Registered Gas Engineer, July/August 2024 issue

pools

Editor’s comment

You’ll be reading this issue at around the same time that the General Election takes place. Now we’re not brave (or foolhardy) enough to predict who might be in charge of the country after 4 July, but the main political parties have vowed to deal with high energy costs and energy security, and to tackle climate change, among other pledges.

Labour said it will create Great British Energy, which it describes as a publicly owned champion to invest in clean energy in the UK. It’s also set itself a hard challenge in aiming to decarbonise the grid by 2030 – five years ahead of the current target.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, watered down their low-carbon ambitions last autumn. They have now said there won’t be any new green levies or charges, adding that if they need to choose between clean energy and keeping people warm, they will keep the lights on.

The red and the blue corners are battling it out. Will it be a unanimous or split decision – and what could that mean for those working in this industry? There’s everything to fight for.

Nicki Shearer, editor

Gas Safe Register, PO Box 631, DARLINGTON, DL1 9GD

Email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk, register@gassaferegister. co.uk or technical@gassaferegister.co.uk

Managing editor: Sue Harker, sue.harker@gassaferegister.co.uk

Editor: Nicki Shearer, editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

News: Jennie Ward, news@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Publisher: Peter McCreary, publisher@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Technical consultants: Rob Walkerdine, Carl Banister, Jonathan Palmer, Mike Cummings

Production: Mark Turpin

Advertising enquiries only: Ian Carter, ian@rgemagazine.co.uk

Additional print subscriptions £25 per year email: wgardiner@circdata.com, Tel 020 8149 9222

Registered Gas Engineer is written, designed and published by The Team on behalf of Gas Safe Register. 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ

Issue 180 | July/August 2024

04

Update from the Register

The Register teams up with TV property gurus to warn consumers of the implications of not getting their boiler serviced and safety checked regularly PLUS Gas Safety Week 2024 is just around the corner and this year’s theme is Checking – Every Check Counts

06

Inspection

What to expect if you’ve got an inspection coming up

09

Better safe than sorry

How our article on the warning signs of a potential fraud helped to prevent a gas engineer from losing money

CIRCULATION: Jan-Dec 2023 78,987

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Gas Safe Register. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. ABC membership approved 19 March, 2009.

10

12

29

Illegal gas work

Why you should report it and what the Register does with the information when you do

The good, the bad and the ugly

Your business

HMRC highlights the benefits of filing your tax return before the January rush

17 Safety Alert 033

The Safety Alert on some Morco open-flued water heaters has been updated and re-issued

18

Flues and ventilation

The Technical Team review the change and updates made to BS 5440 Parts 1 and 2, covering chimneys/flues and ventilation

catering

Everything you need to know about safe operation and safety checks on mobile catering equipment

24 Swimming pool boilers

The different methods of heating and the qualifications needed to work on different appliances

26

Commercial heating flues

An overview of commercial flue systems and the aspects that you must consider

36

Hybrid heating

Hybrids have a real role to play in helping homes to decarbonise their heating and hot water

30 Turning off the gas supply

EasyAssist is a new tool being rolled out by Cadent that turns off the gas at a single push of a button

Tool theft

Theft of tools was reported to police every 12 minutes last year – and the numbers are still rising

Commercial heating

Pressure jet boilers can be a good option for commercial buildings with large heating loads 40

Energy efficiency

Underfloor heating is a reliable and futureproof heat emitter PLUS Five ways to boost heating system efficiency 44 Towards

net zero

Progress on the uptake of low-carbon home heating has been slower than anticipated, according to a new report

update

update from the

Register

Warning over boiler policy confusion

Gas Safe Register teamed up with TV property expert Martin Roberts and TV consumer rights expert Martyn James in spring to warn homeowners of the financial and safety implications of not servicing and safety checking their boilers regularly.

Research for Gas Safe found that more than half of homeowners (54 per cent) might have their gas boiler protection policy claim or warranty rejected because they underestimated some of the typical clauses of home insurance emergency cover policies and warranties.

One in ten have had an insurance claim rejected, often because of simple errors that make the policy invalid. Policies and warranties may not be valid if the boiler has not been serviced every year, meaning that it isn’t covered for repair or replacement.

One-quarter of homeowners

say they’ve never read their policy in full and 15 per cent claim it confuses them. However, Gas Safe Register’s team of experts has been encouraging everyone to get up to scratch on the T&Cs to avoid being left out of pocket and potentially without hot water and heating for a boiler-related issue.

Risky

Martyn James, who is a consumer rights expert, said: “It's vital to make sure you’ve had an annual gas safety check and service by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you haven’t, it could invalidate a future claim. Without it, you’re potentially risking having to pay for one of the heftiest home appliance costs should something go wrong.”

Homes and

The Register also collaborated with Clare Seal (@myfrugalyear), who shared the campaign messaging and the importance of checking household warranties with her Instagram followers.

property TV expert Martin Roberts added: “The best way of being prepared for future cold snaps is to get ahead with maintenance and get your boiler serviced during the spring months.”

Gas Safe Register created this easy mnemonic to help households remember how to stay gas safe.

S: Stay alert to the ‘silent killer’.

A: Always ensure all gas appliances are regularly serviced and safety checked every year.

F: Find a Gas Safe registered engineer by searching your postcode, town or city.

E: Ensure you understand the terms of your boiler cover.

Remember, remember to pledge for September

The 14th Gas Safety Week is just around the corner. From 9-15 September 2024, the industry will join together to promote the importance of gas safety to keep homes and communities safe.

It’s coordinated by Gas Safe Register and the week shines a spotlight on all corners of the gas industry, all championing gas safety with one united voice at the same time.

Every Check Counts

This year’s theme is Checking – Every Check Counts. It will emphasise the importance of regular gas safety checks, as well as other top tips, and encourage people to prioritise gas safety in their home.

Every year, thousands of organisations rally behind Gas Safety Week, sharing their dedication to promoting gas safety in homes and communities. Supporters actively engage with their audiences to share and reinforce these messages.

The free supporters’ toolkit has been updated and is once again packed with imaginative ways to help you amplify the

reach and impact of Gas Safety Week.

This year, the toolkit includes new social media assets – including Welsh language versions –leaflets and posters, images and other resources. You can use

“Gas Safety Week shines a light on all corners of the gas industry, all championing gas safety.”

Scott Darroch, Marketing & Communications Director

any of these to support Gas Safety Week and help you make a real difference in your community.

Are you ready to join in? Simply pledge your support and keep up to date with the industry’s biggest annual campaign.

Find out more and pledge your support at: www. gassaferegister. co.uk/ gassafetyweek

Reasons to get involved

• Are you looking for new content?

You can use the materials in the free supporters’ toolkit as part of your own advertising and marketing campaigns.

• Showcase your own work – tell Gas Safe Register what you’re doing to support the campaign and it will aim to share as many supporters’ activities as possible on Twitter, in the campaign round-up report, and in this magazine.

• Don’t miss out to your competitors – thousands of supporters take part in Gas Safety Week every year.

• Help protect your customers and save lives.

update

from the Register

Inspection: the view from both sides

What practical work will I have to do?

It all depends on what work you are showing, but the following are some examples of tests that you may be asked to complete:

• A visual inspection of the gas installation and appliances

• A tightness test of the gas installation

• The working pressure at the outlet of the gas meter

• Gas rates of the appliances on site

• The inlet working pressure or operating pressures

• Flue gas analysis

• Check adequate ventilation, if required

• Check flue route and termination

• Check the safety device/s of the nominated appliance

• Identifying and reporting of any unsafe situations.

If you’ve got an inspection coming up, what can you expect and what will it involve?

We go behind the scenes to talk to a gas engineer about his recent routine inspection and to the inspector who carried it out.

The gas engineer

Malcolm Banner is no stranger to being inspected, having been in the job for 47 years. He’s a sole trader carrying out domestic gas work in and around his home town of Lowestoft, Suffolk.

No two inspections are ever the same but they all have the same purpose: they enable Gas Safe Register to confirm the competence of gas engineers, as it is required to do by HSE.

As a qualified and competent gas engineer, you can expect to be inspected as a matter of course at some point within a five-year cycle, whether that’s in-person, in a group inspection or online. When that email arrives and invites you to your inspection, what can you expect, how should you prepare – and how does it feel?

The gas engineer

Malcolm Banner has lots of experience in the gas industry but he says the thought of his most recent inspection was a little daunting because he was going to be meeting a new inspector, Mark Daniels.

“I wondered what he was going to say, what he was going to want,” he says.

“When I got the email and confirmed the details, Mark

The inspector

Mark Daniels is a fairly new member of Gas Safe’s inspection team – but not to the gas industry. With more than 25 years’ experience in domestic and commercial, working for big and small companies, as well as subcontracting, consultancy and compliance, he’s seen and done most things. He covers parts of Norfolk and Suffolk.

“The inspector asked me questions about things you really should know if you’re working in the industry.”

then contacted me to confirm that it was OK to meet.”

Malcolm had chosen to show Mark a boiler that he had installed a couple of months earlier. He’d arranged it with his customer, having explained to them what Gas Safe Register does and why the inspection was necessary.

After he’d introduced his customer, he showed Mark his ID card and his equipment, before demonstrating procedures including tightness and let-by tests – but only after carrying out a safe-to-touch voltage test to make sure that the boiler and gas supply were electrically safe.

Next were mandatory checks to confirm that the boiler was operating within the parameters set by the manufacturer, using his flue

gas analyser while running the boiler at high and low settings, as well as checking the flue integrity and ventilation.

Tests and checks done, it was time to see the paperwork and have a chat. “Mark wanted to see the calibration certificate on my FGA as well as the installation paperwork and work records,” says Malcolm. “And my customer was happy to make us a cuppa: that’s very important.”

At this stage, the conversation turned easily to include some questions from Mark that sounded out Malcolm’s knowledge of the work he carries out. “He didn’t ask too many questions and they were sensible. They were about things you really should

“Just prepare the basics: it’s straightforward stuff that we all know and there’s nothing to catch you out.”

know if you’re working in the industry.”

Although Malcolm hadn’t known quite what to expect beforehand, he says the 1.5-hour inspection went smoothly. “The main thing was that Mark put me at ease,” he says. “It was a shared experience.”

If you have an inspection coming up, he recommends talking to another gas engineer who’s been through it to help settle any nerves. “Make sure you’re going to a site that’s quite relaxed, where the customer will be relaxed,” he adds. “Just prepare the basics: it’s straightforward stuff that we all know and there’s nothing to catch you out.”

The inspector

We asked Mark Daniels to tell us what inspection is all about – and why. “We’re assessing the technical knowledge of the individual,” he says. “We need to know that they’ve got the underpinning knowledge of the ACS competencies they hold.”

That assessment is done by practical inspection of work

>

update from

the Register

Inspection: the view from both sides (continued)

What equipment should I bring?

You should make sure that you have key gas safety equipment with you – the following is an indication but not an exhaustive list and will depend on the work you carry out:

• A hard copy or digital version of the latest IGEM/ G/11 Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure

• A fully charged flue gas analyser with an in-date calibration certificate

• Direct reading CO2 meter (where required)

• Reference materials

• Stopwatch

• Tape measure

• Caps, meter discs and plugs for the size of gas pipe you are competent to work on

• Jointing compounds and PTFE tape

• Flue jointing compound

• Temporary continuity bonds

• Smoke matches and smoke pellets

• Leak detection fluid

• Warning advice notices and Warning Do Not Use labels

• Compartment warning labels

• Electric cross-bonding warning notices.

that gas engineers have themselves installed or serviced. Mark says: “We ask questions while they’re carrying out tests and that’s generally about the things they do day in, day out, making sure they’re working safely.”

Mark understands that gas engineers can be nervous and says it’s his job to make them as comfortable as he can. He emphasises that he’s not there to catch people out.

“People worry that inspection is going to be negative but in most cases it’s positive.”

Knowledge and skills Inspection is about auditing technical knowledge and competence skills. But Gas Safe will also check that gas engineers have all the key equipment, tools, gas safety notices and labels they need to carry out their work.

You can bring reference materials with you, such as relevant training guides. You should definitely have a current copy of IGEM/G/11, the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure, and you’ll be expected to know what to do

in an unsafe situation.

“There are certain things that people have to know. But if someone has, say, the commercial catering ACS but they haven’t been doing that recently, then we’d expect them to refer to their books, if needed.”

When Mark inspected Malcolm, he says: “I asked him to show me and talk me through a tightness test, a let-by test, and working pressure at the meter and the appliance.”

Be prepared

The key to a successful and straightforward inspection is being prepared for it. “Have you got everything? Have you got continuity bonds, things to cap off the gas, leak detection fluid?” says Mark. Everything you need to know about how to get ready is set out in your invitation.

When it comes to what to show your inspector, don’t worry if most of your work is breakdowns and servicing and you don’t do much installation: it’s absolutely fine to show work that you’ve serviced or fixed recently.

But most of all, try not to get too anxious. “People worry that it’s going to be negative and in most cases it’s positive. They’re worried about something they shouldn’t worry about. The engineers I’ve been seeing recently have been a really good calibre.” n

Better safe than sorry

Our article on how to spot a potential fraud helped a gas engineer see the warning signs.

In our last issue, we warned of the dangers of so-called guaranteed contracts – as we have done before – and one engineer says our article and the information in it helped to prevent him losing £2,500.

The sole trader lives and works in the north-east of England and wanted to remain anonymous. He contacted us because he wants others to know that the people operating these schemes them can be very convincing.

It looked legitimate

He had received a text message out of the blue from a company that invited him to apply for a contract to cover servicing and landlords’ gas safety record checks in his local postcode area. The text included a link to a website, which he says looked professional and legitimate.

After he replied to the text, his phone rang – the first of daily calls spanning nearly a week. “They guaranteed me 655 properties over a 12-month period, which works out at 55 a month. He said they pay £60 per service and £40 for a legionella [test],” he said.

A couple of days later, they

Protecting your data

Please check for yourself

If you’re contacted in this way, it’s worth taking the following precautions:

• Check with Companies House to confirm any limited company’s filing history, directors, when they were incorporated, whether they are still operating and what other companies the director is involved with.

• Use who-called.co.uk free to look up any phone number: it’s based on user experience and provides area codes.

• Check the website address at www.whois.com/whois This will show you when the domain was registered. A company that appears to be long established but whose website was created recently may be fraudulent.

• Check the email address carefully. Fraudsters will often try to mimic the email address of a genuine domain.

• Use Sort Code Checker to check any bank to which you’ve been asked to send money.

called again, offering him a contract after having ‘narrowed down’ their choice to his company. “I thought it was a bit too good to be true as we’re just a small business,” said the engineer.

It was. The company wanted an initial payment of £2,500, followed by £1,250 six months later, and sent over a contract to be signed. Over the next few days, the gas engineer received more calls asking for payment.

Alarm bells were really

Gas Safe Register’s website uses enhanced security to help protect both the site itself and the information about gas engineers that consumers need to be able to find and check. These measures include ways to help prevent ‘scraping’ information from the website. The Register never sells registration data or shares it with anyone.

ringing and he did some research, including our article. He looked the firm up at Companies House, tried to validate the phone number and used the bank sort code checker. “They just don’t really exist,” he told us.

They called again. “I said there were too many red flags. I told him I saw an article in the Gas Safe magazine and that it set out pretty much exactly what was happening here. I said I’d spoken to the magazine. Then he just hung up and they’ve never phoned back.”

He warns that the company seemed sophisticated and knowledgeable about the industry. “Your article was great: it couldn’t have been more of a blueprint,” he said. n

update

from the Register

How to report illegal gas work

Why is it important to report illegal gas work if you suspect it? And what does Gas Safe Register do with the information?

National

investigations coordinator

Sarah

Allsop has the answers.

“We encourage you to report unregistered work to us even if the information is minimal.”

Gas Safe Register has a dedicated team who actively investigate illegal – and often unsafe –gas work. The Investigations team consists of a national investigations manager, a national investigations coordinator and seven regional investigations officers (RIOs).

I’m the coordinator and I rely on information received from consumers, registered gas engineers, Trading Standards and environmental health officers.

If you find work that you think may have been carried out illegally, you can report it to us by filling in the “Report Illegal Gas Workers” form that’s in the engineers’ section of the Gas Safe Register website, by calling 0800 408 5500 or by email at: enquiries@ gassaferegister.co.uk

If you prefer to submit the form anonymously, you can do so. But if you are happy to provide your own details, we may contact you for more information. Where possible, the information we need to help our investigations includes: • The unregistered engineer’s name and/or business name

What is illegal gas work?

Illegal gas work comes in a number of different guises. It may be work undertaken by someone who is not registered, by an engineer who does not hold the correct ACS qualifications, or by an engineer working outside of the business with which they are registered (known as moonlighting).

• Contact details for the unregistered engineer

• Address(es) of where the gas work has taken place

• The customer’s name and contact details.

We do understand that you may have only limited information but please do report unregistered work even if the information is minimal.

What we do

Once we receive the information, we will aim to contact the homeowner or occupier, where possible, to offer a free safety inspection. On site, our regional investigations officer will undertake gas safety checks on the appliances concerned and any associated pipework, making safe where necessary. They will also ask the customer questions about the work that was carried out.

Following the inspection, we send a detailed report to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which is the enforcement body for unregistered gas work. As the enforcers of gas safety legislation, HSE will decide on the action to take against the unregistered person(s).

Gas Safe Register supports HSE enforcement as required, for example, providing witness statements and attending court where applicable. If appropriate, we may also

inform other enforcement agencies such as Trading Standards.

The actions that HSE may take under its enforcement policy include:

• A warning letter: this is the first stage of enforcement

• A Prohibition Notice: this orders the worker to stop working on gas immediately

• Prosecution: this may result in a fine and/or prison.

When we receive allegations of a registered business working out of scope of their ACS qualifications or employing unregistered engineers to carry out gas work, a member of the team will contact the business to discuss this. Competency concerns are investigated in line with our internal policies.

Follow-up

We know that you want to know the outcome of any investigation that results from work you have reported, but we are not able to let you know about any follow-up action taken unless you are the owner or occupier of the site address concerned.

We appreciate your continued support when it comes to reporting illegal gas work. If you have any questions or concerns relating to unregistered work, please do not hesitate to contact us. n

Find out more

Technical Bulletin 014 (B): Working within scope of work categories provides more detail on what constitutes gas work. You can read and download this, and other Technical Bulletins by logging into your online account at: www.

GasSafeRegister. co.uk/sign-in

Don’t

forget to set up your 2FA

Gas Safe Register helps to protect you and information about you by using two-factor authentication (2FA) every time you use the engineers’ section of the website. You must set up 2FA to be able to log in to your online account.

If you haven’t done this yet, or you’re not sure of the best way to do it, the Register advises that you may find it easier to set up 2FA initially using a desktop computer instead of your phone.

After you’ve set up 2FA, you’ll find it straightforward to log in to your online account using your phone whenever suits you: your verification code can be sent to either your email address or phone.

You can find a full step-by-step user guide to setting up 2FA at: www. registeredgasengineer.co.uk – just search for ‘how to set up 2FA’.

thegoodthebad&theugly

Registered Gas Engineer wants to see your pictures –whether you’ve come across some horrors or instances of really good work. Please email your stories and pictures to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

FROM ROBERT ALMOND

Robert arrived at his customer’s property because they said they could smell gas. We wonder where it could have been coming from.

FROM RICHARD GOUGH

This pipe buried in a wall came apart in Richard’s hands and he noticed a stalactite of solder inside. A succession of more bad joints followed, all of which were not sleeved and cemented in. He removed them all and installed new fittings correctly.

FROM ALLAN WATKINS

FROM LEONARD SANTOS

A customer’s boiler was humming even when it was turned off. Allan was shocked to find the chimney/flue outlet from the boiler contained a hornet’s nest. After pest control had been, he cleaned the flue out and serviced the boiler.

Leonard was asked to service an inset live fuel-effect gas fire connected to a brick-built class 1 chimney. It’s a good thing he checked the chimney/flue in the roof space. He disconnected the fire and made safe.

FROM HOLLIE WEBB

Hollie found what she initially thought was a solid fuel fire because it was so full of debris and dirty from being used as an ash tray. She capped it off and issued a warning notice.

FROM GRAHAM ANTHONY

This heat exchanger doesn’t look as though it had been cleaned properly for a while.

FROM WARREN MITCHELL

Warren was visiting family when he saw this poorly installed terminal: at least it had the right terminal guard.

FROM NICK WEBSTER

Nick was working on another appliance when he found flexible gas connectors installed incorrectly in a commercial kitchen. He issued a warning notice, labelled the appliances and made safe.

thegoodthebad&theugly continued

FROM PAUL FARR

A damaged flue gas analyser test-point cap had been glued into position, secured using decorator’s caulk, and the homeowner had been advised to source their own replacement cap. It then fell off, so they taped it in place. Paul replaced the broken cap.

FROM CHRIS BECKETT

Chris was quoting for a hob installation but was asked if he could replace the plastic pipe on the gas supply and check the chimney/ flue. Chris capped the gas supply and the landlord was reported to HSE via RIDDOR because they could not provide details of who had carried out the work.

FROM BARRY INGLE

This boiler was using an incorrect flue adaptor and the chimney/flue in the roof space was supported inadequately. Barry removed the boiler and fitted a replacement.

FROM JOHN CHESTERMAN

John disconnected and made safe this incorrectly installed gas cooker hose connection while he was doing a gas re-connect.

FROM CHRIS DAVIES

Chris’s customer said they could hear things falling down the chimney/flue behind the gas fire: it was completely blocked. It’s a good example of why the fire catchment space must be checked for debris during every service. Chris made the fire safe until the blockage was cleared.

FROM BEN BAGILHOLE

Ben wanted to show us some nicely decorated meter boxes as a change from the ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ nominations. These were created by a local artist – hopefully they used non-combustible paint.

FROM MAT CLAY

Someone had installed a rainwater downpipe to the end of a boiler chimney/flue termination to disperse the plume from the customer’s newly built shed.

We may share some of your pictures on social media, so remember to include your contact details so we can tag you (or let us know if you’d rather we didn’t).

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Safety Alert 033 Developed with Morco Products

Morco open flued water heaters

Date issued: 22 April 2024

Note: This version of Safety Alert (SA) 033 replaces the version originally published on 15 November 2023, which is now withdrawn. This version has been reviewed and, where appropriate, revised to ensure that it remains both current and relevant.

This Safety Alert provides guidance to Gas Safe registered businesses/engineers about a product safety concern related to some Morco open flued water heaters.

Introduction

Gas Safe Register has been made aware of a concern regarding the test nipple screws on Morco water heaters that may not have been correctly operated. This could result in the unintentional release of unburnt gas, causing fires and potential injuries.

Hazard

Morco is currently investigating a potential fire risk on its Primo 6 (MP6), Primo 11 (MP11), EUP6 and EUP11 open flued water heaters, due to possible gas leaks igniting and causing the plastic bezel and control knobs to ignite and melt.

Early indications point to the test nipple screws (gas inlet and burner pressure) not being tightened and checked correctly for any gas leak as per the installation manuals after the appliances have been commissioned, serviced or maintained. The pictures show the exact location of the test points on each of the affected appliances.

Corrective actions

Leak detection fluid (LDF) should be used after every time the test points are loosened to ensure a guaranteed seal after screwing tight each type of pressure test nipple screw, and ensuring that all seals are present for the Primo models. When you are checking the burner pressure test nipple screws for all models, the water

heater must be in demand

To complete these checks, you will need either a 4mm slotted screwdriver or a Phillips No2 screwdriver.

Rectification programme

It has been identified that the the plastic control knobs and front bezel need to be replaced using a safety upgrade service pack. The safety upgrade service pack will contain replacement control knobs and a bezel, which will need to be installed as a replacement, alongside carrying out a complete safety check on the appliance to ensure full safety.

Morco is offering opportunities for suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineers to carry out this rectification work. For further information regarding this opportunity, email: gaswaterheaters@ morcoproducts.co.uk

Note: You must hold the relevant ACS competencies for leisure accommodation vehicles (CoNGLP1/CCLP1 LAV) and residential park homes (CoNGLP1/CCLP1 RPH) to carry out this work.

If you have any questions or safety concerns, please contact Morco Products on 01482 386586 or via email at: sales@morcoproducts.co.uk

Primo 11 (MP11)

Primo 6 (MP6)

Primo 6 (MP6)

EUP6/EUP11

Guidance on flues and ventilation

Gas Safe Register’s Technical Team review the changes and updates made last year to BS 5440 Parts 1 and 2, covering chimneys/flues and ventilation.

BS 5440 Part 1

Most of the changes made to these standards came in Part 1 of BS 5440, which covers chimney/flues. Many concerned removing outdated information that is no longer relevant: for example, most of the guidance about the construction of SE ducts and U ducts has been stripped out of the document but guidance on their maintenance remains to allow for appliances still connected to these types of chimney/flue system.

While a lot of historical information was removed, there have also been some important additions, particularly in the definitions section. The bulk of them is that all pathways into

a property, ie, windows, vents, doorways, etc, are now simply referred to as ‘openings into a building’.

The Gas Safe Technical Team often receive queries around weep vents and the distances from which boiler chimney/flues should terminate from them. This is now clearly addressed in the definitions –weep vents are not considered as an opening into a property.

Courtyards

There is updated guidance on chimney/flue outlets terminating into a lightwell or courtyard. As before, chimney/flues from a room-sealed or fan-assisted open-flued appliance can terminate a maximum of 1 metre below the uppermost

“The Gas Safe Register Technical Team often receive queries around weep vents and the distances from which boiler chimneys/flues should terminate from them.”

level of an enclosed space such as a lightwell.

The chimney/flue of any gas appliance in a new development or complete building refurbishment is now required to connect on to a communal flue system. However, the chimney/flue can terminate in the inner courtyard of an existing building provided that the narrowest dimension across the open area of the courtyard is at least that of the height of the tallest structure forming the courtyard.

Restrictions

This means that, for example, if a building is 12 metres high, the width of the courtyard needs to be at least 12 metres across in order for the appliance to be able to terminate there.

Where these restrictions cannot be met, the installation is treated as a new development or complete building. Appliances could still be installed in the uppermost floor of the building, as long as the terminal is no more than 1 metre from the top of the enclosed space. Any existing appliances fitted in a courtyard that do not meet this criteria can be left operational, provided that satisfactory combustion analysis can be achieved, and the appliance is operating safely.

When it comes to chimney/ flue routing and termination,

The industry standards covering chimney/flues and ventilation for domestic gas appliances (BS 5440 Parts 1 and 2) were reviewed and updated in 2023, and published with new titles:

• BS 5440-1:2023 Chimneys, flue pipes and ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases) Part 1: Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of chimneys – Specification

• BS 5440-2:2023 Chimneys, flue pipes and ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases) Part 2: Installation and maintenance of ventilation provision for gas appliances – Specification

much of the existing information has remained unchanged. However, the standard states that the routing of a chimney/ flue cannot pass through either a fire compartment or a property other than that which the appliance serves.

Figure C.8 in Annex C is a diagram of a house, showing the termination distances required from openings, etc. This has been updated to show additional scenarios and distances, including but not limited to vertical terminals from a wall or other vertical terminals, terminals facing an opening, and terminals perpendicular to an opening on a different wall.

It is important to remember that these distances may differ from those given in the appliance manufacturer’s instructions (MIs), which take precedence for the installation. Finally, a checklist has been included in Annex D to

help you confirm whether a proposed chimney/flue location is suitable.

BS 5440 Part 2

Important changes to Part 2 cover ventilation. These include updates to many of the tables and figures, including a change to how they are numbered. For instance, the table showing minimum permanent ventilation requirements for flueless appliances has been changed from Table 6 to Table 4.

The information in this table remains unchanged.

The main updates surround ventilation provision, including that air vents passing through a fire-rated compartment are permitted only where the ventilation opening is direct to outside, and no vent shall penetrate a protected area.

Any new air vent shall not communicate with a roof space. Existing air vents communicating with a roof

space may be acceptable as long as the total free area is satisfactory, and any opening is checked to ensure it is free of any obstruction.

Another important change is on a ventilation outlet connected to a cooker extract or gas tumble drier. Previously this would not be considered an opening into the building, but this provision has been removed provided that the terminal is fitted with non-return flaps. Therefore, the ventilation outlet is now considered to be an opening. n

Industry Standard Updates 121 and 122 cover the guidance and changes made to BS 5440 Parts 1 and 2. You can read and download all Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletins by logging into your online account at:

www.GasSafeRegister. co.uk/sign-in

Gas safety and mobile catering

Everything you need to know about safe operation and safety checks on mobile catering equipment, by Gas Safe Register’s Technical Team.

Mobile catering comes in many forms – from portable, fully equipped field kitchens delivered on the back of a large vehicle, to a gas ring and LPG cylinder under a gazebo. All have one thing in common: they are mobile and can be set up almost anywhere.

Festival and event organisers and site operators often insist that caterers with gas-fired catering equipment provide evidence that a gas safety

check has been carried out by a competent and appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineer before allowing them to operate on their property.

The equipment fitted into any mobile catering vehicle depends on the requirement of the operator, but a number of elements are consistent.

Gas cylinders

Propane is the most commonly used gas. It is available in various cylinder sizes, ranging

between 6kg and 47kg of liquefied gas. When choosing the size to be used, it’s important to consider both the physical size and weight, as well as the maximum amount of gas required.

Gas cylinders must be mounted securely on to the vehicle in an upright position, and so must cylinders that are carried separately. If they are contained within a purposedesigned compartment, high and low-level ventilation

Gas safety checks and records

All gas appliances must be maintained in a safe condition.

All servicing and maintenance should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions every 12 months.

Catering trailers should be inspected every six months preferably, but at least every 12 months.

Any defects affecting the safe operation of an appliance should be rectified as soon as possible.

A gas safety record for a mobile catering vehicle or similar should ideally contain the following information:

• Name and address of the owner/operator of the unit

• Details of the installation being tested, ie, ‘catering trailer’ and identity details

must be provided.

Ventilation must be a minimum of 2 per cent of the compartment floor area, split equally between high and low level. Cylinder compartments or lockers must only be accessible from outside the vehicle.

Gas cylinders that are not mounted on to the vehicle must stand on firm, level ground, preferably in the open air or a ventilated enclosure. They should be secured to prevent them from falling or being knocked over.

Finally, the flexible gas connection to the unit should be as short as practicable.

Regulators and changeover valves

The size of the regulator (and cylinder size) depends on

such as a chassis number or other permanent identifier

• Name and address of business carrying out the checks

• Name, signature and Gas Safe registration number of the engineer carrying out the checks

• Appliance description, ie, make and model

• Confirmation that checks have been carried out on the operation of each appliance, including checks on gas rate, flueing and ventilation, operation of safety devices, etc

• Results of a gas tightness test and operating pressure check

• Confirmation that the gas cylinders are located and secured correctly

• Confirmation that an

the amount of gas needed by the unit: 1kg per hour of propane equates to 14kW, so an installation requiring a maximum of 70kW would need a cylinder and regulator capable of delivering 5kg/hr.

When it comes to an over-pressure shut-off (OPSO) protection device, Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 24 states that all regulators and changeover devices shall incorporate an OPSO device to protect appliances and pipework from over-pressure.

Pipework

Pipework should be either solid steel or pliable corrugated (stainless steel) tubing with compression, malleable iron fittings or hard soldered copper fittings, as appropriate.

“If an appliance doesn’t have a data badge, exercise caution.”

emergency control valve is fitted and operates correctly

• Details of any faults found and remedial action taken

• Details of any Warning Notice issued.

The same principles apply to other mobile catering units – which may range from a boiling ring and small butane cylinder to hire companies providing multiple appliances to be used in a marquee. Where these are not fitted into a unit but are taken loose to a venue, test certificates will be required.

It is important that test certificates clearly indicate exactly what has been tested and where it was tested: areas of the report form that are not relevant should be marked N/A.

All pipework should be supported adequately and any pipework installed on the outside of the vehicle should be protected from physical or mechanical damage and corrosion.

Appliance connection

Appliances can be connected either with rigid pipework or with a flexible LPG hose/tubing to BS 3212 or BS EN 16436 -1/2, as appropriate, and an isolation valve must always be fitted.

Appliances

Appliances manufactured after 1 January 1996 should have a data badge with the CE mark, which will indicate suitable gas type and pressure. All appliances should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Engineers need to be aware of ‘home-made’ appliances such as griddles and wok burners, etc. If an appliance does not

Qualifications

Gas Safe registered engineers wishing to work with mobile catering applications must hold the relevant commercial catering core assessment and the appropriate appliance modules (COMCAT1, 2, etc) for the appliances to be worked on, as well as the LPG mobile catering changeover assessment

CoNGLP1 CMC. If a domestic water heater is present (other than a water boiler/ urn), then you will also need to hold CENWAT and the relevant domestic changeover. >

Gas safety and mobile catering

(continued)

GAS EMERGENCY CONTROL

Emergency control valve

An emergency control valve (ECV) must always be fitted either at the point where the gas pipework enters the unit or adjacent to the entrance. It must have a label clearly identifying its purpose and direction of shut-off. The cylinder valve can be used as an ECV in a singlecylinder installation.

have a data badge, exercise caution. Carry out a suitable risk assessment to assess the safe operation of the appliance and follow the IGEM/G/11, the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP), where appropriate.

All appliances in the installation must:

• Be fitted with a flame supervision device

• Be located on a flat and stable surface and 600mm from flammable materials, eg, tent canvas, screens

• Have wind guards if they are an open-flame device.

• Allow for adequate cleaning and/or removal to allow cleaning

• Be fixed so as to prevent movement unless they are portable, such as a kettle, toaster or counter-top fryer

• Be sited so as not to obstruct passageways or exits.

Ventilation

As in any catering establishment, adequate ventilation is important. UKLPG Code of Practice 24 Part 3 recommends that free ventilation should be provided at a rate of at least 25cm2 for each 1kW input rating of all appliances, or 100cm2 – whichever is the greatest. This should be divided equally between ventilation openings positioned at both

Did you know?

high and low levels. Ventilators should be designed to minimise draughts even in adverse weather conditions.

Consider screens to protect against vermin. Where fitted, these should be accessible for inspection and cleaning and should be of sufficient gauge to minimise ‘linting’ due to the accumulation of dust, etc.

Warning notices should be fitted advising against operating appliances with serving hatches closed. Serving hatches used as ventilation shall also be interlocked to the gas supply to prevent appliances operating. Where electrical power is available or if the appliance manufacturer’s instructions require it, extraction canopies should be fitted. Follow the guidance in BESA’s publication DW 172 for the design of the canopy and its associated fans, and interlocking to the gas supply. ■

Bibliography

UKLPG Code of Practice 24 Part 3

– Use of LPG cylinders for Commercial Catering Events, Street Food and Mobile Catering BS 3212: 1991 –Specification for flexible rubber tubing, rubber hose and rubber hose assemblies for use in LPG vapour phase and LPG/air installations

BS EN 16436 –Rubber and plastics hoses, tubing and assemblies for use with propane and butane and their mixture in the vapour phase

IGEM/UP/19 Edition 2 – Design & application of interlock devices/associated systems in gas appliance installations in catering

DW 172 Specification for Kitchen Ventilation Systems

Swimming pool boilers

Gas Safe Register’s Technical Team review the different methods of heating swimming pools. The team often get asked whether an engineer is suitably qualified to work on swimming pool boilers and this can vary, depending on the type of appliance and method of heating used.

When a swimming pool is installed indoors, consideration may be given to providing space heating for all year-round operation. It may also be necessary to provide adequate ventilation and extraction to maintain comfortable conditions.

Most modern pools are heated and one of the most common methods, regardless of the pool’s size, is using gas. When considering the best way to heat the pool, this may be direct heating or indirect using a water-to-water calorifier or heat exchanger.

Direct method

Direct systems are the simplest method; however, consideration should be given to the control of both the water flow rate and temperature,

to avoid corrosion resulting from too high a temperature, and flue condensation when temperature is too low. It may be necessary to install thermostatic mixing valves and bypass valves to maintain pool temperatures and to prevent condensation, corrosion and scale formation.

Specially designed swimming pool boilers may also incorporate provision for space heating and domestic hot water. Depending on the manufacturer, they may be installed internally or externally without the need for additional weatherproofing.

Indirect method

With the application of a water-to-water heat exchanger (calorifier or indirect heat exchanger), most hot water boilers, including domestic

“It’s important to note the problems caused by the levels of chlorine and bromide that are added to kill bacteria.”

central heating appliances, may be used. Consideration should be given to the heating demand at certain times of the year if the system is also used to provide space heating, and the appliances(s) should be sized adequately to cope with the combined heating role.

These heat exchangers provide a simple method of heating swimming pool water indirectly from the central heating boiler. They should be installed downstream of the pumping and filtration equipment. The boiler water must be pump-assisted and the usual precautions taken to prevent air locks. The pump should be controlled by a thermostat in the pool water pipe before the heat exchanger and set at the required pool temperature.

After the heat exchanger has been installed correctly, general maintenance of all the pool equipment is important, particularly the water condition. Correct purification of the water will provide a heathier pool that will not cause discomfort to bathers, cause a breakdown of the pool equipment or cause the unpleasant smells that are

often experienced with wrong chloride dosage.

Chemicals

When heating a swimming pool, it’s important to note the additional problems caused by the levels of chlorine and bromide that are often added to kill germs and bacteria in the water. Chlorine and bromide corrode metals, including copper, iron and stainless steel found in heat exchangers and circuits. Metal corrosion from chlorine and bromide also increases with temperature.

Additives should be added either into the body of the pool or injected into the heating circuit: they should be added downstream of the heat exchanger to ensure that concentrations of the additive do not corrode it.

Temperature

The temperature of the pool usually depends on the type of activity for which it’s used, ie, whether it’s competitive swimming, recreational, leisure pools or for babies, young children or users with disabilities. A temperature of 30°C is considered safe for a healthy adult but in all applications necessary precautions should be taken to ensure the suitability of the temperature.

Sizing the boiler

As with any other heating and hot water system, the appliance(s) must be sized adequately to ensure the overall aim of heating the water to the desired temperature. The size of pool, the type of heating, the heat loss from its surface, sides and bottom, the climate and whether it is sited inside or outside must all be considered when calculating the size of boiler. The following factors should be taken into consideration when calculating heat loss:

“Pools may be heated by direct or indirect heating.”

• Volume, depth and surface area of the swimming pool

• The required water temperature

• Average air temperature during the coldest month of use

• The hours per day that the swimming pool will be in operation

• The tme required to heat up the pool during the coldest month of use

• Whether the pool is covered and for how long

• Whether the pool is above or below ground

• Any effect caused by the water table, ie, static or moving

• The degree of exposure, ie, the prevailing wind direction.

ACS competencies required

Due to the different characteristics of appliances used for swimming pools compared with boilers installed in domestic dwellings, gas engineers who work on swimming pool boilers should

hold the appropriate ACS assessment. HWB1 covers the installation, exchange, disconnection, service, repair, breakdown and commissioning of hot water boilers with heat inputs from 15kW to 140kW, provided they have been fitted with atmospheric burners.

The appliances covered by this ACS are generally specifically designed to heat swimming pools only. These appliances will usually heat the pool water directly.

It may be possible to carry out work with the CENWAT ACS competency where a domestic boiler has been installed, or with the commercial equivalent CIGA1 if over the boiler is over 70kW.

Where a standard domestic heating boiler is used, it will heat the pool water via an indirect method, usually via a plate-to-plate heat exchanger. You will need to confirm with the manufacturer that it’s acceptable for use in this way. n

Diving back into the past

The first known version of a swimming pool was ‘The Great Bath’ in Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan. It measured around 12 metres by 7 metres, with a maximum depth of 2.4 metres and dates back to at least 2600 BC. It’s likely to have been used for religious/ritual purposes.

The Ancient Greeks and Romans added the luxury of heat to their pools, with the Romans incorporating thermal springs and manual furnaces so that they could swim and bathe in warm water. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the modern pools that we think of today came into existence. The first modern Olympics in 1896 included swimming activities and introduced the world to swimming pools as we know them now.

Commercial heating flues Commercial heating flues

Gas Safe Register’s Technical Team provide an overview of commercial flue systems and the aspects that you must consider.

Flue construction

All flue materials must be suitable for the safe operation of any connected appliance. In particular, the material shall be fit for purpose in mechanical strength, temperature and corrosion resistance.

Where an appliance can burn more than one fuel, the materials chosen and the flue construction shall consider the constituents of all fuels. A gas or oil-fired appliance shall not be incorporated into a biomass flue system, for example.

Specifically designed sealable points shall be provided in a suitable location for the analysis of combustion gases from individual appliances and from fan-dilution systems.

Flue routes

The route of any flue system shall be as direct and straight

as practicable while ensuring the effectiveness of the discharge of combustion products. The use of horizontal runs and 90° bends or elbows should be avoided on naturaldraught systems, except those parts forming headers to common chimneys.

Chimneys shall be terminated in a position where the products of combustion will disperse readily into the environment without causing a danger or nuisance to people or property.

They must be supported properly throughout their length. Joints in chimneys inside buildings shall be either located where they can be inspected, where the leakage of combustion products may enter normally occupied spaces, or be able to be tested for integrity. Unlike domestic

applications, flue joints are not always accessible and there are various methods to test a commercial flue system to ensure its integrity.

Where necessary for servicing and maintenance, means shall be provided for the disconnection of the flue from any appliance. All flue systems shall be fitted with adequate test points in the form of a suitable fitting to permit smoke, combustion or leakage testing, as appropriate.

The surface temperature of single-wall flues shall not exceed 70°C; for double-wall flues, the inner flue surface shall not exceed 250°C. Combustible materials adjacent to the chimney must not be subjected to temperatures over 65°C.

Where the flue pipe enters a common flue system, the design shall ensure that no interaction, such as combustion reverberation between appliances, can occur.

Where the chimney/flue pipe enters a masonry chimney, the entry shall be inclined upwards at least 45° and not protrude into the chimney beyond its

“The route of any flue system shall be as direct and straight as practicable while ensuring the effectiveness of the discharge of combustion products.”

The condensate trap should be installed as close as practicable to the condensate outlet at the base of the flue

Source: BS 6644:2011

inner face or, if not practicable, where entry into the base of the chimney is less than this, the entry shall not impede the ability of the chimney to exhaust combustion gases safely and correctly.

Connection shall not be made within, or terminate below, 250mm from the base of the chimney and there must be a means to inspect the base of the chimney and flue.

Condensation in flues

Where condensation might occur other than during first start-up of the burner, the flue should be constructed to dispose of water condense to a drain.

Non-condensing boilers

If condensation within the flue is conceivable at times other than during first start-up, an insulated flue, eg, doublewalled flue, should be used. Double-walled or otherwise insulated flues should be used for exposed flues.

Pipe constructed of same material as flue

Water level

Plastic waste pipe

Condensing boilers

Flue components, including liners, shall be impervious to condensates and resistant to corrosion. The flue shall be designed to operate under positive pressure and be sealed. The condensate drain shall have an internal diameter of not less than 22mm.

A condensate trap should be installed as close as practicable to the condensate outlet at the base of the flue (see above)

Condensate pipework shall be protected against frost and be corrosionresistant. It shall not permit the leakage of combustion products or condensate into any building or plant room. Where condensation could occur, the flue and chimney shall be designed so that the condensate can flow readily to a drain. The slope shall be a minimum of 2.5°. The system shall prevent the emission of combustion products from any condensate drain, particularly those relying on water seals that may dry out.

Any horizontal condensate pipe shall be supported adequately to prevent sagging and installed so that condensate always flows towards the drain.

Open-flue boiler flues:

Type B

If an open-flue boiler is to be fixed to an existing flue system, you must first ensure that the boiler is suitable. Unless stated otherwise, the cross-sectional area of the flue natural-draught system shall not be less than the flue outlet of the boiler.

Room-sealed boiler flues:

Type C

The flue system shall be assembled and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, with the flue terminal positioned externally so as to allow dispersal of the products of combustion and the intake of air.

Flue termination

A terminal shall be fitted if any dimension across the flue outlet is less than 170mm. Flue terminal positions for fanned or natural-draught flues shall be clear of obstructions and clear of any opening into a building: for example, a window, a door, or air inlet. The minimum clearance from horizontal and vertical flue terminals to openings into a building is provided in Figure 7 of IGEM/ UP/10 and is based on the heat input of the appliance(s).

Mechanically assisted flues

Manufacturers should be consulted before using mechanically assisted flues, to determine the appliance

Bibliography

1 BS 6644: 2011 –Specification for installation & maintenance of gas-fired forced convection air heaters for commercial & industrial space heating (2nd & 3rd family gases)

2 IGEM/UP/10

Edition 4 with amendments March

2016 & February

2017 – Installation of flued gas appliances in industrial and commercial premises

Commercial heating flues (continued)

suction conditions and limitations to ensure safety. The resistance of the flue shall be calculated by the flue system designer and the fan should be sized to ensure the full volume of combustion products are removed from the connected appliance(s) under all weather conditions. If this is not achieved, it will result in the appliance(s) locking out.

Consideration should also be given to changing suction conditions that may occur due to the modulation of the air and gas flow to burners.

Fan diluted flues

It is recommended not to install fan dilution systems above 2MW net because the separation distances between inlet and outlet louvres may become excessive. Fan dilution systems shall be designed to ensure the products of combustion are diluted to give maximum levels as follows:

• CO2: 1%

• CO: 50ppm

• NOx: 5ppm.

Duct diameters must ensure that duct velocity is 6m/s to 8m/s. The preferred design is for the air intake to be taken directly from outside. Only in exceptional circumstances, where taking air directly from outside is impractical, may air for dilution be taken from within the plant room, provided that:

• The additional air is accounted for within the appliance installation space ventilation

• The natural high and low ventilation openings shall be at least 0.5 times the extract fan rating (m3/s)

• Taking air from within the appliance installation space does not affect the safe operation of the appliances(s) or

What are the regulations and standards?

When planning and installing a commercial gas heating appliance, you must ensure that the flue systems are suitable and meet the requirements of BS 6644:2011(1) and IGEM/UP/10 Edition 4(2).

You must get prior approval from the local authority for the height and termination of flues serving appliances in excess of 333kW net total installed load, unless the installation is a like-for-like appliance exchange. In all cases, flue heights must meet the requirements of IGEM/ UP/10 and BS 6644:2011 unless the local authority issues a waiver.

Consult the flue system manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that the system is suitable for use with the appliances. Where there is any doubt, both the flue system designer/manufacturer and appliance manufacturer should be consulted before installation.

You should carry out a fire-rating test to ensure that the complete flue system is installed, or shielded, to prevent it being the source of ignition of any part of the surrounding structure and to prevent the products of combustion from entering any part of the building.

combustion performance

• Louvres providing ventilation to the plant room are connected directly to outside air, and combustion products cannot re-enter the plant room, with discharge grilles sited on a different wall from the air inlet grilles.

Manual flue dampers

Any damper or stabiliser shall be constructed of suitable grade stainless steel. A manual flue damper shall not be fitted except in cases of common and fan-diluted flues, when it shall be locked in position. Any control or balancing damper shall not block the flue by more than 75 per cent of the cross-sectional area. Manual flue dampers shall not be fitted into a structural masonry flue, such as a brick-built chimney. A position indicator should be fitted to each flue damper.

Automatic flue dampers

Automatic flue dampers shall not be installed unless they are specifically allowed by the boiler manufacturer’s installation instructions. Where one is fitted, it must incorporate the necessary safety devices and interlocks.

A flue damper shall only be fitted in the secondary flue unless the appliance uses a forced draught burner and does not have a flue break. A flue damper shall not be fitted into the common flue of multiple or combined appliance installations and should be located so it can be removed easily for inspection, repair or maintenance.

Failure of a flue damper to be proven in the correct open or closed position will lead to a lockout condition, preventing the appliance from operating. ■

Why you should file your tax return early

HMRC sets out the benefits of filing your selfassessment tax return before the January rush.

Thousands more people are choosing to file their self-assessment tax returns early, avoiding the last-minute rush ahead of the January deadline.

HMRC figures show a rise of 7 per cent in people filing between April and September 2023, and the trend is set to continue.

There can be benefits to filing your tax return early: Peace of mind: some people file early to avoid the stress of last-minute filing.

Know what you owe: filing early means you will know what you owe. This can help you budget for the year and pay your tax bill in instalments if you need to. You can also get help if you find you can’t pay. Get refunded quicker: you can find out sooner if you’ve paid too much tax during 2023/2024 and are owed a refund. HMRC will let you know as soon as your tax return has been processed and arrange for any overpayment to be refunded sooner too.

Receive the support you need: you can use HMRC’s digital services to do what you need to do quickly and easily online. Helpline and webchat advisers can provide support if you need specific extra help.

Save time and do it online

You can manage your tax affairs easily using HMRC’s online services. The following can all be completed online:

• Submit or amend your tax return

• Pay your tax bill

• See your account balance, upcoming balance, payments, credits and print your tax calculation

• Claim a tax refund

• Check your details – including your Unique Taxpayer Reference, employment and income history

• Report a change of address or name

• Set up a Time to Pay arrangement

• Set up Budget Payment plan

• View previous tax returns

• Appeal a self-assessment penalty

• Tell HMRC why you think you no longer need to complete a tax return.

Proof of income: filing early provides proof of income, which you’ll need for a mortgage, loan or to claim benefits.

Plan ahead: choosing to file your tax return early does not mean you have to pay HMRC any money early.

The 31 January deadline for payment remains unchanged.

If you choose to pay your tax bill earlier for your own convenience, that’s fine, but it’s entirely up to you.

Budget plan: HMRC offers a Budget Payment Plan facility. You can choose how much and how often you want to pay by direct debit, putting you in full

“Filing your tax return early does not mean you have to pay HMRC any money early.”

control of managing your bill. Your payment options: you’ll have more time to investigate your payment options if you’re unable to pay in full by the deadline. You may be able to pay your tax bill in instalments through a Time to Pay arrangement, which you can set up online.

Pay via your tax code: the deadline to file your completed 2023/2024 tax return online and pay any tax you owe is 31 January 2025. Filing before the end of December means you may have the option, if eligible, of paying anything owed through your PAYE tax code.

You can appoint a relative, friend or an accredited accountant to complete and send your tax return to HMRC on your behalf. If this is the best option for you, you will need to notify HMRC. Find out how by searching ‘How to get help with self-assessment tax returns’. n

Turning off the gas supply safely

Time can be of the essence when dealing with a potential gas emergency, with turning off the gas supply to a property of paramount importance. Cadent now offers EasyAssist – a retrofit mechanical device that will turn off the gas with the push of a button.

EasyAssist is a mechanical device that is retrofitted over the property’s Emergency Control Valve (ECV) so that, in the event of an emergency, the gas supply to the property can be safely turned off with a single push of a button.

The device is designed for people who may struggle to hold and turn a traditional ECV handle, providing an alternative push-button solution that will help the customer act quickly when the advice is given to do so. This may include people with restricted hand movements such as those with osteoarthritis or restricted mobility, as well as cognitive, sight or other conditions that could make shutting off a standard ECV handle potentially difficult.

EasyAssist also has an additional safety feature: in the event of a domestic house fire, when temperatures exceed 100°C, it will activate automatically and shut off the gas supply.

What is Cadent’s service?

Cadent supplies and fits EasyAssist as part of its Services Beyond the Meter programme, which is a free service to qualifying customers that includes gas servicing, appliance repair/replacement,

“In the event of an emergency, the gas supply to a property can be safely turned off with a single push of a button.”

“EasyAssist is a game-changing gas safety device, which will make a huge difference to some customers in a gas emergency. It is offered as part of our Services Beyond the Meter programme, which goes the extra mile to ensure no customer is left vulnerable after our visit.”

Earl Richards, Cadent Gas

CO safety services and associated gas safety devices.

Cadent’s eligibility criteria for free supply and fitting requires that the customer must be in the Cadent network and meet the requirement to be on the Priority Services Register.

Customers who qualify can apply for an EasyAssist fitting at https://cadentgas.com/ easyassist. Once eligibility has been confirmed, Cadent will be in touch to arrange an appointment.

Why is it important?

The push of a button could make all the difference in a gas emergency. EasyAssist can help make sure that a customer’s home is quickly and safely disconnected from the gas supply in an emergency. It therefore keeps people in a vulnerable situation safe in their homes.

Cadent’s engineers will refer customers when attending their home or customers can apply directly. https://cadentgas.com/ easyassist n

What do you need to know?

Gas engineers may come across the EasyAssist device in people’s homes where it has been fitted by Cadent or another company. This will be applicable UK-wide, as these products are available to buy from Continental.

When an EasyAssist device is fitted to a property, it does slightly change the way you would normally turn the ECV on or off. To isolate the supply, simply press the red stop button, which will switch the supply off and can be confirmed with a let-by test.

To undertake a tightness test on the installation, hold the red push button and raise the handle to allow pressure into the installation and let the handle fall back into the off position.

To reinstate the supply into the on position, push the red button and raise the handle into the on position. Once the handle is in this position, release the button and the gas will stay in the on position.

The device should be accompanied by a QR label, which, when scanned, directs you to a helpful video and user guide. Note: To install the device, you must be trained to do so and have permission from the Gas Distribution Network, as it is installed to the GDN asset.

Where an EasyAssist is installed in a meter box outside the property, the installation may also be accompanied by an Easy Key mounted on to the locking mechanism of the meter box door. This is a simple and easy part that can make access to a meter box a lot simpler.

Cadent aims to fit around 5,000 units in the UK over the next 18-24 months.

The Easy Assist can only be fitted by engineers who have approval and who are trained to do so by the network on which they are going to be installed.

Note: EasyAssist was a gas safety innovation originating from Cadent and Oxford Gas Products, which has been developed and brought to market by Continental. The EasyAssist may also be available from other gas suppliers and Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). Cadent does not own the rights or trademark to the product.

Oxford Gas Products is a developer of innovative and inclusive safety solutions for utilities. With more than 20 years’ experience in the gas industry and product design, the company delivers solutions to real world problems in collaboration with gas distribution networks, with a focus on keeping customers safe in their homes and supporting engineering in building safe gas networks.

Continental manufactures and sells industry standard products, services and expertise for natural gas and LPG, including the EasyAssist.

Tool theft reported every 12 minutes

Theft of tools was reported to police every 12 minutes in 2023 –up by 5 per cent on the previous year – according to research from Direct Line business insurance.

Last year saw 24,543 reports of theft from a vehicle, up 14 per cent from the previous year, and accounting for more than half of all tool thefts in 2023. The new figures come even though 94 per cent of tradespeople are taking extra precautions to secure their tools, spending an average £626 on fitting their vans with additional security, including additional locks, drill plates, trackers and alarms.

More than half of tool thefts from a vehicle are at night,

most commonly occurring while the vehicle is parked overnight at the tradesperson’s home or in a car park.

As well as the cost of replacing tools, 83 per cent say they lost business because of the theft and not having their tools to work. Tradespeople reported losing work worth an average £1,836 the last time their tools were stolen.

Tool theft is seasonal,

according to the Direct Line business insurance data. It typically peaks after the clocks go back in October, with 4,517 thefts in that month last year, and usually hits a low in April once the clocks go forward. The same pattern applies to tool theft from vans, with a peak of 2,511 in October 2023 compared with 1,632 in April.

Dr Kate Tudor, a criminologist and Associate

“Tradespeople spend an average £626 on fitting their vans with security, including locks, drill plates, trackers and alarms.”

Petition to ban car boot sales

There have been petitions and campaigns already that ask the government to take some sort of action against the problems caused by tool theft. The latest, instigated by gas engineer Shoaib Awan, gathered more than 45,000 signatures.

This petition asked the government to ban the sale of used power tools at car boot sales and markets. It described how thieves can use car boot sales and markets to sell tools for quick money. “We want there to be a £10,000 fine for selling used power tools at a car boot sale or market, and for organisers of car boot sales or markets where power tools are sold. Make it hard for these tool thieves,” said Shoaib.

The government responded, setting out that it does not intend to ban such sales but that it is looking at how new laws

Professor at the University of Durham, says: “Those involved in tool theft are increasingly organised and sophisticated in their criminality, and they continued to be involved because of the significant financial rewards they generate. I hope this research can help support conversations around what can be done to prevent tool theft in the first instance, but also how protection might be afforded to tradespeople by closing down opportunities for the sale of stolen goods.”

Jonny McHugh, head of Small Business Insurance at Direct Line, says: “It’s alarming to see that tool theft has risen yet again. Despite tradespeople taking numerous precautions

and other crime prevention measures can best protect a van and its contents.

But it said the Home Office is looking at ways to make vans more secure. Thatcham Research says it will add New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA) locks and alarms on the back of vans (previously NVSA covered only the cab area of vans) and a motion sensor on the load area.

Sharing information

A network of vehicle crime specialists has been set up, involving police forces in England and Wales, to ensure that police can share information about emerging trends in vehicle crime and how to tackle it.

The government said: “We are continuing to work with the police to better understand the disposal routes used to sell stolen goods to inform what more

can be done to tackle the stolen goods market, as well as working across government and with industry leads to examine what more can be done to prevent these crimes.

“The government recognises that tradespeople’s vans are often targeted by criminals who seek to steal tools. Last year, Parliament passed the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023; this legislation will require certain types of equipment used in agriculture, construction or for other commercial purposes, to be marked and registered before it is sold to the first owner.”

• All petitions closed on 30 May because Parliament was dissolved ahead of the General Election. Existing petitions will not be re-opened after the election but are still available to read.

“Tradespeople rely on their tools for their livelihood.”

and investing in additional van security to protect their tools, brazen thieves are continuing to target them.

Off the road

“Tradespeople rely on their tools for their livelihood, meaning this can have a massive financial impact if they are taken. Replacing tools is costly, takes time and vans will often need to undergo

substantial repairs following a break-in, meaning tradespeople are off the road and unable to work.

“The rise in these thefts means it’s more important than ever that tradespeople take precautions to help keep their tools safe and deter thieves, and to make sure they have the correct insurance to deal with the consequences if a theft does occur.” n

Support for large heating loads

Pressure jet boilers that can operate in condensing mode can be a good option for commercial users with large heating loads or where large capacity back-up is needed, writes Charlie Mowbray, senior product manager at Ideal Heating – Commercial.

Boilers that operate with a pressure jet burner are common in industrial applications. But they have been largely removed from the domestic and commercial heating spheres in recent years.

Regulatory changes around energy efficiency have been responsible for this, because many pressure jet boilers designed to work in commercial applications were unable to comply and were withdrawn from the market.

But not all. Those that can operate in condensing mode are able to achieve the new, more demanding efficiencies and emission limits when matched to a suitable burner.

What is a condensing pressure jet boiler?

“Pressure jet” has become synonymous with large shell and tube boilers where a fanned burner with associated fuel controls is mounted to the combustion chamber. For a pressure jet boiler fuelled with gas, the fuel is mixed with air blown through the burner by a fan, and ignited at the combustion head of the burner.

Burner controls ensure the correct fuel/air ratio and mixing across the range of operations, for efficient and complete combustion. They also

determine the shape and direction of the flame.

All commercial pressure jet burners used on gas or oil boilers work in this way, but only those that are fully able to operate in condensing mode are compliant.

Condensing pressure jet boilers have a double-return condensing system (connections for high or low-temperature return water) so that they keep the temperature difference between the heat exchanger wall and the return water high, so maximising condensation.

However, not all pressure jet boilers can operate in condensing mode. Those made from standard steel or iron rather than high-grade stainless steel will, in time, corrode because condensate can be mildly acidic. Condensate from oil-fired operation can be extremely corrosive, so condensing oil-fired operation is only permitted on ultra-low sulphur fuel types. Given the variability

of fuel oils, in this respect condensing operation is largely limited to gas-fired installations.

Why opt for a condensing pressure jet boiler?

In commercial settings, pressure jet boilers are rarely the first option because high-efficiency condensing boilers will usually suffice. Even in commercial applications with large energy usage, high-efficiency condensing boilers can achieve several megawatts when cascaded.

The problem with this approach comes when plant room space is limited because cascades can take up a large floor area and present challenges in installing all the flues and pipework to each boiler. This is where it is worth considering a condensing pressure jet boiler, which can deliver several megawatts from a single unit.

With a reduced number of pressure jet boilers overall, the system design and installation

“Commercial condensing pressure jet boilers and burners may have been around for some time, but they might surprise you yet.”

Triple-pass flueway and high/low system returns

work for a pressure jet boiler can be considerably less complex in terms of the number of connections and the pipeline you have to put in, and the number of pieces of equipment you've got to deal with.

In the commercial sector, condensing pressure jet boilers are most frequently suited to leisure facilities, hotels, healthcare facilities and, increasingly, heat networks.

Important considerations

Condensing pressure jet boilers may be able to deliver high outputs from a comparatively small footprint but they need to be considered carefully as they are not the ‘easy’ option when it comes to commercial heating.

Specialist installers and commissioning engineers must have the appropriate training for this type of equipment.

The people who operate and maintain them also need

“A condensing pressure jet boiler can deliver several megawatts from a single unit.”

suitable training, especially on the health and safety aspects, such as the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000; these are more complex than a typical commercial boiler.

Robust water treatment and ongoing maintenance are essential to ensure safe and reliable operation. Inadequate water treatment will result in scale and corrosion, reducing the efficiency of the installation and potentially reducing the working life. And the condition of the water supply used to fill the system initially can directly impact the quality of the overall heating system, if the water treatment is not correct.

Revaluate your options

Where there is high demand for heating and hot water, delivered efficiently with minimum emissions, don’t forget to think about pressure jet boilers when weighing up the best options. They may have been around for some time, but modern commercial condensing pressure jet boilers and burners might surprise you yet. n

www.idealcommercialboilers. com/products/evojet

Low-carbon heating is not a one-horse race

The road to zero carbon isn’t just heat pumps or the highway. Hybrids have a real role to play in helping the UK’s homes achieve heating and hot water decarbonisation.

The diversity of the UK’s homes means that a variety of heating solutions will be needed in the future. It’s not a binary choice between gas boilers or heat pumps. Hybrid heating systems can be an ideal stepping stone, particularly for those who want to lower their fossil-fuel use and carbon emissions but are not quite ready to give up their boiler. Or for those who don’t want the disruption (or cost) involved in going heat pump-only.

The planning involved in a full heat pump installation means that they’re usually installed after a good deal of planning and not as a distress purchase, and in homes that have been optimised for their use. But hybrids, which combine a boiler and heat pump, are good starting point in moves towards decarbonisation in the home, especially in boiler replacement situations.

Flexibility

Martyn Bridges, director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, says: “While installing a heat pump system might take

How do they work?

A hybrid system intelligently switches operation between the home’s heat pump and boiler. Depending on the settings, it will use the heating source that is the cheapest or most energy efficient at a given time, or that will deliver higher room temperatures.

“They operate flexibly, with smart controllers allowing adjustment based on factors such as grid availability, electricity and gas unit costs and CO2 emissions.

For instance, when renewable energy sources heavily power the grid, it’s logical to utilise available electricity for heating,” says Worcester Bosch’s Martyn Bridges.

weeks or months, a faulty boiler can be swiftly replaced, with the heat pump component added later.”

Grant UK’s commercial technical manager Neil Sawers adds: “It’s a smart investment for environmentally conscious homeowners who may not be in a position to install an air source heat pump as the only heat source. This may be because their property’s heat loss is too high and they need to spread the costs of installing the necessary insulation levels needed to optimise a heat pump’s operation.”

Hybrids can be suitable for

“Hybrids can help to meet environmental targets and improve energy efficiency in hard-to-heat homes.”

properties that aren’t ready for full heat pump operation right now, and the heat pump element can be added to an existing boiler installation in many cases. Because they can work with a combi boiler, there’s no need to add a hot water cylinder into a home that doesn’t already have one – or where it’s difficult to find the space to install one.

“Insulation or energy efficiency improvements could be out of reach for the homeowner or landlord,” says Neil. “In these cases, an alternative solution may be needed and this is where hybrids have their place. By installing a hybrid, the owners of these types of property can still install a renewable heat source but they can spread the cost of their home improvements over time.

“Hybrids can help to meet environmental targets and

improve energy efficiency in hard-to-heat homes, so we should be increasing their uptake through incentives, increased public awareness campaigns and by providing training for installers to ensure they are equipped to recommend and install them.”

Alpha’s national renewables manager Dan Wilden adds: “There are some buildings where a hybrid may be less of stepping stone and more of a permanent solution. Historic buildings, for example, that can’t be wrapped up in wall insulation or overhauled to install large radiators or underfloor heating systems, may see a hybrid as being the long-term solution.”

Make the switch

Because a hybrid system will switch fuel sources between gas and electricity, Martyn says: “By adding a heat pump to a combi boiler, the boiler can continue to generate domestic hot water, with the heat pump handling around 80 per cent of the heating load throughout the year. The boiler only kicks in during exceptionally cold periods.”

He adds that MCS guidelines recommend that the heat pump should be sized for 55 per cent of the peak heating load. For example, for a 10kW heating system requirement, fitting a 5.5kW heat pump will be enough for about 80 per

cent of the time, resulting in significant cost savings compared to a larger heat pump.

No subsidies

Awareness of the benefits of hybrid systems is definitely rising among homeowners but they are not eligible for government subsidies in the same way as a heat pump.

Neil says: “The current policy landscape does not include hybrids in schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme,

“For some buildings, they may be less of a stepping stone and more of a permanent solution.”

primarily due to their partial reliance on fossil fuels. However, as technology evolves and the effectiveness of hybrids in reducing carbon emissions becomes more evident, it’s plausible that future policies may be adjusted to encourage their adoption.

“Advocacy from manufacturers and positive data on hybrids’ environmental impact could influence such changes. Hybrids have a big part to play in our move to cleaner heating systems.” n

Incentivisation would drive take-up

“It is both relevant and instructive to look at the energy transition in the automotive market, where hybrids were introduced as a bridging technology between combustion engines and electric vehicles (EVs).

“Consumers, particularly in the company vehicle market, were incentivised to adopt the hybrid option, which successfully drove uptake. By introducing similar consumer incentives in the heating industry, such as including hybrid systems in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the same hybrid bridging process could be adopted to improve consumer confidence and drive uptake.

“While hybrid vehicles produce more CO2 than EVs, they produce far fewer emissions than traditional combustion cars. This also applies to heating. Supporting the adoption of hybrid heat pumps would be a marked step forward, both in terms of carbon and bill savings.

“There will be a future where all-electric systems will heat homes and buildings. But to transition responsibly and affordably, gas boilers must remain firmly part of the mix for the foreseeable future to provide affordable and low-carbon energy to homes across the country.” Darren McMahon, marketing director, Viessmann

Keeping homes safe

Advanced smoke detectors and interlinked alarms help to address fire, smoke and carbon monoxide safety, says Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes.

The rise of multi-floor, multi-occupancy dwellings is reshaping urban landscapes. High-rise buildings are a practical solution in densely populated areas and changing demographics mean that many people prefer convenience over space, which makes them a favoured choice for living in city centres. Advances in fire safety technology are crucial in meeting the unique challenges presented by multi-dwelling buildings. Smart smoke alarms, wireless alarm systems and automated fire suppression solutions have revolutionised fire safety. These technologies improve early detection and

response and enable remote monitoring, for quicker interventions and greater safety. Installing smoke, and heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is a vital safety step. They provide crucial early warning against fires and CO poisoning by detecting the presence of the poisonous gas, which is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.

Following the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, landlords have more responsibilities than previously. They are responsible for installing and testing an alarm at the start of the tenancy, and are also now required to repair or replace any smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if their tenants tell them there is a problem. n

For more information about the requirements for CO alarms in the different nations of the UK –and FAQs about fitting them and responsibilities when carrying out a landlord’s gas safety record check –please go to www.registeredgasengineer.co.uk and search for “CO alarm rules”.

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Certainty in an uncertain world

Chris Ingram, founder of Continal Underfloor, explores why the future for the heating industry looks uncertain and why underfloor heating remains a reliable emitter no matter what lies ahead.

Underfloor heating (UFH) has been a mainstay of the heating industry for well over 20 years. Its reliability stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty that currently faces the heating industry.

We know that things move slowly, with gradual changes in direction rather than sudden shifts. The investment in promoting heat pumps has been going on for years and yet we’re still only seeing small numbers being installed. So we can be pretty sure that, five years from now, whatever government is in place, the UK will still be using a mix of gas boilers, heat pumps, solar panels and other low-temperature systems.

That’s why we believe it’s

important to focus on choosing the right heat emitter and installing the best and most efficient delivery method, regardless of the fuel source. UFH is efficient and versatile. It can work with any fuel source and will emit heat efficiently and in a controllable way, providing a warm, comfortable environment.

A successful low-flow temperature system requires heat emitters with a much greater surface area than high-temperature versions. If you’re using radiators, achieving the same heat outputs that homeowners are used to with a system operating at 55°C or lower would likely mean fitting additional or bigger radiators.

“Choosing UFH is a great way to futureproof a project.”

In contrast, UFH is a specifically designed lowtemperature system that turns the entire floor into a giant heat emitter. And choosing UFH is a great way to futureproof a project, because it will work perfectly for many years, even if the fuel source is replaced at a later date.

It’s also up to 30 per cent more efficient than radiators in comparable systems and can be fitted in almost any property, whether that’s newbuild, retrofit or as part of an extension project. Low-profile solutions are responsive, efficient and can be mixed and matched with other system types, depending on the floor covering required.

Regardless of the uncertainty on the direction that the heating industry may take after the General Election, there’s one thing we do know: if you install an UFH system in a property now, it will still be working in 25 years, no matter what changes are introduced and what may be fuelling it. n www.continal.co.uk

Ian Trott, head of UK Training Solutions at Baxi, sets out the steps that gas engineers can take to help customers maximise the efficiency of their heating system.

Five ways to boost heating efficiency

1 Size the property

The first step when fitting any new heating system is to carry out detailed roomby-room heat-loss calculations. This is increasingly important as we look to reduce energy demand because it enables correct sizing of a boiler or any other heating source for optimal system efficiencies.

In the case of gas boilers, oversizing means they will use more energy to reach the desired temperature: an accurately sized boiler will be able to overcome the heat loss without overshooting, avoiding unnecessary energy waste.

2

Insulate, insulate, insulate

Carrying out possible improvements to the building fabric, such as fitting loft or cavity wall insulation and improving windows, will have a significant impact on how the building retains heat. If the home is well insulated and the windows are double or tripleglazed, the boiler will have less work to do.

3 Choose the right products

Consider add-ons

that will enhance boiler efficiency, such as weather compensation.

4 Choose the best control strategy

Discuss with your customers the most appropriate options for their heating systems, properties and needs. This could be as simple as recommending the control settings or how to add the latest energysaving measures. A simple consideration might be to fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) as many older systems may not have them already. Involving homeowners in efficiency conversations can only increase satisfaction and trust and, potentially, lead to repeat business.

5 Regular servicing

Some homeowners are still not fully aware of the importance or benefits of annual servicing. Neglecting it increases the risk of potentially costly breakdowns and emergency callouts when the heating is needed most. And regular servicing helps to ensure maximum performance and efficiency. n

“If the home is well insulated, the boiler will have less work to do.”

You can set up annual service reminders or alerts and complete Digital Benchmark using software that is integrated in the Baxi Toolbelt App as part of the Baxi Works loyalty scheme. Homeowners will benefit from regular boiler servicing as they have the assurance that their appliances remain within warranty and are performing at their most efficient levels throughout the year. It is also helpful for engineers in spreading their workload throughout the year rather than trying to fit in customers before the peak heating season. www.baxiworks.co.uk

Generating recurring revenue with efficient contract management

Security in recurring revenue

Stable recurring revenue is a core goal for any business but getting it and managing it can be daunting. Whether it’s managing a high volume of care plans or complex commercial contracts, it requires timeintensive admin. If handled poorly, it’s all too easy for jobs to pass you by and for payments to slip through the cracks. This can mean a loss of revenue and stunted growth. Fortunately, there are solutions that can help your business manage its jobs more efficiently and secure reliable recurring income.

With contract management software, like the out-of-thebox solution Commusoft offers, businesses can benefit from a fully integrated payment system that helps them to increase revenue via service contracts. You can generate greater financial security for your business and make the most of subscription models that work for you and your customers.

Why recurring revenue matters

Contracted maintenance and service appointments provide guaranteed work and consistent income. However, reliable recurring revenue is also the key to growth for residential gas and plumbing businesses, so it’s important to secure and manage these opportunities well.

How exactly can software help?

You need to start by creating a comprehensive contract strategy for your trade business. With software to back up your strategy, you can work smarter, not harder. Step-by-step workflows

“With

recurring revenue, you’re able to build a business that has significantly more value and grows far beyond simply selling boilers, providing maintenance services or handling breakdowns. With the right tools and focus, you can use software to generate thousands each month.”

Jason Morjaria, director of Commusoft

make it easier than ever to create contracts, manage your customer’s details, and arrange automatic payments. You can effortlessly manage contracts and boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. Clients can manage a variety of residential service contracts across a large volume of customers.

Benefits of contract management software

For most companies, the typical sticking points in developing a contract strategy are:

• How do you efficiently manage contracts?

• How do you track services and revenue?

• How do you take payment?

Without the right tools, creating contracts can be timeconsuming and complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. That’s why you need software that’s been designed to make it easy.

Such tools, like those available in Commusoft, help businesses to create contract agreements in minutes, not hours. With a database of information – including your billable rates, discounted parts, call-out systems and fees, terms and conditions, liability, and how to handle customer payments – you can easily use your data to create a detailed contract.

Powerful yet user-friendly

workflows guide users via simple prompts and drop-down menus so that they can easily create a contract from scratch.

With automated recurring billing, you can ensure you’re getting paid on time, every time. This reduces the likelihood that a customer payment can fail.

At the same time, software can help you to easily track payments, meaning you can minimise debt-chasing and accept payments in a variety of ways and timeframes, including monthly and annual recurring billing.

Commusoft makes it easy to manage fixed length auto-renewal and manual renewals, as well as rolling monthly contracts. Autorenewals take care of any corresponding invoices raised and automatically email them to the customer.

Why Commusoft?

Now, more than ever, trade businesses are turning to software to help them manage their service contracts. Whether your goal is to create a more financially stable business or expand operations, a software solution will help your business increase the number of customers under contract and boost revenue.

Ultimately, as your business grows, it will become impossible to effectively manage contracts manually. Dedicated software will streamline your contract management, and Commusoft is here to help.

‘Net-zero progress does not match ambition’

Whichever government is in power after the general election will have its work cut out on decarbonising home heating. A recent report by the Committee of Public Accounts highlights its conclusion that the progress made so far does not match its ambitions – and makes several recommendations.

Decarbonising home heating represents one of the biggest challenges to the government achieving net zero, said the report. But the costs of switching to lowcarbon alternatives to fossil fuel heating are high, and fewer households than expected have fitted a heat pump so far. The average heat pump installation costs four times more than a gas boiler, and electricity prices mean that heat pumps can be more expensive to run.

“Consumers face too much complexity and confusion to make informed decisions.”

The committee reckons that DESNZ’s progress so far does not match its ambition of fitting 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. Consumers still face too much complexity and confusion to make informed decisions.

There’s a huge challenge in increasing the number of trained heat pump installers too.

The committee says the government needs to be realistic about levels of consumer demand, raise public awareness of heat pumps and work with industry to make heat pumps more affordable. n

Conclusions and recommendations

1. The cost of buying and running heat pumps is a substantial barrier to take-up for most households.

Recommendation: The government should set out the findings of its evaluation of heat pump take-up by different consumers, based on the most recent data.

It should also say what it will do to address the high running costs of heat pumps, along with a timetable.

2. There is too much complexity and potential confusion for households to enable them to make informed decisions about installing a heat pump.

Recommendation: The government should show how it will make it easier for consumers to navigate the heat pump landscape – for example, by being clear on the impact of insulation on energy bills and providing this information on an easy-to-use website.

3. DESNZ has made good progress in increasing the number of trained heat pump installers but it faces a huge challenge to make sure there are enough to achieve its target.

Recommendation: The government should clarify what it will do to increase the number of installers after 2025.

4. DESNZ is not collecting all the information it needs to monitor progress on installing heat pumps.

Recommendation: It should develop a way to collect and monitor data on installations in England and publish the information every quarter.

5. DESNZ has not yet worked out how it will support households to decarbonise their homes where heat pumps are not a practical solution.

Recommendation: It should outline which types of property and regions it expects to be unsuitable and what alternative technologies are available to them

6. Work to test hydrogen for heating has been beset with problems, with key trials cancelled.

Recommendation: It should set out how it will test hydrogen for different domestic and commercial properties so that it can make an informed decision on the role of hydrogen for heating. It should also describe how it will carry out any decommissioning of the gas networks, including funding details.

‘Work together to lead retrofit revolution’

NICEIC wants all trades to work together to “solve the great retrofit challenge”.

Tackling Britain’s inefficient homes isn’t just about upskilling and diversifying but will rely on trades working together in more meaningful collaboration too, it says.

To achieve net-zero targets, the UK will need to ensure that all homes reach an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above by 2035. At present, however, 19 million homes are in band D or below.

Technical director Paul Collins says: “Retrofitting low-carbon measures and

technologies is not only a net-zero imperative but crucial to helping households reduce their energy costs.

“Installers need to be fully clued up on the latest solutions so that they can not only advise and provide their customers with the right products, but also be skilled on their installation.”

According to NICEIC, tackling Britain’s inefficient homes isn’t just about upskilling and diversifying but will rely on trades working together in more meaningful collaboration too.

He adds: “Ultimately, the

retrofit challenge cannot be achieved alone. Installers, electricians, gas and heating engineers, plumbers and other service providers will need to work together to ensure a holistic approach, from inception through to delivery.”

NICEIC has developed a new range of qualifications for businesses to upskill their knowledge and competence in key emerging low-carbon categories. Key topics include electrical energy storage systems (EESS), installation of small-scale solar PV, solar PV maintenance, solar thermal hot water and heat pumps.

Hive and Daikin to integrate heat pumps with smart home tech

Daikin and Hive have teamed up to help customers control their heat pumps with energy management technology.

The collaboration will see Daikin’s Altherma 3 heat pumps integrated with Hive to provide greater visibility and control of heating systems. Users will be able to personalise their heating schedules, track spending and set budgets, and optimise their heat pump for use when electricity is cheaper and greener because of lower grid demand.

The Hive app is a wholehome smart hub that connects across heating, lighting, batteries and electric vehicle chargers.

Both businesses will trial the integration later this year and plan to roll it out widely once the trial is complete.

Hive’s Gail Parker says: “Domestic heating is one of the largest emitters of carbon in the

UK and will require collaboration to address this challenge. As we integrate Daikin heat pumps with Hive, we are making electric heating affordable and simple by giving them the visibility they need to control their heat pump and energy usage.

“As we work towards heat pumps joining the Hive

ecosystem, we’re providing customers with a simple way to see and manage all their devices in one app.”

Daikin’s Iain Bevan adds:

“This collaboration could help tens of thousands of people decarbonise their domestic heating, reducing their carbon footprint and helping to address climate change.”

How to apply for discounted heat pump training

The list of providers offering discounted heat pump training has been updated with new additions.

Gas engineers in England can get a discount of up to £500 towards the cost of training, plus support and advice when installing a heat pump for the first time.

Training providers taking part in the Heat Training Grant scheme give grants up to £500 on eligible courses. In most cases, you will receive the grant as a discount on the cost of the training, which usually takes around three days. Several heating manufacturers are offering additional discounts and offers, which could be worth up to a further £500 in product vouchers and further training.

The courses should cover all the skills you need to install heat pumps as part of a competent person scheme.

To find your nearest provider, go to www.gov.uk and search for Heat Training Providers by region.

skillsandtraining

Ideal Heating opens southern low-carbon training centre

Ideal Heating has opened a £1 million centre near Luton to provide training in low-carbon technologies.

The Training and Technology Centre is close to the M1, north of London, and easily accessible for heating engineers in the south of England as well as the Midlands.

The facility at Insignia Park in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, is home to Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy training arm to equip installers with the skills to fit, maintain and service domestic and commercial heat pumps.

Ideal Heating CEO Shaun Edwards said: “Opening our new Training and Technology Centre means we can support even more installers with the transition to working with low-carbon heating products like heat pumps.

“Our training facilities are best in class and this new centre features the latest

testing and simulation equipment which provides installers with hands-on, practical experience.”

The centre has four spacious training areas kitted out with the latest equipment and technology. Covering more than 16,000ft2, facilities and equipment include a live heat pump training suite and thermodynamic fault-finding simulators, giving experience of some of the common situations that installers deal with in their work.

The new hub follows the opening last year of Ideal Heating’s first National Training and Technology Centre in Hessle, East Yorkshire. www.expert-academy.co.uk

Viessmann partners with Shrewsbury College

Viessmann’s Telford training academy has teamed up with Shrewsbury Colleges Group to offer the BPEC Level 3 Award in Installation & Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps.

The partnership provides Viessmann installers with a qualification route for heat pumps and aims to increase the number of qualified installers in the region to meet growing demand. The qualification is designed for experienced heating engineers who are ready to transition from fitting oil and gas heating to renewable systems in homes and

commercial settings.

The BPEC Award means that heating engineers will meet the training entry requirements for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or can join the Viessmann Access umbrella scheme. Both these routes will enable homeowners to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 towards the cost of their heat pump installation.

“Heat pumps are a key technology to help us reach net zero, yet just a fraction of the heating industry is currently trained to install them,” says marketing director Darren

McMahon. “We look forward to working together with Shrewsbury Colleges Group to empower the next generation of heating engineers to make a difference.”

This three-day accredited course is delivered by Shrewsbury College lecturers at the Viessmann Academy in Telford. Attendees will be taught how to specify, survey, design and install air source heat pump systems up to 16kW, enlisting manufacturers’ support where required. The cost of £449 includes three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, followed by

lunch and refreshments.

Applicants must hold WRAS Water Regulations and Level 2 or Level 3 in plumbing, heating/ ventilation, gas or oil certificates or have at least three years’ experience in installing wet central heating systems.

Viessmann installers can sign up through the Installer Portal.

productupdate

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Stay safe from CO with a personal alarm

The SleepSafe personal carbon monoxide alarm from Arctic Hayes combines functionality with life-saving technology. It’s designed to detect CO at low levels, sounding an alarm when the gas exceed 30 parts per million (ppm), the threshold where prolonged exposure can start to have harmful effects.

It has a long-life Li-ion battery and a three-year sensor that ensures the alarm is always ready to use, providing

continuous protection without the need for frequent battery replacements. It’s lightweight, compact and designed for on-the-go use, and attaches easily to a belt.

The loud 75dB alarm guarantees the user is alerted immediately, even in a noisy environment, so that they can take swift action, and the clear LED readout provides a visual indication of CO levels.

www.arctic-hayes.com

Navigator adds heating system filter

Navigator MSL has introduced the MagBlu Mini Midnight boiler filter to its range. Its compact size makes it suitable for systems where there is minimal space and it has a black reinforced nylon body with a nickel-plated solid brass top and two 22mm butterfly-type compression valves.

Cut time and effort with Knipex pipe cutters

Knipex makes slicing through pipes all in a day’s work with its trio of pipecutters: the Tubix, Bix and DP50.

The Tubix adjusts and locks to size using one hand, gliding through pipes ranging from 6mm to 35mm in diameter and a wall thickness up to 2mm. The XL version cuts quickly through copper, brass or stainless steel pipes up to 76mm.

The Bix fits into your palm and is designed for plastic pipes, slicing precisely through

drainpipes and electrical conduits. Two spare blades are integrated into the tool and, when it’s time to pack up, a secure locking mechanism guarantees safe transport.

The powerful DP50 cuts and chamfers any common domestic plastic pipe up to 50mm diameter in one action, with no need to re-adjust and no deburring. It comes in a strong, glass fibre-reinforced plastic body. www.knipex.com

The valve position can be altered to suit the space available – either in line or at right angles to the filter. The high-strength magnet is removed easily for cleaning when the boiler is being serviced.

The kit comes with spare seals and a tool for adjusting the top cap.

www.navigatormsl.com

Stay up to date at: www.registered gasengineer.co.uk

Ideal unveils R290 heat pump

Ideal Heating has added the HP290 monobloc heat pump to its low-carbon heating range. It’s the first domestic heat pump from Ideal Heating to run on the R290 refrigerant, which has low environmental impact and global warming potential.

The company says it has been designed to be simple and easy to install and maintain and can be paired with a pre-plumbed hot water cylinder and Halo Lite RF thermostat to provide a complete lowcarbon heating package.

Product director Lizzie Wilkinson says: “Our HP290 heat pump follows many of the same principles as our Logic Air. In all our products, we want installers to enjoy working with them, and for them to be simple to install, maintain and service.”

The HP290 is compatible with radiators and underfloor heating.

Hybrid heating with Worcester Bosch’s CS5800i

Worcester Bosch’s latest launch is the CS5800i hybrid heat pump, which the company says has been created with input from installers and built for speed and simplicity.

It pairs the CS5800i heat pump with an intelligent hybrid unit, harnessing natural energy for everyday heating needs and switching to a boiler for extra warmth during colder spells.

The company says it’s designed for hassle-free installation without the need for extensive system upgrades. It combines efficiency, versatility and ease of use, providing a future-flexible heating solution that meets the demands of today while paving the way for tomorrow.

Director of technical services Martyn Bridges says: “The way

we heat our homes needs to be flexible if we are to reach our net-zero targets. Heat pumps will certainly play a huge part in this: however, many homeowners are put off by the disruption and cost of retrofitting properties to accommodate the technology.

“This is where hybrid systems can make their mark. By combining a heat pump with a boiler, homeowners will ultimately see less disruption and also won’t need to adapt to a new way of heating their homes.”

www.worcester-bosch. co.uk/professional/ CS5800i-hybrid

BoilerMagHP protects heat pumps

The BoilerMagHP magnetic filter is designed to protect heat pump systems from loss of efficiency and breakdowns caused by accumulating sludge and scale. It comes with 28mm bore isolation valves and accommodates the greater flow rates common to heat pump systems. The bigger valves also reduce the risk of pressure drops, which can affect efficiency.

BoilerMag’s dual-flow technology incorporates high-intensity magnets and optimum flow dynamics, for high magnetite collection rates even at higher flow rates, while a scale guard protects against limescale accumulation. The filter also includes features such as in-line installation, 360° adjustment and high collection capacity.

National sales manager Craig Worth says: “If left unprotected, heat pump systems face the same risks as traditional gas or oil-driven wet systems.”

www.boilermag.com

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BTAAC offer full range of Domestic and Commercial Gas training and assessments in well-equipped training facility at very competitive prices.

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Bromley Training & Assessment Centre (BTAAC) Unit 4 Ashgrove Industrial Estate Ashgrove Road, Bromley Kent, BR1 4JW

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