Intergas helps customers see how to save energy

Intergas Diagnostic Software (IDS) gives heating engineers and their customers a new way to save energy. IDS provides instant access to the burner control units of all Intergas boilers so that the engineer can get insights on the boiler’s performance and fault history. They can also commission a boiler, produce and send detailed information on the boiler settings to landlords and build a reliable picture of its operation.

The statistical information is also available via the Intergas Dashboard’s remote management facility, but not all users are comfortable with the level of intrusion involved in remote management, says the company.

They’ll be able to see a display of how many operational hours were spent in central heating and domestic hot water modes, for example, along with gas and water volumes used for central heating and for showers/baths/basins.

With this information, installers can advise their customers on suitable controls and relevant upgrades, including low-flow taps and showerheads to reduce water use, to improve efficiency and lower bills. All that’s needed is a guidance to help them transition to the greener heating future.”

Cannock installer Richard Lloyd says: “Future home heating solutions – what they are, and how they can help – is something customers often ask us about. The landscape is complex for those unfamiliar with the various options, and it can be quite scary to get your head around.

“This series will really support the industry in communicating to customers in new, engaging and simplistic terms not only what the different types of technologies are, but how customers can benefit from each one.” www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ savvy-series

12-year warranty on Rinnai water heaters

Intergas runs a bespoke training day for IDS which covers installation and set-up, data access and storage through to advanced commissioning and evidencing. Installers who are registered with MiREG+ are eligible.

Screwfix acquires Connect Distribution Services

Screwfix has paid £3 million to acquire Connect Distribution Services, a retailer of appliance spares, accessories and consumables to tradespeople and consumers. The retailer was in administration but Screwfix will continue to operate it as a going concern, acquiring its e-commerce platforms, stock, intellectual property and product data. More than 400 Connect Distribution Services employees are transferring to Kingfisher.

Connect Distribution Services’ online trading brands, which include well-known sites such as eSpares, BuySpares, 4OurHouse and the Connect Trade Portal, will continue to operate as normal.

John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, says: “I’m very pleased to be able to secure the future of the business of Connect Distribution Services and its brands for its customers, engineers and colleagues. The business’s popular ecommerce platforms have significant growth potential and they play an important role in helping tradespeople and consumers keep products in use for longer, supporting our sustainability agenda.

“As an entrepreneurial and customer-focused family business with a 50-year history, [Connect’s] culture is a great fit for Screwfix and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues.”

Mark Depper, COO, Connect Distribution Services ,says: “I’m delighted that Screwfix and Kingfisher have recognised the strengths of the brands and will continue to run this amazing business that my father started 50 years ago. I’m confident that this new ownership will realise the full potential of the brands.”

Screwfix is part of Kingfisher plc, an international home improvement company with more than 1,500 stores.

Rinnai has added a comprehensive 12-year warranty on all its continuous-flow hot water heaters. The heater can be fitted as stand-alone gas heaters or as a hybrid hot water system supporting solar thermal or heat pumps.

The company’s Chris Goggin says: “The introduction of our 12-year warranties are specifically designed to give all heating engineers, contractors, consultants and end-users a solution that is practical, technically and economically viable, [with] the ability to lower on-site carbon when [hydrogen] blending commences.

“When these continuous-flow water heaters approach end of life, it is expected within policy documents that 100 per cent hydrogen could well be entering the grid system and we shall be ready to ease this transition.” when

In 2022, Rinnai announced its 100 per cent hydrogen combustion for continuous-flow hot water heating units and systems for domestic and commercial applications. This development complements its range of water heaters, which are all hydrogen blend-ready now.