Registered Gas Engineer, November 2021 issue

Gas REGISTERED

THE ONLY OFFICIAL INDUSTRY PUBLICATION

Issue 152 November 2021

COP 26 Why it matters

Gas Safety Week Review How your support helps millions to stay gas safe

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In this issue 06 Gas Safe news

Gas Safety Week 2021: Brits urged to stop making excuses for not taking their gas safety seriously as the industry joins together to raise awareness throughout the week

Issue 152 November 2021

28 Special focus: COP26

s the UN conference A gets under way in Glasgow, we find out what it’s all about and why it matters

17 Low carbon

Two new White Papers look at the suitability – and affordability – of low-carbon heat and the properties to which various technologies are best suited

20 The good, the bad and the ugly

25 Technical:

11 The sign that we’re safe: look out for Gas Safe Register’s new ads this winter

12 News

£5,000 government grant from April 2022 for homeowners to fit low-carbon heating; Engineers excel in Heating Installer Awards

Can we help you?

ome of the questions S that gas engineers ask the Register’s Technical Officers most often – and the answers

31 Technical

as Safe Register’s G Technical Team set out the considerations when installing and servicing open-flued laundry appliances

36 Carbon monoxide

The work that charities and other organisations do to keep people safe from CO

38 Water heating

43 Loyalty schemes

40 Plumbing regulations

49 Products

Heat pumps can play a major role in heating water in commercial buildings Three important plumbing rules that every gas engineer should know

Competitions We’ve got a double helping of competitions this month, with great prizes up for grabs from Intergas and Testo

The industry’s major loyalty schemes and how you can make the most of them The latest launches from Aqualisa, Drayton, Grant and Intergas

Win Page 54

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 05

FROM THE EDITOR

Comment

A

s you read this issue, COP26 will be under way. Representatives from around the globe will be meeting to discuss how to combat the threat of global warming, and limit the temperature rise to less than 1.5°C compared with pre-industrial levels.

The world’s politicians will be talking about how they plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and they’ll be setting ambitious targets for as soon as 2030.

If you’re wondering why it’s relevant to us, it’s because the decisions made in Glasgow will eventually touch almost every aspect of our lives. The cars we drive, the food we eat, the way we power our factories and businesses, how we heat our homes and the hot water in them – these are changing now and will continue to do so in the years to come.

Weather events in 2021 have already shown the effects of climate change, from extreme heat to raging fires to devastating floods in different parts of the world. But perhaps the biggest challenge is yet to come: how we will make changes to our familiar way of life to protect the planet for future generations.

Nicki Shearer, editor Gas Safe Register, PO Box 6804, Basingstoke, RG24 4NB.

Industry joins stronger than G

as Safety Week 2021 continued to build on the success of previous years, with supporters sharing gas safety messages to their audiences in new ways – in print, online, on social media, on radio and in person.

This year, the theme was that there are no excuses for ignoring the gas safety of loved ones and that the best way to protect them is to book a gas safety check with a registered gas engineer.

The Register drew from its latest consumer research about the excuses that people often make in their day-to-day lives, as well as those they make for not getting their gas appliances serviced. More than 500 gas engineers also shared the excuses that they hear from their customers during home visits.

The campaign was spearheaded by teacher Matthew Burton, star of Channel

4’s Educating Yorkshire, who has heard every excuse in the book from pupils, and who has personally experienced the consequences of faulty gas appliances.

Interviews with Matthew and Gas Safe Register’s Bob Kerr were broadcast by national radio stations including Sky News Radio, LBC and Times Radio, as well as community and local stations, and were heard by more a potential audience of 193 million people.

Consumers got in on the act, too, when Gas Safe Register set

Email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk, register@gassaferegister.co.uk or technical@gassaferegister.co.uk Managing editor: Scott Darroch scott.darroch@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: Gary Aymes, Carl Banister, David Smith, Jonathan Stirling Production: Mark Turpin Advertising enquiries only: Ian Carter ian@rgemagazine.co.uk Additional print subscriptions £25 per year email: wgardiner@circdata.com, Tel 01635 869 868 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. Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.

Registered Gas Engineer is written, designed and published by The Team on behalf of Gas Safe Register.

30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ

CIRCULATION:

Jan-Dec 2020

77,332 06 November 2021

Ads appeared in the national press throughout the week

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

together ever up an ‘excuses booth’ in Norwich’s Castle Quarter shopping centre. Inside the booth, members of the public were encouraged to admit their best (or worst) excuses, which Gas Safe Register shared on social media during the week.

Those who took part received a bag of branded Gas Safe Register goodies and a CO alarm.

Gas Safe Register ran competitions on Facebook, underlining the importance of having gas appliances checked and how to recognise the symptoms of CO, and entrants could win a £50 Amazon voucher and a CO alarm.

In the papers The Register also booked ads in national newspapers, including the Sun, the Mirror and the Daily Mail, highlighting the Gas Safe logo as the sign of a legally registered gas engineer, and which reached more than 5 million people.

Online ads appeared across a range of digital platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, and the Register shared eye-catching animations on its own social media channels, as well as those of partner organisations.

Neighbourhood Watch, for example, included critical gas safety information that it shared with nearly half a million people in their local areas.

193 million PR reach

25

million digital ad impressions

7

million

homes may have a dangerous gas appliance*

*Gas Safe Register inspection data

As in previous years, each day of Gas Safety Week focused on a different topic: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Community safety What to do in a gas emergency The good work that registered engineers do The risks of unsafe gas work Landlord and tenant safety Avoiding a DIY disaster Keep safe all year round and look for the sign of the Gas Safe Register

“There are no excuses for not taking gas safety seriously in our homes.”

Matthew Burton headteacher, TV’s Educating Yorkshire www.gassaferegister.co.uk 07

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

Gas Safety Week 2021 continued Gas Safety Week 2021 was supported by all corners of the industry, from sole trader gas engineers to household name companies, parliamentarians and the HSE. All had one single aim – to people safe from the dangers of gas. Here are just some of the different ways that they reached their own audiences.

A top tip every day Baxi shared top tips for heating engineers to best promote gas safety with their customers throughout Gas Safety Week: • Ask questions about your customer’s appliances • Have a look around as visual clues can help identify problems • Check for any Gas Safe Register Safety Alerts • Remind your customers to set

Save a number, save a life NGN and West Yorkshire Police teamed up to promote the National Gas Emergency Service phone number, urging people to call 0800 111 999 if they smell gas, and NOT 999.

Tom Donohoe, senior contact manager for West Yorkshire Police, said: “We would ask anyone needing to report a gas escape to recognise that there is a more appropriate number to use. Doing this will ensure calls of a police matter are answered quickly and efficiently.”

HSE head urges people to tick a safety check off their list HSE chair Sarah Newton gave the organisation’s full backing to the annual campaign. She urged people to share the community spirit that emerged during the Covid pandemic and to make sure that they encourage their neighbours, communities and loved ones to get a gas safety check.

She also said: “How often do we put things off because we’re too busy or the costs may seem prohibitive? Almost one-third of us (32 per cent) haven’t had a gas safety check in the past year, even though it should be done annually.

“If that rings a bell with you, then I urge you to tick that particular item off your list and book an appointment with a Gas Safe registered engineer now.

“It might feel that we have been bombarded with safety messages over the past year, but this is one thing you can do just once a year to keep safe through the winter months and beyond.”

Gas Safe Superheroes ambassadors spread the word The non-profit organisation was busy throughout the week. Its ambassadors aim to inspire and empower gas engineers as well as raising consumer awareness. It reminded consumers through its “Regard the Card” campaign to always to check their gas engineer’s ID card with Gas Safe Register. It also underlined the importance of having gas appliances serviced every year – including sharing a detailed visual guide to boiler servicing that sets out the best practice steps that every gas engineer should take.

Its top tips for Gas Safety Week included reminding people to get their gas appliances serviced using a Gas Safe registered engineer, installing a CO alarm, knowing the symptoms of CO poisoning, and knowing the location of the gas meter and isolation valve.

Brits warm to hydrogen Worcester Bosch research for Gas Safety Week found that more than half of Brits accept the environmental benefits of hydrogen, and nine in 10 are influenced by its sustainable credentials. However, more than half don’t know enough about hydrogen boilers to consider buying one, and 51 per cent want someone else to try them before they get one hemselves.

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up a service reminder • Make sure there’s a CO alarm • Check that any home improvements haven’t affected the heating system.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

Look out for new Gas Safe ads this winter Y

ou’ll probably have noticed Gas Safe Register’s ads around lately.

Last month saw the first wave of its winter ad campaign, which aims to raise awareness and recognition of Gas Safe Register.

The multi-channel ads are designed to create an enduring memory in people’s minds, so that they recognise the logo and know to check the Register when they need a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The ads show how Gas Safe Register can help people protect their own family and loved ones at home. The ads build on the success of the previous ‘The Sign’ campaign, but take a new warm, familyorientated creative approach that make these important messages even more relatable.

Head of Brand Marketing Sally Thomas says: “The Sign ensures a feeling of authority and endorsement, evoking trust. It is simple: Gas Safe Register is the sign of safe, competent and legal engineers. The bold, clear creative works well for digital and press advertising.”

The ads are appearing across multiple channels including national newspapers, radio, TV and digital.

Gas Safe Register is also working with social media influencers who post content around home improvements and renovations to raise awareness of Gas Safe Register to their own audiences.

The campaign launched in mid October, at the start of the heating season, and will run until the middle of March 2022.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

£5,000 grant to replace boilers with low-carbon sources from 2022 Householders will be able to get a £5,000 grant to replace their gas boilers with low-carbon heating from April 2022. The £450 million three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been announced in the government’s long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy, published last month (October).

A target date of 2035 has been set for all new heating systems installed to be either low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, or supporting new technologies like hydrogenready boilers – although the government does add the caveat that it must be confident of the supply of hydrogen.

The strategy emphasises that no one will be forced to rip out their gas boilers. The government says the next 14 years will see a transition away from fossil fuel boilers in an affordable, practical and fair way, so that homeowners can make green choices when replacing their old boiler.

It says the grants mean that those people who choose to fit a heat pump will pay a similar amount to that of installing a traditional gas boiler. It says it will also work with the industry to bring down the cost of heat pumps so that they cost the

same to buy and run as boilers by 2030. The government says it expects heat pumps to fall in price by between a quarter and a half by 2025 as the market expands and technology develops.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “As we clean up the way we heat our homes over the next decade, we are backing our brilliant innovators to make clean technology like heat pumps as cheap to buy and run as gas boilers.

“Our new grants will help homeowners make the switch sooner, without costing them extra, so that going green is the better choice when their boiler needs an upgrade.

“The Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out how we are taking ‘no-regrets’ action now, particularly on heat pumps, while supporting ongoing trials and other research and innovation on our future heating systems, including on hydrogen.

“We will make a decision on the potential role for hydrogen in heating buildings by 2026, by learning from our Hydrogen Village pilot. Heat pump technology will play a key role in all scenarios, so for those who want to install them now, we are supporting them to do so.”

Which? names best boiler brands Viessmann and Worcester Bosch are both celebrating being recognised as Best Buys in the Which? survey of boiler brands.

Worcester came top for the 12th year in a row, and Viessmann ranked second in annual survey, which takes the pulse of both consumers and gas engineers to rank boilers on a range of factors, including customer satisfaction, reliability, build quality and ease of repair and servicing.

Victoria Billings, marketing director at Worcester Bosch, says: “We are over the moon to be named the top-rated boiler brand in the UK. “Twelve years of Which?

Best Buys on our gas boilers is a real honour for us. Reliability and trust are so important, and we will continue to work tirelessly

Pimlico Plumbers sold to Neighborly Pimlico Plumbers, the London company founded by Charlie Mullins in 1979, has been bought

by Neighborly, a home service brand franchise.

Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Neighborly, says: “Pimlico’s wide array of trade services as well as its exceptional customer care perfectly align with Neighborly’s purpose, which is to build an extensive service

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12 November 2021

to keep the satisfaction of our customers at the centre of everything we do.”

Graham Russell, Viessmann’s managing director, says: “Attaining a Best Buy status from Which? is no easy task. There is simply nowhere to hide.

“The results confirm Viessmann’s commitment to producing quality boilers that are reliable and built to last.”

community known for providing excellent experiences.”

Pimlico’s president and CEO Scott Mullins says: “Neighborly is well respected across the globe as the driving force behind so many reputable brands in the home service and maintenance industry.

“We’ve found a like-minded company that can help us grow.

This marks a major international milestone for both organisations, and I am excited about the continued innovation and prosperity that is sure to follow for us all.”

Scott Mullins will remain in role: his father Charlie has stepped down as the owner of Pimlico.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Engineers excel in Heating Installer Awards Leeds gas engineer Grant Gundelfinger has been named national Heating Installer 2021.

Grant, of Mayfly Group, impressed the judges and the public with his high level of technicality, outstanding professionalism and commitment to the industry and customers.

It’s the third year running that he has excelled at the awards, which recognise the nation’s best heating installers: he won the Yorkshire regional title in

2019 and 2020 and was national runner-up in 2019.

Grant said: “I’m so proud to have won the overall national award. To be honoured by your peers as well as some of the biggest names in the industry is incredibly gratifying and I am so thankful for this recognition.

I have seen how winning the award has boosted previous winners’ careers, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for the future. It’s even better that my

Award wins for Kane Kane has won Business of the Year at the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards. The awards celebrate the expertise, achievements and outstanding contribution that businesses and individuals make to the growth of Hertfordshire and the UK. Kane took the honours in Business of the Year (Medium to Large) and also won an award for Excellence in Customer Commitment.

The judges highlighted the company’s services, including Kane Care, and its 10-year warranty and same-day service initiatives.

Briege Leahy, CEO of Hertfordshire Chamber of

Worthy winners: (L-R) Paul Clark, Grant Gundelfinger and Carl Ladd

family was here to see this too.”

Paul Clark of Concept Plumbing and Heating, from Hoylake on the Wirral, was runner-up, and Carl Ladd from Leamington Spa scooped the Rising Star award for the industry’s budding apprentices.

Heating spares in an hour from Wolseley L-r: Kane’s HR manager Phil Judd, CEO Jonathan Kane, and managing director Jonathan Hoole celebrate their win

Commerce, said: “The company has demonstrated how making changes to business processes, training and service levels will benefit the customer.”

Kane CEO Jonathan Kane said: “Winning best business and customer excellence is a real honour. It’s proof we deliver essential instruments with outstanding service and I thank all our colleagues for their hard work.”

You can now get thousands of the heating spares you use most often within 60 minutes of ordering with Wolseley Plumb & Parts’ new click and collect service.

Branches nationwide now offer more 600,000 individual parts at branches with click and collect, and a further 300,000 can be ordered for next-day collection at new fast-lane queues and collection points.

Richard Beeley, parts specialist at Wolseley Plumb & Parts, says: “As we approach peak season for boiler breakdowns and repairs, we’re delighted to launch our click and collect service across

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The winners came through after hundreds of people applied, and they shone in a judging day where a panel of industry experts shortlisted the entries, a peer-reviewed technical challenge and a record number of public votes.

the Wolseley Plumb & Parts branch network.

“We understand how frustrating it can be when our customers can’t get the right part for the job or spend longer than needed waiting in branch.

“Designed to ensure installers spend less time waiting and more time working, our customers can place an order, collect from branch and be back on the road to the job in under an hour.”

Just log on from your smartphone or PC, pick the products you want and choose to collect from a branch. www.wolseley.co.uk

Be the change

The time for change is now The low-carbon movement is growing. And the renewable heat movement is greater than ever. Make change your advantage, today, by joining our Sustainable Home Network of trusted heat pump installers.

With the continuation of the RHI, homeowners now have more opportunities than ever before to take advantage of government funding, and move away from fossil fuels towards renewable heat.

Plus, at Daikin, we are now offering homeowners £500 boiler scrappage cashback when they switch their old oil, LPG or solid fuel boiler for a Daikin heat pump.

There’s never been a better time for change.

So if you have the energy for change, and want to find out more about our Sustainable Home Network, visit www.energyforchange.com

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LOW CARBON

Low-carbon heating under the microscope Two recent White Papers take a deep dive into low-carbon heating, setting out the differences between the technologies and the properties to which they may be most suited, and the thorny issue of affordability – especially against the backdrop of rocketing energy costs.

Vaillant helps people make informed choices

V

aillant’s new White Paper aims to provide a balanced view of different heating technologies so that heating engineers can give the right information to their customers.

Decarbonising Home Heating in the UK looks at heat pumps, hydrogen and hybrid heating systems so that people can make knowledgeable choices about how they heat homes now and in the future.

Chapter one outlines the properties most suitable for heat pumps, and looks at the opportunities as well as the developments needed to increase awareness among consumers.

It addresses the challenges in growing the heat pump market, the lack of installers in the industry, the need for upskilling and the routes available to those wanting to install the low-carbon technology today.

Prepare for hydrogen The chapter on hydrogen highlights the timeline for hydrogen trials in the UK, covering what a hydrogen-ready mandate could entail, what Vaillant believes needs to be done, the developments under way, what heating engineers need to know to answer homeowners’ questions and how specifiers can prepare for the future fuel.

Hybrid systems looks at heat pump and boiler technologies used in tandem, usage, considerations, limitations and

costs, so that hybrids can be included in the low-carbon option mix for UK homes where appropriate.

Vaillant managing director Klaus Jesse says: “The majority of the UK’s housing stock is ageing and around 80 per cent of these properties will still be in use in 2050s. This is why the decarbonisation of heat in homes is essential to achieving the government’s target of net zero by 2050.

“Low-carbon heating system solutions are available today, with more being developed for the future. However, it is clear there is no silver bullet and there will need to be a multi-technology approach to help the UK reach net zero.”

Mark Wilkins, technologies and training director, adds: “A mix of technologies will be needed to

“Those needing to start their decarbonisation journey should turn to heat pump technology, which is very much here now.”

help reduce emissions, especially in the immediate future.

“While we are working with the industry to bring hydrogen solutions for home heating, those needing to start their decarbonisation journey should turn to heat pump technology which is very much here now.”

And while some low-carbon solutions are already here, such as heat pumps, some are still some way off. Vaillant points out that there are steps that people can take now to increase the energy efficiency of their homes, including improving the building fabric, and adapting heating systems to operate at lower temperatures.

Better planning of heating system upgrades, including a mandatory room-by-room assessment of the home’s heating and hot water requirements, mean that changes can be made incrementally and affordably, where possible. Mark says there needs to be a change in mindset to being proactive about change rather than reactive so that gas engineers and consumers can make smarter decisions.

He highlights what he calls the four pillars of the decarbonisation journey: • Improving the fabric of the building • Improving heating systems, including the need to operate at lower temperatures • Providing support to gas engineers to upskill to lowcarbon technologies • Making sure that consumers understand the move towards decarbonisation and are informed and supported. ■ You can download the White Paper at: https://tinyurl. com/3jcfb4v7

Green Heating Credit could boost heat pump popularity

A

Green Heating Credit could help to bridge the gap in running costs between heat pumps and gas boilers, Baxi has proposed. Its White Paper, Affordable Low Carbon Heat, has found that the average annual cost of running a heat pump is £236 more per year than a gas boiler.

With the government targeting 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028, the paper sets out that ongoing higher running costs will be an obstacle to progress towards low-carbon heat in the UK. Affordability gap The affordability gap in running costs for heat pumps is largely because of a 25.5 per cent environmental levy on electricity.

Heat pumps use electricity and so cost more in environmental taxes even though they are a low-carbon source of heat.

The paper proposes that the government should pay a £250 a year Green Heating Credit to heat pump owners, which would refund the extra levy they pay on electricity. The government has already announced a Clean Heat Grant that will support householders with up to £4,000 towards the installation of a heat pump from May 2022, but ongoing running costs remain the issue, says Baxi.

UK & Ireland managing director Karen Boswell said at a round-table event launching the paper: “Affordability is the most www.gassaferegister.co.uk 17

>

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LOW CARBON

Low-carbon heating under the microscope continued >

important question facing the industry. The report models the affordability of low-carbon heating against traditional methods. Heat pumps provide a good solution but higher running costs could reduce their popularity.”

The main findings of the report’s modelling, averaged across four different types of housing, are: •T he average annual running cost of a low-carbon air source heat pump remains £236 more than a gas boiler.

•A ir source heat pumps are typically £282 a year cheaper to run than the oil boilers typically used in off-grid homes.

• I nitial installation costs average £7,060 for an air source heat pump compared with £1,500 for a gas boiler and £3,350 for an oil boiler.

Baxi research also shows just how important affordability is to customers. Saving money was seen as the most attractive reason (by 66 per cent of respondents) for switching to a heat pump.

The survey found that a Green Heating Credit of £250 a year would increase interest in a heat pump for three-quarters of surveyed consumers.

The prospect of higher running costs is a disincentive for

“A Green Heating Credit would be fairer to heat pump users who are investing in decarbonising their heating.”

NEW021 2 FOR rs 5 Yea nty ra WaCr ’s Apply *T&

40 per cent of customers.

Karen added: “Heat pumps could play their part as we decarbonise the nation’s heating but we need to bridge this affordability gap. A Green Heating Credit would be fairer to heat

pump users who are investing in decarbonising their heating and it is fair to consumers using traditional forms of heating as it won’t affect their heating bills.

“It also leaves room for alternative low-carbon heating technologies such as hydrogen to emerge.”

Matthew Aylott, who is leading the government’s Electrification of Heat project, said at the report’s launch that the Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out the government’s intentions over the next decade, including targeted regulation, market-based incentives and public involvement to support the deployment of heat pumps. The government will be consulting on regulation and incentives, he said. ■ You can read the Affordable Low Carbon Heat report at: www.baxiheating.co.uk/news

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18 November 2021

WiFi Inside

Thegoodthebad+theugly We want your pictures Registered Gas Engineer wants to see your pictures – whether you’ve come across some horrors or instances of really good work.

And there’s a prize for the best one: so go on, get writing and email your stories and pictures to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk or via Twitter @RGEMag

Justin Hicks’ customer was doing a loft conversion, where the boiler had been left on with products of combustion dispersing into the new enclosed space. Justin immediately made the installation safe.

Bryan Adams soon found out why the boiler kept locking out: its chimney had been ‘modified’ to fit to the existing ridge terminal.

Jesse Lawrence found this pipework incorrectly capped off. The pipework issue was rectified using the correct fittings.

Naweed Naru discovered that builders had enclosed this chimney plume displacement kit within the fabric of the building.

Following guidance from the Gas Industry Unsafe Situation Procedure, IGEM/G/11, the installation was made safe.

20 November 2021

Leaking condensate in this boiler had caused severe corrosion and damage. Andrew Martin made safe, and a new appliance has now been fitted.

While Scott Lauder was attending a boiler, he carried out a visual risk assessment and saw that the hob was installed incorrectly, resting on a piece of polystyrene packaging on top of the oven.

He made safe.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS

This month winne ’s r

Gildo Solari struggled to find the chimney termination among all this vegetation. The greenery has now been cut away and the customer informed of the importance of keeping it clear.

Cameron Grant was quick to act and make safe when he was asked to inspect this back-boiler unit which was still in operation. A new boiler has now been fitted.

Kelvin Williams was servicing a gas fire and found a deceased sparrowhawk in the catchment area.

He removed the bird of prey.

The corrosion on this boiler chimney may have been caused by not being installed with the correct fallback to the boiler.

Paul Stokes fitted a new chimney and the boiler is now functioning safely.

Rob Wilson was driving past this gas meter box and noticed the open ends on the pipework.

The occupant was informed, and the Emergency Service Provider was called as apparently the gas meter had been stolen.

Two chimneys for the price of one on this installation, as found

by Thomas Bisdee.

The installation highlights the need to seal boiler chimneys correctly so that the products of combustion can’t re-enter the property.

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).

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 21

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS

Thegoodthebad+theugly Simon Wilkinson found that the freestanding cooker had been installed directly on to pliable stainless steel pipework, with electrical cable resting on the gas supply. He refitted the cooker using the correct materials.

Ben says you can clearly see that this boiler had been tampered with to keep it functioning.

He immediately made the installation safe.

Photo prize

The meter, regulator and pipework of this installation had been partially encased into the wall during building work, as found by Paul Mills.

It has since been re-installed correctly.

James Gowing’s customer described a burning smell from the boiler. James found that the combustible material on which the appliance was mounted was smouldering from the heat dissipated at the rear. The boiler has since been replaced.

Win

There’s a prize for the best photos sent in (in our opinion).

Please remember to take pictures at high resolution and email them to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk This month, Anton by Crowcon is giving away a Clip CO personal carbon monoxide alarm – a tough, lightweight, reliable and durable fixed-life, maintenance-free personal CO protection alarm with pocket clip.

The Clip has audible, visual and vibrate alarms at 30ppm and 100ppm, plus a sensor range of 0-300ppm. It has a two-year, maintenance-free fixed life PLUS on-screen life duration countdown, self-test and ingress protection to IP66 and IP67.

Details of the Clip CO alarm and many more products – as well as fast two-day turnaround on FGA servicing – can be found at www.shop.crowcon.com This month’s winner is Cameron Grant from Atherstone, Warwickshire. Congratulations!

22 November 2021

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Can we help you?

Last month, we looked at some of the questions that you ask Gas Safe Register’s Technical Support Team most often – and this month, we’ve got some more. Don’t forget, whether it’s kitchens or meters, classifications or notifications, if you need help, just ask the experts.

Pipework

Q

A threaded 3-inch pipe is leaking. Can I remake the thread or do I need to change it to welded?

New steel pipework larger than 2 inches (50mm) must be welded. However, existing threaded pipework larger than 2 inches can be left in situ, as long as it is fit for purpose.

If repairs are required, it does not necessarily need to be changed

A

Notification

Q A

I’ve moved the boiler in a house: do I have to notify this?

Yes. Building Regulations require that the installation of any heat-producing appliance commissioned in England and Wales must be notified to the local authority via the selfcertification scheme maintained

by Gas Safe Register. This includes moving existing appliances in the property.

Q A

Why isn’t my unvented hot water cylinder qualification on my Gas Safe ID card?

This is because the unvented G3 qualification is not a gas qualification, and not an ACS category that is added automatically added to your ID card categories.

If you hold G3, you should scan a copy of the certificate and send it to enquiries@ gassaferegister.co.uk. It will be added to your registration details and will show on your card when it’s next issued.

Meters

Q A

The meter of the flat I’m testing is below in a shop.

Is this OK? The Emergency Control Valve (ECV) must have unimpeded access, 24 hours a day. Where the gas meter is in the property below, and the responsible person of the property above cannot access

to welded pipe. For instance, you may take apart and remake any threaded joint. You may also connect on to an existing threaded joint. Only an entirely new joint needs to be welded.

Q A

What are the distances I need from a gas pipe to electrics?

Gas pipework should be at least 25mm from electric switches, sockets, supply or distribution cables, as set out in

BS 6891(1). Gas pipes should also be at least 150mm from electrical supply equipment such as electric metering equipment, service cut-outs, main isolation switches or consumer units.

If these distances cannot be met, then gas pipework and electrics must be separated by a non-conductive barrier.

You cannot notify the installation of an unvented cylinder through Gas Safe Register unless you have told the Register that you hold this qualification.

Q A

Can I notify a direct unvented cylinder, such as an electric unvented cylinder?

No you cannot. Only indirect cylinders that are heated via a gas appliance can be notified through Gas Safe Register’s self-certification scheme. To notify any other type of cylinder, you must

the ECV at certain times of the day, this would be deemed At Risk, in accordance with GIUSP. The gas transporter should be contacted, with a view to moving the ECV to a more suitable position.

Q

There’s a meter with two flexible connectors on it.

Is this allowed?

contact the manufacturer or another relevant competent person’s scheme.

A

No, there cannot be two flexible connectors on a meter installation. This is primarily to prevent the theft of gas.

However, an anaconda on the outlet of the meter is acceptable because it’s the end of the meter installation.

You can find further guidance in Technical Bulletin 084(2).

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 25

>

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Can we help you? >

Flues There’s a flue terminating within 300mm of a window. Is the boiler classified as At Risk?

If the boiler is not fitted in accordance with BS 5540 Part 1(3) or in line with the manufacturer’s instructions,

you should carry out a thorough risk assessment on the installation. Where there is no realistic possibility that products of combustion can re-enter the property through the window, the appliance could be deemed as Not to Current Standards.

However, if you judge that the appliance could pose a danger

you can attend and carry out a full inspection of all gas appliances within the property, including Regulation 26/9 checks, in accordance with the qualifications you hold.

If anyone is confirmed to have experienced CO poisoning or if there has been previous CO alarm activation or reports of fumes, then you must hold the

CMDDA1 qualification in order to attend and carry out a thorough investigation at the premises.

In both circumstances, it important to ensure that there is not an ongoing investigation by HSE to ensure that evidence or appliances are not disturbed so as not to hinder that investigation.

Q A

Carbon monoxide

Q

A customer’s CO alarm has gone off. Do I need a specialist qualification to attend?

As long as there are no persons reported with CO poisoning and there have been no previous reports of CO alarm activation or the smell of fumes,

A

Cookers and kitchens

Q A

The hob in a flat has no flame supervision device (FSD). Is this At Risk (AR)?

Any flueless gas appliance installed in a flat or multioccupancy premises must have an FSD fitted to each burner: this has been a requirement since 2008. Any hob or cooker in a flat or multi-occupancy premises that does not have FSD protection fitted to all burners is classified as Not to Current Standards and the responsible person should be advised. Further guidance is given in Technical Bulletin 015(4).

Q

Is a cooker with no safety shut-off valve (SSOV) on the glass lid Immediately Dangerous?

It’s not necessarily Immediately Dangerous (ID).

If the cooker is designed by the manufacturer without a safety shut-off valve, then the cooker is satisfactory provided that there are no other issues with the appliance. There is normally a

A

26 November 2021

continued

label on the appliance advising the user not to close the cooker lid while operating the hotplate burners.

Where an SSOV is present but inoperable, then this is Immediately Dangerous, in accordance with the Unsafe Situations Procedure, IGEM/G/11.

Q A

There’s no interlock fitted in a commercial kitchen.

How do I classify this?

Any new installation in a commercial kitchen requires the gas supply to be suitably interlocked. But when an existing installation does not meet the

current standards and regulations, provided that you hold the relevant competencies, you should carry out a risk assessment.

The risk assessment will need to consider whether the current set-up can continue to be used safely. Multiple factors need to be taken into account, including staff training, whether suitable notices are affixed in prominent positions, the usage and type of appliances fitted (whether they are type A or type B), etc.

After the risk assessment, if you decide that the way the kitchen is used does not constitute an unsafe situation, then the system can be left on and deemed Not to Current Standards. However, if you deem the kitchen to be unsafe then appropriate action must be carried out in accordance with the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP), IGEM/G/11.

because of the proximity of the flue to an openable window, then the appliance should be deemed unsafe, and the appropriate action taken as per the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP), IGEM/G/11.

Further reading

BS 6891: Specification for the installation and maintenance of low pressure gas installation pipework of up to 35 mm (R1 1/4) on premises (2) Technical Bulletin 084: The prohibition of two pliable connectors on a domestic gas meter installation (3) BS 5540-1: Flueing and ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases) – Specification for installation of gas appliances to chimneys and for maintenance of chimneys (4) Technical Bulletin 015: The requirement to install gas appliances (including cooking appliances) with flame supervision devices in flats and other multioccupancy buildings.

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COP26: What’s it all ab What is COP26?

What does COP26 need to achieve?

COP26 is the 2021 United Nations climate change conference.

COP stands for Conference of Parties, and for nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits.

The UN body coordinates the global response to the threat of climate change. The 197 countries that attend all signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) treaty in 1994.

In that time, climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.

This year will be the 26th annual summit – giving it the name COP26 – and it is taking place over 12 days this month in Glasgow, with the UK as president. The conference was originally due to take place in 2020 but was delayed because of the Covid pandemic.

1 Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets to reach net zero by the middle of the century. To achieve these targets, they will need to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels, encourage investment in renewables, curtail deforestation and speed up the switch to electric vehicles.

2 Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats Countries need to work together to enable and encourage those affected by climate change to protect and restore ecosystems, build defences, put warning systems in place and make infrastructure and agriculture more resilient to avoid the loss of homes, livelihoods and lives.

3 Mobilise finance To achieve the first two goals, developed countries must deliver on their promise to raise at least US$100 billion in climate finance per year, supported by international financial institutions, and private and public-sector finance.

4 Work together The rules needed to implement the Paris Agreement (the Paris Rulebook) must be finalised, accelerating collaboration between governments, businesses and society to deliver on climate goals.

What happens?

Delegates meet for both formal negotiations and informal consultations. They may also take part in meetings with other delegations to clarify their position and interests, with the aim of reaching agreement or overcoming a negotiating deadlock.

The UNFCCC also hosts a range of events, including technical briefings, to support the negotiations process.

The UK’s presidency of COP26 means it is responsible for reaching agreement in the negotiations.

What is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement took place at COP21 in 2015. For the first time, almost every country around the world entered into a legally binding commitment to reduce their emissions.

They signed up to cutting carbon emissions to limit global warming to well below 2°C – and ideally to 1.5°C – above pre-industrial levels.

Each country makes its own decisions on how to do this.

Why does limiting global temperature rise matter?

At 2°C of global warming, there would be widespread and severe impacts on people and nature. One-third of the world’s population would be regularly exposed to severe heat, leading to health problems and more heat-related deaths.

Almost all warm water coral reefs would be destroyed, and the Arctic sea ice would melt entirely at least one summer every decade, with devastating impacts on the wildlife and communities they support. Ice sheets in Greenland and the Antarctic could be lost irreversibly, leading to several metres of sea level rise over centuries to come.

At 1.5°C, the impacts would be serious, but less severe.

There would be lower risks of food and water shortages, lower risks to economic growth and fewer species at risk of extinction.

Threats to human health from air pollution, disease, malnutrition and exposure to extreme heat would also be lower. That is why every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and why it’s important to hold temperature rises to 1.5°C.

28 November 2021

What is the UK doing?

The UK was the first country to pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035, and progress has already been made: less than 2 per cent of our electricity comes from coal now compared with 40 per cent in 2012. Between 1990 and 2019, our emissions decreased by 44 per cent.

The UK was the first country to enshrine into law that it will reach net zero emissions by 2050. Last year, the Prime Minister set out the Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution to help the UK reach its climate commitments.

Among its ambitions are to fit 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028; funding for investment including offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, nuclear plants and hydrogen, and banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.

The government will make climate-related disclosures mandatory across the economy by 2025, with most requirements coming in by 2023.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | SPECIAL FOCUS

bout?

“COP26 needs to be decisive. Whether future generations look back at this time with admiration or despair depends entirely on our ability to seize this moment.”

Alok Sharma, COP 26 President

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 29

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL

Open-flued laundry appliances Open-flued non-domestic laundry appliances are less common on the high street than they used to be. But many can still be found in care homes and commercial laundries. Gas Safe Register Technical Support Officer Darren Pullin looks at the main safety considerations when installing and servicing them.

Gas Safe Register would like to thank Steve Hunter, technical training officer at WashCo, for additional information and the photos in this article.

A

significant update to the standard covering the installation of non-domestic open-flued laundry appliances is that any dry-cleaning machine must be situated at least 5 metres away and make-up air must not come from that location. This is because the interaction of dry-cleaning chemicals and the laundry appliance’s burner flame can produce toxic gases.

Neither should laundry appliances be sited in the same room as a bath or shower, and, of course, they should be installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: Always consult the manufacturer for specific guidance where dry-cleaning machines are installed.

Manual isolation valves Manual isolation valves shall be provided to each laundry area, and sited next to the exit in a readily accessible location so as to enable safe isolation in the event of an emergency.

A pressure test point shall also be provided as near as practicable downstream of the valve.

Interlocks Interlocks shall be used to shut off/isolate the gas supply

operation of the appliance in the room or adjacent rooms, and make-up air fans shall be interlocked (with a manual reset) to the gas supply.

In all instances, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed before referring to the table, as some manufacturer’s requirements may be less or more than shown in the table.

to the appliance by automatic isolation valves. They must be installed so that they are operated by emergency stop button(s) or a safety control in an emergency.

Warning notices or signs must be fixed alongside manual emergency isolation valves and automatic isolation valve reset points, and must state what actions are needed before restoring the appliances.

Final gas connections to the appliance shall be flexible, in accordance with appropriate standards and the manufacturer’s instructions. They shall be sized to maintain the heat input and suitable for the type of gas used.

The appliance must have a restraining device to prevent any undue stress or force from damaging the flexible connection.

Make-up air Make-up air is vital for the safe use of the appliance. Section 10 of BS 8446 states that exhaust terminals shall be at least 2,000mm from any openings or fresh air inlets to the building.

This is to ensure that make-up air is not contaminated by damp, warm air being re-circulated.

All fans shall be installed so they do not adversely affect the safe

Electrical connections Electrical connections must conform to British Standards, depending on the type of connection and isolation method used. If there is a risk of mechanical damage, then braided, armoured, flexible or abrasion-resistant cable should be used. The point of connection to the mains supply shall be readily accessible and located adjacent to the appliance(s).

Note: The cross sectional area in cm2 has been corrected. The sizes given in the standard are incorrect.

Exhaust diameter (mm)

Make-up air free crosssectional areas mm2 (cm2)

1,000

3,950 (39.5)

1,500

8,850 (88.5)

2,000

15,700 (157)

2,500

24,550 (245.5)

Source: BS 8446, Table 3

It’s important to remember that updates to standards or normative documents do not necessarily mean that an existing installation is dangerous if they don’t comply with the new standard. When you are faced with an installation that does not comply with the updated document, you must risk assess the installation/appliance using good engineering judgement and follow guidance from the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP), IGEM/G/11.

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 31

>

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL

Open-flued laundry appliances continued

>

Exhaust systems Exhaust systems must comply with the following requirements: •D ischarge to the outside atmosphere •P resent a minimal resistance to flow • Be of smooth bore metal construction, as short as possible, and with a minimum number of bends and changes of direction • Include provision for internal access for cleaning and maintenance • Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 80°C for tumble dryers and 180°C for rotary ironers.

New appliances being fixed to existing exhaust systems have these characteristics.

Flexible exhaust connections for tumble dryers must be installed to the manufacturer’s instructions, not exceed 500mm in length and should be able to withstand the maximum stated temperature of the exhaust system. The ductwork may need to have fire dampers fitted, if required by the local bylaws, regulations or the fire authorities.

The duct must be increased in diameter to overcome the pressure losses and shall be interlocked with the gas supply.

Termination The termination shall allow the exhaust and all its components to clear to the outside with no build-up of lint. It must have no filters, and prevent the ingress of the weather but not impair the operation of the laundry appliance(s). A minimum clearance of 300mm below the termination from ground level shall be provided.

Exhaust testing Exhaust testing will follow on from a successful visual test.

Carry out an airflow test using the following recommended method, as described in 32 November 2021

Clause 15 of BS 8446: •W ith a cold duct •L ight a smoke pellet and place in the ductway at the laundry appliance •T urn the appliance on without heat being operated •E xamine the duct and joints for leakage, ensure all the smoke exits from the terminal •W orst-case scenarios should now be introduced: doors opening/closing and multiple appliances being switched on/off if more than one appliance is connected.

The ducting backflow pressure shall also be tested to verify that it is within the parameters of the manufacturer’s instructions. The exhaust duct should be tested within 500mm of the appliance (under normal working temperatures) and shall have an airflow pressure of less than 1.25mbar. During tests, any other exhaust systems to the room shall be operating at maximum.

The laundry appliance shall be commissioned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

This will include the ductwork and the correct operation of all safety controls, safety shut-off valves and pressure/flow sensing valves.

Other appliances and ventilation that may affect the safe operation of the laundry appliance(s) must be considered, again with worst-case scenarios introduced.

If carbon monoxide alarm systems are fitted, they must conform to BS EN 45544-3: however, their installation does not negate the obligation to maintain appliances and equipment to acceptable levels.

Gas engineers should provide instructions to the operator, as required under GSIUR, and these may include any wiring diagrams and programs created to support the operation.

Servicing and maintenance must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and

there may also be a requirement under GSIUR to have the appliance included in an annual gas safety check if the property is tenanted.

Note: Employers and selfemployed people must have installations under their control maintained in a safe condition, to prevent the risk of injury. Service requirements must be indicated to the responsible person by the gas engineer, and gas work must be undertaken by a suitably qualified registered gas engineer. ■

Bibliography BS 8446:2020: Installation and maintenance of open-flued, non-domestic gas-fired laundry appliances. Specification Industry Standard Update 099: BS 8446: 2020 Installation and maintenance of open-flued, non-domestic gas-fired laundry appliances – Specification You can read ISU 099 by logging into your Gas Safe Register online account at www.gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | ADVERTORIAL

Decarbonising heat in rural Britain: Hybrid heat pumps With lots of debate about how we should decarbonise heat in our homes, what are the barriers to achieving this in the countryside?

Do governmental policies solve these challenges, and should installers have a bigger say in shaping the decisions that will affect rural areas off the mains gas grid? Can heat pumps alone offer the ultimate solution?

We recently gathered a group of industry experts to discuss these key issues – Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant Group; Sophia Haywood, Director of Public Affairs at Liquid Gas UK; and Karl Bateman, National Specifier Manager at Calor – to examine how decarbonising the provision of heat in off-grid areas could be implemented.

34 November 2021

In the online debate, panellists examined the challenges of decarbonising heating in the countryside. All agreed that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Perhaps, considering the difficulties and costs of insulating the types of building that often exist in rural Britain, it’s not even a ‘one step fits all’ approach.

With this in mind, tweaking systems to operate on lower flow temperatures, using biofuels such as BioLPG, and combining this with heat pumps to form part of a hybrid heating system, were all discussed as more affordable, effective and immediate ways to reduce carbon emissions from heating rural properties.

Standalone heat pumps The majority of off-grid households – estimated at around 60 per cent – rely on heating oil. There is no biofuel currently available to replace domestic heating oil1 (kerosene). Heat pumps are currently presented as one of the likely solutions for decarbonising the energy supply to heat our homes, but from Calor’s own research, conducted with installers who are members of the Boiler Installer scheme, many are concerned about using heat pumps alone in properties where the thermal performance may need improvement.

This opens the door to hybrid systems.

“The upfront costs involved in retrofitting all

the necessary insulation measures, as well as the heat pumps themselves and their installation, for a hard-to-treat property, could set its owner back thousands,” said Karl Bateman, Calor’s National Specifier Manager.

“For many people, this is simply not affordable without financial support, and could really hinder efforts to reduce fuel poverty in rural areas. What’s more, for some of the most popular fabric improvement measures, such as double glazing, it’s difficult to get statutory consent to install for listed buildings.”

Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant Group, also recognised there isn’t a silver bullet approach. “I think the government need to get away from the strategy that it’s heat pumps or nothing else because we’ve got to have a mix of solutions for the plethora of different homes and heating facilities that are out there.

“There’s that much variety, to a greater

“For some, making the transition to low-carbon heating requires a step-by-step approach.”

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | ADVERTORIAL

“In our research and polling of 1,000 rural households, 9 out of 10 said the government wasn’t listening to the needs of rural areas, and that they want to pick from a mix of low-carbon choices.” extent in rural areas, so there’s an even bigger challenge there. And hybrid solutions should come into their own a lot more within that particular rural environment. Broadly, the solutions in off-grid areas are decarbonised gas, electric solutions, heat pumps, or a mix of the two with hybrids.

But some government grants are not available for hybrids, and that is a clear flaw in the system.”

Step by step Karl agreed that many installers also see hybrid systems as a strong contender to help rural Britain decarbonise their heat.

“By combining an LPG boiler with a heat pump, customers can make that transition and start saving carbon now. Both homeowners and installers themselves can test and get used to heat pump technology, before moving forward to fully use BioLPG – an eco-propane that, when blended, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 38 per cent compared to oil and 15 per cent compared to standard LPG, and up to 90 per cent reductions are possible with 100 per cent BioLPG2 – in the future. What’s more, there isn’t a need for a hot water cylinder with a hybrid.”

Steve also pointed out that for some homeowners in off-grid areas, making the transition to low-carbon heating requires a step-by-step approach. The first step might be running on a lower flow temperature on the current [heating] system, and, in the future, you can upgrade other parts of the system to the latest technology as you go forward.

“Integrating heat pumps into an existing boiler-based system is a step that installers and consumers can take to proactively improve their carbon emissions without affecting what’s inside the home.”

Sophia Haywood, Director of Public Affairs at Liquid Gas UK, echoed these opinions and said: “Government needs to move away from the sole focus on electrification for rural areas, and accept the fact that it’s going to be a mix. Having looked at polling and research conducted, that seems to be what rural people want. It makes economic sense too.”

Policy and training Discussing how government policies should be developed and how they can be better implemented on the ground, the panellists considered the gaps that should be filled.

All experts agreed that currently, governmental policies often don’t take into

consideration practical needs on the ground.

Sophia pointed out: “One of the problems is that sometimes engagement with installers and other parties across the whole supply chain seems to come as an afterthought.

Initial proposals aren’t being developed in conjunction with the people who deliver them day-in, day out.

“There are also quite a lot of assumptions about rural households, which can go from one extreme to the other. There are significant levels of rural fuel poverty that can’t be ignored. At the same time, there’s a view that there is a lot of wealth in the countryside.

“But it’s not as black and white as that: there’s a whole spectrum in between. In our recent research and polling across 1,000 rural households in the UK, 9 out of 10 said the government wasn’t listening to the needs of rural areas, and that they want to pick from a mix of low-carbon choices.”

Steve, too, emphasised the need to ensure that end users understand their options fully. “It’s even going to be more important going forward to be able to present the solutions to the customer. They

are fundamental to understanding where we’re going with decarbonisation. Installers need to understand how to recommend the best solution to the customer for their particular property, and then let them choose which way they want to go.”

Considering the investment homeowners will need to make to switch from a traditional fossil-fuel heating system to a cleaner alternative, Sophia agreed on the importance of securing consumer buy-in.

“There’s only really one shot at doing that, so the homeowner has to be confident that their new system will meet their needs.

Installers have a key role to play in this process.”

Karl said installers should take advantage of support and advice from manufacturers and suppliers to help them. “We are looking to ramp up our training over the next year, to educate installers on LPG, BioLPG, how the energy landscape will develop and how these will affect the work they do for their customers.

“With over 85 years of expertise in off-grid, rural energy, Calor are well placed to guide installers on how off-grid and hard to treat homes are best heated – for both homeowners and the heating businesses that serve them.”

www.crownoil.co.uk/guides/biofuel-guide/ 38% reduction in GHGs (CO2e/ eq function) compared to heating oil. Emission savings calculated based on allocation of 40% BioLPG and 60% conventional LPG. (Atlantic Consulting, 2017, a report commissioned by Calor Gas Limited)

1 2

About Calor Calor is the UK’s leading supplier of LPG and LNG, which has spent the last 85 years bringing clean and efficient energy to rural Britain.

The company provides gas to more than 100,00 homes and 350,000 commercial premises located off the mains gas grid, distributed via the UK’s largest LPG and LNG delivery fleet. Calor also has BioLPG available to the UK market, providing a renewable off-grid gas solution to homes and businesses across the country.

Calor continues to invest in its offering to make the provision of energy in off-grid areas as simple as energy on-grid.

Please visit www.calor.co.uk for more information.

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 35

The charities working to Carbon monoxide continues to be a threat to the safety of people and families across the country.

Registered Gas Engineer looks at the progress made this year in the fight against CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas produced when fossil fuels burn inefficiently. Common sources include faulty boilers, gas fires, cookers and solid fuel stoves.

Each year more than 200 people in the UK are hospitalised with suspected CO poisoning – but the actual number affected is believed to be higher. This could be because the symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for symptoms of other common illnesses such as flu and food poisoning.

CO charities are working hard across the UK to raise awareness of the dangers of CO poisoning, to educate people about the risk, the need to have their gas appliances serviced regularly by a registered gas engineer, and to encourage the use of CO alarms.

The partnership power of the Gas Safe Charity

T

he Gas Safe Charity has published a progress report looking at its achievements in the five years since 2015, including the three core programmes it delivers through its partner organisations.

The Think CO programme provides practical awareness training to organisations involved with community care. Previously held face to face, the workshops moved online in 2020 and include an e-learning package and videos. The course aims to identify the signs, sources and symptoms of CO poisoning and to help care givers gain an understanding of these in relation to their work.

So far, 1,500 people have attended the in-person workshops, which the Gas Safe Charity believes have a potential reach of 300,000 people, because attendees typically interact with 200 vulnerable people in their working environment.

Some 33 online workshops were delivered in 2020, and the charity plans to deliver 10 online workshops every quarter in the future. City and county councils are encouraged to offer the course to their staff, which is endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing.

While working with the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the Gas Safe Charity 36 November 2021

learned that many people of South Asian heritage are not as aware of CO risks in their home as they could be. The charity worked with FireAngel, Cadent Gas and the Shree Santa Mandir and Community Centre in Leicester to produce a film in Hindi with English subtitles. The film shows how CO risks affect everyone, and how knowing key facts such as the sources, signs and symptoms of CO can help protect people from danger.

The Gas Safe Charity has also continued its work with the Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT), providing an annual hardship fund designed to help people stay independent and safe in their own homes.

FILT administers the fund on behalf of the charity and has provided small grants to 6,800 households to help with boiler servicing, safety checks, and work on flues, meters, gas fires and cookers.

The charity also focuses on education for primary school children. Initially funding a theatre group that travelled around the country to deliver workshops on gas safety, the charity has now developed a suite of educational material for schools called

Eight-year-old Amelia Martin won the ‘Get Creative, Be Safe’ competition by designing an eye-catching poster that warns of the dangers of CO poisoning and the signs to look out for.

Amelia attends Frongoch Junior School in Denbigh. She won the Key Stage 2 Wales category of the competition, which is run by the Energy Networks Association, and was supported by Wales & West Utilities. Each year, the competition encourages school-age children to produce something creative to warn of the dangers of CO poisoning.

Amelia won a £150 prize for herself and £300 for her school.

She said: “I really enjoyed coming up with creative ideas that will help other people recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Taking part in this competition was really fun. We learned about gas safety in school, so the competition helped us check everything we learned. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had won – it was an amazing feeling!”

‘Get Gas Safe for Schools’. These are interactive learning exercises that explain gas safety hazards in the home, with teaching aids for use in classroom or assembly sessions.

Children are taught to recognise gas safety hazards and receive safety checklists. They’re encouraged to get thinking about risks in the home, and then share what they’ve learned with their parents and grandparents. This material is available free of charge for all schools on the Gas Safe Charity website.

The charity has also recruited three new trustees to its board following a skills audit, including gas engineer Mike Risden. www.gassafecharity.org.uk

eBay bans black spot and patch CO detectors Earlier this year, eBay confirmed that it would remove all listings of black spot CO detectors from its platform. eBay says its filters will flag these products if they are listed in future ads, and conducts manual sweeps to remove any ads for black spot and patch CO detectors.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | CARBON MONOXIDE

keep people CO safe Fighting CO through scientific research

T

he Gas Safety Trust became the CO Research Trust earlier this year so that its name more accurately reflects the work it carries out. The gas industry has taken significant steps forward to prevent CO exposure, thanks in part to regulation and improved technologies. However, the Trust, which was originally set up in 2005, believes the picture is less clear in other fuel sectors, and its new name reflects the broader focus of CO concerns when connected to fuels other than gas.

Chair Baroness Finlay says: “We fight CO exposure through funding scientific research as we believe that this will make the greatest difference. The new

“The focus of attention is firmly upon understanding the mechanics of CO poisoning.”

understanding of the mechanics of CO poisoning, including the increased susceptibilities associated with vulnerable groups and those with underlying health conditions • Finding better ways to capture the number of fatalities and people affected by low-level exposure to CO poisoning • Examining the effects that changes to Building Regulations, energy efficiency measures and the way people heat and cook in their homes can have an impact on CO safety • Ensuring a better understanding of the risk of

CO poisoning in non-domestic environments.

The CO Research Trust has committed to investing £1.5 million in funding such projects over the next five years, and has invested almost £3 million in research projects since 2013. It believes that funding research will make the greatest difference to people who have been poisoned and exposed to CO, now and in the future.

A series of free online lectures is being held in partnership with the International CO Research Network, showcasing the work of researchers from around the world. n

United against CO United Against Carbon Monoxide gives advice about protecting people from CO. The initiative is formed of charities, organisations, businesses and individuals all working together to raise awareness of CO poisoning, including the Dominic Rodgers Trust and the Katie Haines Memorial Trust.

The initiative provides information about the importance of the correct installation and positioning of CO alarms. Online resources include podcasts, downloadable guides to CO, and advice on what to do if a CO alarm activates. www.unitedagainstco.com

name more accurately conveys the focus of our work. The CO Research Trust is entering an exciting new phase, where the focus of attention is firmly upon understanding the mechanics of CO poisoning, thereby improving the diagnosis and treatment.

“I am confident that the Trust’s work will have a great impact and significantly contribute to our understanding and prevention of carbon monoxide exposure.”

The CO Research Trust is encouraging organisations to apply for a grant to support them in carrying out research relating to CO safety. Applications are encouraged in areas, including: • Finding a new biomarker to make it easier to diagnose CO poisoning • Researching a better www.gassaferegister.co.uk 37

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | WATER HEATING

The role of heat pumps in commercial buildings Heat pumps have a key role to play in making hot water production more energy efficient, says James Chaplen, senior product manager at Mitsubishi Electric.

I

n 2019, the government set its sights on achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The UK has the world’s most ambitious climate change target, aiming for a 78 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.

As more legislation comes in to help reach these goals, owners and managers of commercial buildings will have to ensure they are meeting them, and playing their role in improving energy efficiency.

However, this ambitious target also presents a great opportunity for building owners and facilities managers to think differently about how they design and operate commercial buildings.

It could also encourage the future adoption of low-carbon building service technologies for commercial spaces on a wider scale.

When looking at how much carbon a building emits or generates, it’s important to consider how much comes from heating and hot water production.

Heating in buildings currently accounts for around 37 per cent

the system can cascade available units on and off to meet the building’s hot water requirements.

Heat recovery systems that use heat pumps can also be particularly useful for mixed-use developments or large offices, where the need for hot water provision varies. These enable heat to be captured from the cooling process and used for heating and hot water requirements in other areas of the building.

The current journey to net-zero The government is already taking steps to help decarbonise commercial buildings. The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution in 2020 and the Green Growth Strategy in 2017 both prioritise the uptake of renewable technologies to help reach net zero. However, legislation specifically targeting the provision of heat and hot water to commercial buildings

“Heat recovery systems that use heat pumps can be particularly useful for mixed-use developments or large offices where the need for hot water provision varies.” of total UK emissions, so it remains a key area of focus when trying to decarbonise.

Heat pump technology could be the answer to providing heating and hot water for commercial buildings in a more energy efficient, renewable way.

So what benefits can heat pumps offer, and how can they support more efficient hot water production in commercial buildings?

38 November 2021

also needs to be considered.

Part L of the Building Regulations offers an important opportunity to raise standards in existing and new buildings.

With anticipated updates including weightings that reflect the UK’s move to renewables for generating electricity, the legislation could give greater priority to electric heating and hot water systems when calculating carbon emissions.

The implementation of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) has also made it illegal to let properties with an Energy Performance Certificate rating lower than band E. There is growing interest in embodied carbon in commercial buildings, and the non-domestic Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) has been extended to 2022.

All of these need to be considered when investing in a hot water and heating solution for a commercial building.

Heat pumps are the solution for hot water provision Heat pumps can help meet the challenge of producing hot water more efficiently. In the past, they have been considered as a highly effective option for supplying low-temperature space heating, but high-temperature heat pumps are now available that offer hot water supply up to 90°C. This makes them a great option for buildings where there is a high demand for sanitary hot water at peak times, like hotels, hospitals and leisure centres.

Other heat pumps can take a more modular approach, with multiple appliances operating in a single system. This means that

Key areas to consider There are a number of different areas to consider when applying heat pumps to provide commercial hot water. Volume and temperature requirements are key to the correct sizing of the system, and it’s also important to understand whether the hot water usage profile will be steady across the day or go through peaks.

For example, Mitsubishi Electric recommends that the sanitary hot water load should be achieved at the lowest required design ambient temperature where the heat pump is located.

This is so that the system can be sized to achieve the target hot water temperature efficiently in a suitable timeframe.

As we move towards a net-zero future, heating and hot water have to be prioritised.

We need to rethink the way our commercial spaces are heated, and how hot water is provided.

Transitioning to renewable heating and hot water production will not only help reduce carbon emissions today, but ensures that buildings meet energy efficiency standards in the future.

While there is no single solution to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, heat pumps are well known, tested and scalable. As a ready-to-go technology, they offer a genuine alternative to current approaches. n

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | WATER FITTINGS

Three plumbing regulations you should know Do you know which water fittings and pipework to use to make sure you comply with the relevant regulations? Richard Bateman, product marketing manager at RWC, looks at three key areas and regulations that every heating engineer should know.

Underfloor heating and Water Regulations Schedule 2.7 As part of the government’s forthcoming Future Homes Standard, the installation of gas boilers will start to be phased out.

Front-runners to replace them are heat pumps, and to work with these technologies effectively, underfloor heating (UFH) will be a more efficient alternative when compared with traditional radiators.

This means that heating engineers not only need to start upskilling in UFH installation, but

Thermostatic mixing valves and Part G of the Building Regulations Safeguarding against scalding is ensured by using thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs). TMVs are regulated under Part G of the Building Regulations and must be fitted in all commercial and domestic new-builds, as well as properties undergoing a change of use.

TMVs are a fundamental part of any hot water system, blending hot and cold water to a temperature that mitigates the

“TMVs blend hot and cold water to a temperature that mitigates the risk of scalding while allowing hot water systems to run at high temperatures.” also need to be aware of the regulations around this technology, one of which is Water Regulations Schedule 2.7. This framework covers where and how to run pipes in any building with a mains water supply, protecting against poor installation and leaks in concealed floors, such as in underfloor heating.

The regulations state that there should be no inaccessible fittings within a concealed floor, and that the entire length of pipe carrying the water should be within a conduit – a protective sleeve – and is therefore easily removable. This means that joints are minimised, leaks are prevented, and even if the water-carrying pipe splits for any reason, it is easily replaceable.

Additionally, if any joints must be made and fittings are laid in the floor, these must be accessible via a boxed unit. The easiest way to comply and avoid the hassle of creating joints is to use long, continuous runs of pipe that can be manipulated easily to form the UFH circuits.

40 November 2021

risk of scalding, while allowing hot water systems to run at high enough temperatures to prevent Legionella bacteria.

However, even though this regulation has been in force for more than a decade, there are still some misconceptions, mainly around the two certifications – TMV2 and TMV3.

TMV2-certified valves should be used in domestic, commercial and public buildings, as outlined in Part G of the Building Regulations and the TMV2 Scheme. TMVs must maintain a safe and stable temperature of under 48°C at all times and quickly shut off in the event of hot or cold water failure.

They must also be tested annually in commercial applications so as to maintain the certification. In these settings, a single TMV can serve multiple outlets, ideal for a group of basins in public toilets or showers in a gym.

TMV3-certified valves must be specified in healthcare settings

and a risk assessment should be carried out.

Crucially, a valve must be installed to every water outlet identified in the risk assessment.

Backflow: understanding the risk and relevant valves Backflow occurs when tainted or stagnant water is drawn back into the mains water supply, and it can happen through back-pressure or back-siphonage. Preventing this from happening is essential for keeping domestic and commercial water supplies sanitary and safe, as serious problems can ensue if contaminated water is consumed.

Several schedules under the Water Regulations govern the backflow and you should check the Fluid Category, as defined by

the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulation, of each application before deciding on the suitable backflow prevention device.

Fluid Category 1 is regarded as safe, while Fluid Category 5 poses a significant health risk.

In most domestic applications, single or double-check valves will be enough to ensure compliance and with the most common scenarios in Fluid Categories 1-3.

If it’s a commercial and healthcare application, however, harmful concentrations of toxic substances may be present in the water. This means that backflow prevention devices that are suitable for dealing with Fluid Categories 4 and 5 will be needed, along with single and double-check valves. ■ www.rwc.com

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 41

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LOYALTY SCHEMES

When points mean more than just prizes Loyalty schemes are a popular way for manufacturers to encourage and reward gas engineers for buying their products. But how do they work and how can you make the most of them? Registered Gas Engineer looks at some of the perks on offer.

Alpha Heating Innovation

There are bonus points for additional membership years, and again when you reach the milestones of 20 and 40 installations. All points are valid for two years from the date of installation.

Points can be redeemed for personal rewards such as homeware, electronics and jewellery, or for practical business tools such as workwear and marketing support. You can get free Gas Safe notification,

warranty letters for customers and an online quote tool.

Brendan Fenerty, national sales director, says: “Loyalty schemes such as AlphaOne have been created as a way for companies to give back and add value to their loyal customer base.

“We believe that a range of rewards is crucial to a successful loyalty scheme, as customers must have something to aim for that will engage them and that they feel they can achieve.”

www.alpha-innovation.co.uk/ alphaone

Baxi Heating

How it works: You can register for Baxi Works online. The website outlines all the benefits and rewards of Baxi Works, and there’s a short video to help you decide if it’s right for you. You can tailor the

scheme to your own needs.

As a Baxi Works member, you can access same-day and next-day customer support, priority access to technical experts, and exclusive technical information. You’ll also receive personalised annual service reminders for customers, and a listing on the ‘Find an Installer’ section of Baxi’s website.

Through the Baxi Toolbelt app, you can scan barcodes and complete free Gas Safe notifications. The Benchmark app is integrated with the Toolbelt app, providing digital access to the checklist, warranty information, registration, and other on-site support.

You can request a Baxi customer service engineer through the app’s Book a Repair feature, cutting the amount of time on the job.

Rewards include tools and workwear, training courses, gadgets and electronics, holiday vouchers and shopping vouchers.

Dave Cook, residential sales director, UK and Ireland, says: “Providing great service and listening to what engineers need and want is part and parcel of our customer proposition. Anything that can be done to assist and reward engineers is helpful to the industry and promotes a more efficient, high standard of work.” www.baxiworks.co.uk

Glow-worm

rewards are available for registering the installation of some Glow-worm products, as well as credits when you share your Glow-worm installations on Twitter. Club Energy members can also access a dedicated support team.

Spencer Clark, commercial director, says: “Glow-worm Club Energy has become an integral part of our engineers’ lives and business. We regularly meet and speak with our Club Energy members at events such as the UK-wide Merchant Mystery Tour, trade exhibitions and the popular

Glow-worm Mystery Trip. This way we can make sure they’re getting the most out of the programme. We also have a dedicated support team just for our Club Energy members, and it really strengthens our bonds with installers.

“Club Energy members have access to some of the best training in the industry. Extending beyond product training, our courses are not only delivered by our own experienced trainers, but we also partner with experts to give tailored advice.

“Loyalty programmes give

members a sense of community.

Many gas engineers work alone, so programmes such as ours can form the basis of a great network.

Also, being partnered with a manufacturer means engineers have access to industry and business information more quickly.” www.glow-wormclubenergy. co.uk

Scheme: AlphaOne Date created: September 2015 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support How it works: You can sign up free to the AlphaOne scheme online and then register your installations online or via the AlphaOne app.

Once signed up, you’ll accumulate points for every qualifying installation you register.

Scheme: Baxi Works Date created: 2011, revamped in 2016 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support

Scheme: Club Energy Date created: 2009 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support How it works: You can sign up to Club Energy online or via the Club Energy app. The programme provides rewards and business support tools for gas engineers in the one-off domestic installation market. It also provides online and app-based tools, including boiler registration, guarantees, Gas Safe certification and Benchmark forms.

Cash and extended guarantee

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 43

>

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LOYALTY SCHEMES

When points mean more than just prizes continued

> Ideal Heating

There is also discounted access to become an Introducer Appointed Representative, which means you can offer finance options to your customers.

You can become Max Accredited, earning extra rewards such as warranty extensions on some products.

Promotions include the Premier Club adventure, where you’ll receive a place on an exclusive trip.

Luke Pykett, head of brand marketing, says: “Our loyal engineers are at the heart of everything we do.

“Our wide-ranging reward opportunities are some of the ways we like to maximise each

other’s triumphs and say thank you.” www.installerconnect.com

Intergas Heating

How it works: The scheme works across two tiers. First, you enrol on the MiREG app and portal, which gives access to information about Intergas and enables you to register a boiler online.

You then become eligible for Intergas’s annual promotions on a points-based system. You can choose specific rewards depending on the number of boilers you register by a given date. Rewards vary according to the season, and can include a free boiler.

MiTECH+ provides leadgeneration benefits. Eligibility depends on 75 per cent of the boilers you fit being an Intergas model. There are no fixed targets to hit to join or remain on the scheme.

You can add your details to the ‘Find an installer’ webpage, and outline your services, add a logo, images, testimonials and

contact details. MiTECH+ engineers can also join a Facebook group to talk to other engineers and the Intergas team.

Terri Hickman, marketing communications manager, says: “We know that good engineers are under a lot of pressure and believe loyalty schemes like ours inject some excitement into their installations.

“But we want brand loyalty to be based on more than ‘stuff’.

We want to develop long-term relationships, which is why we have introduced the business-building and knowledge-building element.” www.myintergasregistration. co.uk

Navien

seasonal items, such as barbecues and outdoor pizza ovens.

The latest rewards range from gift vouchers to Ray-Ban sunglasses and PlayStation 5 games consoles.

Jason Davies, national sales manager, says: “We chose prize-type rewards because Navien already offers e-training and on-site training free of charge to our engineers, while the company also takes loyal and VIP engineers on trips to other countries.

“Schemes should not only reward engineers for their loyalty, but also support them with their businesses. They enable

manufacturers to show their customer base how much they appreciate them. It is the perfect

method for manufacturers to say thank you.” www.navienchoice.com

Scheme: Connect Date created: 2014 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support How it works: The Connect scheme works on a points-based system, and you can earn points for each installation you register.

Points can be redeemed against a wide range of rewards and business benefits, including workwear, boilers and controls, or even money loaded on to a Mastercard to spend however you like.

Scheme: MiREG and MiTECH+ Date created: MiREG was launched in 2017 and MiTECH+ in 2019 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support

Scheme: Navien Choice Date created: June 2021 Type of rewards: Prizes How it works: You can earn reward points for every NCB-CE combi and NCB-CE system gas boiler, plus any LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler you register.

Points can be banked or redeemed immediately for instant rewards.

For example, you can receive a Sony wireless speaker after registering just one NCB combi gas boiler, while installing nine LCB700 oil boilers would earn enough points for a TV or iPad. The rewards are updated throughout the year, including 44 November 2021

>

3 FOR

£300

*

Install and register three Baxi 600/Baxi 800/Platinum+ boilers at baxiworks.co.uk and earn £300 cashback* Promotion is capped at six boilers.

Follow us

*Promotion applies to any Baxi 600, 800 and Platinum+ boilers installed and registered on Baxi Works between 11/10/2021 - 31/01/2022.

For more information please refer to our promotional terms and conditions at www.baxiworks.co.uk/news-and-offers †

Terms and conditions apply. See www.baxi.co.uk for details.

DEPT_446321_Baxi_Q4Cashback2021_RGE_HalfHoriz.indd 1

18/10/2021 09:55

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 45

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LOYALTY SCHEMES

When points mean more than just prizes continued

>

becoming important business tools to make installation admin easier, using digital innovation to improve customer service and offer tools that help engineers build their business.

“Advance offers engineers access to myVAILLANTPRO, for example, which allows them to remotely monitor their customer installations and identify the parts required before they visit for a repair or service.

“There is also a finance option, using partner Trade Toolbox, which ensures engineers are competitive when quoting for work.” www.vaillant-advance.co.uk

Vaillant

automation of installation paperwork to a whole host of rewards and information to support you with your business.

You can choose high street e-vouchers or use credits to get branded workwear and tools, for example.

Advance also offers prizes when installations are registered or you can ‘trade up’ to unlock

higher-value prizes. Promotions reward loyalty with trips where you’ll be hosted by the Vaillant team and get to socialise with other Advance members and their partners.

Members can access marketing support, including online business clinics, where you can find out more about marketing, sales and finance to help you grow your business.

Podcasts, video talks and the Advance magazine further extend the business support on offer.

Spencer Clark, commercial director, says: “Loyalty programmes are much more than simple rewards – they are

Vokèra

postal and e-voucher rewards, including M&S, Amazon, Costa Coffee and Sports Direct vouchers.

You’ll get free Gas Safe notification, automatic warranty registration, plus the ability to set service reminders. You can also download PDFs of warranties and Building Regulation certificates.

Neil Mattock, marketing director and head of training, says: “At Vokèra we believe this type of scheme is an important touch point between installers and manufacturers. Offering exclusive rewards and support lets our customers know that we really value their loyalty. Vokèra Affinity is often the first step toward becoming an Accredited

Installer, a status that comes with a host of additional benefits.

“They can even find out who’s got what in stock using the Stockist Locator, and who is local

via GPS or postcode search.

“Members will also be the first to know about Vokèra’s seasonal promotional offers.” www.vokeraaffinity.co.uk

business support How it works: You’ll start receiving benefits when you register your first Worcester boiler. The more products you register with Worcester Bosch, the more your benefits and points

increase. These points can then be exchanged for rewards such as workwear and merchandise, product accessories, or a Worcester Bosch Mastercard.

Benefits are a mixture of business development tools and personal rewards. You can take advantage of dual-branded workwear, a new website, Bosch power tools, or claiming back the cost of your own marketing activity.

Katherine Lewis, customer loyalty manager, says:

“Excelerate offers industry USPs that encourage engineers to join and engage with us.

“Our loyalty programme ensures that, as the industry changes, we are supporting engineers every step of the way with knowledge and marketing material to help guide their customers into making the best choice they can for their new heating systems.” www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ excelerate

Scheme: Vaillant Advance Date created: 2009 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support How it works: Vaillant Advance offers a choice of rewards including cashback, credits and business tools. You can access it online or via the Advance app.

Business tools range from the

Scheme: Affinity Date created: 2006 Type of rewards: Prizes and business support How it works: To earn loyalty points, register your qualifying Vokèra installations online using the product serial number and Affinity claim code in the box.

The Affinity website is optimised for mobile devices, so no app is needed. You can log into your account to check your points balance and installation history, see the rewards available, and browse other scheme benefits, from promotional offers to priority technical advice.

Affinity offers a mixture of both business support and rewards.

Points can be redeemed for

Worcester Bosch

Scheme: Excelerate Date created: September 2020 (replacing the Greenstar Rewards programme and Worcester Accredited Installer Scheme) Type of rewards: Prizes and 46 November 2021

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | PRODUCTS

Productnews New hot water storage from Grant Grant has introduced a range of 14 cylinders as a universal solution for hot water storage that partners with traditional and renewable heating systems.

The QR range cylinders are suitable for installation alongside gas and oil boilers, solar thermal systems and air source heat pumps.

There are single and twin-coil variants as well as pre-plumbed and slimline models, available in sizes from 150 litres up to 300 litres.

The latest additions have faster heat-up times and excellent standing heat losses, making them Grant’s most efficient generation of cylinder models.

They come complete with all the fittings ready to accept 22mm and the pre-plumbed models incorporate features that make installation easier, including a fully integrated wiring centre, factory-fitted cold water and primary system pipework, and a potable water expansion vessel.

Grant UK has also unveiled its first cabinet cylinder model, the QR integrated cylinder, which packages a QR pre-plumbed, single-coil, 210 litre cylinder within a white casing, suitable for kitchen or utility room installations.

The cabinet cylinder includes factoryfitted features including a digital dual thermostat and programmable immersion heater timer.

All cylinders come with a 25-year warranty on the shell. www.grantuk.com/products/ cylinders

Step up to smarter showering with Aqualisa Aqualisa’s Quartz Smart Retrofit transforms almost any make of exposed mixer shower into a voice-activated, smart digital system – without disturbing the bathroom decor.

For those who don’t want to replace their shower but do want a smart showering experience, it delivers a simple and cost-effective solution.

It also provides a handy storage shelf for accessories and toiletries. It’s quick and straightforward to fit, with no major pipework alterations.

It comes with: • An intuitive app through which users can create personal shower profiles for all family members • Remote activation of shower or bath using voice or app control (Google and Amazon Alexa compatible) • Water usage monitoring and water-saving features • Water programmed to run at a

consistent temperature and flow.

The Quartz Smart Shower collection is powered by the intelligent Aqualisa Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Valve, which can be located up to 10m from the shower, providing flexible installation options. Setting the Smart Valve to Eco mode can reduce water consumption by up to one-third. www.aqualisa.co.uk/smartretrofit-shower

Intergas adds chemical and system filter pack The Intergas system filter, made in collaboration with Fernox, has been paired with a new chemical pack for everything needed to protect the whole heating system when installing a new boiler.

The pack contains the system filter, 256ml bottles of Fernox’s F1 inhibitor and F3 cleaner.

The system filter includes a 22mm spigot isolation valve and hydronic particle separation

with magnetic filtration.

Buying the filter as part of the filter and chemical pack or on its own adds two more years to the warranty on Intergas boilers.

The filter and boiler must be fitted on the same date, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and both warranties must be registered with Intergas at the same time. www.intergasheating.co.uk

Next generation Digistat from Drayton A new generation of Drayton’s Digistat has a contemporary new look and app control. Bluetooth connectivity provides in-home control of the Wiser Home app, so that users can create and adjust heating schedules from their phone.

Users can choose to use the thermostat or the app to control their heating and hot water.

In app, energy-saving Away Mode and Delayed Start modes provide reductions in energy use of up to 24 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Boost Mode can temporarily increase the desired temperature for a short period without having to adjust the schedule, and Timed Away Mode is ideal for pausing the schedule for longer periods.

Suitable for new and existing systems, the RF version is compatible with the UK standard wallplate, and the spare thermostat is compatible with existing SCRs. It is also the first Digistat in the range to be

available as a two-channel wireless option, providing either heating and hot water or two heating channels on a combi boiler.

It also has OpenTherm modulation on the mains relay and RF single-channel versions.

David Kempster, Future Offer manager at Drayton, says: “Designed in the UK for UK heating systems, the new Digistat bridges the gap between smart and traditional thermostats, making this a great solution for every customer and application.” www.draytoncontrols.co.uk

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 49

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Register online Receive your login details Login and view all the current courses available Book your place at a time to suit Visit www.viessmanninstallerportal.co.uk to register Viessmann Academy | Tel: 01952 675032 | Email: academy-uk@viessmann.com

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LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

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Competitions 5 cha

nces to win

Take five from the Dynamic Duo We’ve got hold of Intergas’s new System Filter and Chemical packs – and we’ve got five up for grabs.

T

he new Intergas System Filter and Chemical Pack will fight grime.

Developed in collaboration with Fernox, it makes compliance with BS 7593:2019 even easier. The pack contains Fernox’s unique hydronic particle separation technology and magnetic filtration to remove magnetic and non-magnetic system debris, as well as a bottle of Fernox F1 inhibitor and a bottle of F3 cleaner.

Their handy 265ml bottle size means the contents fit exactly into the filter’s chamber, so there are no wasted chemicals – you use exactly what’s needed.

We believe that looking after the health of the entire heating system isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s an essential part of every boiler installation.

A high proportion of boilers that fail in the first year do so because of poor water quality. But initially chemically cleaning, flushing and treating the system and introducing regular testing and re-dosing significantly improves the efficiency and life expectancy of most domestic central heating systems.

And every time you fit an Intergas system filter, whether it’s from this pack or bought separately, a further two years are added to the boiler’s warranty.

Your chance to win To be in with the chance of winning, please answer the following question correctly.

How many years will be added to the Intergas boiler warranty when its system filter is fitted? a) 1 year b) 2 years c) 5 years Send your answer, plus your name, address and registration number to competition@registeredgasengineer. co.uk and please include Intergas in the email subject line.

Five winners will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date of Tuesday 30 November 2021.

BS 7593:2019 – Code of practice for the preparation, commissioning and maintenance of domestic central heating and cooling water systems.

www.intergasheating.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS By entering this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions: • Registered Gas Engineer and Intergas do not accept responsibility for lost, delayed, corrupted or invalid entries.

• Five winners will be chosen at random from all correct answers submitted in accordance with these terms and conditions.

• The winners will be notified by email. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

• The prize cannot be substituted or upgraded.

54 November 2021

• The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Intergas may disqualify you from winning if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are in breach of these terms and conditions or your participation is fraudulent or otherwise unlawful.

• This draw is not open to employees of Intergas, Gas Safe Register or Registered Gas Engineer or their direct family members or agents.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Intergas do not accept any responsibility for any network

connection, technical failure or other problem in any telephone line, network, system, provider or otherwise which results in any entry not being properly recorded or received.

• One entry per person.

• Your entry details will be provided to Intergas, which may use them for marketing purposes.

By entering this competition, you agree that you may receive communications from Intergas.

If you do not wish to be contacted, please add NO COMMUNICATIONS in your email entry.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | COMPETITION

Win with Testo Testo and Registered Gas Engineer have teamed up to offer readers the chance to win a 550i digital manifold.

W

ith increased emphasis on heat pump installations, more gas engineers are looking to expand their knowledge in this area, and Testo’s digital measuring technology has been proving its worth in this area for years.

Testo is best known for its flue gas analysers but it’s also a firm favourite in other areas of HVACR, providing instruments to measure pressure, volume flow, temperature and more.

Testo digital manifolds are popular with refrigeration engineers but are also perfect for heat pumps.

Launched in 2021, the Testo 550i is part of the brand new 55x digital manifold range. Starting at just £129, the Testo 550i provides an ideal introduction into heat pump measuring

ces to win

technology and is a great addition to any gas engineer’s toolbag.

The Testo 550i is a smart, fully compact, digital manifold – and it’s the smallest on the market. It offers maximum reliability thanks to the extremely robust housing with IP54 protection class, and it’s easy to use as the world’s first fully

Your chance to win

app-controlled digital manifold. All activities, from measurement through to documentation, are possible with the Testo 550i and the Smart app.

The Testo 550i has been developed for people on the go, who need fast and reliable measurement on heat pumps and refrigeration systems, as well as being able to document and send reports wirelessly. www.testo.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS By entering this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions: • Registered Gas Engineer and Testo do not accept responsibility for lost, delayed, corrupted or invalid entries.

• Three winners will be chosen at random from all correct answers submitted in accordance with these terms and conditions.

• The winner will be notified by email. The judges’ decision is final and no

3 Chan

correspondence will be entered into.

• The prize cannot be substituted or upgraded.

• The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Testo may disqualify you from winning if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are in breach of these terms and conditions or your participation is fraudulent or otherwise unlawful.

• This draw is not open to employees of Testo,

For your chance to win a Testo 550i digital manifold, please answer the following question correctly: How many annual heat pump installations has the government targeted by 2028? a) 200,000 b) 400,000 c) 600,000 To enter, just go to: www.testo. com/en-UK/RGE-Competition Three winners will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by Tuesday 30 November 2021.

Gas Safe Register or Registered Gas Engineer or their direct family members or agents.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Testo do not accept any responsibility for any network connection, technical failure or other problem in any telephone line, network, system, provider or otherwise which results in any entry not being properly recorded or received.

• One entry per person.

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 55

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