Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer October 2022 by Hamerville Media Group

VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENTOCTOBER 2022 DOMESTIC BOILERS SUPPLEMENT THE LATEST SOLUTIONS ON THEMARKET BUSINESS&TRAINING THE ADVANTAGES OF TAKING ON AN APPRENTICE SPECIAL REPORT THE BENEFITS OF PUSH-FIT

October 2022 VOL. 37 NO.8 @phpiphpionline.co.uk phpi@hamerville.co.uk@professionalplumber CONTENTS @phpimag BUSINESS & TRAINING 35 HEAT LOSS CALCULATIONS 36 IMPROVE YOUR WORK/LIFE BALANCE 38 LEARNING IS EARNING 40 HIRING AN APPRENTICE 40 DAIKIN EXPANDS TRAINING LOCATIONS 13PROFILE10SPECIAL51474641GIVEAWAY8INDUSTRY6NEWS5REGULARSVIEWPOINTINSIGHTCIPHEUPDATEHORRORSHOWPLAYTIMEREPORTPUSH-FITSOLUTIONSFORBATHROOMRENOVATIONSQ&AWITHCUSTOMHEAT 13 CREATE EFFICIENCIES PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 3 36 BUSINESS TIPS DOMESTIC S17S13S9S4S2S1SUPPLEMENTBOILERSINSTALLINGFLUESNUGTHEFUTUREOFHOMEHEATINGBUILDINGREGULATIONS&DOMESTICHEATINGIMPROVINGEFFICIENCYROUNDINGUPTHELATESTSOLUTIONSTHEVAILLANTACADEMY 10 PUSH-FIT TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 42 PRESS FITTING Q&A 44 PIPE PRODUCTCUTTINGROUND UP 45 WILO’S NEW COMPACT WATER BOOSTING SYSTEM 48 NIBE’S PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL (PV-T) AND HEAT PUMP SOLUTION 49 SHOWERS, BOILERS, HEARING PROTECTION AND MORE…44 PIPE CUTTING

Of course, as we move into autumn and then winter, and the outdoor temperature drops, many people will be rotating the thermostat (or tapping a smartphone app) to raise the indoor temperature. But this year, raising the temperature indoors could also result in an uncomfortably high bill as well.

Jonathan Cole EDITOR

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While some customers may be interested in renewables or low carbon heating solutions, many will simply want their current heating system to be working as well as possible. In this issue we hear from Drayton, who explains some of the ways heating controls and TRVs can be used to bring through savings. You can read more on page S9.

to receive

With the cost of energy already high – and some predicting the energy price for an average household could pass £5,000 per year from 2023 – tenants, landlords, business owners and home owners alike will be increasingly keen on any guidance to help keep costs in check. It is likely that many will turn to heating engineers for advice on what they can do.

Also in this issue we have our annual Domestic Boilers Supplement which rounds up some of the options currently on the market, and looks into the recent Part L changes in a little more detail. It also includes a look into the future, with commentary on how the development of hydrogen boilers is progressing. Although mainstream adoption is still some way away, trials of hydrogen boilers are ongoing with results feeding into the conversations taking place about the future. The Domestic Boilers Supplement, sponsored by Vaillant, begins on page 19.

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is available to the trade at leading heating and plumbing merchants and specialist outlets throughout the

The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors,

Right now (as this piece is being written) the weather remains warm. Thankfully not as hot as the excessive temperatures of mid-late July – but there is still little sign of homeowners and businesses turning on the heating.

journal for those involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating and plumbing systems.

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Everyone in the sector knows that change is happening, with Net Zero targets driving the move away from familiar and established fossil fuel boilers. But while that debate rolls on, this autumn and winter homeowners, residents and business owners will be seeking efficiently working heating systems and advice on how to keep bills as low as possible – all things which professional heating engineers are well placed to provide.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER 2022 5

You can sign

Steve first entered the heating industry back in 1977 as an apprentice Heating Engineer for Scottish Gas. He joined Worcester Bosch as an Area Sales Manager East Scotland in 1994, and became Director of Sales in 2003 – a role that later evolved into Sales & Marketing Director.

Steve commented: “It has been an honour to be a part of this historic company and watch it evolve and change over the last near three decades to the industry leader in heating it is today. I have made some truly great friends – colleagues and customers – during my time here. “I’m now looking forward to spending some quality time with my family, whilst keeping a close eye on how the company and industry will continue to evolve towards a low carbon future.”

Ideal Heating has become the principal sponsor of West Bromwich Albion’s Women’s football team. The agreement will see the Ideal Heating logo placed front and centre on club shirts, reﬂecting the men’s team uniforms. The Ideal brand will also be featured around the outside of the pitch as well as its livery used in interview backdrops. Chief Executive of Ideal Heating, Shaun Edwards, commented: “It’s incredibly important to us that we’ve extended our role as principal sponsor across both WBA’s men’s and women’s teams. As a business, it’s a priority for us to open up more opportunities for women to enter our industry and enjoy successful careers in engineering. We take our role in supporting women’s sport equally seriously and it is rewarding being able to bolster the country’s wealth of female athletes, as well as encouraging a new generation of fans to tune in or take part.”

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A new study of UK van drivers has revealed that over three in four (77%) confess they don’t have an alarm or immobiliser installed within their vehicle, while a further 45% fail to lock their van when it’s not in use. The research, conducted by iCompario, surveyed 1,000 UK van drivers who use their vehicle for work purposes about the actions they take to secure both their vehicle and contents when not in use. According to the findings, 64% admitted they fail to remove their tools and other valuable items from their van when it’s not being driven. And eight in ten (81%) said they don't park their van in a way that could stop a thief from being able to open or break the lock, such as parking against a wall. Kerry Fawcett, Digital Director at iCompario said: “As experts in van insurance, whether using your vehicle for work or leisure, we recommend taking plenty of precautions to protect your vehicle. By failing to do so, you risk not only leaving yourself open potential thieves, but you may also invalidate your insurance when having to make a “Muchclaim.like the regular vehicle maintenance checks that should be made like topping up your oil or checking your tyre pressure, making the time each day to ensure you van is parked safely and securely when not in use should be at the forefront of every van driver’s mind.”

Share your thoughts with us on the industry via Twitter (@PHPI),

Worcester Bosch has announced that its Sales & Marketing Director, Steve Lister, is taking early retirement after holding the position for nearly 20 years.

BROM’SIDEALNEWPRINCIPALSPONSOROFWESTWOMEN’STEAMSTEVELISTERSTEPSDOWNAFTERNEARLYTHREEDECADESATWORCESTERBOSCH

VAN REVEALDRIVERSVIEWS ON

VEHICLE SECURITY

News 6 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Heating specialist Navien has endorsed FlueSnug, the universal flue seal that replaces the need to mortar or use sealant around pipework and helps installers comply with Part L of the Building Regulations. FlueSnug fits a 152mm core drilled hole and can be rapidly installed to ensure a building’s fabric is impenetrable to draughts, water, pests and insects. It can be used externally and internally and is flexible enough to be pushed through a core drilled hole. “We see the benefit FlueSnug brings for our customers, with its strong rubber seal that sits flush against the fabric opening after core drilling,” says Sean Keleher, National Technical Manager for Navien. “FlueSnug ensures the building’s air tightness is not compromised and it is also aesthetically pleasing.”

NAVIEN ENDORSES FLUESNUG

FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM –A POPULAR USED VEHICLEIN2022

VIESSMANN’S #ViMoveForClimate programme, which sees the company donate trees in return for participants’ activity, is to be made permanent via an activity tracking app that anyone anywhere in the world can download and use to improve their health and wellbeing while making a contribution to environmental conservation. To date, Viessmann has planted more than 83,0000 seedlings around the world, including in Cambodia, Peru and in the UK.

GTEC now has a new location for installers in the South East looking to access renewables courses. Qualifications on offer at The Building Performance Hub in High Wycombe include air source heat pumps, water regulations, solar photovoltaics and electric vehicle charge point installation. Part of a collaboration, candidates will benefit from expert training delivered from a purpose-built venue. Funded by the Building Compliance Testing Association (BCTA), The Building Performance Hub boasts a specially built ‘house', where installers can practice their skills in a more realistic environment.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 7

Griff Thomas, MD for GTEC, added: "The Building Performance Hub is leading the way in helping those working in the construction industry design and build energy efficient buildings that meet the challenges of Net Zero.”

NEW SOUTH EAST LOCATION FOR GTEC

The company’s EasyflushEVO range brings together the benefits of non-touch and leak-free flushing.

Commercial washroom water management solutions provider CISTERMISER has announced that it has become an affiliate member of Waterwise, which is focused on reducing water consumption in the UK.

Cistermiser Managing Director Richard Braid commented: “Cistermiser’s whole strategy is to innovate to deliver sustainable, high-performance solutions that ultimately save water.”

Online used car marketplace heycar has revealed that its most popular used vehicle this year is the Ford Transit Custom. heycar has seen a 26.8% increase in demand for the Transit Custom in 2022 compared to the same period last year, while overall there has been a 60.8% increase in demand for vans in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. This time last year it was one of the UK’s most popular SUVs, the Nissan Qashqai, which was the favourite among heycar’s used car buyers.

Sealant and adhesive supplier, GEOCEL, has renewed its partnership with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (Lighthouse Club). This follows a combination of fundraising activities and corporate donations that raised £13,390 for the charity in 2021. The Lighthouse Club provides emotional, physical and ﬁnancial wellbeing support to the construction community and its families. The charity also delivers a variety of free construction focused training programmes to support the industry.

INBRIEF...NEWS

Luke Pykett, Head of Brand Marketing at Ideal Heating, said: “With each passing year our Premier Club trips become more anticipated as a chance for our installer base to be rewarded for their hard work. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to give back to them and to show just how important they are to TheIdeal.”Premier Club took more than 150 installers to Las Vegas in May this year, where guests were treated to an all-inclusive trip to the prestigious Bellagio resort and casino, with experiences and exciting excursions in the Nevada desert. REVEALS

Ideal Heating has revealed that Dubai is the next destination for its Premier Club trip, where the heating manufacturer rewards installers with ‘an exclusive holiday of a lifetime’. Those that qualify for the trip will jet off to the United Arab Emirates in 2024, and to help support installers as they head into heating season, the company is launching a points boost

A core objective of the new Building Regulations is to improve the fabric efficiency of buildings. This is important not only for properties where a low temperature heating system is being installed but for all homes, reducing heat loss can be very beneficial.

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NEW PREMIER CLUB DESTINATION 8 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

A property’s heat loss must be addressed as part of the system design but it may be that some of these measures are installed straightaway and then additional insulation improvements can be made later. For further information about home insulation measures, please visit Grant UK’s

TRITON SURVEY REVEALS LACK OF ELECTRICKNOWLEDGEABOUTSHOWERS

Minimising the amount of heat that can escape from a property should be a key focus. Low temperature systems in particular will struggle to perform efficiently if too much heat is being lost so any property considering an air source heat pump needs sufficient insulation levels. Even for homes not currently looking to swap to a low carbon, low temperature heating system, homeowners could enjoy warmer, more efficient homes if they improve their insulation standards.

Improving insulation in existing homes can be done in several ways. Installing loft insulation with a minimum thickness of 270mm is a popular measure that effectively reduces heat loss and is simple to do. Insulating between the roof rafters is an additional measure to consider. Cavity wall insulation or insulating solid walls can improve the fabric efficiency of walls and upgrading windows and doors, to double or triple glazed options, can significantly help rooms retain their heat. Draught proofing existing windows and doors is a simpler measure which also effectively reduces heat loss. It goes without saying that all pipework must be insulated such as that running to and from the heat pump, cylinder, and on tanks and pipework within the loft space. Oh, and get rid of all secondary returns!

A survey of 2,000 consumers, commissioned by the company, found that less than half of respondents (44%) consider electric models to be more energy efficient than other types of showers. Triton is calling on installers to highlight the potential positives when speaking to customers.

IDEAL HEATING

INSIGHTINDUSTRYwww.grantuk.com/about/blog/getting-your-home-heat-pump-readyblog:

David Tutton, Managing Director at Triton Showers, said: “While electric showers offer an energy efficient way to heat and use water, our survey revealed that the majority of homeowners appear to be unaware of these important beneﬁts. Paired with an overwhelming demand to reduce the cost of living and lower household impact on the environment, it’s apparent there is an opening for installers to raise awareness of the beneﬁts of the category.”

Improvingwith insulation standards in existing homes is important, says Neil Sawers, TechnicalCommercialManageratGrantUK.

Thepromotion.promotion applies from 1st September to 9th October 2022 offering double points across the Logic MAX, Logic +, Ideal 5-Year warranty boiler models, Halo RF, Halo Wi-Fi, and the Gledhill Stainless Lite Plus cylinder. Triple points are also up for grabs across Vogue and Vogue MAX installations.

Renovating or upgrading a bathroom suite often provides installers with numerous practical challenges. Lee Halstead, Technical Sales Engineer at RWC, explains some of the benefits of push-fit solutions.

Here are four main reasons that illustrate why push-ﬁt ﬁttings are useful in helping installers during bathroom projects.

Easier installation Push-fit solutions are quick and easy to install. The principle of the push-fit fitting is simple. As the name suggests, installers push the fitting onto a pipe, which locks it into place. And with most connectors of this kind, the collet is just pushed towards the fitting to then remove the pipe if needed. In comparison to traditional installation methods such as press-fit, compression and soldering, push-fit technology can cut installation time by up to 40%, as it doesn’t require any specialist tools, equipment or heavy duty safety gear (for when installations involve open flames and fumes).

With RWC’s JG Speedfit (plastic) and SharkBite (metal) push-fit solutions available in different sizes and materials, they can be fitted hidden from sight or blended into open-plan designs: for instance, to create a more industrial look or adding extra interior design elements when fitted in a loft space. And RWC’s brass SharkBite push-fit solutions are well suited to provide for the latter.

Junior installers also have the ability to install push-ﬁt which gives more experienced installers the ability to focus on other aspects of the job that require more knowledge – this subsequently helps offset some of the challenges associated with the current skills gap within the construction industry. This all ensures less risk of disruption during the project and eventual lower labour costs for homeowners on their ﬁnal bill – without any compromise on installation quality, reliability and safety.

And, on top of the wide variety of plastic push-fit fittings, tap connectors, service and check valves from JG Speedfit, the RWC family of brands also features SharkBite –the brass push-fit solutions plumbers across the world have grown to trust and rely on.

The major benefit of this wide range of aesthetic options is that it gives installers much more flexibility to satisfy even the most elaborate needs of bathroom customers. As well as matching seamlessly into different designs and layouts, push-fit solutions can facilitate tidier and more

SPECIAL REPORT 10 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

FOR BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

Most remainhomeownersintheirhouses –so keeping disruption to a minimum is vital.

In addition, ease of installation also translates into ease of maintenance, meaning future repairs or adjustments are more trouble-free and much more cost-efficient due to the demountable features of the push-ﬁt concept.

W hile the installation or upgrade of a bathroom suite can be an exciting, yet disruptive, time for homeowners, most installers would agree the process is not always as straightforward as many might expect.

One of the main factors is obviously time pressure, especially in smaller homes with fewer alternative bathrooms and toilets. Most homeowners remain in their houses –so keeping disruption to a minimum is vital. Alongside these swift turnarounds, all new bathroom fittings need to align with the aesthetics of any new and existing design. They also need to be safe and reliable – as well as be small and flexible enough to fit in tight and uneven spaces. Easily available to every installer, the plastic push-fit fitting is a small game-changing innovation that was invented for high-end compressed air applications in the 1970s. RWC’s John Guest push-fit solutions are now used across the world, having revolutionised multiple industries, including plumbing and heating. Today, the well-known JG Speedfit name, associated with the plastic push-fit concept and part of the RWC family of brands, has been at the centre of the plumbing and heating industry’s rapid transformation over the last few decades, as installations have generally become more efficient, reliable, and secure.

Aesthetic flexibility

To discover more about RWC’ JG Speedﬁt push-ﬁt technology, please www.rdr.link/paj001

Enhanced long-term safety Installers often find themselves working on old legacy systems, with the challenges of not complying with current regulations and potentially even being dangerous. Many of these were actually state-of-the-art systems when first installed but are now completely obsolete and need replacing. Push-fit solutions are a safe and long-term reliable solution. Constructed from plastic or brass, push-fit parts are also corrosion resistant which helps ensure a longer service life. Most importantly, they are almost entirely leak proof, reducing the risk of costly water damage, which would mean higher energy and repair costs for the homeowners. Leaks waste valuable water and corrode and destroy plumbing systems, causing damage to property and personal belongings, often leading to equipment failure and the need for replacement.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 11

Whatever the size and dimensions of the bathroom suite involved, these solutions can fit almost any space

For example, JG Speedfit fittings have been extensively researched and rigorously tested and are manufactured to the very highest standards and specifications. Though easy to remove when necessary, the likelihood is that they won’t need replacing during the lifespan of a building. In fact, many JG Speedfit fittings come with long guarantees, in most cases up to 50 years.

Push-fit fittings can help solve this problem quickly and easily, saving unnecessary waste and expense. For example, JG Speedfit’s precision engineered multi-seal technology is designed to ensure reliable, leak-freePush-fitconnections.solutionsalso simplify pipework and enable other water saving devices to be easily added onto the system – for example, double check and shut-off valves. These help prevent water contamination and can isolate water supplies so that localised repairs can be undertaken without having to drain off an entire system.

For more about RWC and its family of brands, including JG Speedﬁt, Reliance Valves, and SharkBite, please www.rdr.link/paj002

compact pipework, freeing up building space. Equally, the ease of reconﬁguring pipework means it can accommodate new pipes, valves, and ﬁttings to meet changing requirements.

Small spaces Push-fit solutions are compact and require less space when installed than other fittings. Whatever the size and dimensions of the bathroom suite involved, these solutions can fit almost any space – which can be extremely beneficial in very tight rooms, corners and complicated layouts. This is particularly relevant for retrofit projects in cramped spaces that installers may find difficult to either access or work within.

Q It has recently been announced that the business has grown 56% in the last 12 months – how has that been achieved? Custom Heat has been executing a growth strategy for around 18 months, edging out geographically with our head office in Rugby at the centre. We’ve always taken a steady approach to this, gradually employing more engineers who live further and further aﬁeld, and the recent focus has been on Birmingham and the north PHPI catches up with Lincoln Smith, Managing Director, Custom Heat, to discover more about the company’s recent growth, the technology it employs to create efficiencies and its views on decarbonising the sector.

In 2009, we added boiler care plans to our offering because peace of mind is the top priority for many busy families. To assist people with costs on the plumbing side we offer 0% ﬁnance for bathroom design and installation, and we work with partners to deliver the whole package, comprising carpentry, lighting, tiling and ﬂooring, as well as the suite provision and behind the scenes connections. Naturally, we also undertake all other plumbing related tasks from unblocking pipework to system repairs.

Q Based in Rugby, Custom Heat has a workforce of around 140. What range of services does the firm offer? If it comes under the umbrella of plumbing or heating, then we’re ready to help. On the heating side of the business, this includes the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of boilers and there are a surprisingly large number of villages around us in the Midlands that don’t have a gas supply. We install underfloor heating around 10 times a month and undertake about 100 reactive repairs. And, while fitting new radiators is part of our core service, we’ve been receiving more enquiries recently about upgrades and smart controls in relation to system efficiency and keeping bills down. We’re well versed in the renewables arena, but currently not many customers are choosing to go down this route after the initial investigations. The overall expense – including the day-today running costs after installation – isn’t attractive.

PROFILE CUSTOM HEAT PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 13

We intend to continue our strategic expansion into other areas too, taking the same measured approach that has served us well for the last 18 months. The long-term plan is to start with the south Cotswolds while also moving north from Cornwall until we meet in the middle. We’re also moving further west into the Black Country and east of Peterborough, and any experienced engineers in any of these areas who are looking for a new challenge are always welcome to get in touch.

Very simply put, I don’t think the renewables sector – underfunded and underdeveloped – is ready to retrofit most homes we live in and with the current energy crisis, now is not the time to install systems that cost consumers more money. We have several engineers who are qualified to undertake the rigorous energy audit required and to undertake installations. However, more often than not we find that the insulation, draught proofing, and heat emitters are not good enough to meet a heat pumps requirements and the cost to remedy those things makes the switch prohibitive. Homeowners aren’t necessarily ready to embrace the lifestyle change of these renewable systems either, where you can’t just flick a switch and have a too hot to touch radiator in a fairly short space of time. Then, returning to the costs, even with an optimised system, there’s little guarantee that monthly bills will be lower and that is understandably the number one priority for families right now.

PROFILE 14 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Q In 2017 the ﬁrm employed 40 people, now the Custom Heat workforce is around 140. Where are your plans for the business in the coming years? Building the business in Cornwall is obviously a focus right now and a part of that is building on our almost 2,000 positive online reviews. Our search optimisation is very strong thanks to our external marketing support, and I hope that this, paired with our offer to undertake an energy efficiency audit free of charge in people’s homes and business premises in Cornwall, will see us succeed in that the market.

In 2016 we turned to integrated, cloud-based business software. I had a natural interest in how technology could create efficiencies, remove manual processes, and make life easier for both customers and staff so it was a natural step. This means, whether a customer makes an appointment via our website or over the phone, the booking gets intelligently allocated and confirmation and reminder emails or text messages are automatically sent, just as the invoice is when the job is complete. Ensuring the website meets modern customer preferences, with online bookings and a chat function, has been a key area of our success too. Engineers out in the field have access to the system via their smartphones, so they can action process steps, access information on and order parts and from the office we can see which appointment of the day they are on in real-time. Suppliers, orders and all the company financials are also integrated so this facilitates me to look at snapshot data or to drill down to the detail.

Absolutely. We’ve been employing apprentices for 42 years since the business was founded, working with over 15 different colleges and training centres, and we aim to always have around 10% in our engineering workforce. Our sector is lacking people we really must focus on future-prooﬁng it by attracting young people and making apprentice roles available. I undertook the apprenticeship route, and there is no doubt that industry placements are beneﬁcial to people entering all kinds of practical careers. The hands-on aspect is crucial for someone new entering our sector, and what they learn and achieve multiplies tenfold compared to a classroom only path.

Q How have you used technology to help make installers and customers lives easier?

Q Decarbonising the sector is becoming an ever more important topic. What is Custom Heat’s view on heat pumps and what is the company doing to make low carbon options available to customers?

Q Do you see apprenticeships as key to the future of Custom Heat and the wider sector?

Cotswolds. In July we opened an office in Bodmin, Cornwall as well. Nevertheless, I think there has been an element of natural growth due to increased public interest in system efficiency, all linked to the spiralling energy costs. From an increase in service bookings with people who don’t want to risk a breakdown or having an inefficient set up, to more installations where an old condensing boiler has been replaced with a state-of-the-art model. Since Autumn last year, we have found that more people want and in-depth conversation with an expert and our engineers are always happy to impart their knowledge. Therefore, we’ve seen customers booking a service, but they’ve ended up purchasing a new boiler, new radiators, or smart controls – or a combination – in a bid to keep their homes warm and bills as low as possible.

hether you need some advice on the direction the sector is heading, want to chat with manufacturers about their latest solutions or bag yourself show great show deals on tools and equipment from leading brands, your regional tradeshow has it all. Toolfair, Professional Builder Live and Elex combine to offer a unique day-out on your doorstep. Taking place across two days each show features hands-on product demos, a huge array of tools and equipment, a chance to meet and quiz manufacturers on the products you use, and the opportunity to grab some show ‘special bargains’ on the kit you need. with regulations and best practice changing all the time, visitors will also ﬁnd seminars and training sessions on a variety of pressing topics. two days – and at a venue near you – Toolfair, Professional Builder Live and Elex, incorporating a new Heating & Plumbing Training Zone, deliver for professionals across the trades.

Plus,

Across

Together

REGIONALTRADESHOW Visit your

YOUR SHOW, NEAR YOU... ● At a venue near you ● Across two days ● Free parking (van friendly) ● Free entry ● Free T-Shirt & a free bacon roll* (*limited to ﬁrst 1000 visitors) ● Show bargains ● Hands-on demos ● Meet manufacturers ● Training opportunities ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE W

YOUR NEXT SHOWS, NEAR YOU… WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER 20TH & 21ST OCTOBER 2022 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY 3RD & 4TH NOVEMBER 2022 VISIT WWW.TOOLFAIR.INFO FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET HEATING & PLUMBING TRAINING ZONE Recently added to the long-established Toolfair & Elex shows, the new Heating & Plumbing Training Zone brings readers of Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer an additional reason to attend. The Zone has been designed to help installers keep right up-to-date with the latest developments in the sector and all the new rules and regulations. With a particular focus on forthcoming technologies and information on how to get set-up to deliver low carbon heating solutions – the free seminars are packed full of practical information and guidance. Band Of Builders C.K Tools G Sharp Tools Ltd HiKOKI Power Tools (UK) Ltd Makita (UK) Ltd BlackStanleyand Decker DeWalt Techtronic Industries UK Ltd Wera BlakladerAicoA-PlanTools InsuranceWorkwear Ltd Bott ComodoLtd CheckatradeWorkwear Snickers Workear Isuzu UK Ltd PackexeHager StowPlumbpalLtdProductsAStepladder UK Ltd YeomansVantainer Ltd A selection of the companies & organisations you’ll be able to catch-up with at the event… SESSIONS TAKING PLACE AT THE EXETER EVENT: 20TH – 21ST OCTOBER 11.00 – 11.30 | CHANGES TO PART L, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW How to comply with the increased energy performance standards as set in the new Building Regulations Presented by GTEC 12.00-12.30 | CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE RISE OF HEAT PUMPS Grant UK will be hosting ‘Climate Change and The Rise of Heat Pumps’, covering the recent extreme weather and global warming, Net Zero targets, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Building Regs, home insulation, low temp systems and heating emitters. It’s a talk visitors won’t want to miss and there will be further info on product and industry approved training and easily accessible supporting resources. Presented by Grant UK 13.00 – 13.30 | HEAT PUMPS, THE FUTURE OF HEATING POST 2025? Be ahead of the competition and start installing now Presented by GTEC 14.00 – 14.30 | SMART HEATING, HOW TO REDUCE CONSUMERS HEATING COSTS See the opportunities in the heating solutions for future homes Presented by GTEC *content subject to alteration

FUTURE OF HEATING – CONTROLS & TRVS – BUILDING REGULATIONS BOILERSDOMESTICSUPPLEMENTinassociationwith

PHPI hears from PipeSnug about the installation of FlueSnug across a housing development in Norfolk.

1I Drill the 152mm hole for the flue as normal. You can also core drill and fit FlueSnug from the inside out thanks to its flexibility. This eradicates any health and safety risk when working at height, for instance if a boiler is going into a loft space.

2I Push the FlueSnug into the hole and feed the ﬂue through. You can push it through from the inside or the outside of the wall. Complying with Part L of the Building Regulations is quick and simple. Part L also requires photographic evidence that the regulations have been complied with. FlueSnug allows for this easily.

Step-by-step

DOMESTIC BOILERS SUPPLEMENT PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 S1

3I FlueSnug can be installed inside too, and adds a professional, energy efficient ﬁnish to an installation. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj004

Hitting the hts 21

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ADVERTISING FEATURE S2 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

The way we heat our homes has a significant role to play in ensuring the UK meets its objective of Net Zero by 2050. With the race on to decarbonise home heating, low carbon technologies such as heat pumps offer an immediate solution, however, heat pumps might not be suitable for every home.

Earlier this year, we installed the first of our 100% hydrogen boilers at the H21 site in South Bank, DevelopedMiddlesbrough.atourheadquarters in Remscheid, Germany, the 100% hydrogen boiler marks an important milestone; being the first time Vaillant’s wall hung boiler has been installed outside of a laboratory and in the field. Fitted in a residential area, the installation will be used to inform on points such as controlling flammability and fitting requirements, ahead of hydrogen boilers being produced in large volumes. Using the data and insight collected at the H21 South Bank site our team of experts will also be able to examine practicalities such as gas tightness and purging requirements, through to additional installation and commissioning needs. The results of which will be used to advise

A t Vaillant, our continued investment in research and development is already seeing us create the innovative low carbon solutions that are trusted by installers and homeowners. When it comes to hydrogen, we’ve been involved in several demonstrations, including HyDeploy, Keele University, where our boilers have been tested with up to 20% hydrogen blended with natural gas. Taking this further, we’re now part of two projects, led by DNV and Northern Gas Networks, to test the feasibility of using 100% hydrogen as a means to heat our homes and hot water, using our first certificated 100% hydrogen boilers.

Hydrogen offers an alternative solution that homeowners and installers alike will be keen to explore.

H21 South Bank, Middlesbrough

With trials of its first certificated 100% hydrogen boiler already firmly underway at two separate test sites in the UK, Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training Director, at Vaillant, discusses why these demonstrations are so important, and how Vaillant is already supporting the industry to ensure a successful transition when the time for a mass roll out of hydrogen arrives.

To showcase the H21 South Bank project and the importance of this demonstration site, you can watch the videos at vaillant.co.uk/hydrogen

The data collected at both the HyStreet and South Bank demonstrations will play a fundamental role in our continued innovation as a manufacturer, and further develop our hydrogen offering globally.

industry regulations going forward.

The results gathered will also advise on regulatory requirements and shape future training needs for installers too.

The informative conversation explored some of the practical considerations installers and speciﬁers have around hydrogen. From assessing the viability of existing housing stock for hydrogen, to addressing some of the ways installers can start to get ahead with hydrogen now, the podcast offered practical advice and support which will also help inform others working in the industry too. You can ﬁnd both the podcast and installer Q&A at vaillant.co.uk/hydrogen For more detail on Vaillant please www.rdr.link/paj005

There is no silver bullet to decarbonising the way we heat our homes and hydrogen is just one of the technologies which will play a role. However, the road map to Net Zero is now clearer than ever, and it’s important that the UK’s heating and plumbing engineers begin to invest in the training and development to support the UK’s low carbon future. At Vaillant, we have developed a blended training programme which includes both low carbon technologies, available now, such as heat pumps, together with industry courses including Vaillant’s recently launched ‘Hydrogen & the Role of Green Gas in Decarbonising Heat’. Details of all courses can be found https://www.vaillant.co.uk/for-installers/training/here,

As well as our boiler undergoing extensive testing, analysis is also being conducted to assess the suitability of the UK’s existing gas network by utilising the underground gas pipework, left over from demolished properties – creating a ‘real world’ simulation that will help guide the transformation of the grid to 100% hydrogen.

The day became the perfect forum to put wider installer questions to Steve Dixon, Vaillant’s ﬁeld service support manager who installed the boilers at both South Bank and HyStreet, Paul Honeyman, head of product management at Vaillant, and Dan Allason, Head of Section – Research and Innovation, DNV, to create a short installer Q&A video that answers questions including, ‘how will hydrogen be transported?’, right through to ‘what other appliances do homeowners need to change should they switch to a hydrogen boiler in the future?’

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING

Training

The HyStreet demonstration site is made up of three purpose-built terraced homes. Here, the aim is to provide important proof points on how completely replacing natural gas with 100% hydrogen inﬂuences heating and hot water production, as well as proving its safety and understanding how the gas acts when accumulated in the home. The resulting data will inform the fuel’s credibility for a large-scale rollout in the future and feed into the move towards the ﬁrst hydrogen village which is expected in 2025.

Giving installers a glimpse of the future While the topic of hydrogen remains high on the agenda amongst those working in the industry, and with consumers, understandably we’re seeing an increase in the number of questions surrounding the practicalities of hydrogen as a low carbon heating solution.

To answer some of these questions and give installers a ﬁrst glimpse of our 100% hydrogen boiler and the team behind its installation, we invited a number of heating engineers to visit DNV’s HyStreet demonstration site. Over the course of the day, our expert team was on hand to talk through the main differences and similarities around the installation and commissioning of the hydrogen boiler. In addition, representatives from DNV were also able to talk about how the testing and data being collected at the site will be used to inform future stages of the plans for mass rollout by 2030.

A special hydrogen episode of The Vaillant Podcast was also recorded live on site. Hosted by Paul Honeyman, guests on this special episode included Dan Allason from DNV, Phil Clarke and Keighton Hewer from PCL Net Zero and Grant Thomasson from For Housing.

INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 S3

Moving into HyStreet, DNV’s Spadeadam Research and Testing centre To ensure our 100% hydrogen boiler undergoes robust testing, we have also recently installed a second appliance at DNV’s HyStreet testing facility.

hanges to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power), Part F (Ventilation) and Part O (Setting Standards for overheating in new residential buildings) of the Building Regulations are the biggest set of updates to Building Regulations to affect the heating sector in over a decade. It is important to note that these Regulations only affect new and existing buildings in England.

to Part L1, which came into force in June 2022, set out an interim target of a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions relative to the 2013 version of the document. From 15th June, the thermal performance of a new building will see improvements in external wall U-values (down to 0.18W/m2K) and the heating systems for such new builds will have to be designed with a maximum ﬂow temperature of 55°C or lower, which favours low-temperature, low carbon systems.

DOMESTIC BOILERS SUPPLEMENT S4 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Changing times

Approved document O is new to this suite of regulations and is aimed at preventing domestic dwellings overheating as a result of solar gains in the summer and provide a means of removing this heat through the use of cross-ventilation – this will be introduced to include domestic dwellings, offices and schools.

Transitional arrangements Time delays have also been significantly reduced. The previous iterations of the Building Regulations assisted the developer by allowing them an indefinite period of time to complete the site provided they started developing the site within five years of permission being granted. However, the new Regulations include a transitional arrangement for individual buildings where plans submitted after June 2022 or where construction has not started before June 2023 must comply to these new Regulations. Similar changes to Part L2 will see a 27% reduction in carbon emissions on properties such as shops and offices.

Approved Document F Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant UK, explains how changes to the Building Regulations may affect domestic heating installers.

historicalWhile versions of the Building Regulations only applied to new buildings, the 2022 version tackles some areas relating to existing properties

The onareMayitsWalesDecemberyearchangesintroduceScotlandGovernmentDevolvedofwillsimilarlaterthison1st2022.announcedchangesinlate2022whichcomingintoeffect23rdNovember2022.Theambitiouschanges

The section then goes on to say that, “systems should not be signiﬁcantly oversized” – and here there is some ambiguity. The Regulation’s purpose is clear, in that the selected boiler should match the calculated heat loss as closely as possible.Thequeries arise when you look at combination boilers where the output has been historically sized for the domestic hot water performance and not space heating requirements. For example, a 36kW boiler may currently be satisfying a heat loss of 14kW – is this signiﬁcantly oversized or acceptable? Should installers be discussing the ‘oversize’ element with their homeowners with the view of potentially installing a traditional boiler/cylinder system (instead of a combination boiler) allowing a smaller boiler to be installed?

Calculations

This change will affect installers of all heating system types, both oil, gas and renewable. While a thorough room-by-room heat loss calculation is standard practice for all heat pump installations, it has not previously been required for oil boilers. However, since 15th June 2022, all oil heating installations now require a room-by-room heat loss calculation carried out as part of the initial site survey. It is also worthwhile calculating the output of the existing heat emitters to offer advice on energy saving measures that could be introduced while changing theInboiler.Section 5.8 of the new Regulation, it states that, “The speciﬁcation of space heating systems should be based on both of the following: ● An appropriate heat loss calculation for the dwelling. ● A sizing methodology that takes account of the properties of the dwelling, such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Engineering Services Design Guide." This means that a whole house type calculation is no longer allowed, something that will have a huge impact on installers who are requested to replace a boiler in a distress situation.

While this will not be a requirement for a simple boiler replacement, it makes sense to start improving the system efficiency of the existing system by reducing the ﬂow temperature that will still work with the existing heat emitters. However, to do this, the new Regulations now require a full room by room heat loss calculation to be carried out prior to the boiler replacement.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj007

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 S5 Grant UK’s eLearning Academy features an updated training module on Part L of the RegulationsBuilding as well as other training modules on renewable products, and heat loss calculations. Visit the Academy by hovering over the QR code with your phone or www.rdr.link/paj006

While these changes to Building Regulations do raise some questions, there is no denying their overall aim which is to serve as a stepping stone towards the forthcoming Future Homes Standard.

deals with ventilation and these changes will bring about changes to increase the standard of ventilation in new homes.

While historical versions of the Building Regulations only applied to new buildings, the 2022 version tackles some areas relating to existing properties, which is particularly important when renovating an existing dwelling. For example, when a wet heating system is newly installed or fully replaced in an existing building (including the heating appliance, emitters and associated pipework), it must be designed to allow the space heating system to meet the heating needs of the dwelling at a maximum ﬂow temperature of 55°C or lower.

If this is not possible, the space heating system should be designed to the lowest design temperature possible that will still meet the heating needs of the dwelling. It is likely that this will have to be justiﬁed before electing to use a higher ﬂow temperature.

When it comes to getting the most out of a heating system, there’s no one element that’s more important than another, rather multiple different elements must work together. Remi Volpe, Managing Director at Drayton, looks at what these factors are, and the role that the recent update to Part L is playing in improving system efficiency.

Improving efficiency

DOMESTIC BOILER SUPPLEMENT PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 S9

A s of 2018 when Boiler Plus was introduced, any gas boiler being installed should have a minimum ErP rating of 92%, which was included in the legislation to help lower energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. However, the efficiency of any boiler is only as good as the overall performance of the entire heating system. If it’s not correctly balanced, fitted with adequate heating controls, and properly maintained, homeowners are unlikely to see any efficiency gains from their heating system. Recently, Part L of the building regulations was updated in an attempt to ensure that all new or complete replacement systems are fitted to a higher level. Heating controls and TRVs Under the recent update to Part L, amendments have been made to ensure that energy is not being wasted by heating empty rooms within the property. Instead, when carrying out a boiler replacement, installers should now ensure that there is thermostatic room control for each room in the home. This can be achieved with systems like Wiser which, through the Smart Room Thermostats and Smart Radiator Thermostats, allow installers to create individual room temperature control. By upgrading from a basic heating control to a system like Wiser, which offers individual room control as well as other benefits such as Smart Modes, installers can help their customers benefit from over 30% energy savings this winter. If a customer isn’t looking for smart heating system control, it’s still just as important to ensure that the system is fitted with high-quality time and temperature control. This can be achieved with many programmable thermostats available on the market, such as Drayton’s new Digistat, and many options will also often include additional benefits such as OpenTherm modulation and weather compensation to help make efficiency gains.

Alongside this, to ensure compliance with the new legislation, installers should also ensure that each radiator within the property has TRVs fitted. On any new system, this should be a fundamental factor when designing and quoting for the job. Alternatively, when it comes to boiler replacements, it is fine to leave any existing TRVs provided they are still working correctly. However, when it comes to TRVs, it is best to ensure that any fitted Part L of the building regulations was updated in an attempt to ensure that all new or complete replacement systems are fitted to a higher level.

to the system are Class 1 rated, like the Drayton Classic TRV4 is, to guarantee the highest levels of efficiency.

System balancing System balancing is required as part of the Benchmark commissioning process and it is essentially the process of ensuring that warm water is evenly distributed throughout the heating system, making sure that all radiators receive the correct ﬂow of hot water needed. This is achieved by managing the ﬂow to each radiator to ensure that all rooms heat up evenly.

Unbalanced systems can result in radiators not heating up properly, causing some rooms within the home to be cooler than desired. This also results in heating systems not being able to work to optimum levels, with condensing boilers failing to enter condensing mode due to incorrect return ﬂow temperatures. This results not only in higher heating costs or greater emissions than expected, but an unbalanced, ineffective heating system that can lead to consumer dissatisfaction, which no installer wants.

Lower ﬂow temps

With energy bills rising, many resources have been calling for homeowners to lower the flow temperature of their heating system to help conserve energy. These lower flow temperatures of 55º have also been outlined in the 2022 update to Part L for any new full heating system being installed. Whilst this is a strong step in helping to make heating systems as efficient as possible, it does consequently place more importance on ensuring a system is correctly balanced. With lower flow temperatures, on an unbalanced system the issue of radiators not heating up correctly is going to be more prevalent than ever, so it’s important that the two go hand-in-hand. By combining each of these elements together and ensuring they’re following the standards set out in Part L, installers can play a crucial role in helping their customers more easily manage their heating system this year, and benefit from improved efficiency and lower energy bills. For more information on Drayton’s range of heating controls and thermostatic radiator valves, including the new Auto-balancing TRVs, please www.rdr.link/pa j 008

DOMESTIC BOILER SUPPLEMENT S10 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Although this is something that should be carried out on every new heating system, a lot of the time this step is often skipped as it’s regarded as a complex and time-consuming process. To help resolve this, Drayton recently launched its new Auto-balancing TRV technology, available in its TRV4 and RT212 lines. With these new TRVs, all an installer needs to do is identify the heat output from the radiator the TRV will be ﬁtted to, and then set the valve to the correct position using the setting table included with the product. Once set, the system will remain permanently balanced regardless of TRVs in the system opening and closing, which can help homeowners save on average 8.8% on energy costs.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj009

2 I Intergas Xclusive

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 S13 DOMESTIC BOILERS SUPPLEMENT

The Intergas range features a bithermic heat exchanger in every boiler and all Intergas boilers are 20% hydrogen ready. The company’s flagship boiler, the Xclusive, has a number of energy-saving features, it has a modulation ratio of up to 1:9, a flow rate of 10.2-13.5 l/min, twin OpenTherm temperate zones with an option to operate up to four zones, a combined PRV and condensate connection, an RF module for remote access and control and an integrated expansion vessel. This boiler also boasts low NOx emissions – between 17.06-20.33mg/kWh and when an Intergas System Filter is fitted with any Intergas boiler, two more years will be added to the warranty.

1 I Glow-worm Compact

The 26kW and 30kW Vibe MAX models offer 93% seasonal space heating efficiency and improved domestic hot water (DHW) performance. Vibe MAX measures 700 x 400 x 275mm.

A stainless-steel heat exchanger provides strength and durability and the unit utilises advanced electronics, including a modern human-machine interface (HMI) and digital touchpad interface to assist operation, installation and servicing. Vibe MAX also incorporates a Bluetooth clock module that allows easy programming the ‘heating’ ON/OFF schedule via smart phone using our app.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj011

Boiler Room

The Vibe MAX, from Vokèra by Riello, is a new boiler platform designed to combine value-for-money with high-end functionality. Available in combi and system models, Vibe MAX is designed to be 20% hydrogen-blend ready and is packed with a number of features including built-in Modbus connector, revised ‘universal pipework’ layout, and a primary heat exchanger in corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj010

The Compact boiler is the latest addition to the Glow-worm range. Fitting within a casing size of 626 x 400mm, the Compact combi boiler is available in both 24 and 28kW outputs, and both natural gas and LPGWithoptions.afive-year guarantee, the Compact is available as part of an ‘unbelievabundle’ package that comes with a flue and Power System Filter. The boiler has a stainless-steel heat exchanger helping to increase the lifespan and a new touchscreen interface for ease of installation. Other features include a built in bracket, to make installation easier, an external eBUS socket for easier connectivity between boiler and controls and increased volume for expansion vessel to suit a variety of system sizes – designed to protect water heating systems from excess pressure. The Compact is fully compatible with the Glow-worm’s existing range of controls.

The Compact combi boiler is available in both 24 and 28kW outputs, and both natural gas and LPG options.

PHPI takes a look at some of the developments around domestic boilers.

3 I Vokera by Riello Vibe MAX

From an energy-saving perspective, the E-Tec Plus can modulate down as low as 4.3kW and incorporates a Delta T controlled pump which can be used to maintain a low return temperature, essential for keeping the boiler in condensing mode.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj012

5 I Keston Twin ﬂue capability

The E-Tec Plus is also 20% hydrogen blend-ready and will therefore be able to run for its lifetime, even when hydrogen begins to be phased into the UK gas grid.

6 I Hounsfield Boilers Oil Boilers

Hounsfield Boilers produce oil boilers from their base in Suffolk. The company manufacturers both free-standing and wall-hung internal and external models, all of which feature Hounsfield’s redesign of the heat exchanger which maximises the heat transfer area and eliminates hot spot stress fractures. The increase in heat transfer area results in Hounsfield Boilers’ reaching a full load efficiency of up to 97%. Its boilers feature a bespoke Elco burner that uses standard parts and is HVO ready, plus a lifelong, aircraft grade, Teflon cored flexible oil line. The boilers also boast a pre-assembled paper element oil filter, fire valve and non-return valve, plug and play electrics, a one system fits all flue system, and a five year ‘no quibble’ warranty. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj014

DOMESTIC BOILERS SUPPLEMENT S14 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj013

7 I Vaillant ecoTEC plus With outputs ranging from 12kW to 38kW, the ecoTEC plus boiler range is available in combi, system and open vent models. With continuous modulation and real combustion control by a multi-sensor system, this boiler range achieves high levels of efficiency with low emissions. All ecoTEC plus boilers offer low energy consumption and premium components. And, if you’re looking for a higher output boiler for a larger domestic property, this range of boiler is also available in 48kW and 64kW output options. Additionally, Vaillant’s entire range of combi and system domestic boilers are Quiet Mark accredited. Installers can receive an extended 10-year guarantee when registered on Advance, along with £100 cashback on the first install. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj015

Thanks to its twin flue capability, the Keston range of domestic and light commercial boilers offers a solution for awkward installations: such as in basements – where moving the boiler could present further cost implications; or landlocked flats –where there may be a lack of sufficient external wall space for flue termination; or even in listed buildings – where other regulations regarding the property can have an effect on the flue termination. The Keston twin flue design allows for longer flue runs up to 27 metres. Twin flue boilers will perform the same task as concentric systems; however, they do allow further flexibility and distance. Both have an air intake and an exhaust flue, but in a twin flue installation the flues do not run within one another, they run separately. As they are not restricted to run parallel, the air inlet flue position is not limited by the same restrictions placed on the combustion flue.

4 I Alpha E-Tec Plus Combi Alpha’s E-Tec Plus range has been designed to offer ease of installation, fitting within a standard kitchen cupboard and with front access to parts to enable quick and straightforward servicing. Available in three outputs (28, 33 and 38kW) each model features a stainless steel heat exchanger, Grundfos pump and hydroblock assembly, as well as a Honeywell gas valve and PCB, plus a combined condensate and PRV connection.

DOMESTIC BOILERS SUPPLEMENT

Hybrid Heat Pumps

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj019

10 I Viessmann One Base

9 I Ideal Heating Logic2 MAX

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj017

8 I Navien NCB700

All Viessmann new generation residential boilers and heat pumps – as well as the digital services that support them – are now networked by One Base, Viessmann’s new software platform. Described as the ‘window to the world of Viessmann,’ One Base connects products to the ViCare customer app and the ViGuide app for installers, both of which are compatible with Android and iOS. The ViCare app provides end-users with information on the current operating status of their heating, cooling or ventilation appliance, and the capability to set time programmes for heating and hot water, wherever they are. The ViGuide app is a complete service tool for installers, offering step-by-step commissioning guidance, remote monitoring of all installs and assistance for service, maintenance and parts replacement.

Ideal Heating has upgraded its Logic boiler. The company says the design of the new Logic2 MAX makes installation even easier, while servicing and maintenance have also been enhanced with changes to the internal layout of the boiler. For homeowners and installers, usability has been enhanced with a large high resolution colour screen displaying full text descriptions across the range. Like all of Ideal’s domestic boilers, the new boilers are ready to run on a natural gas blend containing up to 20% hydrogen when required. The combi models deliver an A+ efficiency rating when fitted with a Halo Combi WiFi thermostat. Elizabeth Wilkinson, Head of Domestic Product Management at Ideal Heating, said: “We know that the Logic range is a market favourite with installers, having built an excellent reputation over more than a decade for being one of the easiest ranges to work with. It delivers many new enhancements that support installers and homeowners in a changing domestic heating landscape, while retaining its popular market leading features.”

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj018

S16 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

11 I Worcester Bosch

Navien’s NCB700 combi gas boiler has been designed to deliver hot water to three bathrooms simultaneously. The NCB700 maximises recirculation of domestic hot water (DHW) in applications to reduce water wastage and offer flow rates up to 22 litres per minute (at 35°C temperature rise). The boiler features a turndown ratio of 15:1, is hydrogen-ready and can also achieve ErP A+ when used with Navien’s Smart Plus controller. It is available in two models capable of delivering up to 41kW and 54kW of hot water respectively. A built-in recirculation pump helps ensure hot water is supplied to taps faster than if using a traditional cylinder. This can be used in conjunction with the NaviCirc recirculation valve, which makes it easier to set up a secondary hot water return system. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj016

Hybrid Heat Pumps, consisting of a heat pump supported by a boiler, are a low carbon alternative for home heating. With the heat pump generating heat for around 70-80% of the time, the boiler is used as a back-up or ‘range-extender’ during colder months, as well as providing the hot water in mostWorcestercases.Bosch recently launched the sleekly designed Hybrid 7000iAW – a system which the company says ‘delivers the best of both worlds’. It allows the integration of a high efficiency low-carbon heat pump with the benefits of a gas combi boiler.

Additionally, by completing part of the course online before attending an in-centre practical course, installers can maximise their time working with the boiler or heat pump itself. And, with all training certiﬁcates available through the online portal, installers can clearly demonstrate to customers they are fully up to speed on the latest training.

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 S17 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

learningopenVaillantAcademyforblended

Marketing support Online marketing support is also one of the key features of the new Vaillant Academy, together with the very latest information on Vaillant products and business advice, including practical ways to open up new revenue streams and diversify into new technologies. To deliver further value for installers, over time, and based on the user’s interaction with the platform, the Vaillant Academy recognises topics of interest, such as decarbonisation or heating with hydrogen, and creates a bespoke training programme and makes recommendations for future learning developed around each individual installer. With up to 50 Advance points awarded for each training module completed, it really is a win win for installers. To access the Vaillant Academy, Advance installers simply need to log-in to the platform using their Advance credentials or by completing a short sign-up form on the Vaillant website. For more information on the Vaillant Academy please www.rdr.link/paj042

ith installer highlightingfeedbacktheneed for training options which can fit around busy schedules, the Vaillant Academy can be conveniently accessed both through the Vaillant Advance loyalty programme and directly through the main Vaillant website, meaning installers can tap into support whenever and wherever they want.

The blended learning approach allows installers to compete theory-based modules at home, meaning they only need to visit a Vaillant Centre of Excellence to complete practical training elements, where Vaillant’s team of trainers are on-hand to share their technical expertise. Vaillant Academy helps installers reduce the time needed away from the tools without having to compromise on training and professional development.

And with a commitment to proudly support installers beyond products alone, the new e-learning platform combines a wealth of online training courses, technical information, and valuable marketing tools, to help installers maximise their business.

Having seen installers book almost 35,000 places on its online training courses since 2020, Vaillant has launched its new Vaillant Academy to further extend its on-demand training and business support for installers. By completing part of the course online before attending an in-centre practical course, installers can maximise their time working with the boiler or heat pump itself

● Expected comfort temperatures ● Lowest temperature expected in winter for that area Heat loss calculations are designed so that you can correctly specify the heat pump, radiators/underfloor heating and a cylinder, or check how existing pipework and heat emitters will perform alongside a new system. Any short cuts could lead to insufficient heating, cold rooms and high energy bills. One size doesn’t fit all As mentioned, under Part L, heat loss calculations need to be accurate, so heat pumps must be selected as closely as possible to the demand. Most heat pumps are tested at an ambient temperature of 7°C and a flow temperature of 35°C.

Consider your area – Scotland has statistically much lower winter temperatures than the South East, for example. A 13kW ASHP under ‘standard’ conditions would provide signiﬁcantly less output at -2°C with a ﬂow temperature of 55°C.

● Air change rates

● Output too low = a large bill and a cold house ● Output too high = the system could be prone to short cycling – turning on and off too often – which could lead to poor efficiencies and faults.

Heat loss calculations are a key part of getting any heating installation right, particularly air source heat pumps (ASHPs); essential for ensuring optimum efficiency and end user comfort. Since June, room by room heat loss calculations are now required to meet Part L Building Regulations. Griff Thomas, MD for renewables training provider, GTEC, explains.

he success of the heat pump roll out lies in more than just their cost and availability. Consumer experience is key, so ensuring this relatively ‘new’ contributor to homeheating runs efficiently and effectively is essential to widespread take-up, and also vital to meeting the updated versionof Part Lof the Building Regulations. What to consider? In the past, heat loss calculations for gas and oil boilers have been a fairly loose affair, focussing on ‘average houses’ and numbers of radiators. Fossil fuel boilers are traditionally oversized to account for this lack of Underaccuracy.PartL,this approach does not meet the regulations. Calculating heat loss on a room by room basis is required, taking into account the fabric of the building, including U values (how quickly and at what rate a building material will conduct heat) of walls, ﬂoors, roof insulations, windows and doors, as well as the size of the rooms.

Heat loss calculation support

CALCULATINGTHE LOSSES

The heat loss calculation looks at the space that needs heating and the potential of the building to retain heat, factoring in a number of other variables:

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 35 BUSINESS & TRAINING

Cylinder sizing

In a heat pump system, water is stored at the lowest possible temperature to get the best efficiency. Despite the often scalding temperatures associated with ‘traditional’ heating systems, for most people, 40°C is plenty hot enough for water coming out the tap. Storing it at 45°C will allow for heat loss as it travels through the pipes. To meet the new requirements for low temperature water, cylinders will need to be up-scaled to account for reduced thermal mass. While there is undoubtedly more to consider, better sized systems will result in greater carbon reductions and happier customers across the board. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj021

Many of the boiler and heat pump manufacturers offer support calculating heat losses relating to their speciﬁc products and MCS has created a heat pump calculation tool for MCS certiﬁed installers. Please www.rdr.link/paj020 better sized systems will result in greater carbon reductions and happier customers across the board.

BUSINESS & TRAINING

IMPROVEYOUR WORK / LIFE BALANCE 36 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

James Chillman UK Country manager of Fergus gives PHPI his top business tips to help you excel in work and make more time for play.

N o one said running a plumbing and heating business would be easy, and the sense of achievement a business owner feels is all the greater for knowing they’ve worked hard to achieve it. But there’s no need to make things more difficult than they need to be. Burnout is always a risk for the small business owner and a healthy work life balance is important. So, how do you go about working hard, but also having the quality time needed for family, friends, and leisure activities? Thankfully there some processes you can put in place, and even better, automate them so that you have even more time free for the good things in life. Lose the paper Despite the digital revolution of the past 30 years, most tradespeople – over 75% in most markets, according to internal market research commissioned by Fergus – are still using manual, often paper-based systems and processes to manage their businesses. This ultimately leads to poor cash flow, lower profits and significant stress on the business owner. The trades have effectively been left behind and ignored by the software industry, predominantly because the average size of trades businesses was considered too small to matter. This reliance on paper-based systems and other processes, such as email, which aren’t joined up, leads to inefficiencies which make running a business laborious and stressful. It’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks, whether it be late payments or invoices. Job management software is one solution and the best ones allow you to integrate your business as a whole, granting you complete oversight from start to finish. Get the basics right Always know your day-to-day costs and what you need to cover equipment hire and wages. You should always have the minimum your business needs in your account and never go below this. Keep a close eye on your accounts and payments in and out. Know when a customer has failed Running your own business, while rewarding, is hard work.

It’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks, whether it be late payments or invoices.

Control your overheads Keeping abreast of costs allows you to control your overheads, which helps eliminate waste. Fergus, for instance, integrates all aspects of your business and gives you to a powerful, and easy to read, visual overview of your business in its entirety. You can see the status of a job, from quote to completion. By giving you the power to plan ahead, you can employ sub-contractors when you need them and hire equipment when necessary. You can assign staff to jobs in seconds by just dragging and dropping them onto it. They’ll automatically receive notification through the app, and there’s no need to phone or meet with them. You can build bespoke quotes in minutes, adjusting pricing or mark-ups on materials, or offer discounts where necessary; create digital job cards which can be seen anywhere and by anyone on your team, by just logging into the app; fill out templated gas and electricity certificates; log hazards and on-site incidents, and record sign offs, all within the app. Tackle problems fast Problems can arise on any job and if not dealt with fast, they can escalate. This can then delay completion and eat into your bottom line. So, it’s important to spot them as soon as they happen and deal with them. Fergus’s status board is colour coded and easy to read at a glance. You’ll be able to see what’s going wrong should a problem arise and quickly fix it. Chase late payments Get in the habit of issuing clear and easy-to-understand invoices as soon as a job is done. Fergus simplifies this task. By logging your costs, the materials you purchase for a job, and tracking the time you and your employees spend on it, the app has all the information it needs to feed into the invoice for you at the end. You can follow up late payment with automatic SMS messages. Cultivate your reputation With the tips outlined above, you’ll be able to run your business more efficiently and more profitably. You’ll be happier, able to achieve a good work/life balance, and have more time to do the things you enjoy. Your customers will be happier too and will see that yours is a business they can rely on. A satisfied customer will likely recommend you and your business can grow. To discover more and to book a demo visit please www.rdr.link/paj022

to pay an invoice, or when you’re due to pay a supplier, or when a late payment needs chasing. Spend some time every day on your accounts and ﬁle receipts and invoices as soon as you get them. It saves time later when you need to ﬁle your tax returns.

With everything moving to one platform via the Glow-worm Academy, this also gives the installers access to their certiﬁcates, allowing them to demonstrate to customers that they hold a competent knowledge when it comes to the latest technology and future challenges.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj023 training can also help installers stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends to ensure that they are ahead of the game.

LEARNING IS EARNING

A blended approach While many manufacturers are moving to a blended learning approach, this shouldn’t mean that installers can’t take advantage of expert knowledge too. In addition to the online Glow-worm Academy, we also offer a host of courses in our six Centres of Excellence located across the UK. This enables installers to complete their theory modules in the comfort of their own home, or book an in-person course, cutting down on the time they need to take away from the tools.

the agenda, the home heating market is inevitably at its most pressured. Against this backdrop, many installers would agree that trying to ﬁt training into their busy working schedules can be challenging, especially for those who are self-employed. Yet, making a small investment in their learning can reap a wealth of rewards too. Not only increasing product knowledge, but professional training can also aid installers in becoming more conﬁdent when recommending products or services to customers, or even spot additional opportunities to upsell, which in turn means more revenue.

BUSINESS & TRAINING 38 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER W

Going beyond this, training can also help installers stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends to ensure that they are ahead of the game.

Accessing the Glow-worm Academy is simple, installers need to log in to the platform using their Club Energy credentials or new customers can access it by signing up to Club Energy. In addition, it includes suggested learning pathways for anyone taking part in the training, which are broken down into online or at our Centres of Excellence. We ﬁnd this blended learning approach works for the majority of installers as it means they can ﬁt it around their busy work schedules, invest in training and ultimately boost their business.

Train to gain The Glow-worm Academy offers installers a variety of training courses from installation and commissioning to controls, ensuring that installers are equipped with the knowledge they need for today and into the Installersfuture.are also able to search for a speciﬁc Glow-worm product or course, and for every training module that is completed, they receive 50 Club Energy credits which can be redeemed against items such as branded work wear, tools and homeowner literature. What’s more, as the company continues to invest in the courses available via its online training, installers are able to take advantage of the variety of courses on offer, such as marketing, designed to aid installers with the knowledge they need to further boost their business.

“At Daikin, we have the capacity to train over 7,000 installers on air-source heat pumps per year, through our accredited courses and around 40-strong network of Sustainable Home Centres – and we’re striving to train around 30% of all installers in theMichaelindustry.”Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, attended the opening of H2ecO. He said: “I am pleased to officially open the H2ecO Daikin Sustainable Home Centre, a place where our local community can learn about all the exciting opportunities presented by heat pumps and renewable technologies.

MP Michael Tomlinson at the H2ecO Daikin Sustainable Home Centre launch

So how can taking on an apprentice assist with this? Well, the reality is that apprentices training in the present day will be more acquainted with modern low-carbon systems. Since it is these systems that the industry will soon be dependent upon, recruiting skilled apprentices can actually be a way of future-prooﬁng your business. Of relevance here is JTL, which offers the Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship. This all-encompassing four-year course gives apprentices the necessary fundamental plumbing skills as well as the opportunity to specialise in one of four pathways. The Environmental Technologies pathway provides bespoke training on solar thermal, heat pumps and water recycling systems.

One of the challenges faced by installers is the drive towards net-zero, and specifically, the phasing out of gas boiler installation by 2035. With around 26 million out of the UK’s 28 million homes currently relying on gas boilers, there is a significant need for installers trained in alternative, low-carbon heating replacements such as heat pumps and hydrogen-based systems. This is just one example of the newer skillsets practitioners in the field need to develop.

HIRING AN APPRENTICE

Lindsay Talks, Product Manager at JTL – a work-based learning provider in the building services sector across England and Wales – talks through the advantages of taking on an apprentice.

BUSINESS & TRAINING 40 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

o work and succeed within installation means to be adaptable to new advances in the ﬁeld and the work installers carry out can’t afford to slip behind the technology of today’s age. Because of this, training remains an ongoing process, and historically this has made installer businesses ideally suited to apprenticeships. What may not have been considered, however, is how apprenticeships can help installer businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

TRAINING CENTRES

A JTL apprentice’s experience is deﬁned by the support of their dedicated training officer, and those officers remain on hand to manage apprentices’ performance throughout their time with their employers.

Financial incentives are also available to employers to encourage them to take on an apprentice and supply the necessary on-the-job training. For companies like JTL, training includes much more than course material – it means a dedicated training officer to work with the employer and apprentice, a free toolkit for the apprentice and a precise recruitment process that matches the right apprentice with the right employer.

For information on how JTL can help with apprenticeships please www.rdr.link/paj024

For information please www.rdr.link/paj043 Centres, bolstering its national network to around 40-strong.

“From homeowners looking to save money on their fuel bills and ‘go green’, to installers wanting to train and prepare for the future of low carbon heating, the Sustainable Home Centre at H2ecO will provide an important ‘heat pump hub’ for the area and a step towards our local and national goal of reaching net zero.”

It’s this reﬁned model from JTL that enables apprenticeships to be as smooth as possible for employers, granting them the time to focus on how best to use their apprentices in the response to the ever-changing demands the industry calls for.

Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager –Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, commented: “Quality training and collaboration is key on the road to net zero, and our Sustainable Home Centres act as hubs where we all come together to drive progress. Together with H2ecO and UKHeatPumps we can tackle the green skills shortage and make a signiﬁcant contribution towards our national net zero targets.

A new centre has opened in Basingstoke in partnership with UKHeatPumps, while the second centre, H2ecO, has launched in Poole, Dorset. Local installers can use the centres to access free training and resources to help them diversify into renewable heating solutions.

DAIKIN EXPANDS

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN www.rdr.link/paj025 5 For more fantastic giveaways and competitions visit the PHPI website. www.rdr.link/paj 026

GRAB SOME GEAR

FIREANGEL CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM

FireAngel’s new FA3820 battery powered carbon monoxide (CO) alarm complies with the latest EN 50291-2:2018 standard and features a 10 year sealed for life lithium battery. Supplied with a ﬁve year warranty, the alarm contains electrochemical sensing technology that provides an accurate and proven method of sensing carbon monoxide, in line with latest requirements. The alarm’s low level monitoring function contains an intelligent sensor that increases its sensing rate for detection of low levels of CO, in line with the new informative annex in EN 50291-2:2018. This reduces health risks of CO poisoning from constant low CO concentrations, whilst simultaneously preventing the build-up of dangerous levels of CO, by detecting levels as low as 10ppm. The alarm also provides rapid alerts to dangerous CO levels.

GIVEAWAY

Using a press system works a lot faster in getting each connection securely ﬁtted. This will result in getting a job done in a much shorter timeframe. RIDGID press tools are also equipped with a Press-Check functionality which will ensure a 100% secure connection, every time.

Pistol grip and inline tools will both get the job done. The difference lays in the way you hold each tool and the balance of it. A pistol grip tool, if you hold it up-right, will balance above your wrist, making it easy to control and work with. The inline tools have their balance, in a horizontal position, underneath your wrist. Some might say that inline tools are easier to use in tight spaces, in the end it comes down to personal preference.

Q There are tools with different pressing strengths available. What are the options and reasons for these differences?

Different materials require different tools, same goes for the plumbing industry. Each different type of pipe material (and PRESS AHEAD Enver Celik, RIDGID Product Manager – Pressing, answers some questions on press fitting and the tool options available.

Q What are the advantages of using a press system?

There are different connections available for the pipe material out there such as stainless steel, copper and multiplex (multilayered pipe). Each of these require their own different type of press jaw to ensure a 100% secure press ﬁt. Same as other tools out there, RIDGID-tools are equipped for interchangeable jaws, meaning you only buy one press tool and the jaws you need to get the job done.

Q Will press-ﬁt systems leak?

If done properly there is no chance of leakage. Same as with brazing, there is a bit of prep-work needed: making sure the cut pipe is cut straight, there are no burrs and there is the appropriate amount of pipe available to ﬁt tightly in the connection. If you work with a ﬁtting and jaw that match the size of the pipe, and you do a proper press, your connections will be leak-free.

Q What are the differences between pistol grip and inline press tools?

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 42 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Q Can press systems be used on all types of pipe material?

Q Is changing the straightforward?jaws

The UK market has been holding on to its tradition of soldering and brazing, however the market has started to shift. Stricter rules when it comes to toxic fumes, eliminating naked ﬂames and other safety-regulations have made plumbers consider press systems. More and more people are now converting to press. For more details please www.rdr.link/paj027

Nowadays, press ﬁttings are so widely represented that they could replace any brazing-job. Yes there will be an initial investment in tooling, but given the time saved when using them, they are paid back in no time.

Q There are a number of jaw profiles to be used with press systems. Can you explain why different jaws are required? Suppliers of pipe material and connections have been protecting their brands over the years by making it crucial to use their very own combinations of materials. This diversification in the market lead to the development of different jaws to comply to the materials out there. This has grown to a wide range of sizes as well as types such as V-, M-, TH-profiles.

Q Is the UK market for press systems and tools growing?

Q Are there any situations where press ﬁttings shouldn’t be used?

connections) requires a press-capacity (expressed in kN) to ensure a tight and leak-free connection. For some domestic applications 15kN might be enough, while for other connections you will need 32kN to ensure a 100% connection. RIDGID offers tools ranging from 15 – 19 – 32kN covering most of the industry’s standards.

It’s very easy and quickly accomplished on site in a few seconds. If you know the material you work with and the jaw needed to get the job done, this has been made very easy by the tool-suppliers. RIDGID Press-tools are equipped with bolts that are easily operated with one hand and have bolt-sensors, making sure you don’t operate with a jaw that isn’t securely in place as this could break your jaw or cause accidents.

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The TubiX XL has been designed to make professionals’ lives easier, saving time money and effort.

PHPI hears about a tool which could save time, effort and money for plumbing and heating installers. 2 3

2I The pipe is cut by turning the tool, and the clearance between the cutting edge and the pipe can be freely adjusted with the ergonomic feeding barrel.

1I To operate the tool place the open TubiX XL pipe cutter on the pipe. Position and lock the spring-loaded cutting wheel into place on the workpiece using the QuickLock locking mechanism. The cutting wheel on the TubiX XL is made of quality ball-bearing steel while the metal housing is light and durable magnesium.

P liers’ specialist Knipex has launched the TubiX XL Pipe Cutter, big brother to the TubiX pipe cutter it launched in 2020. Designed to be precise and quick, the TubiX XL cuts pipes from 6 to 76mm (1/4'' to 3'') and a wall thickness up to 2mm and can also be used by electricians to cut rigid steel conduit and for stripping steel wire armoured cables. more information please www.rdr.link/pa www.rdr.link/pa

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& EQUIPMENT 44 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

TOOLS

4I The needle-bearing and spring-loaded cutting wheel can be exchanged without any tools. A spare wheel is also located in the handle cap.

The new Wilo-Isar BOOST5 is a compact, plug and play solution that uses multistage, self-priming and allowhydraulicBOOST5,combinedpressurewashingthewaterwithinhavebusinessessmallerinpressuredesignedpressure.ﬂuctuatingtopressure-boostingautomatictechnologyofferasolutiontocombatorinsufficientwaterThesystemhasbeentoguaranteeconstantfordomesticwatersupplylargedomesticsettings,aswellasnon-residentialamenities,andsmallsportsfacilities.Therearemanyfactorsthatcananegativeeffectonwaterpressureaproperty,includingusingalotofatthesametime.Runningthingslikeshower,thegardenhoseandthemachinecanalldecreasetheinapropertyasaresultofhigherﬂowdemands.Wilo’ssolutiontothisistheWilo-Isarwhichfeaturesanefficientdesignandinsulatedcasingtothesystemtorunsmoothlyandquietly.

Andy Thompson, National Sales Manager for Plumbing and Heating at Wilo UK, commented: “Inadequate or insufficient water pressure is a common issue in the UK, but there is an easy ﬁx. The Wilo-Isar BOOST5 offers cutting edge technology that ensures a reliable water pressure and is perfect for home settings thanks to its quiet and compact design.

“The system’s simple plug and play design and high-end material construction is great news for homeowners who are looking for an energy and cost-efficient option, especially with household bills continuing to rise. Of course, this applies to all suitable building types where the Wilo-Isar BOOST5 can provide simple operation with optimum performance from a compact, easy to install unit.”

For more information on Wilo UK please www.rdr.link/paj030

Installation features

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 45 PRODUCT FOCUS W commercial product portfolio.

WILO LAUNCHES NEW COMPACT BOOSTING SYSTEM

There are many factors that can have a negative effect on water pressure within a property, including using a lot of water at the same time.

The Wilo-Isar BOOST5 system has a plug-in design, offering easy installation for the plumber. There is also an LED display and button controls to make it simple to operate for the end user. It features built-in protection to guarantee safe operation and the system is made of a corrosion-resistant techno polymer, to provide a long service life.

The Wilo-Isar BOOST5 has smart sensors, efficient hydraulics and demand-sensing technology. The system automatically adjusts its speed to the requirements within the property, only providing an extra water boost when required. When the pressure sensor detects a drop in the system, the electronics start the pump to restore the set-point pressure. The inbuilt inverter varies the speed of the pump, regulating the hydraulic performance according to the specificWhendemands.thepressure is restored, the flow sensor will detect the lack of water flow and will stop the pump until the next system start. The Wilo-Isar BOOST5 also provides protection against dry running, thermal protection against motor and inverter overheating and electrical protection against sudden changes in voltage and current. From the control panel users can manage the pressure output and monitor the operating status, including error messages.

46 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

Addressing water shortages

Domestic water consumption currently accounts for 10% of the total water global use, so reducing the amount used is crucial when facing shortages and drought. Short term responses to water shortages are often reflected through localised restrictions and hosepipe bans which sees homeowners banned from using a hosepipe to: ● Water a garden or plants ● Clean a private motor vehicle or leisure boat ● Fill or maintain an ornamental fountain or a domestic pond, swimming or paddling pool ● Draw water for domestic recreational use ● Clean paths, patios, walls or windows, of domestic premises A less reactive approach used to tackle the water challenge is innovation. From low-flow shower heads to waterless toilets, we’ve seen a plethora of new technology brought to market. If showers, taps and toilet cisterns are coming to the end of their life, homeowners are encouraged to swap these for water efficient models. However, ignorance and lack of understanding around some products can mean that these do not always have the desired effect. Therefore, installers must offer advice when fitting or maintaining a system. Installers can also play a core part in monitoring and assessing existing systems to maximise efficiency. A leaking tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week so it’s crucial this is rectified.

Installers can also play a core part in monitoring and assessing existing systems to maximise efficiency.

Summer hosepipe bans have highlighted the need to address water use in domestic properties. With this in mind, Kevin Wellman, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering discusses the key role installers can play.

DOMESTIC WATER USE IN THE FACE OF DROUGHT

F aced with a rapidly increasing population, access to water is a global challenge. Climate changes, which see natural rainfall patterns altered, are contributing to water shortages and droughts. In fact, a UN report found that frequency and duration of droughts around the world have increased by around a third since 2000. Now, heatwave and drought news has put the spotlight back on reduction of domestic water consumption.

To ﬁnd out more or to become a CIPHE member please contact Tim Sainty via 01708 463102 or tims@ciphe.org.uk

Home health check Carrying out a whole system health check not only helps to tackle water loss, but it also offers safety assurance. For this reason, encouraging installers to undertake a compliance health check is an ongoing priority for the CIPHE. When visiting a customer, installers should also stress the beneﬁts. For example, the number of emergency call outs and preventative maintenance can save the end user costly full-system replacements. Plus, in the long run, a health check can save homeowners time and money by extending the life of appliances. From a water use perspective, system efficiency should be the focus. Regular checks will ensure that all components are working efficiently and, in some cases, updated to offer the best energy saving and monitoring options. The CIPHE’s consumer compliance health check is designed to encourage the industry to introduce a whole home maintenance solution. The checklist encompasses: water safety, heating, controls, hot and cold water services, above and below ground drainage, as well as renewables. All systems need regular maintenance to ensure that the pipework is intact, for example. Things to check for include corrosion as well as the correct sizing and installation of the pipework. Installers are urged to do their part and raise awareness of the checks that need to take place during the next new installation or maintenance call out. A simple discussion like this could make a world of difference to domestic water consumption.

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 The app is freely available for both iOS and Android. Simply visit the stores and search for Gas App UK. Welcome to the isnow FREE!

The system was recently installed at the University of West London. The project involved the replacement of old gas boilers with ground source heat pumps alongside 580 solar PV-T panels. The site remained active throughout the build due to the use of prefabricated structures and the PV-T design removing the need for extensive groundworks. To discover more please www.rdr.link/paj031

Heat exchanger

The system has also been designed to provide additional comfort in the summer through passive cooling. It can also be used in new build properties to provide an efficient solution where noise is a concern and space is at a premium.

Jonny Hancock, Product Manager at NIBE Energy Systems (UK) said: “The NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps. The installation of a PV-T array can be utilised as a direct alternative or supplement to a traditional borehole or surface collector, while delivering the same levels of efficiency. It is also an whensolutionexcellentforanair/water solution is not desirable. “PV-T panels are equipped with PV cells at the front that convert sunlight into electricity. The rear consists of a thermal heat exchanger that extracts aerothermal energy from the ambient air. The operation of the heat exchanger is therefore comparable to that of an air/water heat pump, without the requirement of a mechanical fan. A PV-T system therefore works 100% silently. Depending on the heating requirements, they can replace traditional boreholes or ground arrays, minimising disruption and removing the need for extensive ground works which can be impractical on some sites.”

The PV-T collector has been designed so that even on cloudy days and at night, the heat exchanger provides sufficient energy for the heat pump. In warmer months, the heat extracted by the collector helps cool the PV aperture surface, improving generation efficiency.

PRODUCT FOCUS 48 OCTOBER2022 PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER

IBE Energy Systems has launched a new Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) and Heat Pump solution which transforms a NIBE “ground-source” heat pump product into a "multi-source" heat pump product. The NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps, removing the requirement of a ground or bore hole collector array. The PV-T collectors produce electrical energy that can be used to operate a ground source heat pump. On a hot day, the circulating brine helps cool the PV-T panel, increasing PV-T generation efficiency.

PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL (PV-T) AND HEAT PUMP SOLUTION INTRODUC ED BY NIBE

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 49 PRODUCTS ROUND UP

All NCB700 boilers can also be used in conjunction with the NaviCirc recirculation valve, which makes it easy to set up a secondary hot water return system. The device uses existing pipework to reduce the waiting time for hot water at the tap, via the addition of a dedicated recirculation return pipe. Available in two models capable of delivering up to 42kW and 54kW of hot water respectively, the boiler also features a turndown ratio of 15:1 and can also achieve ErP A+ when used with the company’s Smart Plus controller. Elsewhere in the range, the NCB500 also utilises Navien’s ﬂow adjustment valve and auto mixing valve. It is available with hot water outputs of either 37kW or 41kW. The NCB family is completed by the NCB300 – a pared down version of its larger cousins. There are three models available, providing DHW outputs of 28kW, 37kW and 41kW.

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj033

PROTECTIONNOISESAFETYHELLBERG

KSTONETRAYKUDOS

For more information please www.rdr.link/paj034

The Kstone slip resistant tray range, manufactured by Kudos, is now available in a slate grey colour. This new range, with matt black waste available to order, comes in 40 model options, which includes rectangular, square, quadrant and offset quadrant shapes in multiple sizes. Kudos Kstone trays are 45mm high and have a structured resin bonded stone filler for increased stability. The Slip Resistant (SR) models feature properties that are embedded in the material, rather than a coating on the surface. These options are now available in both white and slate grey models.

Using the same fundamentals as the company’s NPE water heater, Navien’s NCB700, as well as the NCB500 and NCB300 boilers, prioritise levels of hot water performance, with the latter two models also fitting inside a cupboard. The flagship product in the range is the combi crossover NCB700, a boiler capable of supplying up to three showers at the same time. To deliver constant temperature and hot water it features a custom-built hydraulic block assembly, which includes a mixing valve, flow adjustment valve and recirculation pump. The boiler also offers flow rates up to 22 litres per minute (at 35°C temperature rise).

Secure Relax products protect hearing while users can listen to a favourite radio station. Secure React headsets allow users to listen to AM/FM radio and communicate with colleagues while being protected from harmful noise. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj032

Hellberg Safety has developed improved noise protection technology to deliver passive and active noise protection for a variety of settings. The Secure series features a choice of basic or multi-functional ear defenders and communication solutions, available in three protection levels. Secure Active allows users to communicate with colleagues, hear warning signals and other important information while protected from hazardous noise.

NAVIEN’S NCB GAS BOILERS PUTHOT WATER FIRST

Roman has introduced a Pivoting Wetroom Panel into its Innov8 collection. The wetroom panel pivots 180 degrees, offering a large and open space to enter the showering area. It is designed to work in large and also small alcove spaces as the pivoting action provides a large aperture to enter the showering area even in a smaller bathroom space. The Pivoting Wetroom Panel is 1967mm high with 8mm thick toughened safety glass; bright silver or matt black profile; chromed brass top caps and ultra-clear seals. It is available in 400mm, 500mm, 800mm and 900mm wide. It can be installed straight to floor using a wetroom system, to create the look and access of a wetroom or on to a shower tray. The Innov8 Range has a minimal, inclusive and stylish design trends and has been designed and manufactured to ensure easy cleaning. David Osborne, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This stunning addition to our Innov8 Range offers another take on the standard wetroom panel with its flexible pivoting door function. It is ideal for both large and small bathroom space and presents an elegant look with inclusive features for all users.” For more information please www.rdr.link/paj035

EASYBOARDEUROFORM

INNOV8ROMAN

A new, lightweight, ‘score & snap’ tile backer board has been launched by construction materials supplier Euroform. Named Easyboard, the ﬁbre cement board is designed for use in areas of high moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and has secured an A1 non-combustible rating. The board can be scored with a traditional utility knife and snapped to size without the use of specialist cutting equipment. In addition, it is relatively lightweight (approx. 13 Kg per 800mm x 1200mm sheet) so it can be lifted and ﬁtted by a single installer. It is available in 12.5mm thickness. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj037

Altecnic Ltd ...........................................................................................(page 43) www.rdr.link/ PAJ100 Bosch Thermotechnology UK Ltd .....................................................(page15) www.rdr.link/ PAJ101 Drayton ...............................................................................................(SUPP IFC) www.rdr.link/ PAJ102 Fergus UK ..............................................................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/ PAJ103 Glow-Worm .......................................................................................(page OBC) www.rdr.link/ PAJ104 Grundfos Pumps Ltd .........................................................................(page IFC) www.rdr.link/ PAJ105 Heatrae Sadia ......................................................................................(page 26) www.rdr.link/ PAJ106 Lakes Bathrooms Ltd .........................................................................(page 33) www.rdr.link/ PAJ107 NIBE .......................................................................................................(page 29) www.rdr.link/ PAJ108 RJW Engineering ................................................................................(page 30) www.rdr.link/ PAJ109 Robert Bosch Ltd .................................................................................(page 18) www.rdr.link/ PAJ110 Snickers ...................................................................................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/ PAJ111 Surefire Software ................................................................................(page 39) www.rdr.link/ PAJ112 Tesco Mobile ...................................................................................(SUPP OBC) www.rdr.link/ PAJ113 Testo Limited ........................................................................................(page 39) www.rdr.link/ PAJ114 The Electric Heating Company ........................................................(page 26) www.rdr.link/ PAJ115 Ubbink (UK) Ltd ....................................................................................(page 37) www.rdr.link/ PAJ116 Vaillant Ltd ..................................................................................(page 24 & 25) www.rdr.link/ PAJ117 Viessmann ..............................................................................................(page 9) www.rdr.link/ PAJ118 Vokera ....................................................................................................(page 12) www.rdr.link/ PAJ119 ADVERTISEMENT INDEX WORKQUICKSETTOUGHBUILTBENCH Capable of supporting an evenly laid load of up to 455kg (1,000lbs) in weight, the ToughBuilt QuickSet Work Bench can be set up rapidly with a button push and a pull of a handle. After use, the legs can be retracted using the same method, and the Work Bench can be transported with its easy-carry handle. It includes multiple 20mm holes and clamping slots along with integrated quick reference measurement markings in centimetres, inches and degrees. The QuickSet Work Bench is also compatible with the company’s ClipTech system to help installers organise their tools and supplies. For more information please www.rdr.link/paj036

PIVOTING WETROOM PANEL

PLAYTIME

VIVA TRAINING

How to remove a burner from a boiler In the latest in a series of videos from Viva Training, Roy Fugler looks at how to remove boiler components correctly, speciﬁcally the air gas unit, and checking the burner seal and burner. During the six minute video Roy explains how to access the burner unit and examine the burner seal, explaining what to look out for, including signs of distress or signs of wear. He also provides a series of tips on how he approaches the job.

To watch the video… www.rdr.link/paj040

WAVIN HEP2O Van tips #2

Wavin Hep2O has teamed up with three installers to launch Van Tips – a series of videos that offer fellow plumbers handy hints on tackling some of the issues facing the trade… all from the comfort of their trusty work vans. The second episode sees Hollie (@holliesheating) give her take on starting a plumbing business, and advising others on how to navigate the unfamiliar aspects of ﬁnances while still giving customers the best possible service.

IDEAL HEATING

To watch the www.rdr.link/pavideoj038

To watch the www.rdr.link/pavideo…j041

VAILLANT The future of hydrogen With one of its first certificated 100% hydrogen boilers now in place at the H21 test site in South Bank, Middlesbrough, the team from Vaillant involved with its installation and testing has been reflecting on what it means to the industry, and what the results will feed into. The two and a half minute video features insight into the installation, with the team behind it providing their views on the set-up and operation of the Vaillant hydrogen boiler.

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!

To watch the video… www.rdr.link/paj039

Principal sponsor – West Brom’s women’s team Ideal Heating has become the principal sponsor of West Bromwich Albion’s women’s team. The agreement will see the Ideal Heating logo placed front and centre on club shirts, reﬂecting the men’s kit. The Ideal brand will also be featured around the outside of the pitch as well as its livery used in interview backdrops. Chief Executive of Ideal Heating, Shaun Edwards, commented: “It’s incredibly important to us that we’ve extended our role as principal sponsor across both WBA’s men’s and women’s teams. As a business, it’s a priority for us to open up more opportunities for women to enter our industry and enjoy successful careers in engineering.”

PROFESSIONAL HEATING & PLUMBING INSTALLER OCTOBER2022 51