struggled and some unlucky souls have lost everything. Mark Krull, Director of LCL Awards, highlights one story in particular, where an LCL Approved training centre in Scotland helped a stand-up comedian who’d lost everything due to COVID restrictions get back on his feet.

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nergy Technical Academy, in Glasgow, extended a helping hand to comedian Gary Faulds in his hour of need. At the end of 2019, Gary had hit the big-time, he’d an international comedy tour lined-up for most of 2020. He’d rented a beautiful flat, leased a smart car and then Coronavirus hit. Almost overnight everything disappeared as the tour was cancelled. In a frighteningly short time, Gary found himself homeless and jobless.

Tommy Smith, Director of Energy Technical Academy, heard of Gary’s plight and offered him a spare place on the new entrants’ gas course (Managed Learning Programme (MLP)) they were just about to start – for free. Gary, who’d previously been in the armed forces, leapt at the chance of training as a gas engineer and hasn’t looked back. He’s thrilled to be learning a useful skill that ensures he will always be able to find work and he enjoys the variety that the role brings.

The last laugh Gary is very grateful for the gift that Energy Technical Academy has given him and

although he plans to return to comedy at the weekends, once restrictions lift, he wants to concentrate on his new-found passion. He said: “There are lots of people like me out there whose careers have bombed – and loads that have been made redundant. I’d encourage them all to train in the trades. A couple of years ago, my dream was to own a yacht, now all I want is to buy a van and fill it with tools!”

Tommy Smith, who set up Energy Training Academy with his colleagues, just two years ago, is delighted that things have turned round for Gary. The Academy has never been busier, and Tommy is keen to help others who find themselves at rock-bottom, by extending the free placement scheme.

“We’ve put six learners through free courses this year. Some on the MLP, some on electric vehicle and other electrical and fault-finding courses. As the scheme moves forwards, we are asking people to nominate suitable candidates, or they can apply themselves. We’re planning to fund one MLP candidate starting in January; then we’ll see how it goes.

28 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

“At Energy Training Academy our mission is to focus on our learners, whatever their background. LCL Awards’ MLP is really comprehensive, enabling us to give candidates as much practical experience as possible. We match learners with companies who are actually looking for employees when it comes to work experience and all but one of our candidates who’ve been through the MLP has walked straight into a job.”

To find out more about LCL Awards’ Managed Learning Programme please www.rdr.link/pa017

For more information on Energy Technical www.rdr.link/pa018 Academy

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Giving back Last issue PHPI reported on the launch of the new GROHE X digital platform, designed to support customer and installers. Here we speak with Adam Logan, Training Manager, GROHE UK, about the new initiative and the company’s GIVE program to support young installers.

Q

Why has the Grohe X platform been developed?

GROHE X is an industry-first global digital platform that we have developed in order to support our customers across all channels with tailored, informative and inspirational content. Over the past year, we’ve not been able to connect with our customers in ways that we normally would. We’ve not been able to exhibit at trade fairs to showcase our latest kitchen and bathroom innovations. Whilst face-to-face meetings and interaction will always be important, we desired a forward-thinking, accessible, always-on space that our customers could turn to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GROHE X provides a digital experience that can offer all of the above, as well as a brand experience that can be tailored to each individual’s needs and requirements.

It also gives our customers another means of connecting with us, allowing customers to request the chance to connect with a GROHE colleague for support or advice.

Q

What are the most beneficial elements for installers?

With GROHE X, installers now have quick and direct access to an array of content:

from How To videos, to installation guides, and tips and tricks. GROHE has many hundreds of products in the market, and we understand the challenge that installers can be met with when customers ask them to install our products, or repair an existing product.

This new resource will provide installers with a quick and easy reference library where they can seek easily digestible guidance and support whilst on the job, helping to make the installer’s work more efficient and improving the experience for both installer and end user alike.

30 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Q

Can installers continue to access technical support directly from the company?

Absolutely. GROHE X has been designed to enhance our customer service and experience but will not replace any of our existing means of customer support.

GROHE X is just one way that installers can access information directly from us on how to install a particular product for example, however we still continue to offer customer support via email, web contact form and telephone too.

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Q

Will the familiar Grohe ‘truck tour’ be returning this year?

Due to the ongoing uncertainty, restrictions and health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, GROHE has made the decision that the GROHE XXL Truck Tour will not be returning in 2021. However, we are already excitedly planning our next series of events and are committed to bringing the Truck Tour back as soon as it is safe to do so. The trucks are currently undergoing refurbishment ready for the truck tour to recommence in 2022.

We are also considering the concept of hybrid events in the future so that we can reach even more of our customers, using both the GROHE trucks and also streaming these events digitally onto the GROHE X platform.

Q

What is the new GIVE programme?

The GIVE programme, GROHE’s Installer Vocational Training & Education programme, is a new training scheme set up to offer hands-on accredited training to young installers.

As part of the GIVE programme, GROHE will support partnering plumbing schools in creating a state-of-the-art training framework by installing modern training facilities and providing learning material and experienced technical trainers. Students will complete a specific product training designed by GROHE, for which they will receive an internationally recognised certificate.

Given the shortage of skilled installers we are currently seeing across the industry, we wanted to create an attractive, fulfilling and first-rate training programme that would encourage and appeal to young learners. GROHE is currently working with 26 training colleges and institutions across the EMENA region

rdr.link

and we have plans to expand this number to 50 in the next two years.

The GIVE programme actually started in the UK itself, with the highly successful working partnership between GROHE and Colchester Institute, the largest vocational college in North Essex.

The dedicated fully-functioning training rig was opened to its 500-strong cohort of plumbing students in November 2019. We are currently planning how we will expand the success of the GIVE programme into more UK training colleges, with potential partnerships on the horizon in both Dublin and the South of England.

To visit the Grohe X platform www.rdr.link/pa019

For more details on GROHE’s Installer Vocational Training & Education (GIVE) www.rdr.link/pa020 programme

Introducing rdr.link A new digital service for our readers

With a wide array of online resources supporting the latest solutions – from videos to technical guides, PDFs to Podcasts – it can be a challenge to locate what you need.

To ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable resources, we are introducing rdr.link – a new, rapid service to transport you immediately to the online resources mentioned in our stories.

So, in articles you may now see things like: “To view an exclusive time-lapse video of the process use rdr.link/AB101” Simply enter rdr.link/ with the unique 5 digit code into a browser and it will take you directly to the mentioned resource – in this case the video.

Or, on other pages, you may notice: “For more new products & solutions use rdr.link/AB101” Just type rdr.link/AB101 into your browser and be transported to the products section on our website, packed full of new solutions.

Designed to help busy professionals rapidly locate more information – look out for & use

rdr.link

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

KEEP YOUR PLASTIC --FANTASTIC Choosing the right sealant and adhesive can reduce call backs, prevent damage and make sure your installation won’t be compromised – says McAlpine Plumbing Products.

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lastic fittings are an integral part of most bathroom, kitchen and toilet installations and play a crucial role in stopping noxious and toxic gases entering a home or building. In fact, plastic fittings are so popular that some manufacturers, like Glasgow-based McAlpine Plumbing Products, produce over 5,000 products. From plastic traps to waste pipes, from WC connectors to wet room solutions, there is a product for just about all applications.

Although the products are produced to stringent quality standards, it is important that some chemicals, in particular certain acids, are not used on plastic fittings.

When acetoxy silicone is used with a fitting, it can cause a degradation in the plastic which makes it splinter and break. In simple terms, it’s plastic decay. This breakdown leads to stress cracking, which leads to leaks. This in turn can cause major issues for tradespeople. When McAlpine investigated the use of sealants and adhesives on its products, it was not satisfied with those products which are acetoxy. The company was also keen to have a product that contained no solvents or isocyanates which can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties.

“Our reputation is built on not compromising on the quality of our products. We test them to destruction. We

decided to test sealants and adhesives to see what would work best with our range – and that’s when we decided to invest in our own,” explained Ross McAlpine.

“So, we created MACXSEAL and it is the only sealant and adhesive tested and approved for use on McAlpine Plumbing Products. It bonds, cures, and seals quickly and has a high strength grab. It is resistant to UV radiation and general weathering – and importantly, it won’t compromise the quality of your installation either.”

MACXSEAL is not just suitable for plastic plumbing fittings – it can be used in a wide range of applications. Available in Brilliant White and Super Clear it is compatible with most plastics, timber, metal and for sealing expansion and construction joints. It can be used for sealing baths, sinks, vanity units and toilets, tiles, mirrors, metals, wood, stone, concrete, marble, and brick.

“Part of our success over the last 100 years has been supporting plumbing and heating installers,” continues Ross. “We wanted to bring them a sealant and adhesive they can trust, not just on our products, but for those other jobs too – whatever your trade, it is the only tube you will ever need.”

To find out more about MACXSEAL

32 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

www.rdr.link/pa021

A ‘fitting’ history The company was formed in 1907 by marine engineer James B McAlpine and it is still a family-run business. McAlpine helped revolutionise the plumbing industry back in 1957 when it made the strategic decision to switch to plastic and subsequently introduced the plastic waste trap. Its product range now encompasses Traps, Shower and floor gullies, Waste pipe and fittings, Overflow pipe and fittings, WC connectors, Air admittance valves and Waste outlet fittings.

“Today we employ over 700 people across eight sites and export to more than 90 countries around the world,” says Ross McAlpine, who’s from the fourth generation of McAlpine’s.

“The launch of MACXSEAL is a landmark for the company; it’s not a plastic fitting, but it meets our high standards on quality and performance.”

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS MORE INFO

To discover more of the latest product launches and hands-on tests from installers GO TO

www.rdr.link/pa022

AQUALISA ‘Dream’ thermostatic mixer showers

ROMAN Innov8 Range

The new ‘Dream’ thermostatic mixer shower range from Aqualisa features twelve different showers including single, dual and triple outlets – all finished in chrome. The showers in the range feature concealed valves and the variants include choices of adjustable handsets, fixed head drenchers and bath fill outlets. The valve is based on the company’s Mian brass, one piece valve.

To discover more

Shower manufacturer, Roman, has revealed all its Innov8 products are now available in matt black, as well as a silver chrome finish. The company’s 8mm toughened glass thickness Innov8 range encompasses frameless shower enclosure options including Curved Quadrants; Hinged Doors with In-Line Panel; Bi-Fold Doors; Pivot Doors; Sliding Doors; and stylish Bath Screens, which all feature chromed brass fittings. www.rdr.link/pa023 To discover more

www.rdr.link/pa026

AKW Beautiful Bathrooms collection Provider of accessibility solutions, AKW, has launched a new Beautiful Bathrooms collection, which includes the company’s first-ever baths and bath shower screens and a new brassware range. Its anti slip, steel and enamel baths are single ended with two tap holes and all include adjustable legs, handles, a waste and overflow. The collection also includes complimentary bathroom furniture, sanitaryware, electric and mixed showers and accessories. www.rdr.link/pa024 To discover more

BATHROOMS TO LOVE COLLECTION Volta range The new modular range of furniture includes a wide choice of cabinetry suitable for bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms, including slim units for compact spaces. Available in both wall-hung and floor-standing styles, Volta has a high gloss lacquered finish and comes in three colours – Anthracite Gloss, Grey Gloss and White Gloss. The units are colour coordinated throughout and include soft-close cabinet fittings and a sleek bar handle. www.rdr.link/pa025 To discover more

KUDOS Signature service Kudos Showers is introducing ‘Signature’, a bespoke service for tailored products to meet a growing demand for personalisation in the bathroom space. Whether it’s a one-off special sized shower door, enclosure or bath screen, or a shaped panel to accommodate a sloping ceiling, the company can build to customer requirements. The Signature service utilises the experience of the company’s Holme-based team and its vast range of components.

To discover more www.rdr.link/pa027

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 33

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FRANKE Atlas Neo Sensor tap Franke’s new Atlas Neo Sensor tap offers a way to upgrade a kitchen with touch-free technology. The tap can be retrofitted into a standard 35mm tap hole while the small control box and battery case can be screwed onto the cabinet, taking up minimal space under the sink. The temperature can be pre-set on the control box and the water flow automatically stops after 30 seconds.

To discover more

NEOPERL Cascade retrofit tap aerator The Cascade, Smart Lime Clean (SLC), retrofit tap aerator from Neoperl has been created for a long-lasting quality flow stream, whilst protecting the tap from limescale build up.

Available in many sizes to suit most basin, bath and kitchen taps, it fits into the end of a tap and can be easily retrofitted. It is available in various flow rates and is available with an integral flow control with pressure compensating (PC) technology, helping to reduce the amount of water used. www.rdr.link/pa029 To discover more

www.rdr.link/pa028

VIEGA Advantix Cleviva shower channel Viega has expanded its Advantix Cleviva range of shower channels with four new colours – anthracite, gold, copper-gold and champagne – alongside the classic stainless steel finish. Advantix Cleviva can be installed flush against the wall, in the centre of the shower or anywhere within the tiled area. It is available in standard lengths of 800, 1000 and 1,200mm, but can be adapted to any length down to 300mm or extended by utilising multiple shower channels in series. www.rdr.link/pa030 To discover more

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MIRA SHOWERS Minimal

HANSGROHE Vivenis tap collection

With 50mm pipe centres, Mira Minimal’s compact footprint aims to solve the spatial challenges of many modern bathrooms. It has been designed to be simple to install and includes fixings and templates. For upgrades, the single and dual outlet variants use the same first fix kit.

Minimal features Mira CoolShield technology, which keeps the valve cool to touch and the Mira Nano-T cartridge, an advanced cartridge for thermostatic control.

To discover more

The new hansgrohe Vivenis tap collection has been designed to emulate a gentle waterfall which is achieved via a flat spout and using ‘AirPower technology’ that infuses the surrounding air into the water stream to enhance the experience. Taps are available in three finishes: Chrome, Matt Black, and Matt White. There are several versions in different heights for the sink, as well as taps for the bath, shower and bidet. www.rdr.link/pa031 To discover more

www.rdr.link/pa058

BLANCO Silgranit sinks and taps The Silgranit range of sinks and taps from Blanco now includes a black option. Made of up to 80% granite, Silgranit is incredibly strong with the engineered stone-like material being scratch-, heat-, impact-, light-, and acid-resistant. The surface features the patented Hygienic+Plus protection formula to repel bacteria and ensure odours can't hang around. www.rdr.link/pa032 To discover more

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SMART CONTROLS

MAKE YOUR JOB

EASIER

As well as being convenient for end users, smart controls should also make life easier for installation and maintenance engineers. Darren McMahon, Marketing Director of Viessmann UK, explains how.

A

s central heating controls get smarter, installing and maintaining boilers should become easier. And when smart controls enable engineers to monitor and tweak the boiler remotely – as some now do – customer loyalty should also improve. But not all smart controls have the same capabilities, and not all will give you the same advantages. So let’s take a look at some of the smart control capabilities really worth having, seeing things from the installer’s point of view.

Much of what I share here is taken from feedback from Viessmann Trained Installers, and from a long conversation with Glen Wakeling, director of East

Midlands-based heating and mechanical services specialists Heatspec. I’m also mindful here, of course, of the essential need to keep customers happy.

Customer reaction Before installing smart controls, it often falls to the heating engineer to explain to the customer why they’re desirable. The moment you start on this subject, you’re likely to get one of two reactions: either the customer’s eyes glaze over, or they’re itching to know more – but expect you to talk about well-known brand names such as Nest, Hive, Alexa or Siri. Those customers with the glazed-over eyes may

36 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The Viessmann ViCare app allows homeowners to monitor and control their boilers.

fear that smart controls will make controlling the heating system too complicated for them. They may even have heard horror stories about heating controls taking hours to set up or even get them confused with smart meters. What to do?

Glen Wakeling says that in such circumstances it’s worth explaining the practical benefits of smart controls, but there’s no point pushing too hard against a door if it’s closed and bolted. It’s sometimes better, Glen says, to give the customer the traditional controls they know, then leave it to weather compensation technology to ensure the boiler runs efficiently.

More tech-savvy customers, on the other hand, will love the idea of controlling and monitoring the heating system from their smartphone or tablet. These customers might save money on heating bills because of smart controls – for example, by not heating an empty house on those days when they find they’re going to get back home later than usual. And

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many customers really like the fact that smart controls give them more convenience – for example, by being able to bring on the heating an hour or two before arriving home after going away on holiday, without having to heat the place while it stands empty.

Smart boiler controls What even tech-savvy customers don’t know, however, is that there are smart controls and there are smart boiler controls, and there’s a difference. Whereas many smart controls are capable of sending instructions to the heating system’s timer and thermostats, smart boiler controls communicate directly with the boiler. As Glen Wakeling puts it: “a boiler manufacturer’s own smart controls are much better because they talk to the boiler, they

The ViCare app is available for both iOS and Android devices

give you more information, and you can access that information from one package.”

A good example of this is the Viessmann ViCare control system app.

Available for both iOS and Android devices, this allows the heating system to be operated not only on the boiler’s touchscreen display, but also via smartphone or tablet. ViCare can also be used to look at operation history, and to control heating and hot water timing zones.

Glen says: “When I show customers this, most are interested. And personally, I like the fact that I can show the customer gas usage on a graph to help explain how weather compensation works.”

Smart software What Viessmann installers like even more is the Vitoguide software. This gives engineers remote access to a heating system’s current operating data, showing the status of the system at a glance, and allows adjustments to the system to be made online.

Until this year, Vitoguide was available only on Viessmann’s top-of-the-range gas-condensing boiler, the Vitodens 200 range (1.9 to 35kW), but now it is also included with the recently-launched, latest-generation 100 range (3.2 to 32kW).

This shows how sophisticated smart controls are starting to become available for mainstream market boilers and consequently, finding their way into many more homes.

Glen Wakeling says: “With Vitoguide it’s possible to see fault messages instantly and to call up spare parts and availability.

Even when the app is closed, you receive automated notifications if there are any issues with the boiler. It is fairly common to take some time to set up a new system with weather compensation controls.

End-users phone me up and say that the heating could be either a bit warmer or cooler, or they prefer different timings. I can simply log into their system at their request and make the appropriate parameter changes, saving me unnecessary car journeys and allowing my customer to experience an instant improvement.

“Only recently, I saw on Vitoguide that the room temperature of a customer’s

Viessmann’s Vitoguide software is now included with the recently-launched, latest-generation Vitodens 100-W boiler

I like the fact that I can show the customer gas usage on a graph to help explain how weather compensation works.

Vitodens 222-F (floor-standing storage combi boiler) was three degrees higher than the set point – straight away I was able to tweak the curve to match the set point and put it right. Best of all is the feature which shows all my customers on Google Maps. Instantly I can see which customer is due for a service or perhaps has a fault. So I can plan my day accordingly.”

All of these capabilities shorten the service process helping to save on costly call outs, whilst at the same time amazing customers. They can also reduce operating costs and professionalise the engineer’s customer service. Letting customers know that you’re always looking out for them can make a big difference to customer loyalty. The same installer is more likely to be invited back again and again to service the boiler throughout its life, and when the time comes for the boiler to be replaced, the same installer will probably also get that business.

The best boiler controls, then, can be good for end-users and good for installers alike – and anything less isn’t so smart.

For more detail on Viessmann and its range of controls please www.rdr.link/pa033

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 37

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SMART CONTROLS

LOOK TO THE

FUTURE S

mart heating controls now often include a wide range of features that can help enhance the performance of the system and help reduce carbon emissions. Whilst fitting a smart heating control alone can offer an additional 10% energy saving compared to basic time and temperature controls, opting for one that offers multi-zoning capabilities can help save an extra 20% by enabling users to heat individual rooms rather than the whole house, preventing energy wastage.

Additionally, some controls also offer intuitive smart modes that help optimise the performance and ensure that extra energy isn’t wasted. For instance, Wiser’s Eco Mode combines optimum stop and weather compensation to adapt heating schedules according to changing weather conditions and by learning the thermal properties of the house, helping to save up to 7% energy. Meanwhile, by utilising Away Mode to de-activate the heating schedule when the house is empty, users can save up to 24% on energy bills.

These different functions and savings are hugely beneficial for customers who are concerned about their energy usage and also help to ensure that whilst the majority of UK homes currently still rely on gas boilers, that they are running as

Whilst smart heating controls can play an important role in maximising the performance of existing systems in the here and now, Remi Volpe, Managing Director at Drayton, discusses why their installation is also key for preparing houses for heat sources of the future.

efficiently as possible. However, the installation of smart heating controls in homes today is good preparation for alternative heat sources in the future.

Be prepared By now, most installers will be aware of the changes the industry faces as we find more carbon neutral heat sources for our homes.

With gas boilers already being phased out in new build homes, it is widely expected that alternative heating methods, such as heat pumps, electric IR radiators and under-floor heating, will become more widely adopted in existing homes over the coming years too.

As this happens, installers can expect to see a growth in connected homes and Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), which are expected to grow by 31% every year over the next five years.

HEMS enable households to better manage energy consumption by providing information about energy usage and/or allowing more precise control of the

so-called ‘energy guzzlers’ in the home like EV chargers and heat sources.

Energy demand In the future, HEMS will potentially play a significant role in understanding the energy demand of household applications, and smart heating controls will be a crucial piece of technology to integrate with these systems. As part of the wider Home Energy Management concept, having one user interface or app that allows users to control all connected devices within the home is expected to become more important.

For example, Wiser already has this capability, allowing users to control its Wiser Plug through the Wiser Heat app, and Drayton as part of Schneider Electric is reviewing ways to incorporate products such as lighting in the future. By being able to enhance energy efficiency within the home by learning homeowner behaviours, HEMS could also help homeowners access additional savings on energy bills.

It’s clear to see that connectivity and automation, which will both help to improve the performance of a heating system and offer better efficiencies, is a common theme in our journey to meeting the 2050 Net Zero goals. By recommending smart heating controls from manufacturers leading the way in home automation and fitting this technology in installations today, heating engineers can help their customers be prepared for the changes to come.

For more details please www.rdr.link/pa034

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SMART CONTROLS

UPGRADING c ontrols Rob Whitney from Resideo explains what installers should consider when integrating a new heat pump system with heating controls which allow multi-zoning, using insights gleaned from a recent retrofit project at his own home.

I

n recent years, the UK has made rapid progress in generating more of our electricity from sustainable sources. In 2019, low carbon electricity's share of generation increased from 52.6% in 2018 to a record high of 54.2%, driven by growth in renewable generation due to increased capacity. The gradual decarbonisation of electricity, coupled with the development of government policies, legislation and financial incentives to heat domestic and commercial properties with low-carbon technologies, is driving the expected growth of the heat pump market over the next few years.

However, it is important to bear in mind that any heat pump-based system needs to be designed correctly to enable the technology to work efficiently. Controls are part and parcel of how a system operates, so for projects where a property needs to be divided into multiple heating zones, using the right zoning strategy will enable building occupants to benefit from the energy savings expected.

Retrofit challenges When we had a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump system installed in our home recently, as part of a two-year technology demonstration to equip the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial with real world insights, we wanted to keep our Honeywell Home evohome smart controls.

It had been used as part of the boiler-based system, so that we only needed to heat up the areas around the house being used at any particular time.

To continue doing this, the evohome multizoning system was upgraded by installing a heat pump relay, so that it could work with the new heat pump. The evohome was recommissioned to work with the heat pump relay and communicate with the Mitsubishi FTC6, which was the heat pump’s main control interface.

Although a third-party control such as evohome can interface with almost every heating application including heat pumps,

40 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

and enable a property to have up to 12 heating zones, it was important to integrate it correctly with the whole heat pump system design. This would ensure that a certain amount of flow is maintained to the heat pump, and that the amount of heat called for through the controls stays within its modulation capabilities.

System design and integration Because we remained keen to split our home into different heating zones using the evohome smart zoning system, a low-loss header was included as part of the design to separate the hydraulic circuits. This way, sufficient flow through the heat pump could be maintained to keep it running without using a buffer tank – which could not be accommodated in the property. With such a heating system design, it is important to avoid over-zoning so that there is sufficient heat demand and that the heat pump has the correct flow of water for it to operate.

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Zoning strategy and configurations The best way to give homeowners the flexibility they need without over-zoning is to group rooms or spaces into areas according to common usage patterns. So, for example in our house, first thing in the morning, the bulk of the house – which is the biggest zone – calls for temperatures to reach 19˚C, allowing the heat pump to operate at 70% of its capacity, before the bedrooms also call for heat. At 9am, the bedrooms return to set back temperatures and the home office is warmed up.

Because I am currently working from home, the main house zone is kept warm throughout the day, before all zones are set back to 16˚C overnight.

To enable the heat pump to operate in the most energy efficient way, heat has to be provided for sufficiently long periods.

The amount of time when heat is not needed also needs to be long enough so that the heat pump does not cycle on and off. This is why the ‘minimum on time’ on the evohome’s installer settings are adjustable to suit heat pumps and boilers.

In our property, these are set to one cycle per hour, 20 minutes 'minimum run', and the ‘minimum off time’ is 10.

Getting started and beyond Bearing in mind that the customer’s property would not have been heated for some time whilst a new heating system is installed, it may be necessary to make some manual adjustments to warm the house up when the heat pump is commissioned. In our case, the flow temperature was manually raised to heat the building fabric when the system came

evohome can interface with almost every heating application including heat pumps, and enable a property to have up to 12 heating zones to life. Over the next few days, minor adjustments were made to the weather compensation curve via the evohome control, which varies the heat pump flow temperature according to the outside temperature, and room schedules.

It is crucial to remember that unlike boilers, heat pumps work in a different way to deliver optimum comfort in the most energy efficient way. That’s why controls need to be correctly integrated with the whole system design. This is even more relevant when using more sophisticated controls that can separate a property into multiple zones, so that the bill payer can reap the full financial benefits of heat pump technology.

For further information and training on the Honeywell Home evohome smart zoning system www.rdr.link/pa035

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 41

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PROFILE

100 years

IN HEATING

Heatrae Sadia has recently celebrated its hundred-year anniversary.

Gordon Bush, Engineering Manager at the company, who has been with the business for 34 years, discusses the manufacturer’s journey.

T

he company’s story begins in 1920 with Charles Hubert Smith founding Electric Fires Ltd. Smith is credited with inventing the first mains electric immersion heater and went on to hold many other product design patents before his death in 1960. In 1926 the business moved to a larger premises, where it manufactured a range of electric fires, hot plates and hot water heaters.

These early years under Smith’s leadership would provide a foundation for the company’s success later in the 20th century and beyond.

In 1934, the company officially changed its name to Heatrae. A few years later Heatrae would have its first brush with history, after it was found that prime minister Winston Churchill had often used one of the company’s hot water cylinders to draw a bath in his Down Street Station bunker in Mayfair.

The 50s and 60s saw the business expand through a string of acquisitions. In 1960, Heatrae bought Duncan Low, a manufacturer of industrial electric and steam liquid heating equipment, which would later become Heatrae Industrial. In 1961, the business set up Heatrod Elements in Gorleston to produce immersion heaters and a year later acquired Electroway, a manufacturer of stainless-steel catering equipment. Around this time, Heatrae’s parent company merged with British South African Co. to become Charter Consolidated.

The business we know today It was not until the ‘70s, however, that the business as we know it today began to take shape after it’s move to its current site, Hurricane Way, Norwich in 1970. Sadia Water Heating was acquired in 1974 to complement

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2021 and beyond

Heatrae’s existing range and three years later the business would bring both brands under one banner as Heatrae Sadia. The 1980s saw further growth as the company was bought by Valor and expanded into new markets through three further acquisitions. Unvented water heating was also adopted in the UK around this time.

As Heatrae Sadia embarks on the next century of its history, a new chapter is beginning. As part of BDR Thermea Group, the Heatrae Sadia brand has the financial and technical backing to prepare it for the energy transition and the drive for net zero carbon emissions in the UK. In the name of sustainability and innovation, Megaflo Eco cylinders have been provided to help facilitate trials for the USER project and test demand side response, by connecting new or existing hot water cylinders to the grid with a smart interface unit. This then enables the hot water store to become a grid interactive storage heater, to heat hot water when there is low-cost electricity available. With

Megaflo Eco cylinders have been provided to help facilitate trials for the USER project and test demand side response wholesale electricity prices sometimes dropping to zero, or even negative values, this could in some instances lead to households being paid to use electricity.

For further information please www.rdr.link/pa036

Making way for Megaflo Innovation came in the ‘90s with the business securing design and manufacturing rights from Fabdec for the Megaflo, which would be manufactured in Norwich. Going on to become one of the leading domestic hot water cylinders on the market today, Heatrae Sadia’s range of Megaflo hot water cylinders combines high performance with optimum efficiency to give fast-filling baths and powerful showers.

Thousands of G3 qualified Registered Gas Safe engineers choose Megaflo to work in conjunction with gas powered heat only boiler systems or electric boilers each year.

Heatrae Sadia’s parent company also changed hands twice during the decade, and by 1996 the business had its first robot on the production floor. The new millennium saw major changes as Newmond merged with Baxi Heating.

Powermax production was moved to Norwich and Amptec would be acquired from ElectroHeat ahead of Baxi Heating’s merger with De Dietrich and Remeha to form the BDR Thermea Group in 2009.

In 2012, the business would again make history as it provided packaged heating solutions for developments at the London Olympics. Heatrae Sadia would also produce a chariot included in the Lord Mayor’s procession as the Olympic torched passed through Norwich on its way to the capital.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 43

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Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), outlines the top tips to consider when retrofitting TMVs.

RETROFITTING TMVS ● Know TMV types It is crucial that water coming out of taps is at a safe temperature, while at the same time the stored water is also maintained between 55ºC and 60ºC to ensure that Legionella bacteria cannot grow. This is where TMVs are key, as they allow for water to be stored at a high temperature, but to exit outlets at a safe temperature.

There are two different types of TMV, TMV2 and TMV3. For domestic properties, the TMV2 is suitable, while the TMV3 is used in commercial settings. For domestic properties, Part G of the Building Regulations state that new buildings and change of use, are legally required to have TMVs installed, so that tempered water can be delivered to outlets. For existing homes built prior to these regulations, CIPHE would like to see legislation introduced to allow for TMVs to be installed retrospectively.

● Consider set distances TMVs need to be installed either at, or in very close proximity to, hot water outlets to ensure the best results, minimising any area where water at an unsafe temperature is held. In some cases, TMVs may be fitted in an airing cupboard, commonly where the hot water cylinder is located. This decision is typically made for convenience, but it is important to ensure that this is suitable depending on the distance. A TMV should not be installed further than one metre away from the outlet.

● Think about outlets One of the most frequently asked questions that the CIPHE receives is, “How many TMVs need to be installed in a property?”, specifically surrounding multiple outlets. For example, if a homeowner has a bathroom layout where there may be two sinks and taps located back-to-back. If outlets are back-to-back, then installing multiple TMVs isn’t required and less is more, as one TMV will suffice to prevent scalding water from both outlets. For properties with multiple hot water outlets located further apart, then multiple TMVs will be required.

● Don’t put aesthetics over access Recent design trends for bathrooms can pose specific challenges when it comes to retrofitting a TMV. For instance, it has become increasingly popular for homeowners to tile-in, or have free-standing bathtubs rather than opting for a removable bath panel. Therefore, when introducing a TMV underneath a bath future access for maintenance should be discussed. It is essential to realise that these should not be regarded as ‘fit and forget’ devices and they should be serviced regularly.

When it comes to sinks, it is also common for homeowners to choose design over function, often opting to have no pedestal or a semi-pedestal. If aesthetics is a concern then it might be worth discussing ways to conceal a TMV, for example with an under-sink furniture unit.

44 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

● Speak to your customer Installers are urged to stress the importance of stabilising water temperature and reducing scalding and burning risks.

During 2020, there was a 25% increase in hospital episodes due to burn injuries caused by contact with heating appliances, radiators and pipes, according to NHS Hospital Episode Statistics for England.

There was also a 9% rise, between 2019 and 2020, in the number of scalding incidents from taps. These figures show a clear risk to the public and that action to stop burns and scalds from happening in the home is required.

Recommending TMVs will reduce the risk of potential harm caused by hot water scalding, so it is important to speak with homeowners about how to increase their safety if they do not already have TMVs installed. ● Get support To support installers with hot water safety information, including TMVs, the CIPHE offers members dedicated information and technical guidance.

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

NEW PH TF MAG AD_Layout 1 28/09/2020 11:52 Page 1

THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

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•

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046_PHPI_JUNE21_Layout 1 10/05/2021 15:30 Page 46

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT MORE INFO

To discover more of the latest product launches and hands-on tests from installers GO TO

www.rdr.link/pa037

BIG WIPES Antiviral wipes Big Wipes has gained antiviral accreditation, meeting the EN14476 European antiviral standard. The company says it is the first industrial-grade cleaning wipes to do so. Additionally, all Big Wipes are now “PT1” and “PT2” registered, making them suitable for the disinfection and sanitisation of both hands and surfaces at the same time. www.rdr.link/pa038 To discover more

WIHA Five star systems Wiha is presenting its range of tool systems, tool ranges and transport solutions under the theme of ‘Showtime’. The stage belongs to the Five Star Systems – 16 selected sets or systems that assist users in different ways in their daily work. In addition to smaller sets and multifunctional bags, Wiha's product range includes new tool backpack sets, tool case sets in L to XXL formats. www.rdr.link/pa039 To discover more

KNIPEX Mini plier sets in pouches Making tools easier to access the Mini plier sets from KNIPEX are available in belt tool pouches made of tough polyester fabric, complete with fastening and belt loop.

The Mini Cobra High Tech Water Pump Pliers feature in all three kits and allow adjustment directly on the workpiece at the press of a button; with fine adjustment for optimum adaptation to different workpiece sizes up to 27mm. www.rdr.link/pa040 To discover more

EMMA Sustainably responsible safety footwear Footwear brand EMMA can help to improve your carbon footprint as its safety footwear is now completely made from a combination of recycled materials and materials that are recyclable, the company has announced. Every product in the EMMA range is safe for the environment with a ‘100% ‘Circular’ manufacturing, usage-mapping and recycling process for every shoe and boot produced under the brand.

To discover more

www.rdr.link/pa041

46 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

HIKOKI Nailer range HiKOKI Power Tools UK has added two new tools to its nailer range – the NP18DSAL Pin Nailer and the N18DSL 23 Gauge stapler. The N18DSL 18V stapler is a compact and lightweight tool, with an easily adjustable driving depth. With a length of 235mm, the N18DSL 18V weighs 1.7kg, excluding its battery so user fatigue is kept to a minimum. The NP18DSAL 18V 23 gauge pin nailer features a reaction reducing device that minimises recoil.

A smart push mechanism also makes for a cleaner finish.

To discover more www.rdr.link/pa042

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Cooling technology Designed to help professionals stay cool during the summer, Snickers Workwear has integrated improved 37.5 fabric technology and ‘Verifiable Sustainability’ into its T- and Polo-shirts. The AllroundWork styles are made from functional wafflestructured 37.5 fabric for ventilation, cooling and moisture transport, designed to keep you feeling fresh for longer. What’s more, the new lightweight Polo and T-shirts are made of 100% recycled polyester with a bio-based, anti-odour finish.

To discover more www.rdr.link/pa043

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Leading brands, live demos, Q&As, show specials – all under one roof!

TOOLFAIR 2021 ELEX2021

Running alongside:

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

POWER TOOLS

•

HAND TOOLS

•

BUILDING EQUIPMENT

The Electricians’ Exhibition

Professional

LIVE!

For the latest show info visit: www.plumbexpo.co.uk

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Welcome to the

The Gas App UK Horror Show showcases some of the ‘finest’ work spotted by installers across the country. If you spot any masterpieces to rival these, please submit them to the good people at Gas App UK or email us: phpi@hamerville.co.uk

is now

The app is freely available for both iOS and Android.

Simply visit the stores and search for Gas App UK.

FREE!

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GIVEAWAYS GRAB SOME GEAR

All this month’s giveaways are now on one handy webpage, meaning you only have to enter your details once! For more fantastic giveaways and competitions, www.rdr.link/pa044

10

NEOPERL

FLOW REGULATOR/ AERATOR KIT A producer of Pressure Compensating Aerators (PCA) and Flow Regulators, Neoperl has put together this ‘Home Installation Kit’ to demonstrate how to retrofit taps and showers with Pressure Compensating Aerators & Flow Regulators to save water. Each kit includes a bathroom tap aerator, a Kitchen tap smooth open aerator, a cloakroom tap aerator and a shower regulator, all designed to fit on or into numerous standard fitments.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN... www.rdr.link/pa045

5

GEOCEL TRADE MATE PLUMBER FLUE IN BLACK Geocel has relaunched its Trade Mate range. The range includes sealants specifically for plumbing applications, such as Plumber Flue, Plumber Joint, Plumber Thread, Plumber Grease, Sanitary Seal and Mirror Fix. A one component, high-temperature acetoxy silicone sealant, Trade Mate Plumber Flue is suitable for use on non-porous surfaces and for sealing gas flues. Creating a flexible seal, the product is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 250˚C long term and 300˚C degrees short term.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN... www.rdr.link/pa046

2

ESI

6 SERIES WIFI PROGRAMMABLE ROOM THERMOSTAT

3

TRACER CONSTRUCTION MARKERS

ESi Controls has launched its 6 Series WiFi Programmable Room Thermostat. It allows full control via the room thermostat or via a mobile phone or tablet, and has a range of benefits for homeowners and installers. These include: Optimum Start/Stop, Domestic Hot Water (DHW) setpoint, Hot Water time and temperature control when working in conjunction with a wireless cylinder thermostat, full 7 day, 5/2 day or 24 hour programming options, a boost facility, and a Holiday Mode. It is an ERP Class 5 Product and the new controls are available in white or grey.

The latest TRACER markers include the Heavy-Duty Permanent Marker designed for general construction marking. Plus, there is a Paint Marker which is available in yellow and white and has been designed for high visibility marking. There is also a Fine Point Permanent Marker, suitable for almost any construction scenario. Available in black, blue and red, these markers contain quick drying ink which makes them suitable for a wide range of situations.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN…

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN…

www.rdr.link/pa047

49 JUNE 2021 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

www.rdr.link/pa048

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PRODUCT ROUND UP MORE INFO

To discover more of the latest product launches and hands-on tests from installers GO TO

www.rdr.link/pa049

ARISTON Clas ONE R

STUART TURNER Pulse circulators Stuart Turner has announced a new range of commercial circulators for HVAC applications. The Pulse range features High Efficiency ErP compliant pumps in a variety of sizes with both single and twin head options for Rp1½ to DN80. The pumps are driven by high efficiency permanent magnet motors with EEI ratings as low as <0.20 and are capable of self-modulating in order to only deliver what flow is required based on demand. www.rdr.link/pa050 To discover more

WORCESTER BOSCH LPG variant of Greenstar 2000 Introduced in response to installer requests, Worcester Bosch has announced the launch of its LPG variant for its Greenstar 2000 boiler range. The range’s benefits and features are all included in the LPG variant, including pipe tails and push-fit PRV for easy installation, removable side panels for easily accessible internal components and quick tap water-saving function. www.rdr.link/pa051 To discover more

The Clas ONE R has been added to the ONE series range of condensing gas boilers from Ariston. Replacing the Clas HE R, the new regular boiler is quiet and compact, as well as a retrofit product for use in an open vented system. Available as the Clas ONE R 24, it features the patented stainless steel, continuous coil proprietary XtraTech heat exchanger, complete with 40% wider waterways, alongside low NOx ratings (53mg/kWh). The boilers are also ‘A’ ErP rated for optimum energy efficiency and are supplied with an eight-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

To discover more www.rdr.link/pa053

STIEBEL ELTRON WPL-A Premium range Stiebel Eltron has launched a new range of air source heat pumps. The WPL-A Premium range, comprising the WPL-A 07 and WPL-A 05 Premium, is designed for both heating and cooling in domestic buildings. Both models can achieve flow temperatures of 75°C, which means the end user is not required to use a separate electric element to run regular hot cycles in their hot water tanks to remove bacterial growth. www.rdr.link/pa052 To discover more

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Grant Engineering (UK) ........................................................ (page 10)

Stuart Turner Ltd ........................................................ (page 52/OBC)

Navien UK ................................................................................. (page 4)

Tesco Mobile .................................................................... (page 2/IFC)

Navien UK .............................................................................. (page 29)

Toolfair Exhibition ................................................................. (page 45)

Plumb Expo ............................................................................ (page 47)

Vaillant Ltd ............................................................................. (page 23)

Pump Technology ................................................................. (page 15)

Vauxhall Motors ..................................................................... (page 19)

Ridgid Tool UK ...................................................................... (page 39)

Worcester Bosch ......................................................... (pages 26, 27)

RWC Ltd ......................................................................... (pages 34, 35)

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PLAYTIME PHPI takes you straight to the heart of the action, as we round up the latest industry videos to keep your eyes busy.

Just type in the rdr.link codes listed to watch… & don’t forget the popcorn!

PB PLUMBER Live pipe bending demo In this new 20 minute video PB Plumber tackles a ‘live’ pipe bend (what could go wrong!) featuring five separate bends – including a dog leg, as part of a boiler installation. He demonstrates how he measures the job and sets up his pipe bender to ensure accurate bends. Will he achieve his objective – you’ll have to tune-in to find out.

RHINO Pipe Tube Pro The first complete redesign of Rhino’s 3m PipeTube since its launch in 2005, the PipeTube Pro is a new system for securely and safely transporting copper pipe, plastic conduit and other lengthy materials. This brief video looks at the latest design features, including an optional full-length PVC lining, an upgraded integral locking system and a rubber seal to reduce water entering the tube.

To watch the video…

www.rdr.link/pa056

WAVIN Handy Hacks #5 Wavin has launched a series of new videos giving insightful tips on how its products can be used to help plumbers tackle tricky jobs. The collection of nine short videos is presented by Steve Harris, technical support engineer at Wavin, who has worked on the tools for more than 20 years. In this video Steve looks at the Osma Flexible Waste pipe, a flexible smooth bore pipe that can be cut to the length you need.

To watch the video… www.rdr.link/pa054

YOUNGMAN Freestyle football challenge To promote its new freestyle football challenge Youngman Ladders has teamed up with nine times world record holder and freestyle footballer, John Farnworth – and you can check out some of his tricks here. Youngman Ladders is inviting you to demonstrate your freestyle football skills such as keepy uppys, a toe bounce or a crossover with weekly prizes available for the best skills. To be in with a chance, upload your video demonstrating your freestyle football skills to the YoungmanGroup Facebook, Twitter or TikTok pages or email it to YoungmanFreestyler@wernerco.com.

To watch the video…

To watch the video… www.rdr.link/pa057

www.rdr.link/pa055

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER JUNE 2021 51

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