Oil Installer Winter 2011

Topical issues affecting the industry today in association with

www.oftec.org

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Editorial

Contents

New events for a new year

4-11/Industry News

W

ith the end of the year fast approaching, we’re excited to be looking forward to what 2012 may bring.

We’re making good progress in our campaign to have bioliquids included in the Renewable Heat Incentive from next October. OFTEC has met with civil servants and MPs, and hopes to meet the energy minister in the new year. The incentive will give homeowners a grant for using bio-liquids, and give the industry a boost with opportunities to convert existing oil boiler systems.

12/Irish News 14-19/Boiler News 20-21/Technology 22-23/Installer Profile 24/Hot Technical Topics 25-27/Readers’ Questions 28/2011’s Toughest Challenges 29-32/Training

The Oil & Renewable Energy Show has a new venue and will take place on Wednesday 17th – Thursday 18th October at the Manchester Central Convention Centre.

The OFTEC Awards for Excellence will also be back in 2012. The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday 18th October, following the Oil & Renewable Energy Show.

Finally, OFTEC is pleased that the OFT inquiry into the supply of heating fuel last winter did not find evidence of widespread malpractice. The commission found that competition worked well in the industry, and that there was no need for regulation.

Best wishes for 2012,

33-39/Products & Services 40-43/Renewables 44/Legal News 45/Product News 46/Gallery

Jeremy Hawksley

Credits Ashley & Dumville Publishing Ltd Caledonian House, Tatton Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6AG Tel: +44 (0)1565 653283; Fax: +44 (0)1565 755607 mail@andpublishing.co.uk The publishers gratefully acknowledge the support of those firms whose advertisements appear throughout this publication. As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements. It is necessary however for it to be made clear that, whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements it contains, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, or the products or services advertised.

Printed by Pelican Press, Manchester Tel: 0161 273 3434

Advertising Jonathan Hibbert Media pack on request jonathan@oilinstaller.co.uk

News Desk Editor: Jane Hughes jane@oilinstaller.co.uk Winter 2011 Volume 5 No 4 ISSN 1755-3490 Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 3

Industry News – incentives, awards and exhibitions

DECC will consider supporting bio-liquids

Energy minister, Greg Barker MP, has responded to OFTEC, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers and the ICOM Energy Association who joined forces to write to him in August, urging the inclusion of bio-liquids in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) from October 2012 In his reply, Mr Barker said that DECC will consider supporting bio-liquids, but that they needed to fully understand complex issues – such as potential competition for feedstocks with other sectors, and sustainability reporting commitments under the Renewable Energy Directive.

OFTEC’s case is supported by a new report which says that bio-liquids offer a viable alternative to kerosene and diesel. Commissioned by the UK government and written by the UK’s National Centre for Biorenewable Energy, Fuels and Materials (NNFCC), the report suggests bio-liquids could play an important role in reducing reliance on fossil-based oils which currently heat more than a million homes in the UK. Entitled The evaluation of bio-liquid technologies for dedicated heat generation, the study considered bioliquids with the potential to

be used as heating fuel, such as vegetable oil, biodiesel and used cooking oil. It found the biggest market opportunity for bio-liquids was with existing domestic oil users, primarily those off grid, with a smaller, secondary market potential in industrial heat plants.

The report shows that a bio-liquid blend is a realistic alternative to kerosene for heating Campaigns and incentives Commenting on the research, OFTEC director general, Jeremy Hawksley, said: “The report shows that a bio-liquid blend is a realistic alternative to kerosene for heating, and, most importantly, that in the short and medium term, it could make a significant contribution to

Bio-liquids at

reducing CO2 emissions. The report supports the case for including bio-liquids in the RHI, and OFTEC has been working with all industry sectors to get ready to make the switch to bioliquids.”

OFTEC is continuing its campaign with the public affairs consultancy, Luther Pendragon, to promote bio-liquids, and to ensure that they are included in the RHI. Research has shown that replacing kerosene with environmentally friendly bio-

liquid would reduce carbon emissions by 28%, with up to two million tonnes of CO2 per annum saved by 2020.

To incentivise the switch, OFTEC is calling for the government to implement a minimum 8p per kw hour subsidy as part of the RHI. By doing this, 90% of existing oil customers could switch to the new fuel by 2020, thus helping the government to reach its targets for reducing carbon emissions.

PrOPS24 OFTEC has published a provisional fuel specification for a bioliquid blend. The B30K fuel is a blend of 30% FAME bio-fuel and 70% kerosene, and can be used on existing oil heating appliances with very few system modifications.

“Bio-liquids will provide existing and new heating fuel users a viable alternative to 100% fossil fuels at a modest cost,” says Jeremy Hawksley. “Oil companies, distributors and government are all being consulted on how to make the fuel commercially available at the right price for consumers.”

2012 – celebrating industry excellence Recognising and rewarding excellence in all sectors of the industry, the OFTEC Awards for Excellence are back in 2012.

Entry is open to registered technicians, trainees, training centres and manufacturers. Download an entry form at www.oftec.org before 30th May, 2012.

Awards will be presented at Manchester Central on Thursday 18th October following the Oil and Renewable Energy Show which takes place there on 17th and 18th October.

OFTEC will be exhibiting along with member companies at next year’s Ecobuild being held from 20th – 22nd March at ExCel London.

Ecobuild is reputedly the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment and the UK’s largest construction event. OFTEC will be showcasing the new generation of bio-liquid fuels, and showing how these fuels can be used in conjunction with other renewable technologies. www.ecobuild.co.uk

4 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Interested in sponsoring an award? Please contact OFTEC’s marketing department on 0845 65 85 080.

Solving the puzzle of tomorrow’s energy needs at Manchester Central Convention Complex 17th & 18th October 2012 For all enquiries regarding exhibiting or marketing opportunities surrounding the event,

please call the events sales team 01565 653 283

www.oilandrenewableenergyshow.co.uk

Industry News – arguments, agreements and actions

Update on Off-grid competition works well ErPD Eurofuel – of which OFTEC is a member – and the European Heating Industries, have submitted a joint response to the European Commission (EC) regarding the proposed Energyrelated Product Directive (ErPD).

Putting the case for UK oil The response argued forcibly that the proposed efficiency penalty of 7% for nonmodulating boilers should be removed on technical grounds.

Although domestic oil boilers do not modulate, they operate very efficiently in the on/off mode.

Research commissioned by OFTEC and its members showed that the penalty is a form of double counting. If included in the directive, the penalty could mean that oil boilers will be more difficult to specify in future.

Boiler manufacturers are confident that this is achievable OFTEC has already successfully lobbied for realistic NOx emissions. The EC had proposed an upper limit of 50mg per KWh which is only achievable by using a larger commercial style burner. A typical UK oil boiler probably produces around 190 – 210mg of NOx per KWh. OFTEC persuaded the EC that the proposed 50mg limit was unrealistic; a new limit of 120mg per KWh was agreed.

The EC is due to publish the final text later this month; member states will then be asked to sign this off before Christmas.

6 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

The findings of an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) study into off-grid energy have been welcomed by OFTEC. Commissioned after concerns that some heating oil customers experienced high prices during last winter, the study found that a sudden increase in demand – up 40% on the previous year – at the same time as deliveries were hampered by severe weather, led to a short-lived ‘price spike’.

However, with 97% of off-grid households living in an area served by at least four suppliers,

the OFT found that competition kept prices low over the year as a whole and that profit margins were not excessive.

Reassurance for oil customers Commenting on the report, Jeremy Hawksley said: “The findings are very reassuring for households that use oil, and show that there’s a good choice of suppliers across the country. Oil is one of the most competitively priced fuels in the off-grid sector providing heat for almost two million homes in the UK and Ireland.”

The OFT will be looking into complaints that some oil suppliers charged a different price on delivery from that quoted on order. The study also looked at LPG and renewables – there were complaints about being locked into expensive LPG contracts following an initial introductory rate and concerns about the potential for mis-selling solar panels.

When necessary the OFT will take steps to address unfair commercial practices. www.oft.gov.uk

Councils act on rising prices Somerset – community oil buying The Community Council for Somerset has introduced a community oil scheme to cut tanker traffic through its villages and to give oil buyers ‘significant savings’. Run by a charity which supports action in local communities, the scheme costs £20 for domestic oil users to join; £30 for community buildings such as churches and schools and £100 for business users.

Awgrymiadau olew

Top Tips for oil

Llenwch eich tanc yn gynnar yn yr hydref yn lle disgwyl am y gaeaf

Fill your tank early in the autumn rather than waiting for winter

Mynnwch fwy nag un amcanbris

Get more than one quote

Yn lle talu am y cyfan wrth ei dderbyn, talwch bob mis trwy Ddebyd Uniongyrchol

Os am newid cyflenwr, gofalwch eich bod yn rhoi cyfarwyddiadau danfon cywir Mae disgownt ar gael wrth brynu mewn grwpiau. Gellir arbed yr arian mwyaf trwy archebu gyda hyd at bump o gymdogion yn yr un stryd neu bentref

Pay monthly by Direct Debit rather than a lump sum on delivery

If switching supplier, make sure that you give accurate delivery instructions Discounts are available to buying groups. Most savings can be made by ordering with up to five neighbours in the same street or village

Ffoniwch rhaglen Nyth Llywodraeth Cymru ar rhadfôn 0800 512 012 (neu 0300 456 2655 o fôn symudol) i gael cyngor ar arbed ynni a chynyddu eich incwm.

Gallech fod â hawl i gael gwelliannau i’ch cartref yn rhad neu heb unrhyw gost i chi Call the Welsh Government’s Nest scheme on freephone 0800 512 012 (or 0300 456 2655 from mobiles) for advice on saving energy and income maximisation.

You could be entitled to home improvements at low or no cost to you

Top tips tea towel

Wales – free tea towel with buying tips Last month Consumer Focus Wales in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and supported by Age Cymru, Care&Repair Cymru and the Welsh Government launched a bilingual top tips campaign to help domestic heating oil users to keep fuel bills under control. As part of the initiative, a tea-towel was produced and distributed free of charge to households considered to be vulnerable.

Aberdeen – discount for those replacing oil heating Aberdeen city council is offering a council tax discount of up to £200 to householders who replace an existing oil heating system. The discount, which is open until the end of September 2012, is designed to encourage householders to replace existing oil, coal or electric heating with an ‘energy efficient gas boiler, renewable or low carbon system heating system’.

Has your local council introduced its own scheme? Email jane@oilinstaller.co.uk

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Industry News – appointments, advice and additions

People moves at Worcester Worcester, Bosch Group has announced two promotions.

Richard Soper has been appointed chief executive officer for Bosch Thermotechnology, which encompasses the Worcester, Bosch Group and Buderus brands. Carl Arntzen, a board director of Bosch Thermotechnology since 1997, has been promoted to managing director.

Controlled expansion and diversification in challenging times Carl, only the fourth managing director in 50 years, told Oil Installer: “Stability is so

New IDHEE president Alan Black has been appointed president of the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE).

A freelance technical consultant in the oil and bioliquid heating sector, trading as Gnosis Consultancy Services, Alan joined the institute in 1988, and has held the position of vice-president for the last three years. He represents the institute on the domestic building services panel of CIBSE and is active in the institute’s domestic heating design course.

See also page 30.

Outgoing president, Roy Oxley, will continue to chair IDHEE education, which will be introducing new courses for the latest technologies in domestic heating and ventilation. The new vice-president is David Berry. www.idhee.org.uk 8 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

important, especially in a changing industry such as ours.

As we approach the company’s 50th anniversary, my focus for the next decade will be on controlled expansion and diversification, with the aim of opening up new horizons for employees and customers alike.

Carl said that the boiler industry was currently experiencing a “challenging time” with “very tight, very tough trading conditions”.

With house transactions down by two-thirds, this is having a negative impact upon the boiler market. Although in favour of the temporary boiler

Looking forward to ‘opening up new horizons’ at Worcester, Bosch Group, Richard (l) and Carl

scrappage scheme which helped the industry at the beginning of 2010, Carl stressed that Worcester did not want to depend on such inducements or become “long-term incentive junkies”.

Richard Soper commented: “I wish Carl every success and look forward to working with him during what looks set to be an exciting time for everyone at Worcester and the heating and hot water industry.”

Advising customers OFTEC has a new range of leaflets aimed at oil heating customers. Providing clear and simple explanations about different aspects of oil heating – storage; flues, chimneys and ventilation; supply systems, appliances, servicing and using oil with renewable energy – the Home Guide series can be given to customers to support recommendations for servicing/maintenance work or included with quotes for new business.

To request a copy of any of the new leaflets email marketing@oftec.org. Professionally printed copies can be ordered from OFTEC Direct. Copies can also be downloaded free of charge from www.oftec.org/easy_guides.asp.

Adding value to an installation At the recent Northern Ireland Plumbing & Heating show, Dunraven Systems introduced its Apollo Smart heating oil energy monitor.

The monitor displays the level of fuel remaining in both litres and as a percentage of tank volume. It allows consumers to monitor actual heating oil usage in litres, CO2 emissions in kgCO2, and energy costs in sterling or euros. A days to empty function calculates how many days supply remains illustrated by an on-screen bar graph backed up by audible and visual low level warnings.

Facilitating the monitoring of long terms trends, consumption, cost and emissions data are retained for up to 12 months. Inbuilt USB connectivity enables stored data to be uploaded to almost any Mac or PC via the optional Apollo Smart App, scheduled for release shortly.

For more installer apps see pages 20 .

“People have been quick to realise the advantages that technology such as this can add to oil heating,” said managing director, Gerry Jones.

“From a technician’s perspective, Apollo Smart allows them to add real and meaningful value, to each and every oil heating installation.”

For more new and improved products, see pages 33 – 39.

A ‘truly fantastic response’ to the Apollo Smart heating oil energy monitor See also page 23

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Industry News

Full scope Part P

Annual registration

A full scope Part P electrical scheme, replacing the existing defined scope scheme, has been introduced by OFTEC. Competitively priced, it complements existing scopes of registration for oil and unvented hot water systems.

If you hold appropriate electrical qualifications and carry out electrical installations, including heating control circuits, then you can register with OFTEC’s 103 scheme to self-certify work in England and Wales. The scheme covers any electrical work for which the required competencies have been demonstrated, irrespective of whether an oil system is being installed or not.

Scope to allow notification of wet heating systems (not the appliance) attached to solid fuel, gas and electric heat producing appliances, including associated heating control circuits, has also been extended Online notification can cost as little as £2.50 per job. OFTEC’s online notification system is being updated to enable registered technicians to notify these additional types of work. For details of the new 103 category, please email registration@oftec.org or call 0845 65 85 080.

A new 12-month registration option is proving popular with individual OFTEC technicians and businesses. The new option was introduced in response to demand for a more flexible short-term alternative to the existing 5-year registration, which is payable by direct debit. Existing registrations can be renewed over the phone. For more information email registration@oftec.org.

“Registered technicians have a competitive edge over nonregistered technicians,” says Jeremy Hawksley. “ as they can prove to customers that they’re trained and qualified. They also have insurance to work in the customer’s home and can self-certify their work meets building regulations.”

New warranty protects customers OFTEC Insurance Services has launched a new workmanship warranty and deposit protection scheme.

The cost of rectifying any defective work directly attributable to the installation work which falls within building regulations is covered. If the original OFTEC installer is no longer trading, the householder can claim up to £10,000 for rectification work The warranty, which is sent to the customer as part of the building regulations compliance certificate, lasts for 6 years from the date OFTEC receives job notification, and is fully transferable if the property is sold during that period.

New government legislation in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will require that all new OFTEC registrants provide a workmanship warranty for customers. Existing OFTEC registrants will have a phase-in period which OFTEC will agree with government.

The scheme costs from £52 per annum for an OFTEC registered business, and also includes deposit protection insurance. This protects the deposit paid by the customer up to 25% of the contract value, to a maximum of £10,000, until work commences to a maximum of 90 days. See page 9.

More apprenticeships Speaking at the opening of Worcester, Bosch Group’s new £1.5 million pound training facility in Worcester, Ed Miliband pledged that any future Labour government would incentivise companies to offer more four-year apprenticeship schemes.

“There are not enough companies offering such apprenticeships at a time when people are yearning for them across both the manufacturing and service sectors. Government must do more to encourage apprenticeship schemes by incentivising business to provide them.”

Praising Worcester’s own scheme, he continued: “You’re doing great things for your community and for your country, and this new facility demonstrates your commitment to installers.”

Richard Soper, chief executive officer of Bosch Thermotechnology, commented: “Like many industrial sectors, the heating industry is undergoing a skills crisis which can only be solved by encouraging young people to get the necessary training and qualifications. We were delighted that Ed Miliband opened our new facility and pledged his support for apprenticeships.”

The company expects 20,000 installers to use its training facilities in 2012.

For more Training News see pages 29-32.

New website to offer more In January OFTEC will launch a redesigned website. Packed with new features including more information in password protected areas, the easier to navigate site also enables registered technicians to update their own details. For consumers there are details of revoked registrations, competent OFTEC members and information on reducing their carbon footprint from heating whilst staying with liquid fuels.

10 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Ed Miliband meets apprentices at Worcester

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 11

Irish News – Belfast home makes significant savings

Study shows that energy upgrades make sense Householders might ask whether it is really worth upgrading to a condensing boiler, especially when their existing boiler is working perfectly well – despite being connected to a single pipe system with no controls, cylinder stat or separate hot water facility

W

hen this deficiency is pointed out to the consumer, they are often sceptical about paying to upgrade their system to a more efficient one, doubting that it will save them much money.

Making energy improvements in a typical 1960s home

just replacing a boiler with a condensing model can lead to 35% annual saving in energy costs However, to provide a true picture of what each energy efficiency item adds to the thermal efficiency of a house, and to see how it could reduce fuel bills, David Blevings of OFTEC Ireland, recently undertook a detailed study of the typical 1965 semidetached house heated with oil.

“Using Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data, we started off with a base house – no loft insulation, a 1985 oil boiler with 70% efficiency level and double glazing,” explains David. “We then added a modern ‘A’ rated condensing boiler, room stat and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), loft and cavity wall insulation, low emission lighting, cylinder stat and finally, solar hot water.”

Each thermal upgrade was added separately, and then the EPC data was recalculated to discover the effect of the individual items.

an annual energy bill of over £1650 could potentially be reduced to £576.04 50% energy cost savings The data showed that the baseline model – which was located in Northern Ireland – was not very energy efficient with an annual energy bill of over £1650. However, as more energy saving measures were added, the results showed that consumers in a typical 1960’s semi can more than double their energy rating.

Although consumers may not be able to afford all the upgrades at one time, the key message resulting from the study was that just replacing a boiler with a condensing model can lead to 35% annual saving in energy costs. Up to 40% savings can be made by including controls (TRVs), assuming there was no loft insulation in place, and up to 50% if loft insulation is then also included.

Commenting on the EPC results, David Blevings advised consumers to plan upgrades over a two or three year period. “The key issue is to provide the consumer with accurate professional advice on likely savings, and it could be worth establishing business relationships with an EPC surveyor and energy efficiency company/ installer so that you can provide customers with before-and-after scenarios that detail the proposed works and actual savings.”

David is convinced that, with a professional approach, backed up with actual data, the homeowner is more likely to opt for the best option with real savings, not “just a replacement boiler”.

OFTEC also repeated the exercise with the same house having 100mm of loft insulation in place, with equally impressive results. A straightforward condensing boiler replacement resulted in a 23% annual energy saving and with controls, a 30% saving.

SAP Rating

Environmental Rating

Annual Energy Cost

Co2 Emissions

Annual Fuel Saving

Base

F30

F23

£1,650.61

9.43 tonnes

0

1; + 300m loft insulation

E40

F31

£1,379.27

7.84 tonnes

16.44%

2; + condensing boiler only

E52

E41

£1,085.08

6.12 tonnes

34.26%

3; as 2 + controls (room stat/ TRV’s)

D57

E45

£984.14

5.55 tonnes

40.38%

4; as 3 + cylinder stat & jacket

D62

E51

£862.23

4.84 tonnes

47.76%

5; as 4 + 300mm loft insulation

D63

E52

£838.74

4.70 tonnes

49.19%

6; as 5 + LEL and cavity wall insulation

C72

D64

£623.00

3.51 tonnes

62.26%

7; as 6 + solar hot water

C75

D67

£576.04

3.22 tonnes

65.10%

12 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

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Boiler News

Vortex The green choice for oil heating With well over a million UK homes using oil as their main fuel for heating and hot water, consumer interest in lowering running costs, improving system efficiency and, wherever possible, reducing carbon emissions, is paramount. The UK’s most efficient range of oil-fired boilers, encompassing 39 different model variations, each fitted with biofuel compatible burners, should therefore spark a lot of interest over the coming months distributors who are willing to supply biofuels.

OFTEC is currently lobbying government for biokerosene to be included in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariff scheme which will be available from October 2012. The outcome of this lobbying is not yet known, but will be announced as soon as possible.

New Vortex models Grant UK has introduced four new boiler house models, and two larger outdoor models, to the Grant Vortex Pro range.

The new boiler house versions come with an externally mounted burner and thermostat, and are ideal for locations that are difficult to

access, such as cellars or plant rooms, where a white cased unit is not always the best solution.

All are available in outputs of 26-36kW, 36-46kW, 46-58kW and 58-70kW, with SAP 2009 seasonal efficiencies between 90.7% and 93.3%. The models encompass the same unique stainless steel heat exchangers used in other Vortex boilers, together with Grant’s exclusive tabulator baffle system, which provides ultra-high efficiency and low running costs. There are also two new larger output Grant Vortex Pro outdoor models now available in sizes of 46-58kW and 58-70kW with a SAP 2009 seasonal efficiency of 91.7% and 91.4% respectively. www.grantuk.com

Every Grant Vortex condensing boiler manufactured since May has a bio-compatible burner fitted

Biofuel compatibility Grant has been working closely with OFTEC over the last four years, undertaking trials on various blends of biofuel – oil that has been derived from biomass. Tests have concluded that a 30% blend of kerosene and biofuel would be commercially viable, and that the Grant Vortex range of boilers could be easily adapted to run on this fuel with very few changes.

Grant made the decision earlier this year to upgrade the burners in all Vortex boilers to models that were compatible with both standard kerosene and biokerosene at a 30% blend, known as B30. Every 14 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Grant Vortex condensing boiler that has been manufactured since May – including the very latest boiler house models – has a bio-compatible burner fitted.

As it is still necessary to change the oil feed line, and ensure that other components used when installing a boiler on biokerosene are suitable for the green fuel, Grant is in the process of producing a useful biofuel questions and answers guide, copies of which will be available in the very near future. Discussions are also taking place with a number of oil companies regarding supplies, after which Grant hopes to be able to give guidance to consumers on those

Grant’s new boiler house models are ideal for locations that are difficult to access

Grant Vortex The highest efficiency oil-fired condensing boiler available today! g Outputs from 12-70kW g Biokerosene compatible g Internal and external, floor standing boiler house and wall hung options g 89.5 - 93.3% Gross SAP2009 annual efficiency g Award winning Grant stainless steel heat exchanger g Whisper quiet operation g Two year product guarantee

To be even more energy efficient, why not supplement your heating with a Grant air source heat pump or solar thermal?

Call our Sales Team for information on: 01380 736920

For the latest Grant news, visit our website:

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Boiler News – castles, condensing and combis

NEW oil combis from Trianco Some of the very first combination oil boilers carried the Trianco badge, and now, more than 25 years later, the latest high-efficiency versions have been launched as part of the company’s EuroStar oil range.

Rated to Band A (SEDBUK 2005), these Trianco combis are fired by a Riello burner and feature a 50 litre pre-heated thermal store for instant hot water and generous flow rates.

Internal models for kitchen or utility room installation have insulated, stove enamelled white casings with 15-20kW and 2026kW outputs available. Controls are hidden behind the front door. The internal unit features adjustable hot water and heating thermostats and comes complete with an integral seven-day digital programmer.

Finished in weather resistant, galvanised steel, outdoor models have15-20kW and 20-26kW ouputs and are supplied with a frost thermostat and terminal guard as standard. See also page 20. www.trianco.co.uk Buy before 31st December 2011 – and models from the above range come with a FREE 600mm low level flue kit!

Walworth Castle, near Darlington, resplendent with its new Firebird 70 radiator heating system

Heating a castle… the Firebird way In 1981, Walworth Castle, near Darlington, which can trace its history as far back as 1159, was transformed into a privately run, luxury 34-bedroom hotel.

Since its total refurbishment, the hotel has continued to use an antiquated boiler – originally solid fuel, it was converted to run on kerosene. Having maintained the inefficient system to the best of their ability over a number of years, Blackwell Heating & Plumbing of Darlington, a family run business with 20 employees, recommended a long overdue replacement and upgrade to a modern and economical heating system.

Blackwell chose to use three cascaded 73kW Enviromax boilerhouse oil-fired boilers and designed a complete new system.

The new boilers were installed in a planned installation programme which included over 70 radiators, pipework and efficiency controls.

Firebird recommended fluing prefabrication so that the whole changeover could be completed in one day.

Blackwell’s Andy Thomas is pleased with the finished job. “I promised they’d save a lot of money with the new system and I estimate they’re now saving well over 50% on fuel usage. Our reputation depends on using the best products so we use Firebird boilers as our preferred choice.” www.blackwellheating.com

Manufactured in Sheffield, the EuroStar range has a 5-year guarantee on the steel boiler unit and two years on components

New year, new boiler?

Ensure your very latest boiler news is featured in the spring 2012 issue of Oil Installer. Email details and a photograph to jane@oilinstaller.co.uk by 4th January, 2012.

16 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

The Silver range… in white Popular for its SEDBUK A-band, high efficiency, condensing performance at a competitive price, Firebird’s Silver range now has a white finish on utility and system models. The range has 12 boilers – all available in 20, 26 and 35kW outputs – using Firebird’s integrated heat exchanger design. www.firebird.ie

Greenskies flat plate and evacuated tube solar water heating

Greenstar gas& oil-fired boilers

Greensource air to air heat pump Greensource air to water heat pumps

Greenfloor underfloor heating

Greenskies solar hot water cylinder

Greenstore ground source heat pumps

Worcester. The home of total system solutions.

Whatever your heating and hot water application, you’ll find the complete system solution at Worcester.

To find out more, call 0844 892 3366 or visit our website.

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Technology

APPlying the latest technology…

Listen to the ever-increasing number of new generation “smart phone” or “computer tablet” users, and you will persistently hear that “application software” is the future.

Perhaps better known as an “app”, each sophisticated piece of application software is individually designed and created to help the user to perform a specific task… play the perfect round of golf, learn about exotic faraway places, master a musical instrument, or even select the right oil-fired boiler for a particular situation.

Although the app is a relatively new phenomenon – the earliest current generation version was produced in 2008 – the thirst for them is proving unquenchable, to the point where there are already upwards of half a million available to download. A handful of those apps have been specially created for those people involved in the plumbing and heating sector – and some specifically for oil installers.

Worcester, Bosch Group has developed an app to give access to information whilst on the go. The iPhone app comprises the

company’s popular ‘Find a Boiler’ and ‘Find an Installer’ search programmes, as well as contact and company information. The Find a Boiler tool provides installers with on-the-job access to information about the Greenstar boiler range. Free to download from iTunes, the app does not require the user to have mobile reception, as all information is pre-loaded and inherent to the app itself.

Worcester has also launched a mobile phone version of its UK website for the increasingly-popular iPhone. The company’s full website contains a vast amount of information, so the mobile version has been refined to focus on Worcester’s product gallery, “Find an Installer” search tool, company information and contacts, and latest news. If more information is required, a link to the main desktop version is available.

Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support, said: “This year we’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of having an easily accessible presence on smart phones. Many of the installers and specifiers we speak to on training courses and at events now have iPhones in particular, not to mention the take-up of smart phones by consumers. The digital age has seen everyone change their habits – how they read the news, how they shop, pay their bills and even choose a new heating system.

“We place huge emphasis on keeping up to date with the latest trends and always aim to be at the forefront of new technology… whether that’s within our products or through the communication tools we use to keep in touch with and inform our customers.” www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

app has been a huge success, with hundreds of downloads, since its launch in April,” says marketing manager, Ciara Cox. www.harlequinplastics.co.uk Plumb Center and Parts Center both have apps containing a branch locator, branch directory, manufacturer directory with technical helpline numbers and web links, current promotions and special offers, and latest news. With more than 11,000 in use, the apps have been live for just over a year, and are currently undergoing further development to enable customers to link to the company’s websites and to place orders via their mobile phones. www.plumbcenter.co.uk www.partscenter.co.uk Heating engineers and plumbers can also purchase a non-company-specific Ventilation Calculator app which provides a calculator tool for ventilation area, and size requirements for checking and installing new boilers. As with other apps, this is available to download from The App Store.

And finally, on a lighter note, check out the Boiler Blast from Netistry Corporation.

Perfect for budding boiler technicians, this game app involves a bungled boiler job in urgent need of repair. The pipes must all be connected before the boiler blows… Sound familiar?

A huge success…

The Find a Boiler tool provides installers with on-the-job access to information about the Greenstar boiler range

20 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Harlequin’s “Pro App” – for iPhone/iPad and iTouch users – offers installers a convenient and easy-to-use tool to help with the installation of oil tanks anywhere in the UK or Ireland, where a risk assessment (OFTEC T/133) must be carried out in advance. Installers are able to complete a risk assessment form digitally and email a completed copy when finished. “So far the

An easy-to-use tool to help with tank installation

We’re turning 30!

! w o n t u

o

They say age is just a number, but at Harlequin, turning 30 is about more than that. It’s about history and experience.

It’s about three decades of constant research and development in designing and manufacturing the most secure and reliable storage tanks on the market.

It’s about looking forward to the next generation of Harlequin smart tank technology and environmental awareness.

It’s the reason why, today, Harlequin tanks are the preferred choice for installers and technicians across Europe.

Output kW 15-20 15-20 20-26 20-26

anGE of thE nEw R iGh EUROSTAR h G condEnsin Y c n iE ic f f E BoilERs oil comBi

Model Internal External Internal External

Price (£) Ex. VAT 1350.00 1380.00 1450.00 1510.00

Produced in Britain to the highest of standards.

EuroStar combi’s featuring ‘specially matched’ Riello burners.

• Optimum performance • Compact • Whisper-quiet • Ease of installation and adjustment

GEt YouR fREE 600mm hoRizontal fluE kit with Each comBi puRchasEd. list priCE £148

Don’t miss out!

Harlequin. Tried. Tested. Trusted.

For more information on Harlequin products, or to view the full range, visit www.harlequinplastics.co.uk

0114 257 2300 www.trianco.co.uk 1. Offer open to engineers/installers only and applies to any Eurostar combi boiler (as shown) purchased from 1st sept 11 – 31st Dec 11. 2. product offered is a 600mm balanced flue kit (product code FG2334). 3. No cash alternative available.

Complete Heating solutions

Harlequin Oil Tanks from Clarehill Plastics Limited 21 Clarehill Road Moira County Armagh Northern Ireland BT67 0PB e: info@clarehill.com W: www.harlequinplastics.co.uk

th-ad-oil-tanks.indd 1

triANCO, thorncliffe, Chapeltown, sheffield s35 2pH tel:0114 257 2300 Fax: 0114 257 1419 Email: marketing@trianco.co.uk triANCO is a brand of tr Engineering limited

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 21 01/04/2011 15:01

Installer profile – every cloud has a silver lining When former Tincknells Fuels driver, Tony Norris, suffered a stroke in September 2010, rather than letting it get him down, he took the opportunity to change his career

A

lthough Tony had worked as a driver for nearly seven years, he was already registered as an OFTEC engineer. “It was

22 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

something I’d always enjoyed doing and I found the work interesting,” explained Tony. In order to get up to speed, Tony re-sat the new OFTEC regulatory exams in February and spent four days in Devizes at Grant Engineering getting qualified

to install its equipment. On setting up his new business, ARN Heating, in March, Tony was routinely inspected by OFTEC. Servicing Cornwall Based in Newquay, Tony covers the whole of Cornwall and parts

of Devon and currently has a customer base of approximately 600. The company offers boiler breakdown services, tank installations, annual boiler servicing, AGA and Rayburn servicing, full heating system installations, boiler exchanges

and contract maintenance.

“I get a lot of my work through word of mouth,” said Tony, “but I also advertise through News and Trader, a free local publication and I am registered with the Rated People, BoilerJuice, MyHammer and MyBuilder websites. I’ve also recently had some assistance to set up my own website, www.arnheating.co.uk, which is still a work in progress.”

Showing off Keen to drum up new business, Tony attended Stithians Show in July. “Having attended on previous years with Tincknells Fuels, this was my first solo attempt. I was incredibly busy talking to both potential and existing customers and was able to pick up a number of leads that have resulted in work. I even managed to stop and do a breakdown on the way home!”

At the show Tony donated a full boiler service to the Phoenix Appeal, which raises funds for stroke victims at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske.

Following on from this, Tony was interviewed by Radio Cornwall about his stroke and the appeal.

Branching out Tony has a plumber, Ray Harris who works with him, enabling

him to offer general plumbing services alongside oil heating.

“This works really well for us,” says Tony. “We’ve also been talking to the local college about taking on apprentices, and this seems to be coming to fruition.

In the next few weeks we have a female plumber coming to work alongside Ray.” With growing interest in renewables, Tony and Ray have been looking to branch out into solar and rain harvesting technologies, but are still waiting for training to become available. Unusually for an installer, Tony has recently gained an emergency first aid qualification. “With a large number of elderly customers, I thought it would be a good idea to help keep them safe.”

“As I offer a 24/7 service, I’m extremely busy, which is wonderful. I’ve even had emergency call outs at 11pm on a Sunday evening! I absolutely love the work I am doing and wouldn’t it change for anything. Going self-employed and being my own boss is the best thing I’ve ever done. I would like to thank my wife Jane – without her support, I wouldn’t be doing any of this.

I’d also like to thank OFTEC and Gareth Farr from Grant UK for their assistance.”

Former tanker driver, Tony, took the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers’ driver of the year title in 2008; seen here on the cover of the Federation’s Downstream magazine www.fpsonline.co.uk

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 23

Hot technical topics

FAQs…

The most frequently asked questions received recently by the technical team at OFTEC have concerned economical methods to fire protect oil tanks, and the importance of ventilation. Below, the technical team responds…

Fire protection of tanks Many tank installers are looking for cheaper ways to fire protect oil tanks, other than by erecting walls. However, intumescent coatings are definitely not deemed to be a means of compliance. BS 5410 clearly states that where the correct fire separation distance cannot be achieved, protection should be provided by the erection of a physical, noncombustible barrier between the tank and potential fire source.

Caution should be exercised when selecting fibre boarding for surface protection.

Whilst a fibre board may be deemed fire rated, it may not be suitable for external use.

To meet compliance with the Building Regulations 2000, Regulation 7, materials used should be “appropriate for the circumstances in which they are used”.

OFTEC technical book three provides a list of construction materials and their associated fire resistance. Whilst alternatives can be used, technicians should request evidence from their supplier that materials are certified fire rated and are deemed weather resistant.

OFTEC technical book three is available from OFTEC Direct www.oftecdirect.com

The importance of ventilation With the onset of winter, customers will be closing their windows and restricting ventilation.

So it is vitally important that technicians make sure appliances have a dedicated air supply.

Inadequate air supplies to combustion equipment can cause carbon monoxide problems, or a build up of heat in unventilated areas – increasing the potential for fire. If a technician identifies inadequate combustion or ventilation air supply, the installation should be deemed an immediate safety risk and taken out of service, pending further investigation.

The appliance should be switched off, isolated from the supply of oil at the tank, and the relevant electrical supply fuse withdrawn. A warning sticker should be fixed to the appliance, observations recorded on a CD/11, and the occupant notified in writing. It should be noted that technicians are not legally empowered or permitted to permanently disable equipment without the owner’s prior consent.

Air supply requirements differ depending upon the fluing method, appliance location and the air supply source. A summary of such requirements, and information relating to potential and immediate environmental and safety risks, are contained within OFTEC technical book four, available from OFTEC Direct www.oftecdirect.com

Northern Ireland building regulations under review Building regulations in Northern Ireland are under review as part of a process to consolidate the 2000 regulations and subsequent amendments.

New regulations will include technical uplifts to a number of parts, and new provisions – brought about by the Building Regulations (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 – will also be included. Existing technical booklets will be replaced by a new suite of guidance literature.

It is likely that Northern Ireland will move from a prescriptive system of building regulations to a guidance based regulatory system.

OFTEC supports this move, as the regulations appear to be properly specified, and require the correct installation and commissioning of heating appliances, plus a requirement for proof of commissioning to be sent to the relevant district council by a “suitably qualified person”.

OFTEC has written to Northern Ireland finance minister, Sammy Wilson, requesting that oil-fired appliances should be treated in the same way as gas appliances, and that registration with OFTEC (or equivalent competent persons scheme) should be included in the new regulations as a means of demonstrating competence.

24 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Readers’ questions

Shedding light on a luminosity problem…

“I was, however, interested to read As a result of an enquiry from OFTECthe article in Oil Installer and hoped that registered service engineer, Kenny Ireland, someone could shed some light (pun in Oil Installer’s autumn issue, questioning fully intended!) on to the problem. Any the possible reduction in luminosity of suggestions fully appreciated.” Email modern-day kerosene, a second installer has peter@oilinstaller.co.uk. contacted the magazine reporting similar Tim says that the boilers in question problems. are a Worcester wall-mounted Danesmoor Devon-based Tim Barrett, who runs his and an HRM Wallstar. own plumbing and heating business, told Oil Installer: “I’ve been called to two boilers A FAST response… lately, with what would seem to be a similar Having questioned everyone in the office problem. The boiler(s) run for anything from about Tim’s problem, with the unanimous a few hours to a few days before locking out reaction of head scratching, Oil Installer on the burner. threw the query over to fuel technical “I first checked for water in the oil guru Neil Ryding, managing director of tank, and then the filters and oil line for Fuel Additive Science Technologies (FAST), blockages. When there did not appear to be manufacturers of specialist Exocet products. a problem in those areas, I changed the oil He prefaced his answer by saying, modestly: solenoid, photo cell and burner control box, “Any comment we can add here is anecdotal to try and eliminate the possibilities. Still no and based on expectation rather than hard joy. data, I’m afraid.”

“As both boilers are wall hung (a However, drawing upon his vast coincidence?), I have checked the non-return experience and technical knowledge, Neil valves on the oil line also. Still the problems said: “It seems persist.

Oil Installer half page_BES - Oil Installer 06/07/2011 11:01 Page 1to be a regular comment

from boiler service engineers that photo cells and the ‘luminosity’ of kerosene is an issue.

“Some of the problems undoubtedly are associated with fuel quality and microscopic particles being carried over from the refinery processes. These are usually filtered out or drop out in the distribution chain wellahead of the boiler, but some do make it to the burner and are the cause of unusuallycoloured flames, which can affect the luminosity.

“Technically, there are various things we could try with additives – our regular premium heating oil additive will alleviate, if not cure, the problems. That might help the situation, but how acceptable these would be, especially to the boiler manufacturers, is debatable. Nevertheless, it would be a good research project for someone!”

Neil added that his company was currently awaiting analysis data from some field tests and promised to revert to Tim’s query if they should shed “any light” on the problem. Watch this space!

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 25

Readers’ questions

Venting opinion On page 16 of Oil Installer’s summer issue, an article entitled ‘A new addition to oil heating’ was published. Readers, Roland Tremaine and Mark Viccars had the following thoughts on Oxyvent, the subject of the article

Oxyvent v a good, low impedance system design “Oxyvent appears to tackle two major issues with heating systems, “ said Suffolk based Roland Tremaine. Firstly, low flow rates through heat emitters such as radiators or convectors and, secondly, inadequate means of gas removal of evolved gases from the system water.

“Over the years, heating systems have moved to higher impedance with flow restrictions such as TRVs and many two-pipe circuits in parallel with the primary pump.

This approach requires system balancing, which is difficult to achieve and the low flows generally result in long-term blockage.

The common feature of the Oxyvent circuits, as described on its website, is at least two circuits – a primary pumped boiler to the Oxyvent and, each attached heating circuit having its own pump. The flow increase is not due to the Oxyvent but the additional pump(s).

“The Oxyvent tank is acting as a manifold supply with a short circuit back to the boiler and an excellent de-gassing feature on the top. This is a common design employed in commercial heating systems and is effectively what we do in an underfloor heating system where the secondary underfloor loop(s) generally have their own circulation pump.

“This manifolding system results in the boiler rapidly achieving its operating temperature without kettling, as full flow is maintained through the boiler and much higher flow through the circuits, due to the secondary pumps. Lower radiator temperatures are more effective as the flow is higher. This has always been an issue with non-modulating oil boilers where the difficulty is getting 25 or 35 kW of output to the emitters!

“The ability to remove evolved gases from any system is key. The Oxyvent system forces this but, the boiler would still need a vent if it’s higher in the system. The Oxyvent is a good concept but its advantages can be obtained by good, low impedance system design at lower cost, and of course, multiple pumps. I wonder what “art” in the Oxyvent is patentable if such is the case?

26 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

“This low impedance approach to energy saving would seem to require pumps which operate at (constant) higher flows and not the energy saving varieties which seem to lower the flow to save energy. I would be interested in more discussion on these A rated pumps, which do not seem to be effective in larger systems.”

Oil Installer invited Paul Worswick, Oxyvent director, to comment.

“Roland makes some excellent points and it’s always welcome to have such well thought out feedback, “ Paul said.

“On the point that Oxyvent results could be achieved for less with good, low impedance system design and multiple pumps, we must look at the make-up of homes across the UK. There are 26 million existing homes, many had central heating installed decades ago. Redesigning these systems to get the same benefits as an Oxyvent tank, (£560 + VAT) would be prohibitively expensive. Even considering new builds, we still believe there’s no product that combines all the benefits of the Oxyvent tank and operates as well.

“The combination of probably the best de-aerator on the market, as well as the manifold aspect of the Oxyvent tank, allows it to significantly increase the flow. This leads to much better performance of the heating circuits at lower temperatures, as well as removing a large number of problems associated with the build-up of evolved gases. This equates to significant fuel savings, circuits getting up to temperature far quicker and performing better and, less maintenance and call back problems for the installer.

“The Oxyvent tank also acts as a thermal store and buffer tank of 17 litres.

This results in a dramatic reduction in thermal shock through the heating circuits as the temperature is increased far more smoothly keeping a much more constant temperature at the radiator.

“As far as our patents are concerned, a quick search on line can find our European as well as American patents. We have a very solid patent covering several claims and associated art.”

Problem solved The article also attracted the attention of Kent-based Mark Viccars, a busy installer of oil boilers and range cookers.

“At the time I read the article, I was working on an interesting house with a problem,” said Mark. “Water was not getting to a radiator in the attic, I’d already tried various options including changing pipework and TVRs but to no avail. Keen to investigate all avenues, I called Tim Cremin, Oxyvent’s designer to find out more. I then discussed my findings with the homeowner who, still faced with a cold attic, was willing to give it a try.

“The system was fairly easy to install and I’m very pleased to say it’s now doing exactly what it’s designed to do. With the pump going from the Oxyvent giving 100% to the heating, it pushes the water out much further and much faster. I will certainly be recommending Oxyvent to customers with a Tudor house which has a similar issue.

“In the UK, systems usually pump from the boiler with around 40% of the pump power taken up with pushing water through the boiler. I understand from Tim Cremin that most Irish systems pump to the boiler – why put the pump on the hot side which often results in low pressure?”

Paul Rose, OFTEC’s technical manager said: “Whilst a unit such as this may aid older or extended systems where pipes are not of a sufficient size, or there is too much system resistance to deliver the required heat under lower flow rates, installers should be aware that increased flow rates may give rise to system noise.

“It’s also important that the temperature differential between flow and return pipes at the boiler is maintained so as to not affect the designed appliance efficiency. Condensing boilers need a 20oC temperature differential between flow and return so that they’ll condense and work at their most efficient. Non-condensing boilers require an 11oC drop.”

Thinking of installing an Oxyvent unit? OFTEC advises technicians to check with the appliance manufacturer to ensure that it will not adversely affect boiler performance or warranty.

Readers call for a change in the law The Are we being taken for a ride by the cowboys article, which appeared in the autumn issue of Oil Installer, provoked an avid response from readers.

Jonathan Arnot wrote: “I’m an OFTEC and Gas Safe registered member, a CIPHE registered plumber and a technician member of the IDHEE, spending approximately £4500 per year on training.

help us by educating the end user, so that we can sell safety and efficiency “Changes forced by the government on the gas regulatory body – with its handful of inspectors, the Gas Safe register now has less legal power than CORGI – combine this with increasing bureaucracy (eg. MCS accreditation) and the current financial situation and everything is more expensive for bonafide installers which favours cowboy installers.

“The government’s recent message that plumbers/heating installers are overpaid and heavy with undeclared cash means that every potential customer I meet doesn’t believe a word I say. They’ve a pre-conception that talk of ventilation, fire valves, flue termination etc is my attempt to get more money and my estimate has to compete with that of an unregistered installer.

“I live in a small village where there are at least three unregistered installers who work on oil, LPG, electrics and unvented

DHW storage. I get very little work in the village, except to correct faults or commission other people’s installations.

I believe the situation will get worse until the law, insurance companies, retailers and manufacturers all sing from the same sheet, and help us by educating the end user, so that we can sell safety and efficiency.

What would change the situation overnight is if the law made the end user responsible for the safety of the installation, not the installer.”

I’ve no work this week as unqualified plumbers are doing it for me David Patheyjohns agrees: “I became OFTEC registered and I’m never in full time employment doing oil repairs. On eBay, I found an unregistered OFTEC but gas person from Plymouth doing oil work and claiming to have over 1000 customers. I assume he’s also doing breakdowns, taking the work out of my hands.

“A builder called me the other day to ask if I could sign off his installation. This is work I could have had, but then anyone can do OFTEC servicing and installation. What am I paying for? I don’t have work and DIY fix-it sites are also letting people do their own AGA servicing (www.agadiyservice. co.uk). I want the regulations changed so that you have to produce a card at plumbers merchants to demonstrate that you’re oil qualified.

“I’ve no work this week as unqualified plumbers are doing it for me. Two of my customers’ carbon monoxide alarms went off last winter and, on another occasion, a customer tried to set up the burner on his AGA himself and ended up killing baby chicks which were left in the same room. The law needs changing.

I’m passionate about my trade and it’s so disappointing when nothing gets done about these people David Spavens added: “Recently I attended an oil-fired boiler in Deighton, West Yorkshire. The client had asked for a service and also complained that he’d been suffering severe headaches from the smell of the boiler. He told me that the previous ‘technician’ was a man that operates in our area and uses the OFTEC logo on his vehicle, letterheads and ‘cheesy’ website.

“On inspecting the boiler I found blast and soot marks around the burner mounting plate. I also discovered that the burner mounting gasket had been placed behind the mounting plate, offering no seal to the toxic gasses from within. Having serviced and made the boiler safe, I informed the client that he could’ve been suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. I subsequently contacted OFTEC and was told that as the technician isn’t registered, they’re unable to do anything. However, he’s currently under investigation by local Trading Standards for displaying an OFTEC badge, so he might get a slap on the wrist and be told to remove the badge, but gets away with nearly poisoning two people!

“I’m passionate about my trade and it’s so disappointing when nothing gets done about these people. I’m sure I speak for the rest of the North Yorkshire oil installers when I say that there has to be tougher legislation across our industry. It happened with gas, now it must be done with oil. Only five months ago I found out that a man who repairs push bikes for the Post Office had installed a Worcester combi oil boiler in our village. It’s madness!”

Have your say in Oil Installer Got a comment or opinion on A rated pumps, pumping to or from the boiler, cowboy installers or changing the law?

Or, perhaps you wish to raise a technical query of your own?

Please email comments, opinion and questions to jane@oilinstaller.co.uk.

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 27

What were the toughest challenges in 2011?

When the going gets tough Like most other industries, oil heating and cooking has had its challenges this year. Oil Installer spoke to installers across the UK to find out what had been their toughest challenge in 2011 Being taken for a ride Unsurprisingly, the biggest concern was the prevalence of unregistered heating engineers and plumbers – read more on page 27.

Guernsey based Paul Scott Maindonal told Oil installer: “I’m OFTEC, BPEC and Gas Safe registered and the price I charge reflects this, but I’ve been undercut by unregistered installers on many occasions, often by as much as £2000.

Also, there are so many rules and regulations concerning the placing of oil tanks that I am losing customers to unregistered installers, who are happy to put them anywhere.”

ARN Heating’s Tony Norris – see pages 22 and 23 – said: “I’m sick to the back teeth of repairing bodged jobs.”

Colin Macleod of Deeside Gas Services added: “Using cowboy installers might be alright in the short-term but it will come back to haunt you in the long-term.”

I’m sick to the back teeth of repairing bodged jobs Servicing shortcomings Colin also said that the amount of people not getting boilers serviced this year was one of his main gripes and he was not alone. Kenneth Churcher of Scotland’s Blue Flame Heating Solutions attributed this to the impact of the VAT increase and the current recession: “Customers are leaving boiler replacements and repairs until the boiler has failed rather than changing them sooner and, they’re no longer getting annual services.” A&M Heating’s Mike 28 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Baker said that his toughest challenge had been: “Getting customers to have their boilers serviced over the summer months rather than the busier, winter period.”

Rules and regulations Both the amount of and lack of regulation has affected installers in different ways this year. Alan Price of Welsh company, A Price Plumbing and Heating said: “Regulations for bunded tanks don’t bend at all; people can’t afford to buy bunded tanks because of the cost involved and as a result I’m losing out on work.”

David Lappin of Boiler Burner Services, Drogheda, Ireland notes that: “Many of the oil tank and central heating installations I deal with are old, don’t meet current regulation standards and were installed maybe 10, 20 or 30 years ago. The costs involved in upgrading these systems can be substantial.

Affordability, especially among older people, can be a problem.”

On a different matter, Colin Macleod highlighted the lack of rigorous oil legislation: “There are no regulations in place to make sure that landlords get safety checks done on boilers and trying to encourage them to do this is virtually impossible.” www.oftec.org/documents/ InfoSheet28Issue2.pdf

The price of oil – it puts people off Monetary matters Phil Ingle of Phil Ingle Plumbing and Heating, Lincolnshire, probably speaks for the nation when he said that his biggest single challenge

this year had been: “The price of oil – it puts people off.”

Dan Tosh of Coleraine based DT Mechanical Engineering Services echoed this saying: “The price of materials is going up and up, which makes things difficult.” Richard Thwaites of RT Thwaites, Appleby, Cumbria added: “Getting people to pay their debts has been a challenge.”

Kenneth Churcher made an interesting point: “With the current Gas Safe and OFTEC certifications only lasting five years, and taking into account the time off work (loss of income) and the training, exam and certification fees, 2011/2012 will be very costly for me.” Mark Viccars of Chestnut Plumbing raised another important financial issue: “2011 has been a twisted year for us.

With the growth in our business has come the advent of VAT. We’ve been VAT registered for three years, but this year, I seem to be having trouble bunging another 20% to my bill. I think for a lot of people this is too much. I find it hard to believe that any plumber or heating engineer (unless newly started) could be trading without being VAT registered, but some are.”

“The next and I think the new, growing symptom of the hardships, are the customers who research all the parts you’ve specified and fitted (using your training and knowledge) on the internet and see if they can buy them cheaper. I now point out to new customers that if they want to get their own parts, I’m happy to fit them, but if there’s anything wrong, I’ll charge to take them back out and fit replacements. If I supply the parts then all the warranties are

in place and all work is covered,” explains Mark.

Beating the competition Despite 2011 being a very busy year for Northumberland-based Tony Marshall of M Marshall and Sons, the government’s Warm Front grants have been causing problems for installers in the North East. Tony told Oil Installer: “The government must have awarded nationwide contracts to some companies, and as a result, we’re losing out on the work to installers from as far afield as Manchester.” For Kenneth Churcher the problem is the economy. “Several mediumsized businesses have collapsed this year in my area which has led to an increasing number of self-employed people entering the market as competition.”

For Richard Thwaites, the year’s toughest challenge has been the weather: “During the bad weather at the end of 2010 and the start of this year, I struggled to get round my customers. I should be ok this winter as I’ve invested in a fourwheel drive van!“

When the going gets tough, how do the tough installers get going? Do you have plans for 2012? Email liz@ oilinstaller.co.uk

Training

State-of-the-art training Worcester, Bosch Group has reaffirmed its commitment to installer, specifier and merchant training with the opening of a new £1.5 million training facility at its headquarters in Warndon, Worcester Within the new academy – which takes the form of a 400m2 expansion to the company’s previous facility – are a number of innovative features, geared towards offering installers an authentic training environment. A 100m2 open-plan domestic training area features a life-sized singlestorey brick building equipped with a wide selection of fully operational systems. It is intended that the new training academy will give installers the opportunity to increase their knowledge of complete system design through first-hand practice.

Studying industry trends and demand for training Company training manager, Phil Bunce, said: “As well as the manufacture of highefficiency heating products, training remains at the forefront of what we do on a daily basis, so it is crucial for us to keep our

Managing director, Carl Arntzen opens the new training academy

installers up to date with the latest product developments and legislation changes.

“Prior to opening our new training facility, we dedicated a lot of time to studying industry trends and demand for

training, which is reflected in the academy itself and the range of courses we offer. We are expecting to train and educate over 17,000 installers in 2012 at our various training facilities.”

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 29

Training

Burner training + discount EOGB is encouraging installers to book early for training to avoid disappointment as numbers surge with the onset of colder weather.

The company is also offering a £25 discount towards an X series burner, for anyone undertaking OFTEC training during January and February 2012. The four-day course is held every month.

Technical services manager, Martin Cooke says: “ As burner manufacturers, we can give a greater insight to the combustion process. Groups are kept small, so that people undertaking OFTEC training for the first time get full attention. With larger classes, people with lesser experience tend to get overlooked and don’t get the required training, especially when it comes to burners.” www.eogb.co.uk/training

Hands-on training at UK Energy Training

Staying ahead of the competition “Training means keeping up to date with current regulations and standards, discovering new technology and staying ahead of the competition,” says Ian Oultram, managing director, UK Energy Training. “To do that, technicians need to feel confident in their job and understand business priorities, and that means they need quality training.

UK Energy Training has been an

approved OFTEC training centre for 10 years and is dedicated to delivering high quality training courses including OFTEC 50, 101, 102, 105 and 600. The company has installed 16 oil-fired appliances in a livefiring, hands-on environment.

“A skilled, carefully trained workforce can dramatically improve bottom line performance, adding value to products and services and making it easier to compete.

Satisfied and motivated workers encourage higher levels of staff retention – lowering the costs of recruitment. Everyone can benefit from high quality training, whether a young person just starting out or an old hand with many years’ experience,” adds Ian. www.ukenergytraining.co.uk

Alan C Black FIDHEE MCIPHE Dip C Eng Confidential bespoke technical domestic/ light commercial oil & bio-liquid heating & cooking sector consultancy services.

“Working with our clients evaluating potential threats and opportunities specific to their individual visions, products, goods and services.”

Mobile: 07516 371 992 E-mail: gnosisconsultancy@btinternet.com Web: www.gnosisconsultancy.vpweb.co.uk SKYPE: alanblack.amb AMB Business Enterprises Ltd © Company No. 7440511 Vat Reg. No. 103 5656 37 T/A Gnosis Consultancy Services - Office: 01778 346294

30 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

NEW centres Firebird has added five new centres to its existing Ivybridge and Kingsbury facilities.

The new centres have been set up in conjunction with selected independent training centres which will use Firebird boilers as an integral part of their own training. Specific Firebird courses have been planned to dovetail with the centres’ own courses and have been totally revised to provide hands-on diagnostics and commissioning elements, as well as product familiarisation and installation training. www.firebird.ie

Plumb Center and MCS Plumb Center is advising installers on the importance of obtaining MCS accreditation, following a report on the BBC’s Watchdog programme. The programme highlighted an unaccredited company, which was operating a ‘rent a roof’ scheme, to take advantage of the government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT). In addition to developing a network of BPEC accredited training centres, Plumb Center is working with NAPIT to provide a simple MCS registration process. www.wolseleysbc.co.uk/about-us/training For more renewables news, see pages 40 - 43.

Plumb Center’s solar PV training rig

NEW premises Practical training at the new Leeds training centre

Earlier this year, Piper Assessment moved to new premises in Sittingbourne. The move to larger offices has enabled the company to offer its full range of courses, in oil, domestic and commercial gas, electric, water and LPG. MCS accredited courses are also available in renewables, covering technologies such as solar thermal, solar photovoltaic and heat pumps. www.pass-ltd.co.uk

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 31

Training

NEW course Central Midlands Assessment and Training (CMAT) is now offering PAT testing training courses. MOT style certificates are also available in OFTEC oil, domestic and commercial gas and LPG from the Midlands based company. www.cmat-ltd.co.uk

HRM + PTC

Simon Eastwell, HRM managing director with Simon Butcher, PTC

The Professional Training Centre (PTC) now offers a range of OFTEC courses, from HRM Boilers’ factory in Attleborough, Norfolk. Candidates can undertake training and assessment for the 101, 105E and 600A qualifications. All attendees have the opportunity to practise on the full range of HRM boilers and receive an incentive package.

Email fae.stancombe@colchester.ac.uk

BPEC accredited BPEC’s solar thermal and solar photovoltaic qualifications have been successfully mapped against the Building Services Engineering National Occupational Standards and the Qualifications and Credit Framework units. Once the company’s centres have been updated to reflect these changes, the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies will allow the qualifications to be delivered through Skills Academy approved centres. The new mapped qualifications will continue to be accepted by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. www.bpec.org.uk

METAC commercial oil METAC Training is preparing to carry out commercial oil training and assessment OFT 201,with the installation of a Buderus GE315 boiler to fire oil, gas and duel fuelled burners, along with Heat Master HM 101 and a MARK hot air unit. METAC provides a wide range of oil, gas and renewable training and assessments including wind, photovoltaic and microgen courses using its own grid-linked 6KW wind turbine & 1.4kw PV array. www.metac.ie

NEW Frost Protection Cables

Automatic frost protection for external pipes and guttering that comes on automatically at temperatures below 5°C Thermoprotect stops pipes freezing and keeps water flowing.

Winter weather in the UK is getting increasingly worse and as temperatures plummet, pipes burst, boilers fail and gutters collapse. The UK spends, on average, £64M a year on boiler call out charges and in 2009, frozen and burst pipes caused over £130M of damage to homes and commercial property.

The average UK temperature in December 2010 was -1°C. This was the first time an average monthly temperature had been below zero for over 100 years, and winter 2011 is predicted to bring another “Big Freeze” Thermoprotect Heating Cables have been specially designed for protecting piping, gutters and boiler condensate pipes against low temperatures and the risk of freezing.

When properly installed, the heating cables will only switch on when the temperature drops to +5°C. Additional applications include trace heating for use in gutters and around gulleys to prevent freezing. For example gutter runs above public entrances can be heated to prevent snow build up and resultant snow falls.

Features at a Glance      

230V AC PROTECTS OUTDOOR PIPES CAN BE USED WITH GUTTERING IPX7 RATED 100% WATERPROOF TEMPERATURE SENSOR 3 YEAR WARRANTY

32 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Applications      

Boiler condensate pipes Gutters and down pipes External water pipes and taps Stables and equestrian centres Out houses and garages Lofts and warehouses

Save energy with EcoSwitch

The PRO and the EZ Self-regulating versions are now available from ABGO - 01902 379 379 sales@abgo.co.uk

Products & Services

Speedi service Speedi Parts – a new motorcycle delivery service from Parts Center – gets parts to installers in the field, in double-quick time.

The service, which is available to installers between 7.30am – 4.00pm, offers same day delivery for just £5, on items weighing up to 3kg. All fitters need to do is call the Speedi Parts hotline, and if the part is in stock, it will be despatched instantly. See also page 7. www.partscenter.co.uk

Same day motorcycle delivery service saves installers time and money

Oil Installer Max ad:Ecoflam-Oil inst ad

5/7/11

08:56

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The Best of Both Worlds Universal burners for all your new and replacement needs

Max Oil 17-300kW

Max Gas 17-500kW

• Snorkel fitting • Adjustable head • Oil line • Cover • Standard nozzle fitted • Single bolt fixing for ease of maintenance • Sealed casing • Suitable for Kerosene, Gas oil and B10 Biofuel as standard • 2 Stage available

For a truly universal range call us on: 01386

• Adjustable head • Cover • Gas train • Single bolt fixing for ease of maintenance • Sealed casing • Suitable for Natural Gas/ LPG (small kit required) • Compact and quiet • 2 Stage available

556092 Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 33

Products & Services

Select products Heating World of Spares has introduced new products to its popular Select range of engineers’ service kits. The Select kit helps to keep spares safe, tidy and easy to find in a heavy duty plastic case, with precision engineered foam inserts. See also page 13. www.hwos.co.uk

Keep spares safe and tidy with the Select kit

Online efficiency Dobies Heat Centre has been supplying the oil installer and service engineer markets for nearly 30 years. When the company designed its website, it did so with its trade customers in mind.

On entering the site, customers must log into their account.

This ensures that trade customers get genuine trade prices and prevents the general public from buying products at the same, advantageous rates. When customers access their accounts,

Boilers available in Standard Efficiency and also Condensing

SPECIALIST OIL HEATING MERCHANT Dobies Heat Centres have been supplying to the Oil Installer and Service Engineers market since 1982 providing a knowledgeable, reliable and trustworthy service.

We supply a full range of top products, from Oil Boilers to all spares. Our Spares Department carry an extensive stock ranging from fast moving products to the more obscure items.

Our website was designed exclusively for trade customers in mind with fast efficient ordering. All you need is your account log in and you can get up to the minute pricing, special offers and check all your current invoices and statements in real time.

Its all you need to keep you connected 24/7.

www.dobiesheatcentres.co.uk 35 Drumshoreland Road Pumpherston Livingston West Lothian EH53 0LF Tel 01506 430094 34 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

35K Harbour Road, Longman Ind Estate Inverness IV1 1UA Tel: 01463 711188

NEW website Plumb Center has recently launched a state of the art, 24/7 website.

The website features a wide range of useful information including videos, details about training courses and accreditations, updates on regulations and legislation and industry events. Visitors can also download or order brochures and product guides. As well as allowing installers to check current stock availability on 40,000 product lines, the website offers a click and collect service. See also page 7.

The company’s Trade Price Guide (October-December) is also available, free of charge, at more than 490 branches nationwide. www.plumbcenter.co.uk Open 24/7, Plumb Center’s new website

they get up to the minute pricing and special offers, and are able to check all current invoices and statements in real time, 24/7.

Ordering is fast and efficient. When an order is placed, it is sent directly to the company’s trade counter, which then collates and despatches it direct. All of this is done with ease and efficiency so that Dobies customers can get on with what they do best. See also page 34. www.dobiesheatcentres.co.uk

Formerly manufactured by

Thermostatic Fire Valve (TFV) If you take pride in your work, you’ll only want the best capillary fire valve available – the one that guarantees more safety, flexibility and reliability with less hassle. That fire valve is made by FuelStop.

• The only capillary fire valve to meet BS 5410 part 1

• The widest range of pipe connections and capillary lengths on the market

• Designed and manufactured to eliminate nuisance trips

• Pipe connections of 3⁄8” and 1⁄2” ensure optimum flow rate

• The FuelStop TFV is liquid-filled and offers more reliability in all weathers than gas-filled products

• Suitable for up to 5 bar of incoming fuel pressure

t 0118 921 9920

• Easy to install

f 0118 921 9921 e info@fuelstop.co.uk

Manufactured by FuelStop, Unit 1, Woodley Park Estate, 59-69 Reading Road, Woodley, Reading, Berkshire RG5 3AN

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 35

Products & Services

Lock out thieves This winter, Harlequin is offering a Spinsecure Lock on every Advance bunded oil tank, as standard. The lock acts as a secure device on the tank’s manhole lid.

Once secured with its unique magnetic key, the lock is virtually impenetrable to would-be thieves. With oil thefts on the increase and householders being urged to protect fuel this winter, Harlequin’s tanks are perfect for installers wanting to offer customers optimum tank security. See also page 21. www.harlequinplastics.co.uk

Reduce water with Anglo Nordic’s Tank Dryer

Fuel quality checks Increased levels of FAME in heating oil can cause up to 25 times more suspended water, which in turn can encourage microbial growth. This leads to excessive smoke, blocked pumps, filters and valves and, a reduction in combustible properties.

Anglo Nordic supplies a number of products to help condition and test fuel quality. Installed in a heating oil line, the company’s Purefuel Conditioner will help to stop microbial growth and requires no power and little maintenance whilst its Tank Dryer (water absorber) is hung in a tank and replaced when full. Varying sizes and capacities are available. Fuel oil test kits can also be purchased from Anglo Nordic. This one-off test will check fungi and bacteria levels in the fuel. www.anglonordic.co.uk OIL INST NOV 11_Layout 1 13/10/2011 17:05 Page 1

Tank Dryer

Absorbs water from storage tanks. The latest fuels are hygroscopic (attract water).

Fuel Conditioner

Keeps fuel bugs/microbes at bay preventing appliance failures.

Fuel Testing

Peace of mind with Harlequin’s Spinsecure Lock

13388 A+A Advert 125x90_1_13388 Adler & Allan Adverts 90x125 2_PRINT 19

Leading experts in spill prevention • Nationwide oil and chemical spill response • Specialists in commercial and industrial spills • Project management and site investigations

Simple on site test for fuel bugs and microbes, the latest fuels provide the perfect breeding environment .

Oil and Environmental Services

ANGLO NORDIC BURNER PRODUCTS LIMITED 12/14 Island Farm Avenue, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2UZ - UK Tel: +44 (0) 20 8979 0988 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8979 6961 email: sales@anglonordic.co.uk www.anglonordic.co.uk

36 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

0800 592 827

Enquiries and Emergencies

www.adlerandallan.co.uk

Reduced burner noise Snugburner has recently addressed the issue of burner noise. The company’s burner for use in an AGA is now running at less than 50 decibels. Its OF7 and OF22 versions for Rayburn are also much quieter – running at less than 45 decibels.

Snugburner invites installers to listen to the burners firsthand at its Wrexham works. www.snughomecookers.com Quietly does it with Snugburner

Your boiler’s best performance World famous Rocket Burner® (Blue Flame oil burner, 15–315 kW) More than one million units sold Thermodynamic premixing principle: converts oil into gas Perfect soot free combustion Maximizes the performance of boilers of all generations Simple assembly and handling Unsurpassed Emissions NOx 108 mg/kWh and CO 25 mg/kWh www.mhgheating.co.uk l Email: info@mhgheating.co.uk l Telephone: 0845 6448802 MHG Heating Ltd – Simply better.

3151 AZ Rakete engl 09 08.indd 1

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 37 30.09.2008 14:27:17 Uhr

Products & Services

NEW catalogue Plumbfix has extended its range of specialist plumbing and heating products with the launch of its new catalogue. Additional featured products include Ariston Aquabravo unvented heating cylinders, MagnaClean products for protecting and maintaining central heating systems and smaller pack sizes of copper and plastic fittings. The company operates an express collection service, allowing installers to order and pay for goods online or by phone, and collect them from the counter just 15 minutes later. www.plumbfix.com

Detecting carbon monoxide with Anton

See the extended range in the new catalogue

OFTEC Registered Engineer?

Use: Fire Valve’s?

Tigerloop’s?

Tankmaster’s?

Filter’s?

Oil Meter’s?

Tanktop?

Tank Alarm’s?

Oil Lifter’s

Then go to:

www.fueldump.co.uk

Enter offer code OTF0101 and get

20% off your order with delivery to the door!

38 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Alarming news With so much emphasis on safety, Anton has extended its portfolio to include wallmounted domestic CO alarms.

This addition follows requests from a CO road show campaign in late 2010 which also saw Anton gain H&V News’ Safety Initiative of the Year award.

With over 100 years combined industry experience, Anton’s personnel play a dedicated role in providing support to engineers and homeowners. www.anton-group.com

Biofuel technology The Tigerloop Bio oil de-aerator from Swedish company, Tigerholm, is suitable for biofuel blends up to B100.

Its metallic construction means that it can be used on indoor installations.

Rigorous quality control and testing are the keys to its success. Each individual product is pressure tested for 12 hours to ensure the integrity of its seals for safe installation. www.tigerholm.com

Rigorously tested – the Tigerloop Bio

– new website Visit Renewable Energy Installer’s brand new website at www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk.

Using an enabled smart phone, you can connect direct to the website from this page.

“Why change your site to suit a Tank?”

“I designed that tank to suit my site. I saved time and made more profit simply by designing a tank to suit me. Just go online, follow the design instructions and you’ll have your price within the day. That’s what I call excellent service!”

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Banners Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 2SD E: sales@mayweld.co.uk W. www.mayweld.co.uk

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Oil Installer Winter 201114:56 | 39 24/02/2011

Renewables

Made in China Sixty per cent of the world is now generating electricity using solar products manufactured in China. In latter years – made in China – left UK consumers distinctly unimpressed, but today companies like the ET Solar Group are producing a quality product at a lower cost. Now widely used in countries like Germany, where top quality manufacturing is the norm, representing our sister publication Renewable Energy Installer, Oil Installer witnessed the company’s operation first hand.

Meeting ET Solar staff at the company’s offices in Nanjing, China, Oil Installer’s editor, Jane Hughes, 4th from right.

Kamil Shah, marketing manager, Wagner Solar, (3rd from left)

E

stablished in October 2006, the ET Solar Group is a one-stop solar power solution provider which employs 3000 people across its 10 wholly owned subsidiaries and three manufacturing plants. With local sales and marketing subsidiaries and offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, ET Solar provides solar modules, solar tracking systems and turnkey solution services to its customers in over 50 countries.

“We’re a young, vibrant company with a passion for renewable energy technology,” explained global marketing director, Santran Duan. “But passion is not enough, to that we have added excellence.”

Dennis She, president and chief executive officer told Oil Installer: “We were one of the first companies in China to invest in solar PV manufacture and quality has always been paramount. Among the first group of Chinese manufacturers to receive an MCS certificate in the UK, our product portfolio and growing capability in turnkey solution services differentiates us from a pure module supplier.

“We’ve had much to do to convince the world that Chinese manufacture is reliable. We employ scientists and engineers – with strong academic backgrounds – who started their working life in the UK and 40 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

USA. Our vice president and chief strategy officer, Linhui Sui, was formerly with NASA. Wolfgang Trumm, vice president of ET Solutions, has 17 years experience in PV module manufacturing and development.

German, Italian and Swiss technology is used in the company’s manufacturing plants with European engineers on hand to offer technical guidance.”

passion is not enough, to that we have added excellence

Just one of 200 quality control checks on modules

Quality products under total manufacturing control The Group manufactures modules, installation kits and inverters, tracker systems, building-integrated photovoltaics and stand alone systems and, by controlling every aspect of product manufacture, ensures quality control.

The production line at the company’s silicon ingot, wafer and cell manufacturing plant in Taizhou has 200 quality control checks.* From material procurement to the finished panel, a series of rigid tests and examining procedures ensure not only panel output performance but also the anti-corrosion and high pressure features on every module.

this warranty provides customers with a stronger assurance on both quality and financial return Mono and multi-crystalline modules are now covered by a new 25-year linear power performance warranty. This guarantees no less than 97% of the nominal power output in the first year and then a maximum annual output degradation of 0.65% thereafter.

By the end of the 25th year, power output will be no less than 81.4% of the nominal power output. Weiyong Zhu, manager of the product strategy department, said: “Coupled with the 10-year workmanship warranty launched in May, this warranty provides customers with a stronger assurance on both quality and financial return.”

Assisting the UK’s solar market “With its strong focus on rooftop projects, the UK’s solar market is very different,” said Dennis She. “But after looking at the competition, we knew one of our strongest selling points would be our cost to performance ratio. “ Entering the UK market in 2009 in advance of the Feed In Tariff’s introduction, the company partnered with regional distributors including Chichester-based Wagner Solar; such partnerships offer co-ordinated marketing and ensure UK installers get a quick service and response to any issues.

Johnny Cheng, is manager of technical support and after sales service: “We offer

a solution to any problem within 48 hours.

However, many questions are answered

by Wagner Solar as UK installers feel comfortable about contacting a homebased distributor.”

Keen to meet both installers and end customers, ET Solar Group exhibited at this year’s Ecobuild; delighted with the response, the company will be back in 2012. “We want to learn much more about the UK market and its demands,” said Nick Wang, regional account manager, Europe.

“How does it work?” was a frequent question from stand visitors at Ecobuild, added Nick. “The UK audience is not as familiar with solar energy so it’s vital our products are understood; knowledgeable installers can help customers make a better informed decision.”

The company will open a UK warehouse next year, introduce quarterly training sessions and is seeking a partner in the Manchester area to better serve customers in the north. A UK office, with experienced engineering teams, to provide customised product designs and solution plans specifically for the UK market is also being discussed.

quality at a lower cost “We’re confident about the UK’s solar PV market but it will take time,” said Patrick Guo, director of sales and marketing. “We already have many satisfied UK installers and customers* and I’m sure that more will appreciate our quality at a lower cost.”

Specifically for the UK market, the soon to be launched Zero Track system and panel will cut installation time by up to 70%.

A global network with a local service Asked about the company’s global presence – distribution extends to over 50 countries – Eric Zhang, deputy sales director, said: “Our markets have very different characteristics but having regional branches in Europe, North America, and Asia provides a deeper understanding of these local markets.”

Working more responsibly Corporate social responsibility is taken very seriously. Solar systems have been donated to areas without electricity grid connection in China, South Asia and Africa. Since August 2008, multiple solar systems have

ET Solar donated residential PV systems to Mozugongka county in Tibet, an area previously without power

been lighting up a large number of Tibetan villages.

Every possible effort is made to save energy and to cut carbon emissions during the working day. By 2015, the company will be headquartered in a low carbon building in Nanjing with solar thermal, rainwater harvesting, biomass heating and a battery energy storage system. * In the next issue, we look closer at module production and talk to a UK installer

FiT changes Since April 2010, the cost of an average domestic solar PV installation has fallen from around £13,000 to £9,000.

Nearly three times as much solar PV as projected has so far been installed with over 100,000 separate installations with over 400MW of capacity. In September, there were over 16,000 new installations.

Last month, climate change and energy minister, Greg Barker, took ‘urgent action’ to put the solar industry on a ‘steadier, clearer and sustainable growth path’.

Reduced Feed-In-Tariff (FiT) subsidies for domestic solar electricity production were proposed – schemes up to 4kW in size now 21p/kWh – down from the current 43.3p/kWh. Reduced rates are also proposed for schemes between 4kW and 250kW. These would apply to all new installations with an eligibility date on or after 12 December 2011 which would receive the current tariff before moving to the lower one on 1 April 2012.

From April 2012, a new requirement could mean that a property has to reach a certain level of energy efficiency – an Energy Performance Certificate level of C or take up all measures potentially eligible for Green Deal finance – to receive the proposed new tariff rates. www.decc.gov.uk Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 41

Renewables

Mitsubishi impress with easy solar PV installation and the Ecodan system

Mitsubishi – PV packs and heat pumps

M

itsubishi Electric has launched a ready-to-go PV Pack. Designed for residential and light commercial properties, the packs are suitable for most roof types and work in conjunction with the company’s PV modules. Available for next day delivery, the pack includes modules, inverter, isolators, meter, mounting kit, solar cables, MC4 connectors and an MCS compliant homeowner manual.

“We’ve deliberately designed these packs to provide everything PV installers need for a fast, efficient installation and everything is processed through one simple order,”

explains Perry Jackson, general manager of the company’s photovoltaics division. Email pv@meuk.mee.com.

The company is now including a Quick Start Homeowners guide with the installation of every Ecodan® air source heat pump to ensure new owners can quickly personalise their heating system to suit their own individual heating needs. www.domesticheating.mitsubishielectric. co.uk Ecodan® air source heat pumps have been installed at 42 warden-assisted flats owned by West Lancashire Borough Council.

Formerly heated by direct electric heaters connected to an Economy 7 circuit, the heat

pumps were fitted to the flats’ outside wall enabling renewable low grade energy to be harvested from the air to provide heating and hot water. One 5kW Ecodan unit with independent lockable heating stats and thermostatic radiator valves was installed for every two flats. Councillor Val Hopley said: “We’re incredibly impressed by the Ecodan system. In fact, during the very severe weather last year, when we compared these flats with other council buildings using gas boilers, it was the only building that did not fail in some way in its heating and hot water.” www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/ domesticheating

Wagner Academy – delivering better ‘A better quality and better regarded PV industry’ is the aim of Wagner Solar. The company’s solar training school picked up the industry development award at this year’s SOLAR Industry awards.

Marketing manager, Kamil Shah, who initiated the Wagner Academy, commented: “We decided to specifically open the training school to accredited solar installers as once MCS accreditation is complete, installers are alone. It’s up to them to source product, market their services, advice homeowners about technology and sell/install a solar system. PV installers who specify and install systems are the industry’s backbone so it’s vital they keep up-todate with ever advancing technology.”

42 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

Another core training area is the mounting of PV systems. “A PV system must remain on the roof for 25 years and beyond to outlast FiT,” added Shah. “It must be capable of withstanding heavy snow and extreme wind. The last thing we want is for systems to fall off roofs in 10 years’ time – we must train installers to calculate weather loads, tension and expansion from changing temperature.”

The Academy operates as a non-profit initiative and places are offered to installers on a first come, first served basis. info@wagner-solaruk.com

Award for Ground Heat Ground Heat was recently named as Renewables Installer of the Year. The company, which has been existence for 7 years, is a sister company to Bolton-based M H Craggs & Sons, heating engineers with 40 years’ experience and installers of oil-fired and gas boilers.

The presentation was made at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, one of the six venues visited by this year’s Renewables Roadshow. Event organiser, Dan Caesar said: “We were delighted with response to the roadshow which demonstrated that this market is going from the margins to the mainstream.”

Ground Heat directors, Dave Thompson and Stewart Cragg collected the award. “We’re passionate about our work and, as every installation is unique, we’re committed to finding the best solution for our clients,” said Dave. The award was won for the company’s installation at the Westport Lake visitor centre run by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. www.groundheat.co.uk

Courtesy of Plumb Center, Ground Heat picked up a £10,000 prize. Plumb Center’s director of renewables, Simon Allan (l) and Countryfile presenter, Julia Bradbury present the award to Dave and Stewart

Biofuel compatability at Riello

Brites future for biomass

Riello has been at the forefront of biofuel development, working with OFTEC and other manufacturers on a project to develop a biofuel specification for the domestic heating market. Now – all Riello oil and dual fuel burners are compatible with up to 10% biofuel blends. (British Standard BS2869 was revised at the beginning of 2011 to allow up to 7% FAME content in class D gas oil.)

Experts in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, all market sectors are supported by Riello’s comprehensive after sales service and spares business.

Plumb Center has signed a distribution deal with Brites to supply its wood-pellets nationwide. “One of the major stumbling blocks with biomass was that the supply of wood pellets was hit and miss,” said Simon Allan, Plumb Center’s director of renewables. “Thanks to this deal, we can guarantee a secure and stable supply – even in the heart of winter.” www.plumbcenter.co.uk Under the government’s Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) off-grid householders could get £950 when they install a biomass boiler. RHPP is the first phase of the Renewable Heat Incentive; more details will be published next year but it is possible that an annual RHI grant of £950 for 15 years will be awarded.

Can air source heat pump technology increase your level of business?

The complete Ecodan package includes a British-built cylinder and self-learning controls to make installation quicker and customer operation easier. Train to become an Accredited Installer to take advantage of this rapidly expanding market.

To find out more, call 01707 278666 or email heating@meuk.mee.com www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/domesticheating

Air Conditioning I Commercial Heating Domestic Heating I Photovoltaics

18031 Domestic Wrench 190w x 62h Ad AW V2.indd 1

09/09/2011 16:50

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 43

Legal

Revoked registrations

Uniform misuse

Non-compliance with rectification notice RN5716, issued as part of a complaint investigation IP922.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) has recently updated and re-issued an alert about the misuse of uniforms.

The alert was at the request of SaÂŁercash, the representative body of the cash and valuables in transit industry. Official uniforms are frequently used by serious, organised criminals undertaking illegal activities. Recent high profile cases have involved the use of stolen uniforms in robberies on trucks on the road and at cash sites. SOCA works closely with partners to investigate uniform management and security and the alert offers a useful reminder of the dangers of uniform misuse.

J Gough Polruan Plumbers Partnership Fowey, Cornwall

Incident reporting

The following technicians have had their OFTEC registration revoked Lewis Darnell Amber Heating and Plumbing Witney, Oxfordshire

Non-compliance with rectification notice RN5190, issued as part of a routine inspection.

On 12th September, changes to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) incident reporting and information services came in to force.

Now, only fatal and major injuries can be reported over the phone, to the HSE. All other work-related injuries can be reported online via the following forms:Form F2508 Form F2508 Form F2508G1 Form F2508G2

A Winner

Report of an injury Report of a dangerous occurrence Report of a flammable gas incident Report of a dangerous gas fitting

New edition of the OFTEC

Direct Catalogue

available soon ... solve the airlock problem yourself!

Reserve your copy TODAY. Call 0845 65 85 080

Fits all types of Home Boilers ÂŁ12.50 plus P&P

For further details contact: Office: +353 (0)91 849718 Kevin: +353 (0)87 6833930 www.boilerbleed.com

BoilerBleed Ltd. recommends that BoilerBleed is fitted by a OFTEC Accredited Professional.

kevhester@eircom.net 44 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

A CAREFULLY SELECTED RANGE OF EQUIPMENT FOR HEATING PROFESSIONALS

3 SIMPLE WAYS TO ORDER YOUR COPY NOW: T: 0845 65 85 080 | E: sales@oftecdirect.com www.oftecdirect.com

Product News

New product brings a warm glow Earlier this month saw the introduction of a brand new enhanced formula to Glowmax, the advanced home heating oil.

Exclusive to BUTLER FUELS*, Glowmax was originally launched in late 2008. The launch followed an approach by AGA to help address a situation that more and more AGA customers were reporting – increased carbon build-up over the six-month period between services.

Oil Installer spoke to Steve Gettings, commercial manager, BUTLER FUELS. “Glowmax is an outstanding fuel. It produces less carbon than standard kerosene leading to a better performance from oil-fired appliances. It also has a cleaner storage and burning process which means fuel quality is maintained, further protecting appliances. The enhanced formula contains both inhibitors to prevent corrosion and antioxidants to help stop fuel from ageing.

Conducting trials “We’re always looking to refine, develop and improve our products and, since Glowmax’s launch, we’ve worked hard to do just that and offer our customers an even better fuel.

“The new Glowmax has been extensively tested. Over a 14-month period, it was successfully trialled and tested at AGA laboratories. In addition, we ran our own trial with 26 customers who had a range of boilers plus AGA and Rayburn cookers.

Feedback and findings from the trials have been fantastic! It was clear that customers were able to reach the manufacturer’s servicing interval with ease. Many customers also reported that the enhanced Glowmax was working so well that even at a lower setting, they could achieve the same temperature as before.

Independent testing “Every three months, all appliances on our trial were independently tested by OFTEC registered engineers who commented “Even after a good few months, there was still no carbon evident” and “After several months, the appliance components were still really clean.”

Samples were also taken at each inspection and analysed with excellent results.

Introductory offer “Glowmax is an enhanced fuel and as such, is slightly more expensive than standard kerosene,” added Steve. “But we’ve found that customers are willing to pay extra for a cleaner, smoother running system. New customers are being offered an introductory rate to trial Glowmax – and so far there’s been unanimous agreement that the product’s performance is excellent.”

Oil Installer readers can take advantage of the £10 cash referral scheme for each customer they refer to Glowmax – for full details see the back cover of this issue. *BUTLER FUELS, a brand of GB Oils, operates throughout England and part of Wales, delivering standard kerosene and Glowmax to domestic customers and gas oil and diesel to commercial customers.

Oil Installer Winter 2011 | 45

Gallery

Back in shape Northamptonshire householder Adrian Eyles was enjoying a leisurely bath when the view outside his bathroom window changed dramatically as an 18-metre ash tree collapsed on his Balmoral fuel tank. “I ran outside expecting to find diesel running down the garden as well as a flattened van but the tank was secure and the van was driveable! I would not have believed that the tank could regain its shape after a week of sun.”

Email your photos to jane@oilinstaller.co.uk Squashed tank gets back into shape

Preventative measures Theft of fuel from tanks has certainly been on the rise – this householder is certainly leaving nothing to chance!

Adrian, Laura, Chris and Kate raised £1000 for their local hospice

Hytek’s fairy footsteps In a bid to raise as much cash as possible for the St Clare Hospice in Harlow, Essex Hytek’s Adrian Holyomes completed a recent 10k midnight walk dressed as a fairy! Adrian with make up and tutu joined his fellow Hytek Trekkers – Laura Taylor, Chris Barton and Kate Powell – in raising £500 which was matched by Hytek’s managing director, Kevin Arnold, bringing the total raised to £1000.

46 | Oil Installer Winter 2011

BUY 2 BUNDED TANKS & receive a FREE Mystery Hamper worth ÂŁ100.00

Offer ends 16th December 2011.

Terms & conditions apply, please ask for further details.

T h i n k TA n k s - T h i n k AT l A n T i s !

Simply call us and see why choosing Atlantis makes sense!

Call: 0844 844 0404 Fax: 0844 844 0405 Email: sales@atlantistanks.co.uk www.atlantistanks.co.uk Advance House, Chilton Industrial Estate, Chilton DL17 0SD

or go online to www.butlerfuels.co.uk

call us on 08456 042551

contact bUtlEr fUElS to find out more about Glowmax and our Engineer cash referral Scheme

• Overall, Glowmax gives a cleaner, more efficient and more reliable oil fuel system

• Consumer trial results show the same temperature can be reached at a lower setting

• Cleaner storage and burning process means the fuel quality is maintained, further protecting oil fired appliances

• The enhanced formula protects oil fired appliances against corrosion and keeps them in optimum condition

• With its new, enhanced formula, Glowmax produces less carbon than standard kerosene, leading to a better performance from the boiler, AGA or Rayburn cooker

These are just some of the benefits your customers are likely to notice:-

PErformAncE, ProtEction, PEAcE of mind

Engineer cash referral Scheme - see below for details

Your trusted oil supplier www.butlerfuels.co.uk

BUTLER FUELS

Successfully trialled and tested by AGA

AdvAncEd homE hEAtinG oil EXclUSivElY from bUtlEr fUElS

®

Enhanced formula