Gas REGISTERED
THE ONLY OFFICIAL INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
Issue 147 June 2021
Landlords’ gas safety checks: what you need to know
Low-carbon heating Are heat pumps the answer to the low-carbon conundrum?
Your business Top tips for marketing your business
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In this issue
Issue 147 June 2021
16 The good, the bad and the ugly
21 Letters 22 Technical
Landlords’ gas safety checks: what work you must carry out, what’s best practice, and how to fill in the record correctly
25 Industry Standard 04 Gas Safe News
Gas Safe encourages consumers to arrange their annual gas appliance service; New guidance for gas safety in caravans and motorhomes; PLUS why it’s time to start planning for Gas Safety Week
09 News
Fatal explosion was caused by cutting through live gas pipework; Boiler sales bounce back as consumers renovate; Decarbonised heating must take place house by house, says EUA
15 News focus
The government wants to cut the UK’s carbon emissions 15 years sooner than it had set out previously. We examine the challenges that lie ahead
Update 104
Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 1 Part 2: 2021 – Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations: Vapour Off-take Small Bulk Propane Installations
28 Technical
Clarification on the LPG hoses that should be used in leisure accommodation vehicles
06 Profile
We meet James Meadows, the Gas Safe Register inspector who has undertaken an astonishing sporting feat for charity
30 Marketing your business
Are you looking for new customers? We examine
the many advertising options available, from social media to online directories and local papers
42 Products
The latest launches from Worcester Bosch, Ariston, Knipex, Remeha and more
32 Heat pumps
Can heat pumps alone solve the low-carbon conundrum? PLUS common questions on how to fit a heat pump; why connected controls can unlock further savings; and heat pumps vs hydrogenready boilers
Win Page 47
Competition Win a 12kW Fusion Astro electric combi boiler from the Electric Heating Company worth £1,300.
www.gassaferegister.co.uk 03
FROM THE EDITOR
Comment
O
ur cover story last month was about dyslexia and how thousands of gas engineers live with the condition, whether or not they have been diagnosed. We know that this topic has resonated with many readers. Some have challenged our cover treatment, in which the word dyslexia was deliberately mis-spelled to try to reflect the real-life experience of some people who live with the condition. Some gas engineers have told us about the difficulties that living with dyslexia can bring. Others agree with the opinion that dyslexia can benefit them in unexpected ways. In our next issue of Registered Gas Engineer (July), we’ll be coming back to the subject and sharing some of your feedback on the article and your own experiences. We’re keen to know more about how dyslexia affects you and to continue to raise awareness, so please email us at editorial@ registeredgasengineer.co.uk. You can remain anonymous if you prefer to do so. We’d also like to find out more about what you think of the design and layout of this magazine, especially if you have dyslexia: are there things we can change to make it easier for you to read and enjoy? Please do let us know. Nicki Shearer, editor The quickest way to reach the magazine team is via email. Gas Safe Register, PO Box 6804, Basingstoke, RG24 4NB. 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, Graham Kidd, Ronnie McFarlane, Jon Palmer, David Smith, Jonathan Stirling Production: Mark Turpin Advertising enquiries only: Ian Carter ian@rgemagazine.co.uk 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 04 June 2021
Tick gas safety to-do list, says W
ith the expected lifting of lockdown measures this month, the nation is determined to tackle its household tasks. And Gas Safe Register is encouraging Brits to ensure that arranging their annual gas appliance servicing comes at the top of their to-do list. Many gas engineers find that their workloads lighten during the summer months, and the campaign makes sure that consumers know where they can find a qualified gas engineer to carry out their servicing and safety checks at this quieter time of year. “Gas engineers tell us that encouraging servicing work during the busy winter months can be counter-productive as they’re often busier with breakdowns and emergency
work,” says Gas Safe Register head of communications Scott Darroch. “Now is the ideal time to encourage householders to get in touch with their registered gas engineer to get their gas appliances checked and serviced.” Research from the Register found that the top three tasks that people are ready to take on are garden maintenance (29 per cent), cleaning the windows (27 per cent) and scrubbing the oven (24 per cent). But when it comes to safety, just one in 10 (10 per cent) are aiming to book in a gas safety check or service, and one-third admit that gas safety checks often slip to the bottom of their to-do lists. Aggie MacKenzie (pictured), who has been encouraging the UK to be clean, organised and
It’s time to start your planning It’s never too early to think about what you’ll do in Gas Safety Week. Last year saw the industry’s biggest annual gas safety campaign switch mainly to online and social media because of the pandemic. But the industry was still able to come together with one voice to highlight how effective communities can be when they work together. More than 4,000 people and organisations pledged their support, proving that, even in the most challenging of times, our industry is committed to working together to ensure that people stay gas safe. This year, Gas Safety Week aims to continue to be as inclusive as possible and the Register has been carrying out
research with gas engineers to find out which marketing tools and materials they want to receive in order to support Gas Safety Week and their own business. Stay up to date with news and tools to help you take part in 2021’s campaign at: www.gassafetyweek.co.uk
13-19 September 2021
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS
off your Gas Safe tidy for two decades since appearing on Channel 4’s How Clean is Your House?, says: “Personally, I love getting the less glamorous household tasks ticked off my to-do list. But if it brings you less enjoyment, now is the time to get the sensible stuff sorted – and a gas safety
check with a registered engineer should be top of that list.” Tackling the more ‘tedious’ tasks can be good for us. Over two-thirds (68 per cent) of Brits say they get a boost when they tick tasks off their list. TV behavioural psychologist Emma Kenny, who is also supporting Gas Safe Register’s campaign, says we get a buzz from being sensible. “Getting on top of your life admin is great for positive mental health and wellbeing. “Knowing that you have ticked off important tasks, such as having your gas appliances checked, so that you protect both yourself and your family,
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is a small win that makes a huge difference. “Getting organised this way helps you to feel in control of your world, while ensuring the safety of the people that mean the most to you in it. The science clearly shows that when you feel that you are on top of your roles and responsibilities, you feel happier and more content, which is something everyone needs after the challenging year we have faced.”
Gas safety for caravans and motorhomes Gas Safe has issued guidance to people taking holidays in the UK this year in touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes. The useful tips remind holidaymakers that gas safety is just as important in their holiday home as their usual home. The tips mirror the guidance to registered gas engineers pubished in last month’s Registered Gas Engineer. Gas Safe Register’s tips to stay gas safe on a touring holiday are: • Hiring: Ask if the gas appliances in your leisure accommodation vehicle (LAV) have been safety checked and serviced. The hirer must do this by law and is required to provide an up-to-date landlord’s gas safety record • Buying a previously used LAV: Ask the vendor to provide any servicing and maintenance records. If these can’t be supplied, ask about having the
gas installation checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer • Appliances such as gas cookers or gas fires will be different from those you’re used to at home. It’s a good idea to ask for copies of the appliance user guide or maintenance instructions • Ask for a demonstration on how to use the gas appliances/ installation, including the storage, positioning, and exchange of LPG gas cylinders • Gas cookers should not be used for heating, and require adequate ventilation when in use
• Barbecues must only be used in open, well-ventilated spaces • Do not block any purposeprovided ventilation • An MOT certificate for a motorhome is not a guarantee of the safety of the gas installation • Recognise the signs that a gas appliance may be unsafe. Black marks or stains around the appliance and lazy yellow or orange flames could be signs that it is not working properly. Do not use them until they’ve been inspected by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
What would you like to find out more about in Open Channel from Gas Safe Register discussions? The events that have taken place so far have focused on the latest Unsafe Situations Procedure, RIDDOR, hydrogen and LPG. Open Channel events are always followed by an in-depth article in this magazine, in case you miss the discussion, or just want to find out more. If you’d like to suggest a new topic, please email: RGEOpenChannel@ GasSafeRegister.co.uk
Open Channel
Competition winners The winner of our competition in April with TPI was Glyn Davis from Waterlooville in Hampshire. Glyn is pictured receiving his TPI DC710C2 smart Bluetooth flue gas analyser and manometer kit. Three readers won a Van Guardian, the multipoint zonal alarm system designed to protect your van. The winners were Andy Kirby from Wolverhampton, Malcolm Adams from East Anglia, and David Rodinson from Kingswinford. • This month, you could win a Fusion Astro boiler from Electric Heating Company – see page 47 for details. www.gassaferegister.co.uk 05
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | PROFILE
With a little help from my friends What do Gas Safe Register inspectors do when they’re not at work? Registered Gas Engineer talks to James Meadows, who has undertaken an astonishing sporting feat.
J
ames Meadows has just completed his first 100-mile run. No, that’s not a typo. “It’s been a target of mine for a few years but it didn’t happen for one reason or another,” he told us. The ultra-runner had a good reason for finally achieving his ambition on 1 April: he wanted to help raise awareness of and funds for a group that aims to combat knife crime. The organisation, in Memory of Colin McGinty, was set up by the family of James’s schoolfriend, who was just 21 when he died after being stabbed in what the police said was a case of mistaken identity. Although James had lost touch with Colin, a friend spotted on social media that the organisation had set up a running group and they got in touch. As the 20th anniversary of Colin’s death approached, James
his other running club, the Marsh Lane Harriers. The second 25 miles saw kNOw Knife Crime runners join in. And then the Merseyside Police came along too. “A couple of police officers drove beside me and had a little chat, which was nice,” says James. “Then in the early hours of the morning, one of the Colin McGinty team joined in and rode his bike next to me, and a few hours later a few more came on their bikes.” The last 10-15 miles saw half-a-dozen runners join in with James as he approached the end. The finish After 19.5 hours of running, at 1.30pm, James reached his home for the last time, where family, friends and police were waiting to congratulate him on his mammoth achievement. “Even though I was
“The running group had not been able to train together, so James decided to take on his challenge solo.” decided that the time was right to try to run for 100 miles. Covid restrictions meant that the group had not been able to train together and wouldn’t be able to organise a race for the anniversary, so James decided to take on his challenge solo. The start He planned a route that started and ended at his Aintree home, on a 25-mile circuit that he would need to run four times. But when he set off at 6pm, he found that he wouldn’t be all on his own after all. For the first 25 miles, he was joined by three members of 06 June 2021
running through the night, I never felt tired – I was wide awake the whole time,” he says. But it hadn’t been all plain sailing. He describes ultra-running as being like an eating contest because you have to ensure that you take on enough food and drink to be able to continue. “But from about 25-30 miles, I felt bloated and a bit sick and I couldn’t get the calories in. From 30 miles to 75 miles, I barely took a thing in and, from 75 miles, crisps were the only thing I felt like so I took on a few bags.” It was hardly the ideal fuel and James started to suffer from
James joined Gas Safe Register in March 2020, having been a self-employed gas engineer for 16 years. As an inspector covering Liverpool, Southport and part of Preston, he knows from his own experience the challenges that gas engineers can face in their day-to-day work, especially during the Covid pandemic, and he makes sure that he is empathetic and approachable. “I treat people the way I wanted to be treated. No one’s perfect, and people do make mistakes,” he says. severe leg pains over the final distance. “When I got to the end, I wasn’t in the best state: I just got straight into bed,” he says. The recovery Recovery from such extreme exertion wasn’t immediate and it took around 10 days before James’s body eased up enough for him to return to day-to-day activities. Luckily, he had taken the week off work after the run to give himself time to recover. Now he’s starting to get back to his usual running routines and patterns, sometimes with the Marsh Lane Harriers, and sometimes with the Colin McGinty team, but more often out on his
own, putting dozens of miles at a time under his belt. Running on his own means that he can balance its demands with his work and family life that includes 11-year-old twins and a six-year-old. Racing for the sake of it doesn’t appeal, he says. “I prefer to spend time with the kids. If you do a race, the best part of a day’s gone. The kids play footy at the weekend as well,” he says. But thoughts are starting to turn to his next challenge already. “I’ve ticked the box for 100 miles now, what’s next? In the back of my mind there’s a 24-hour race, where you cover the maximum distance you can. I don’t know though, my wife might divorce me.” n
James’s run helped to raise funds for a group set up in memory of his schoolfriend. In Memory of Colin McGinty is a team of mixed-ability runners that aims to make people aware of the long-term traumatic effects of knife crime, in the hope of deterring people from carrying a knife. “We are a team of people from all over the UK who believe in making a stand against knife crime. We bring teams of people together through positive sporting events to run in memory of Colin McGinty and use our platform to spread the kNOw Knife Crime message.” knowknifecrime.com www.justgiving.com/fundraising/knowknifecrime
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY
To report illegal gas work please call 0800 408 5577 or go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk/reportillegal
Fake fitter had been warned not to work on gas A self-employed plumber has been given a suspended prison sentence after carrying out illegal and dangerous gas work and forging a Gas Safe registration number. North Staffordshire Magistrates Court heard that, in April 2018, Jeffrey Lewis, from Cheadle, incorrectly installed a new boiler in a domestic property in Stoke-on-Trent despite never having been registered. HSE, prosecuting, told the court that he also issued an invalid gas safety certificate to the occupier instead of a commissioning certificate, and faked a Gas Safe registration number. The boiler had been connected to an old flue from a different manufacturer, and its spigot had been pushed in and not installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. HSE said the gas supply pipe to the boiler was undersized at 15mm instead of the 22mm that was required for part of the pipework run. Mr Lewis had not installed the original pipework under the floorboards but it would have been visible when he connected the new boiler and should have been upgraded to the correct size. Six months after the installation, the boiler locked out during cold weather and couldn’t be re-lit. The landlord had difficulty getting the boiler repaired and the lack of heating was reported to the local authority housing department, which discovered that Mr Lewis was not registered and reported
its findings to HSE. The HSE investigation found that Mr Lewis had not undertaken any appropriate training in gas work since the 1970s. He was also in breach of a Prohibition Notice that the HSE had issued to him in 2015 not to carry out gas work until he was competent to do so and had become Gas Safe registered. Jeffrey Alan Lewis of Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 as amended, and one breach of Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for 18 months, a four-month curfew from 7pm-6am, and ordered to carry out 20 rehabilitation activity days. He was ordered to pay court costs of £1,000. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Wendy Campbell said: “Mr Lewis knew that he was not registered to undertake gas work, but still put the occupier and her family at serious risk by carrying out the work.”
Fatal explosion caused by cutting through live gas pipework A Glasgow asbestos removal contractor has been fined £150,000 after one employee was fatally injured and another was seriously injured in a gas explosion. Hamilton Sheriff’s Court heard that, on 5 October 2017, workers were removing a boiler and pipework, and overspraying walls to remove asbestos residue at the former Pastoral Centre in Bonkle Road, Newmains, Wishaw. Work was being carried out prior to demolition and the intention was to cut the boiler and pipework into sections to make it easier to remove. However, the gas supply had not been isolated and the workers cut through a live gas outlet pipe. The gas ignited and caused an explosion. Two workers received extensive burns and underwent surgery, but one died in hospital several days after the incident. The HSE investigation found that the risk assessment and plan of work for the job had identified that there were gas services in the
boiler room, but the company failed to ensure that the gas pipework was isolated and purged before work started. Enviraz (Scotland) Limited of Kelvin Avenue, Hillington Business Park, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £150,000. HSE inspector Helen Diamond said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided if the company had ensured that the gas pipe in the boiler room had been isolated and purged prior to removal. “Given the potential consequences of using a power tool on live or unpurged pipework, the management system to establish the status of the pipework needs to be robust and there should be written confirmation of isolation. “Tragically, one man has lost his life as a result of this incident and a second worker has sustained life-changing injuries.”
Essential info wherever you are Using our mobile app on your phone or tablet (or both) means you’ll never miss any breaking news or essential gas safety information. You can use the free Registered Gas Engineer app to read the latest edition of your magazine and previous issues. You can download full digital editions and stay up to date with the latest information from Gas Safe Register, essential industry news and guidance, technical information, and the newest products and jobs. You can download the app free for iOS and Android phones AND tablets, and you’ll need to enter your Gas Safe registration number the first time you use it. Just search for Registered Gas Engineer at your favourite app store.
www.gassaferegister.co.uk 09
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Worcester and Ariston scoop up green awards Worcester Bosch and Ariston have both been named class winners in the Green Homes Awards 2021. Worcester won the award for Best Heating Innovation for its hydrogen-ready boiler. The boiler is built and works in the same way as a natural gas appliance and can run on natural gas until hydrogen becomes available. At that point, it can be converted to run on hydrogen by changing just two or three components. Martyn Bridges, director of
technical communication & product management at Worcester Bosch, says: “Our research and development team have been hard at work to create a hydrogen-ready prototype that can be used by the masses and help meet our net-zero 2050 targets. The fact that this prototype has been recognised as a key innovator towards green housing is testament to the amazing work and commitment they’ve put in over the years.” Ariston’s Velis Evo Wi-Fi was
named Best Hot Water Innovation. The judges were impressed with the electric storage water heater’s performance, efficiency, environmental accreditations and uniqueness in the market, as well as sustainable production methods. Managing director Mustafa Findik says: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award. Not only is it a fantastic achievement, it also reflects our ongoing commitment to developing water heating
products that utilise the latest cutting-edge and energy efficient technology.” The Green Home Awards celebrate the best in sustainable home builds and commend organisations that are leading the way in sustainable technologies designed for a low-carbon future.
Free voltage tester with Testo flue gas analysers
Boiler sales bounce back as consumers renovate
Testo is giving away its 750-1 voltage tester with all 327, 320B and 300 analysers, which come in standard, advanced and 300LL kits. The Testo 750-1 is suitable for testing electrical systems and equipment and is an important safety tool for gas engineers to check the safe isolation of boilers before starting work. Standard analyser kits include a soft carry case with shoulder strap, they’re robust, with plenty of space for the analyser, and
Sales of domestic gas boilers have bounced back this year, according to new figures from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Its figures show that 2021 sales so far have increased by 41 per cent compared with the same period in 2020, and 670,000 units were sold between January and April 2021. Average sales over the year to April rose by 14 per cent. HHIC director Stewart Clements says: “Consumers are once again investing in home renovation as they see the light at the end of the dark Covid tunnel. We expected this April to be better than last year, when sales fell off a cliff, but the whole year so far has seen a massive increase in sales. “This is great news for the UK manufacturers who make the
include a probe and accessories. For all three analysers, the advanced kits include a range of pipe clamp probes that fit pipework from 6mm-36mm and come with a 1.2m cable and NTC thermocouples. The free voltage tester offer also applies to the new Testo 300 all black analyser. The 300 is hydrogen-ready and comes with an optional NO sensor upgrade. The offer ends on 31 August 2021, from participating Testo distributors only.
Train online on Navien’s LCB700 blue flame oil boilers Navien’s on-site training is set to resume this month (June), and it has simultaneously created a complementary e-training course that focuses on the key elements of its LCB700 blue flame oil boilers. The online training provides information on installation and controls, through to servicing and maintenance. The 20-minute course is in four sections and covers a variety of topics, including an overview of the range and key components; boiler installation; understanding the front display, menus, settings and error codes; plus essential service and maintenance information. Each section is designed to expand gas engineers’ knowledge of the LCB700 boiler and provide a comprehensive overview. National technical manager Sean Keleher says: “Our online videos are designed to provide installers with the skills they need for fast, easy installation and servicing. Plus, engineers who successfully complete the e-training will receive a free gift.” navienuk.com/training 10 June 2021
appliances, for the whole supply chain that gets them ready for the home, and for the 130,000 Gas Safe registered engineers who fit them. It is also good news for the consumer, who gets new high-efficiency products in their homes, helping to keep bills down.”
Anton acquired by Crowcon parent Anton Industrial Services has been acquired by Halma plc, the parent company of Crowcon Detection Instruments. Crowcon, which manufactures the Sprint range of flue gas analysers, has provided gas monitoring equipment for more than 50 years. Since the acquisition of Telegan in 1993, Crowcon has continued to invest in the Sprint range, with the seventh generation Sprint Pro, designed and manufactured in the UK and introduced in 2018. The company’s products include fixed and portable gas detection, engineered and sampling systems, flue gas analysis and industrial air quality monitoring. Anton’s operations will be merged into the existing Crowcon business but it says sales and service will remain unchanged.
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Decarbonised heating must take place house by house, says EUA Heat pumps alone are not the solution to decarbonising domestic heat: they must be supported by a mosaic of solutions, including a hydrogen gas network, according to a new report by the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA). The report, “Decarbonising heat in buildings: Putting consumers first” takes a deep dive into the UK’s diverse housing stock. Published in partnership with Leeds Beckett University and Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, the report explores the challenges of retrofitting various low-carbon heating technologies into homes of different size, age and construction, as well as customer acceptance of these solutions. It also highlights that although energy efficiency will be crucial to net-zero targets, some measures supporting the heat pump roll-out will be intrusive to install, and less acceptable
to energy customers. In addition to examining the external building fabric, the report recommends further analysis should be undertaken to consider the internal system changes needed for heat pumps and hydrogen boilers. This includes the suitability of radiators and potential changes to hot water cylinders if combi boilers are replaced with heat pumps. While heat pumps will play a vital role in the UK’s net-zero transition – for 7-10 million homes there are no limiting factors to installation – the EUA report findings show that for the rest of the existing housing stock, the levels of disruption and cost, as well as lack of available space, mean that heat pumps will only be the best solution for a minority of properties. For 8-13 million homes out of the 22.7 million that currently use gas, the lack of outside space and thermal properties of the
building mean that a heat pump cannot meet the space requirement of the property, or can only do so through disruptive measures such as solid-wall insulation. The roll-out of heat pumps must be supported by a decarbonised gas network carrying a gas such as hydrogen, which is zero carbon at the point of use, says the report. The gas transportation infrastructure can be converted incrementally to support the switchover with limited disruption to customers in their homes. Mike Foster, CEO of the EUA, says: “Heat pumps will play a key role in the future of heat. However, it’s important to recognise that for them to work effectively as the sole heating source, the building needs to be thermally efficient, and they require internal and external space as well as changes to internal systems such as radiators.
“Levels of disruption to people in their homes and associated costs mean heat pumps will be a solution for a minority of properties only, so hydrogen, biogas and hybrid systems need to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of heat in order to support our 2050 net-zero ambition. “This analysis shows a house-by-house heating solution is needed, and any thoughts to carve up the UK and force regional solutions upon consumers will be doomed to fail.” You can read the full report at: https://eua.org.uk/ uploads/608167B5BC925.pdf
‘Rural homes can’t afford net-zero plans’ More than one-quarter of rural households living off the gas grid wouldn’t be able to afford a new heating system at any price if they have to fit one to meet net-zero emissions targets, according to research by Liquid Gas UK. One-third (34 per cent) can’t afford to pay more than £4,000 towards a heat pump, and only 12 per cent would be prepared to pay more than £6,000. The cost of a new heat pump alone can range from £11,000 to £18,000 – well beyond the reach of most people living off-grid in rural areas, says Liquid Gas UK. There are more than 1.5million rural off-grid homes, many of which are old buildings that are hard to heat and which use fuels such as LPG, oil and coal for their heating and hot water.
When the survey asked people what they thought about the estimated cost of a heat pump, two-thirds (68 per cent) said that they represented poor value for money. Only 3 per cent believe that heat pumps provide good value for money. The research found increased concern among rural households about suggested government policy towards the decarbonisation of rural areas. Three in five (61 per cent) said that it would be unfair if the government introduced policy that would restrict or punish homeowners with regard to mortgage applications that were dependant on the efficiency of their home. Two-thirds (68 per cent) said it would be unfair if the government was to restrict the
sales of homes that do not meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets, as the Scottish government suggested last year. Off-grid households say they are not opposed to all efforts to decarbonising heating, but they want the government to listen to their concerns and put in place policies that reflect the nature of rural homes. This might include allowing homeowners to install a back-up heating system in case of power outages, which can be more common in rural areas. A previous study by Liquid Gas UK and Ecuity Consulting showed that a mixed-technology approach to decarbonisation would save over £7 billion, the equivalent of over £4,700 for homeowners, compared with
a full electrification pathway. Liquid Gas UK CEO George Webb says: “It is clear that if the government is serious about meeting its ambition to cut 78 per cent of CO2 emissions by 2035, it must drop its one-sizefits-all approach to decarbonising heating, begin to take seriously the views of rural homeowners and adopt policies that reflect the specific nature of homes in rural areas. “Many off-grid homeowners simply can’t afford a heat pump and, even if they could, electrification alone will not be the answer to every home. “Indeed, the only clear route to decarbonisation is a mixed approach. While heat pumps will have an important role to play, so too will LPG and bioLPG.” www.gassaferegister.co.uk 13
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | NEWS FOCUS
Govt aims high on net zero The government says it wants to drastically cut the UK’s carbon emissions a full 15 years sooner than it had set out previously. But there are challenges on the road ahead. the pandemic and we lead the world towards a cleaner, more prosperous future for this generation and those to come.” The government says it will look to meet this reduction target through investing and capitalising on new green technologies and innovation, while maintaining people’s freedom of choice, including on their diet. It says the Sixth Carbon Budget target of a 78 per cent reduction is based on its own analysis and does not follow every one of the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) specific policy recommendations. The government says the Sixth Carbon Budget is about its ambition to cut emissions, rather than announcing specific policies. It says it will bring forward policies to meet carbon budgets, and the Net Zero Strategy, due to be published before COP26 at the end of 2021, will set out its vision for transitioning to a net-zero economy CCC chief executive Chris Stark says: “Now we have set this goal in law, government, business and people up and down the country can throw their full weight behind the actions needed to get us there. “It means that every choice we make from now must be the right one for our climate.”
The heating manufacturing industry broadly welcomed the government’s announcement and ambition, but warn of the challenges it will bring, particularly when it comes to engaging consumers and upskilling heating engineers.
to do in supporting professionals within the sector to meet the demands of scaling up the installation of renewable heating systems. For the heat pump market alone, we estimate around 17,000 new installers are required to meet the expected demand within the next 10 years, so providing high-quality training opportunities is essential. Iain Bevan, commercial manager, Heating & Renewables, Daikin UK
“
“
If we’re to meet the government’s new 2035 target, the task of decarbonising domestic heating is an urgent one. Heat pumps are a wellestablished technology that can be immediately and efficiently implemented across the UK to substantially reduce carbon emissions. We must be mindful, though, that there is a significant job still
“
While low-carbon technologies will help in this transition, there are still challenges. One of the biggest barriers to achieving the scale of ambition will be consumer
“We have to help people understand that their heating systems and the way they use them will change – just as they will have to change the kind of car they drive.” acceptance. Baxi Heating believes that consumer engagement should start now, to help increase understanding of the need for low-carbon technology and the role it will inevitably play in meeting these goals. Change is inevitable, and we have to help people understand that their heating systems and the way they use them will change – just as they will have to change the kind of car they drive. Jeff House, head of External Affairs, Baxi Heating
“
It is crucial that the government ensures the eagerly anticipated Heat and Buildings
Strategy aligns with this new announcement in order to help us reach various other targets such as 600,000 heat pump units in 2028. We are already working with trade associations to develop new training courses, but we still need a way to encourage installers to upskill and increase the awareness among consumers. Moving towards this new target, there is now a real opportunity to introduce stable, longer-term incentives and clearly defined communication channels to educate homeowners on low-carbon solutions. Mark Wilkins, director of Technologies and Training, Vaillant
“
he Sixth Carbon Budget has been laid in Parliament and is set to become law, putting the UK on the path to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Prior to enshrining its net-zero commitment in law, the UK had a target of reducing emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, but the government announced that it is aiming to achieve almost the same level by 2035 – a full 15 years earlier. For the first time, the carbon budget, which covers 2033-2037, will include emissions from international aviation and shipping when it becomes law, likely to be later this month (June). Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The UK is leading the world in tackling climate change and ...our low-carbon future is now in sight. The targets we’ve set ourselves in the Sixth Carbon Budget will see us go further and faster than any other major economy to achieve a completely carbon-neutral future. “This latest target shows the world that the UK is serious about protecting the health of our planet, while also seizing the new economic opportunities it will bring and capitalising on green technologies – yet another step as we build back greener from
“
T
www.gassaferegister.co.uk 15
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
Jordan Hinch was called to the report of a funny smell from this hanging boiler, which had been in place for months. He made safe and the boiler has been replaced.
The meter installation found by Gareth Evans was outside a property and totally exposed to the elements. The meter has been re-fitted in a purpose-designed enclosure.
This month winne ’s r
Lee Lindop was asked by a customer to check the gas fire because the CO alarm had activated, and found it was spilling products of combustion into the room. The fire had been fitted on to a combustible surface and the chimney spigot had been extended with a baby milk powder tin and some silicone sealant. Lee made safe and isolated the fire.
Dave Cook had been asked to install a cooker and saw this boiler chimney, which had been extended using plumbing fittings. Dave made the installation safe.
16 June 2021
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS
This is an old back boiler unit that Aiden Airey discovered on a breakdown visit. He immediately made the installation safe, following the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (IGEM/G/11). The boiler has been replaced.
Here’s Rob Atkin’s contribution to this month’s ‘wall of shame’.
Derek Airey couldn’t service this boiler after a loft conversion hadn’t allowed for adequate clearance to remove the casing. Derek says his customer was not impressed. Derek also sent us the photo on the right, where he had to completely remove the chimney to get rid of the ivy that had grown inside and caused a breakdown.
Rob Jones came across this unsupported service pipework in a hotel cellar. He called the emergency service provider (ESP), which immediately sent out engineers to rectify the situation.
EPM removed the chimney elbow from the top of a boiler that was being replaced and found that the exhaust duct had rotted away. The discovery highlights the importance of carrying out a flue integrity test.
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 17
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS
Thegoodthebad+theugly Who knew that a boiler chimney can also be a useful place to hang your garden hose? PD Turner removed the hosepipe and gave the occupants some gas safety advice.
This central heating system was so clogged up that it blocked Luke Finnigan’s equipment when he was trying to clear it out.
The chimney from a balance-flue fire terminal had been modified when a garage was added to the property, allowing products of combustion to discharge into the garage. Tom Weston made the installation safe.
Here’s a creative chimney termination to direct the products of combustion to outside. Geoff Kilkenny refitted the chimney as per the manufacturer’s instructions and British Standard 5440-1.
Photo prize 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 is giving away a Clip CO Personal Carbon Monoxide Alarm – a tough, lightweight, reliable and durable fixed-life, maintenance-free personal CO alarm with pocket clip. The CO alarm has an audible, visual and vibrate alarm at 30ppm and 100ppm, plus a sensor range of 0-300ppm. It also has a two-year, maintenance-free fixed life, PLUS on-screen life duration countdown, self-test and ingress protection IP66 and IP67. This month’s winner is Jordan Hinch from Coventry. Congratulations!
18 June 2021
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LETTERS
Intouch
Please send your letters, which may be edited, to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk.
We shouldn’t just put boilers in the bin In reply to the letter “Why replace boilers when they can be fixed?” (April), I live and work in East Renfrewshire, just outside Glasgow, and in my area there have been a few governmentfunded schemes to make older, less efficient properties more efficient by fitting a new condensing boiler. Like the letter written by Paul Davis, in my area the companies doing this work are removing any boiler that is seven years old or
more. But I think the government must have been hoodwinked into believing that a new boiler will reduce the carbon footprint, not realising that any boiler less than 13 years old is most likely A-rated and will use exactly the same amount of gas as the previous boiler. I have serviced some of these installations and the variation in workmanship is scary: some are quite well done but this is not normal. I worked on one recently
where a heat-only boiler had been removed and a system boiler fitted: they left the pump and pump valves in place and just cut the cable. This may not be in any way dangerous but just looks shoddy. Virtually none of the combi boilers have a filter fitted unless the homeowner asks for it and pays the extra charge. As Paul Davis pointed out, to reduce our use of natural resources we should not be
Stop messing about on the water Boats are the new affordable homes. Since 2010, more people are moving on because then they can own their own home. Unfortunately, old habits die hard. Boats used to be for leisure use only; owners would do their own gas work, or they would get some supposedly competent DIY tradesman. As marine gas engineers, we see lots of these poor installations on what is now an in-scope boat. We also note that many owners carry out gas work on an in-scope boat. This photo is an example of the danger of bad installations. The photo was taken from an advert about a boat for sale. There was a small family living on the boat and it may well be sold to another family. The Boat Safety Scheme only fails this as an advisory fail. William Flannery Marine Surveyor, Boat Safety Examiner
putting seven-year-old appliances in the bin unless they are beyond economic repair. Yes I am also losing work because of this, so my view is a bit biased. I was eligible for a free boiler myself but refused as I couldn’t possibly have another heating company van outside my house, nor could I risk having a poor-quality job carried out. And my existing boiler is A-rated anyway. Ian Martin
Sell repair parts at a reasonable cost An approved spare part scheme for boiler parts is certainly a welcome idea (April 2021). No gas engineer wants to be accused of repairing boilers illegally. But surely the main focus of this scheme should be to encourage boiler manufacturers to sell parts at reasonable cost, instead of the exorbitant prices they typically charge. This is what drives the market for third-party spares, some of which are actually superior to the poor-quality originals that failed in the first place. Many more boilers would be kept in good working order for longer if it was cost effective to do so. Martin Wright
Why are genuine parts so expensive? TB086a describes the modification of certain gas cookers due to high levels of CO being emitted when the grill door is closed. The modification is simply to replace the two screws holding the grill door with two longer screws and spacers to create an air gap.
I got in touch with the manufacturer to find out where to get this replacement kit. I learned that they are the sole seller and the price is £38 for a pair of screws and spacers. Who’s prepared to pay £38 for a pair of screws and spacers?
These huge mark-ups are common among many manufacturers, which know they have a captive market. I’ve recently paid £15 for a couple of flue seals, and these are simply rubber washers. A pack of boiler isolation valves from another
manufacturer was nearly £100. I’ve seen the campaign on the importance of using genuine boiler spare parts but the manufacturers themselves are guilty of driving sales of unofficial parts with their ridiculous prices. Henri G www.gassaferegister.co.uk 21
Landlords’ gas safety checks Gas Safe Register technical officers Ronnie McFarlane and Jon Palmer set out the details of what gas engineers must carry out during a landlord’s gas safety check, what’s best practice, and how to fill in the record correctly.
L
andlords’ gas safety records have become all-encompassing because they try to capture lots of information for a variety of different situations. In this article, we answer some of the common questions that gas engineers ask Gas Safe Register’s Technical Team. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) give guidance on the minimum information that should be recorded and what tests should be undertaken. What information must be recorded on the gas safety record? • The date on which the appliance or chimney/flue was checked •T he address of the premises •T he name and address of the landlord or agent at which the appliance or chimney/flue are installed •A description of the location of each appliance or chimney/flue that has been checked •A ny defect identified, and any remedial action taken. This record must be retained until two further checks of the appliance or chimney/flue have been made or, if an appliance or flue has been removed from the premises, the record must be kept for a period of two years from the date of the last check •C onfirmation that the safety check complies with (but is not limited to) Regulation 26(9) of GSIUR •Y our name and signature •Y our Gas Safe registration number. What checks do I need to do? GSIUR clearly states the minimum work that must be carried out during a landlord’s gas safety check and the information that must be captured so that the check complies with the regulations. Within the regulations, 26(9) sets out the checks that you must carry out: •V isual inspection of the gas 22 June 2021
Regulation 36 of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) covers the duties of a landlord regarding the gas safety of appliances. It’s important to note that the onus is on the landlord to ensure that any landlord’s gas safety record contains all the relevant information and that it is completed on time. This is not the gas engineer’s responsibility. You can find more information about landlords’ responsibilities in Technical Bulletin 055: Duties of Landlords, just sign into your Gas Safe Register online account at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk/sign-in installation, appliance(s) location, terminal, chimney/flue route/position and signs of incomplete combustion •A ppliance burner pressure or gas rate, or both where necessary •C ombustion gas analysis where specified in the appliance manufacturer’s servicing and maintenance instructions •V entilation is clear and sufficiently sized, etc •F lue flow and spillage testing where appropriate for correct operation of flue •A ll flame supervision devices and/or other safety controls for correct operation • I nvestigate any evidence of unsafe operation of appliances. You must take all reasonable steps to notify any defects to the landlord or responsible person. If the appliance is supplied with LPG, you should notify the gas supplier, and in any other cases you should notify the transporter. What other checks should be carried out? Gas Safe Register recommends that you should carry out a tightness test, although this is not a legal requirement. You should also check the gas meter/emergency control valve for accessibility in an emergency, for maintenance and for correct labelling.
What about gas appliances that are not provided by the landlord? If gas appliance(s) belong to the tenant not the landlord, you should give them a visual check only. The most common example is a cooker because not all landlords supply a cooking appliance. An appliance that is owned by the tenant is not the landlord’s responsibility. What if an appliance fails the safety check? The safety check record will contain details of any gas safety defect identified and the remedial action taken. Landlords must ensure that any gas safety defect is rectified (by a Gas Safe registered engineer) before the equipment is used again. It is recommended that they keep copies of work done to rectify defects identified by the safety check. How do I record defects? You should only record defects that are gas safety issues on the gas safety record. These are situations that are classified as At Risk or Immediately Dangerous, in accordance with the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (IGEM/G/11). Defects that are not related to gas safety should be communicated via a job report or invoice but NOT added to the
“It is NOT a certificate: it is a record of your findings when you attended the property and should always be issued.”
defects on the gas safety record. This is because doing so could potentially confuse the responsible person over what is safe and what is unsafe. Can I still complete the record if an appliance is AR or ID? A LGSR is NOT a certificate: it is a record of your findings when you attended that property and should always be issued. You must complete the record to state whether the appliance/s are safe to use or not, and any gas safety defects that the landlord must address. Do I need to complete a new record if I fit a new appliance? No. If a gas safety record is currently in place covering the existing landlord’s appliances, the record is still valid. As an example, let’s say the landlord has a boiler, cooker and a fire in a rented property. All appliances are owned by the landlord, so they are covered under Regulation 36. The gas safety record check was completed in January but the landlord asks you to fit a new boiler in March. When you install the new appliance, you have a duty of care to carry out a visual inspection on the other gas appliances in that property, as per the table opposite, to ensure their safe operation: After installing the boiler, the property’s cooker and fire are due to be tested and checked the following January, and the boiler in March. However, GSIUR does provide one-off flexibility to re-align the safety check the following January, with all three appliances on the same record. Note: This can only apply to one appliance and the maximum time that the safety check can be extended is two months. How often should installation pipework be maintained? Landlords have a duty to maintain the gas pipework in their
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL
and records Minimum visual checks to ensure compliance
Checks required
An appliance, when purging the system of air and An relighting, appliance is following encountered An appliance work while working forming part elsewhere on another of a tightness on the appliance test installation
Location
✔
✔
✔
Flueing
✔
✔
✔
Ventilation
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✱
✔
Signs of distress Stable/secure Flame picture
✔ = Required ✱ = Considered best practice Source: IGEM/G/11, Table 3
properties. This is a separate and distinct duty from the annual safety check but can and should be undertaken at the same time. There is no formal or legal requirement to keep pipework maintenance records. However, landlords would need to prove, if asked, that they have regularly maintained installation pipework from the meter – or emergency control valve in the case of an LPG installation – to the appliance, and have completed any required repairs. What if I can’t gain access to carry out a gas safety check? HSE has set out guidance on Gas Safe Register’s website to help landlords understand what may be considered reasonable steps to take to demonstrate compliance with their duties to have gas appliances checked annually during the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes examples of what to do if tenants deny access. The law is flexible, and where it is not possible to carry out a gas safety check (due to tenants shielding or self-isolating), it will normally be sufficient for landlords
to demonstrate that they took reasonable steps to comply with the law by keeping records of communication with the tenant and details of attempts to gain access. Landlords should seek to arrange the safety check as soon as all parties are available. In line with HSE’s guidance, landlords (and local authorities alike) should consider the balance of risk presented by the gas system, with the risk to their tenant’s health on a case-by-case basis. Their assessment should consider factors such as the age and type of appliance in a property, the previous maintenance/breakdown history, the date of last gas safety check and the presence of a carbon monoxide alarm. What if I suspect there has been tempering or theft of gas? If you believe a gas meter has been tampered with or there has been theft of gas, you must follow the guidance in IGEM/G/11 if you consider it to be a safety defect, and report it to the responsible person or landlord. ■
Keep the expiry date Landlords can arrange for gas safety checks to be carried out any time 10-12 calendar months after the previous gas safety check, but still retain the original date as if the check had been carried out exactly 12 months after the previous check – much in the same way as car MOTs. Note: The expiry date on a landlord’s gas safety record must be preserved for 12 months, even when the check has been carried out earlier than this. The Register is aware that, in some instances, gas engineers carrying out a check a month before 12 months have elapsed are then incorrectly filling in the expiry date on ‘next gas safety check due before’ as just a month later, rather than 13 months ahead. Gas Safe Register says: “Where the gas safety check is carried out less than 10 months or more than 12 months after the previous gas safety check, this will have the effect of ‘resetting the clock’ and the new deadline date will now be 12 months from the date of this latest gas safety check.” Some manufacturers of landlords’ record pads include a facility to capture “next due date”. There is no legal requirement for this date to be added to the record but if a landlord wishes it to be filled in with the following year’s date, you should inspect the previous record to confirm the date on which last year’s record was completed. Landlords may still continue with their current regime of gas safety checking, as long as it meets the legal minimum requirements as set out in Regulation 36.
www.gassaferegister.co.uk 23
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | INDUSTRY STANDARD UPDATE
Industry Standard Update 104 Liquid Gas UK CoP 1 Part 2: 2021 Date issued: 20 April 2021
This Industry Standard Update (ISU) provides an overview of the key areas of change arising from the revision of Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 1 Part 2: 2021 – Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations: Vapour Off-take Small Bulk Propane Installations.
Introduction During February 2021, Liquid Gas UK published a revised Code of Practice 1 Part 2: 2021(1) Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations: Vapour Off-take Small Bulk Propane Installations. This supersedes the previous edition, which had been published in May 2012. The revision to this standard came into effect in February 2021. To allow registered businesses time to carry out internal update training to reflect the technical requirements of the amended standard, Gas Safe Register will inspect to the new requirements of this standard from 1 August 2021. However, this should not restrict businesses from applying the specification sooner. The following is a brief overview of the areas of significant change to the amended standard, Liquid Gas UK CoP 1 Part 2. General Legislation, normative references and current standards have been updated throughout where necessary. Section 1: Introduction, scope, and references The scope of the Code of Practice has altered to reduce the size of vessel covered in multi-vessel installations from 3 vessels at 2.2 tonnes each, to 3 vessels at 2 tonnes each. The installation of larger vessels must still meet the requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
1998 (GSIUR)(2), but these should meet the requirements of LGUK CoP 1 Part 1(3) and Part 4(4) as appropriate. The types of installation that are not covered by this standard are also now listed in greater detail. Section 2: Vessel location and separation distances The distances in Tables 1 and 2 have changed, now listing the minimum distance from a vessel to buildings, boundaries, or fixedignition sources as both with and without a fire wall. The minimum distance for a vessel less than 0.25 tonnes has also been brought in alignment with a larger vessel, so that now the minimum distance is now 3 metres regardless of vessel size, reduced to 1.5 metres if a fire wall is present. For buried vessels, these distances are to the valve assembly, the distance to vessel surface remaining at 1 metre. The addition of a 1 metre distance between vessels has been added to Tables 1 and 2. Clause 2.6.1.2 now clearly states that the site owner/operator of commercial installations has duties regarding records for the parts of the system they own. Further guidance on this can be found in Code of Practice 1 Part 3 and Liquid Gas UK Consumer Guidance Sheet CGS025. Section 3: Design The main differences in the updated CoP can be found in this section, with the requirements for
buried vessels being clarified. 3.1.2 now states that a buried or mounded vessel within scope shall: • Have no flanged connections on the vessel, apart from a float gauge joint that is fitted with an anti-blowout-type seal • Have valves and fittings of the same or similar type and size used on a 1 tonne buried vessel • Not be in liquid service • Have natural vaporisation • Multiple vessels shall only be manifolded together at the vapour phase. When encountering existing underground metallic pipework, 3.2.1.3 advises that Liquid Gas Member Guidance Sheet MGS 033 contains relevant information on assessing the risks involved. Part of MGS 033 is reproduced in Appendix G. Appendices The appendices have changed, with new appendices added, and existing ones being added to: • Appendix A: Safe handling and properties of LPG • Appendix B: Safety data sheets • Appendix C: Legal requirements • Appendix D: Standard and references • Appendix E: Definitions • Appendix F: Examples of installations and equipment • Appendix G: Extract from Liquid Gas UK Members Guidance Sheet MGC 33.
Summary As previously stated, this Industry Standard Update is only a brief overview of the information contained in the amended standard. Registered businesses should be aware that they have a responsibility to ensure that they are fully apprised of all the requirements of the whole published standard and its practical application. Bibliography 1. Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 1 Part 2: 2021 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations: Vapour Off-take Small Bulk Propane Installations. 2. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 3. Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 1 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations Part 1: 2017 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations, Design, Installation and Operation of Vessels Located Above Ground 4. Liquid Gas UK Code of Practice 1 Part 4: 2021 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations, Buried/Mounded LPG Storage Vessels
www.gassaferegister.co.uk 25
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL
LPG hoses on static LAVs made clear Clarification on LPG hoses that should be used in leisure accommodation vehicles, by Gas Safe Register Standards Manager John Stirling and Kaz Dziamarski, managing director of Clesse.
Rubber LPG hose with armoured protection
A
t the beginning of 2021, Liquid Gas UK published Code of Practice (CoP) 32, LPG systems in Leisure Accommodation Vehicles and Road Vehicles with Habitation – Post Delivery Inspection, Commissioning and Maintenance. This Code of Practice specifies the requirements for the postdelivery commissioning, inspection and testing of LPG installations not included in the scope of either BS 6891 or BS EN 1949, where connection to the external gas supply is provided and/or the installation requires on-site commissioning. The scope of this guidance includes leisure accommodation vehicles (LAVs) used with an external supply of LPG storage that is not included in the design, such as: •H oliday caravans – previously known as “caravan holiday homes”, which are those that do not have planning permission for all-year residential use that the term ‘home’ may imply •T ouring caravans and trailer tents that are connected to 28 June 2021
Stainless steel hose for pressure less than 2bar
an external LPG supply not incorporated in the original manufacturer’s design •T ouring caravans that are used for more than four weeks while connected to an external cylinder supply •O ther vehicles with or without aftermarket conversion incorporating accommodation for habitation. As part of the publication process of CoP 32, BS 5482 Parts 1 and 2 were both withdrawn, with the majority of the key information covered elsewhere in other guidance documents. There appears to be confusion in industry as to what hoses are suitable for this application. Flexible connections shall be in accordance with one of the following standards: •H osing made from rubber or elastomer material to BS EN 16436, classes 1, 2 and 3, provided that they are overbraided and armoured against rodent protection when used outdoors. Note: this does not apply to standalone external portable
Rubber LPG hose
appliances such as barbecues, patio heaters or catering. – BS EN 16436-1 Class 1, for low pressure only, regulated pressure, maximum pressure not exceeding 200mbar – BS EN 16436-1 Class 2, for medium pressure only, regulated pressure, maximum pressure not exceeding 10bar – BS EN 16436-1 Class 3, for direct cylinder pressure connections. • Hosing made from stainless steel flexible pipe. No additional rodent protection is considered necessary: however, where operating pressures are in excess of 2bar, wire-braided protection shall be incorporated in addition to or supplementing any outer covering. – BS EN ISO 10380, stainless steel hoses/flexible connections to this standard. Rubber pigtails and hoses may be used externally, provided that they are overbraided and armoured against rodent protection when used with any pressure, other than when used on external portable appliances such as a barbecue. ■
Bibliography BS 6891:2015+A1:2019 – Specification for the installation and maintenance of low pressure gas installation pipework of up to 35mm (R114) on premises BS EN 1949:2011+A1:2013 – Specification for the installation of LPG systems for habitation purposes in leisure accommodation vehicles and accommodation purposes in other vehicles BS EN 16436-1:2014+A3:2020 – Rubber and plastics hoses, tubing and assemblies for use with propane and butane and their mixtures in the vapour phase. Hoses and tubings BS EN ISO 10380:2012 – Pipework. Corrugated metal hoses and hose assemblies
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Marketing your business Are you looking for new customers? There are many ways to promote your business, from social media and online advertising, to traditional methods like local papers and direct mail. But which should you consider, and what could it cost? Registered Gas Engineer looks at some of the options.
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ecoming registered and buying a good set of tools are just the first steps towards building a successful business as a gas engineer. Next comes finding new customers – and that doesn’t get taught in most training colleges. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been in business for years, you will always need to find new customers. But finding the most cost-effective way to market your business can be difficult, with so many options around.
The Register advertises online, on TV and in the national press so that your customers know that they can find a legally qualified and competent engineer on Gas Safe’s website, and encourages them to find their gas engineer on the website. Potential customers can enter their postcode, and search for a domestic or commercial engineer in their area. The service is free to the public and is provided as part of your Gas Safe registration.
Word of mouth Word of mouth is arguably one of the oldest forms of advertising, and the cheapest, because it’s based on your reputation: do a good job, and your fame will spread. In Registered Gas Engineer’s 2021 reader survey, many of you told us that word of mouth and repeat business make up the bulk of your business leads. Satisfied customers tell their family and friends about a trusted tradesperson whom they would be happy to use again. This type of advertising is free, reliable, and people feel more comfortable calling a gas engineer if they come recommended by someone they know. This passive advertising doesn’t require any extra work from you. You’re not creating an advert or website: you simply concentrate on doing a good job, then rely on your customers to spread the word. You have no control over when your customers mention you, or when their friends and family might need a gas engineer. But as free marketing goes, this is one of the best ways to find new customers, as our survey showed.
Build your website Setting up your own website doesn’t immediately guarantee you new business, but it does boost your credibility. Your potential customers are very likely to search for more information about you online. An easy-to-find website that clearly sets out what your business does, how to contact you, and shows examples of your work will reassure people that you’re the real deal. You can enhance your website with blogs, testimonials, video and other content that will help to
Gas Safe Register The details of every Gas Safe registered engineer can be checked on Gas Safe Register’s searchable database at www.gassaferegister.co.uk 30 June 2021
domain name, like www.topgasengineer.co.uk, for example, you can buy these from as little as 99p + VAT a year from companies like www.123-reg.co.uk Employing a web designer to create a bespoke site for you could cost anything up to £1,000, depending on the features that are included. If you’re looking for a website to actively boost your new business, you may need to
“Social media isn’t just a place where people connect with friends and family: it can be a valuable business tool.” establish you as a trustworthy, knowledgeable gas engineer, and one that they can be comfortable employing to work in their home. The cost of setting up a website varies, depending on how detailed you want it to be. A simple, one-page site, with a unique domain name for your business, could cost anything from £50 a year. Many companies that host websites have simple drag-and-drop templates to help you create your own site – consider checking out Wordpress, Wix or Squarespace. If you want your own unique
invest in a bespoke site, where a web designer can implement search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques to make sure that if someone in your area searches ‘broken down boiler’, for example, then your website appears at the top of the list of search results. More basic template websites don’t automatically provide this function. Social media Social media isn’t just a place where people can connect with friends and family: it can be a valuable business tool. Our reader
survey suggests that over one-quarter of you use social media for your business, more than half using it to find new customers and to show examples of your work. Facebook is the favourite platform, used by 69 per cent of our readers, followed by Twitter at 13 per cent. Being active on social media is a good way to establish yourself as a genuine, reliable business, and to give existing customers an easy way to direct people to you. You can set up a Facebook Business page free to interact with potential customers in your area, and to let existing customers know of any special offers or promotions. You can also use your page to encourage customers to check when their annual service is due, or to have their heating systems serviced or upgraded in the summer months while your workload may be quieter. You can pay to boost your Facebook posts to be seen by more people: set a maximum advertising budget, and pay to ensure your post appears on the feed of people who live in a certain area, for example, or those who have expressed an interest in heating or home renovation.
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR BUSINESS
Recommended tradesperson directories There are dozens of online directories where people can search for recommended tradespeople in their area. They all offer slightly different features, but essentially you upload details of your business, your qualifications and your geographical area, often alongside testimonials and photos of your work. People can then search the directory to find local tradespeople in their area. Most allow your customers to leave their own reviews of your work, so that people can get a sense of how you work and whether previous customers would recommend you. Some, such as Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Trader, carry out their own checks on new tradespeople, but not all do this. In BrightLocal’s 2020 Local Consumer Review survey, 79 per cent of consumers said they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family, making this a modern, online version of the traditional word-of-mouth recommendations. Sign-up costs vary, depending on the features you want to access and which directory you choose, but some of the more well-known directories include: •C heck a Trade: www.checkatrade.com •W hich? Trusted Trader: trustedtraders.which.co.uk •R ated People: www.ratedpeople.com •M y Builder: www.mybuilder.com •M y Job Quote: www.myjobquote.co.uk •T rust a Trader: www.trustatrader.com •Y ell.com: www.yell.com Local papers Advertising in the local paper was once the staple of the small business, but has become less popular in recent years. It could still be worth looking at, particularly if your typical customer
1 https://pscsystems.co.uk/2019/05/21/whydirect-mail-marketing-works-isnt-dead/
How do your customers find you? 81% 59% 36% 15%
Word of mouth recommendation
Repeat business/existing customer
Gas Safe Register’s 'Find an engineer'
Membership of 'recommended tradesperson' websites
14% Social media 5%
Directory advertising (Yell.com etc)
5%
Advertising in local papers
2% Direct mail
17% 0
Other* 20
40
60
80
100
per cent * Figures may not add up to 100 per cent due to rounding, and respondents selecting multiple options Source: Registered Gas Engineer reader survey 2021.
base is older and perhaps less likely to spend time online. Local paper advertising can be economical and, because the papers are only distributed in your immediate area, any customers it generates are likely to be just round the corner too. Direct mail Direct mail may be seen as old fashioned these days, but when it’s done right it can really make your business stand out. There is much debate over whether dropping leaflets through the doors of houses you don’t know will generate much in the way of new customers, although according to PSC Systems’ research, 66 per cent of direct mails in the UK are opened and read.1 Where direct mail can really add value is when it’s sent to your existing customers. A leaflet through their door reminding them that their annual service is due, when it comes from someone they already know and trust, can trigger calls about additional work, or could be the nudge they need to pick up the phone and speak to you about work they’ve already been thinking about. You can also let them know about new services you might be offering, such as smart controls, underfloor heating, or a water treatment check, that perhaps you didn’t offer on your last visit.
There are lots of different ways to market your business to new and existing customers. Which of these options works best for you depends largely on what you’re trying to achieve, and who your customer base is.
But one thing’s for sure; if you’re looking for ways to attract new customers, take a closer look at some of these methods and you’ll be looking in the right direction. ■
Gas Safe Register’s Marketing Toolkit As a Gas Safe registered engineer, you’ll find a whole host of digital tools to help you market your business, all of which include that crucial black and yellow triangle to show your customers that you’re legal and competent. Inside the toolkit are web banners and copy for your website, templates to print your own leaflets – or to order leaflets directly from Gas Safe Register. For social media, there are ready-made images and updates, and a tutorial on how to use videos from the Register’s YouTube on your own channels. Stationery templates and logos are ready for you to download too. The toolkit is updated regularly to help you keep your marketing fresh and to align with the Register’s own latest advertising and marketing campaigns. Just sign into your Gas Safe Register online account at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk/sign-in and choose the Resource Hub tab.
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Can heat pumps alone solve The government wants to speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy. With heat pumps considered key to decarbonising the domestic heating, Registered Gas Engineer examines the challenges that the industry now faces.
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he government has set out new plans to cut the country’s carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035. This would take the UK more than threequarters of the way to becoming net-zero by 2050. More details on how it says these targets can be achieved are yet to be announced, but the coming Heating and Buildings Strategy is expected to set out immediate actions to reduce emissions from buildings, including deploying energy efficient measures and transitioning to low-carbon heating. To achieve these targets, the way we heat our homes will have to change. Instead of relying on gas boilers, the government wants our housing stock to rely on renewable heating systems. Heat pumps are considered a key ingredient in this low-carbon strategy, and the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution outlined goals for 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028. What is a heat pump? Although heat pumps use a small amount of electricity for power, they are considered low-carbon, renewable energy systems because, for every kW of electricity they consume, they can generate anything between 3kW and 5kW of heat energy for output, depending on the system and building in which they are installed. There are three main types of heat pumps: • Air source heat pumps • Ground source heat pumps • Water source heat pumps. Air source systems are the most common type being fitted in the UK. Cheaper to install than ground source, and not restricted to being near water, they are easier to install in new-build properties, as well as in the millions of existing homes that will need to be converted to use low-carbon heating systems.
32 June 2021
Retrofitting heat pumps The UK has an incredibly diverse housing stock, and heat pumps can’t be fitted in every property. Before deciding whether it is suitable, other aspects of the building fabric must be considered. Andy Hooper, managing director of Unitherm UK, says: “A heat pump is significantly more efficient when operating on lower temperatures, and if the property is poorly insulated or being asked to supply water at a high
property is suitable, and what heat pump type should be specified. Anna Wakefield, head of marketing at Grant UK, says: “A complete heat-loss calculation will account for the room sizes, insulation levels, [and] the height of the rooms. The calculation brings together the amount of space that needs heating, along with the building’s materials and their capability to reduce heat loss. “Suitable heat emitters should be fitted throughout the house,
“We need to move away from badly administered and complicated government schemes. A simple boiler scrappage scheme would generate interest from all parties.” temperature, a heat pump is unlikely to be the best option. “But if the property is well insulated with cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and double glazing, then discussions should continue [into the] siting of the heat pump, replacement of the hot water cylinder, and possibly changing the size of the radiators.” Heating engineers should always carry out a full heat-loss calculation to assess whether the
having been sized specifically for the lower flow temperature of the heat pump system. To effectively transfer the heat from a lowtemperature heating system into the occupied living spaces within the home, heat emitters with larger surface areas such as underfloor heating tend to be the best partners. “There is no reason, however, why radiators cannot be used with a heat pump. While the mean water temperature (MWT)
in the radiators will be lower than with a gas or oil boiler system, the heating needs of each room can be met if radiators are sized using the lower Delta T (ΔT) that will exist between the radiator MWT and the design room temperature.” Renovation needed Heat pumps are easier to install in modern properties with lower heat losses than in older homes that have higher heat losses. Here, homeowners may need to commit to more extensive renovation work, such as insulation, double glazing and new heat emitters, to make the building suitable for a lowtemperature system. Max Halliwell is communications manager at Mitsubishi Electric, and vice-chair of the Heat Pump Association (HPA). He says hybrid systems can offer a solution for these older properties. He says: “It’s a myth that heat pumps can’t heat every building. We believe 70-80 per cent of homes could take a heat pump, though they might need some upgrades. But when you’re dealing with the hardest-to-treat homes, such as those with stone walls, the question becomes ‘do we install a hybrid system that includes a heat pump’?
Number of heat pump installations required to reach the government’s target
Source: Heat Pump Association
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | HEAT PUMPS
the low-carbon conundrum?
“Those homes are likely to have a period over the winter where the heat pump would find it hard to provide enough heat, but at some point the heat pump becomes viable for the rest of the year. Fitting a hybrid heat pump system would still allow you to cut down on your fossil fuel use. I’m a big fan of hybrid systems as a stepping stone for the move to low carbon, much as hybrid cars have been.” The noise emitted by the external heat pump unit is another key consideration to check before installation. Under permitted development, an air source heat pump can be fitted without planning permission so long as the noise limit does not exceed 42dB at 1 metre from the window of any neighbouring residential property. Many consumers may agree with the environmental benefits of choosing a renewable heating system, but the upfront costs of installing a heat pump are still far higher than the cost of a gas
boiler. Caspar Speakman, LG heating sales manager, Southern, says the focus should be on telling consumers about the longer-term cost advantages, rather than focusing on the upfront costs. He says: “It’s about selling the heat pump concept on the cost of ownership over 15-20 years and highlighting the energy
the only way to get everyone to comply with the move to renewable heating. The government has already said that, from 2025, all new-build properties have to have renewable heating and hot water systems. They will have to extend this for existing properties as soon as possible after that date.”
“Heating engineers should always carry out a full heat-loss calculation to assess whether the property is suitable, and what heat pump type should be specified.” savings and lower [heating] bills. It needs to begin with new-build, so people begin to expect heat pump technology in their new home and then move into replacement systems. “As with condensing boilers, there will have to be legislation that says from ‘x’ date you cannot install boilers – in the end that’s
Are the targets realistic? The government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028 is ambitious, especially considering that just 36,000 heat pumps were fitted in 2020, according to the HPA. In our 2021 reader survey, just 22 per cent of gas engineers said they already work with renewable
technologies in some capacity. HPA modelling believes this uplift is possible, predicting that 714,000 installations could be reached in 2028. Max says: “It will require three things working together: manufacturers gearing up, consumer confidence, and enough engineers. We need a government campaign to put heat pump technology in the public eye and normalise it, like they have done in northern Europe. The Heat Pump Association is working on an accredited heat pump course to give engineers a base of knowledge and qualifications, so they can then go to a manufacturer to learn more. It’s all about getting the right number of engineers, and we need market demand to encourage that.” There is already funding available to help homeowners invest in heat pump technology, and to create market demand, adds Max. “The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is ticking along www.gassaferegister.co.uk 33
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | HEAT PUMPS
Can heat pumps alone solve the low-carbon conundrum? continued > nicely. Although the uptake wasn’t
Peter Thom: ‘The problem with the Green Deal and the Green Homes Grant scheme is the red tape and bureaucracy’
A gas engineer’s view Gas engineer Peter Thom is managing director of Green Heat, and has been working to make properties more energy efficient for more than 30 years. He says: “There isn’t a silver bullet. I think we’ll see a mix of hydrogen, heat pumps, and lots of other things that probably haven’t been invented yet. “I think heat pumps are a great technology. They have their place and I’m sure we’ll all be fitting a lot in future, but they need to be in a framework that the industry can work with. Those of us who got involved in the Green Deal regret it, and now there’s another plethora of engineers who got involved in the Green Homes Grant scheme. The problem is the red tape and bureaucracy. “Let the engineers come up with a solution. History shows they will find a way, and the politicians need to let the engineers in the industry get on with it. But the government doesn’t trust the engineers, and the engineers now aren’t going to trust any scheme they come up with in the future. I don’t know how they’re going to repair that because whatever scheme the government come up with will now just be deemed as too bureaucratic unless they work with us and use what we’ve got, and perhaps make what we’ve got a bit better. “Get people to work to an industry standard and qualification, and then let the industry police it. The government just doesn’t understand how the industry works. They can say we’ve got to change, and we probably do have to a bit, but not on the scale they’re talking about, and not in the time they’re talking about. “The problem is, if you impose too much red tape on a heating engineer they’ll go and fit bathrooms or kitchens or windows. As long as they’re paying their bills, they’ll do whatever they need to do. That’s just common sense, and I think the civil servants forget sometimes that these are real people.”
34 June 2021
as big as the government wanted to see, it’s still a generous incentive. And the latest consultation suggests that, instead of the RHI’s quarterly payment over seven years, the Clean Heat Grant [which replaces the RHI next March] will offer a £4,000 upfront payment for an air source heat pump, and £6,000 upfront for ground source. So there is a three-year timeline of funding available, and I don’t think the government will stop at that.” Andy says: “Engineers need to see a growing and stable market for heat pumps and that, if they invest in the training, tools and time needed to align their business to the heat pump market, they will be rewarded with consistent, profitable work.” The Green Homes Grant was intended to be the next step towards encouraging homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements, but it was scrapped in March after reaching just 10 per cent of the homes it hoped to improve. The £300 million funding will now be targeted at lower-income households through a local
authority programme. Caspar says: “The Green Homes Grant was a disaster waiting to happen. Sadly, government needs to talk to the industry when devising these schemes to make sure they will work. It has to be simple to administer and apply for, and simple for those carrying out the work to get paid for the work they do. It’s not rocket science.” Andy adds: “We need to move away from badly administered and complicated government schemes such as this. The introduction of a simple boiler scrappage scheme that rewards consumers who switch to a low-carbon heating system would generate interest from all parties and achieve the market growth.” The exact route to a fully low-carbon heating industry, and how successful that transition will be, is still unclear. But there will be significant growth in the number of renewable technologies being installed across the UK over the coming years and, whether it’s through government regulation or industry developments, heat pumps are likely to play a large part in the renewable mix. ■
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | HEAT PUMPS
Fitting heat pumps: FAQs Heat pump technology works in a very different way from boiler-based heating systems, which means they’re not a like-for-like replacement. Vaillant Technologies and Training director Mark Wilkins answers some common questions about air source heat pumps in existing properties.
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s a heat pump sized in the same way as a boiler? All heating systems follow the same sizing principle. A correct heat-loss calculation should be carried out, whether you’re fitting a new boiler or a heat pump. Heat emitters (radiators) should be sized correctly, flow rates should be calculated, and domestic hot water comfort should be covered, to ensure the new heating system will perform efficiently and provide the optimum heating and comfort required. The output of the heating system must match closely with the heat loss of the property. An undersized heating system will not heat the building on cold days and an oversized one leads to short-cycling of the boiler or heat pump, which significantly reduces system efficiency.
some may prefer a more discreet heat pump placement, farther away from their home.
What information do I need to calculate heat loss? The formulae used for heat-loss calculations require a number of variables. You need to know the size of the property as well as information such as its location, what it’s made from, and door and window types. In addition to the property’s overall dimensions, you need to know the size of each room to ensure that the radiator and pipework are sized
Is an immersion heater needed? Because most heat pumps work more efficiently with lower-temperature systems, a back-up heater (direct electric immersion heater) may be required to provide legionella protection. However, Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus heat pump allows a high flow temperature of 75°C for the legionella protection cycle, without the need for a back-up
What about hot water? If the property currently has a combi boiler for its heating and hot water needs, the customer won’t have a hot water cylinder already. You’ll need to identify a suitable space to fit a hot water cylinder and discuss possible locations with the customer. There are many cylinders available, including slimmer models with smaller footprints, which could be important if space is at a premium. To minimise transfer heat losses via the pipework, it should be close to the heat pump, and fully insulated. Remember, the cylinder doesn’t have to be in a room; it could go in a garage if space allows.
“You’ll need to calculate the pipework size needed when designing the system to maintain correct flow rates.” correctly. The best way to get this information is to carry out a site survey. Where should the heat pump be sited? A heat pump needs to be placed outside, and you should consider this when recommending the system. Talk your customer through all available options, as 36 June 2021
heater. The hot water storage temperature can then be set in the same way as with a traditional boiler heating system. Can I use an existing hot water cylinder at the property? No. A standard boiler cylinder doesn’t have a big enough coil to work with a heat pump.
Can existing pipework and radiators be used? Lower flow temperatures and lower temperature differentials for heat pump heating systems mean that more water is needed to ensure sufficient heat transfer. You’ll need to calculate the pipework size needed when designing the system to maintain correct flow rates. In addition, pipe runs will depend on where the heat pump and hot water cylinder are to be installed. Heat emitters need to be sized appropriately for the space. In short, the site survey needs to assess whether the existing infrastructure is suitable for a new heat pump system, and what renovation is required. What training do I need? Currently, in order for property owners to access Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) funding, installations must be carried out by a MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified installer. To become MCS certified, you will need to: • Undertake formal training to obtain the right qualifications
that cover the work you wish to carry out (including Part L, Water Regulations and a recognised course in heat pump technology), and/or demonstrate experience and competency to your MCS certification body • Have installations that meet MCS standards • Be a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES) • Show that you have an effective quality management system in place to prove your commitment to continual improvement. As part of these requirements, you are expected to have undergone manufacturer-specific training. While the revenue opportunities offered by lowcarbon solutions are clear, knowing where to start may seem a little daunting. But armed with further training, upskilling and support from manufacturers, diversifying your heating and plumbing business with lowcarbon offerings is within arm’s reach. ■
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | HEAT PUMPS
Take a connected approach to controls It’s important to remember the role that controls can play in unlocking further savings from heat pumps. Rob Whitney from Resideo looks at the considerations that need to be addressed when it comes to setting up and installing controls correctly, especially where multiple zones are involved.
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t is important to remember that heat pumps work in a different way from boilers and this has implications for how the heating controls are set up, especially for more complex installations where the building is separated into multiple zones. Typically, a gas boiler takes about half an hour to heat a house, so it can run in quick bursts to provide heating for a short time if needed. But because heat pumps work with lower system temperatures, they take a lot longer to warm the property to the desired temperature, especially from cold, so they need a cycle pattern in place to
“Because heat pumps work with lower system temperatures, they take a lot longer to warm the property.” maintain constant comfort levels. Equally, a certain amount of flow needs to be maintained to the heat pump. If the flow rate drops below a threshold, the heat pump will stop operating regardless of what the controls ask for. To enable the heat pump to operate in the most energy efficient way, heat has to be provided for sufficiently long periods. The amount of time when heat is not needed also needs to be long enough so that the heat pump does not cycle on and off. To ensure this can be done simply, the ‘minimum on time’ on the Evohome’s installer settings are adjustable to suit heat pumps and boilers. For the heat pump, for example, this can be set to 38 June 2021
one cycle per hour, 20 minutes minimum run, and 10 minutes minimum off time, to make sure temperatures can be maintained. Zoning strategy A heat pump that switches on and off regularly cannot run efficiently, leaving the billpayer unable to reap the full financial benefits of this technology. This is why, when a property is split into different zones to save energy, the zoning needs to be configured so that the amount of heat called for through the controls stays within the modulation capabilities of the heat pump. The best way to give householders the flexibility they need without over-zoning is to group rooms or spaces into areas according to common usage patterns. For example, first thing in the morning, the bulk of the house – which tends to be the biggest zone – could call for temperatures to reach 19°C, allowing the heat pump to operate at 70 per cent of its capacity, before the bedrooms also call for heat. Then, the bedrooms return to set-back temperatures as the homeowners start to follow their daily routine. For instance, the home office could then be warmed up and the main house zone kept warm throughout the day, before all zones are set back to 16°C overnight. This is where a heating control with smart zoning system comes in handy. Using radiator controllers, it wirelessly measures and controls temperatures in zones individually, without needing to disturb décor during installation. More flexibility If the customer needs more flexibility in how the property and useable water are heated with a
heat pump, a buffer or volumiser can separate the system into two hydraulic circuits. In the primary circuit, the heat pump heats up the buffer tank, from which the heat emitters on the secondary circuit draw heat when the controls call for it.
Separating the hydraulic circuits in this way means that the property can have up to 12 heating zones, each set to call for different amounts of heat at different times, without making the heat pump switch on and off or reducing its efficiency. ■
Advanced features As well setting the timings and temperature for heating in different parts of the home, the most advanced thermostat systems can monitor their surroundings and communicate closely with the heat pump. The thermostat can tell the heat pump to adjust its output to deliver the desired temperature at the right time, saving energy in the process. The smart weather feature on the Evohome system, for example, follows the set programme on cooler days, but when it warms up outside it will automatically turn off the heating and save energy. It does this by monitoring outside temperature, room temperature and setpoint, and acts when heat demands are very low. It also limits inefficient high return temperatures and runs the heat pump in its most efficient mode. Conversely, in rooms with poor insulation or large windows, it could feel less comfortable when the outside temperature drops. The Evohome learns the heat loss in each room and will increase the set temperature when it detects a drop outside, and automatically goes back to the normal programme when the outside temperature rises. As the transition towards a low-carbon future gathers pace, heating engineers can get ahead of the curve now by taking the time to invest in product training that complements heat pump technology. You can find further information and training on the Honeywell Home Evohome smart zoning system at: www.resideoinstallertoolbox.com
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | HEAT PUMPS
Heat pumps vs H-ready boilers Heat pumps will play a vital role in decarbonising the nation’s heating. But they may not be the best solution for every home, says Martyn Bridges, director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch.
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here is a debate in national newspapers around future energy requirements, and it crystallises around two options: in the red corner is the heat pump, and in the blue corner is the hydrogen-ready boiler. Is a straight-swap replacement hydrogen-ready boiler the best approach or should we be fitting heat pumps into homes? And what are the costs and training requirements associated with each option? While firm policy implementation is still on the back burner, probably due to the lifting of Covid restrictions, statements of intent have been issued that outline the government’s plans for heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, and new-build properties with reduced CO2 emissions. Furthermore, training to upskill heating engineers who have not fitted heat pumps before is due to have launched by the time you read this, which will indicate progress and movement towards the government’s plans for fitting heat pumps across the UK. Heat pumps Heat pumps are a mature technology that have been installed in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of properties in Europe and other parts of the world. In the UK, however, they are still very much a niche option, with installation numbers last year reaching only 30,000. At present, if you want to buy a heat pump, it will probably be one of the models that are currently on sale in Europe. UK bespoke and built products are unlikely to be made here until there is a bigger market for them. From a physical perspective, it is more difficult to fit a heat pump into a home that already has a boiler than it is to replace the boiler with a hydrogen-ready equivalent. This is not down to the footprint of the external unit, which generally can be accommodated in most gardens. However, having to find space for the hot water 40 June 2021
Modifying radiators and pipework for heat pumps will cause disruption in homes
storage cylinder and making modifications to the home’s pipework and radiators is what will generally get people’s hackles up, and understandably so. While heat pumps are undoubtedly a brilliant technology, well suited to new-build properties, their cost and the disruption means that uptake in existing UK homes will be limited for now.
and suitability for existing homes. Several public trials are taking place, increasing in volume, in both unoccupied and soon-to-be occupied properties. Once these trials have concluded successfully, we are likely to see policy changes that require only hydrogen-ready appliances to be placed on to the market, as an alternative to heat pumps.
“Making modifications to the home’s pipework and radiators is what will generally get people’s hackles up, and understandably so.” Hydrogen-ready boilers Hydrogen-ready boilers are the main alternative to heat pumps and can provide an answer to the question of existing homes. The case for hydrogen is still being proven from a safety and performance perspective but I have every confidence that their use will be accepted, most importantly because of their price
So far, there have been no further policy updates or statements made by government about heat pump systems in homes, other than into new-build properties. The government has announced a 75-80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions in new-build properties in 2025 compared with equivalent
properties built in 2013. Heat pumps will be the only way to achieve this target in the majority of individual homes because hydrogen will not be available on a mass scale. Training As we move toward heat pump installations, the industry has been preparing to upskill heating engineers, many of whom have not yet fitted them. The training programme will provide guidance on how to size heating systems, pipework and radiators, heat-loss calculations and a range of other skills needed. And appliance manufacturers will introduce heat pump training courses to their own heating engineer customers. Trials and training are taking place in the coming months but the industry is still awaiting the government’s decision on which technologies will be required to meet the challenge of decarbonisation. ■
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Productnews Smallest all-in-one heat pump from Daikin
Knipex mini plier sets now come in pouches
Daikin has unveiled a new all-in-one heat pump system, its smallest unit yet. The Altherma 3 Monobloc air-to-water heat pump is a compact and versatile solution for homes of all sizes, says the company. The smaller system means homeowners no longer have to trade precious space in their home for environmental sustainability as the Altherma 3 Monobloc is suitable for homes where space is at a premium because it does not need an indoor unit. It’s designed to improve airflow and its concealed single-fan blade makes the unit much quieter than conventional double-fan heat pumps, at just 62dBA. The single unit makes for fast and simple installation, and installers don’t need to be F-Gas qualified because there is no indoor unit or F-Gas connection,
Knipex has three mini plier sets in belt tool pouches made of tough polyester fabric, complete with a Velcro fastening and belt loop, making the tools easier to access just when you need them. Mini Cobra water pump pliers feature in all three kits, which adjust directly on the workpiece at the press of a button; with fine adjustment to different workpiece sizes up to 27mm. Each kit is suitable for large and small gripping, holding and cutting tasks and has a different tool to complement the Cobra. Model 00 20 72 V01 includes a mini pliers wrench, 00 2072 V02 includes the diagonal cutter and 00 20 72 V06 includes the needle nose combination pliers, which are suitable for working in hard-to-reach places thanks to the slender head shape with powerful, pointed jaws and cutting edges for soft, medium hard and hard wire up to 2mm. www.knipex.com
compared with a multiple-unit heat pump. Users can monitor their energy consumption and control the performance of their Monobloc using the Daikin Residential Controller App, and through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. The unit comes in four different capacity ranges, suitable for homes of various sizes, from a two-bedroom terraced to a four-bedroom detached home. The heat pump system uses a new R32 refrigerant which requires 30 per cent less refrigerant charge than a R410A equivalent unit and achieves 75 per cent lower CO2 emissions than previous Monobloc units. Iain Bevan, commercial manager of Heating & Renewables, says: “More and more homeowners are looking to make the switch to low-carbon heating technology but don’t want to compromise on space in their home. Our new system is the perfect small and powerful, yet quiet solution for homes of all sizes. “We’re offering free training to build your knowledge of our heat pump systems as part of our Sustainable Home Network.” www.daikin.co.uk/altherma-3monobloc
LPG addition to Worcester 2000 boiler range Worcester Bosch has included an LPG model in its Greenstar 2000 boiler range. Outputs of 25kW and 30kW provide options for caravans, static homes and holiday parks, as well as homes off the gas grid. The LPG boiler includes: • Pipe tails and push-fit PRV for easy installation • Removable side panels for easily accessible internal components • Maximum flue lengths of 9m horizontally and 12m vertically (60/100) • C6 heat exchanger • Ability to modulate down to 4.8kW • Quick tap water-saving function. The LPG variant comes with a five-year guarantee as standard and a six-year guarantee when fitted with a Greenstar system filter. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ greenstar2000 42 June 2021
Ariston adds one to ONE series Ariston has added the Clas ONE R to its ONE Series range of condensing gas boilers. The new regular boiler replaces the Clas HE R, and is quiet and compact, as well as a great retrofit to use in an open-vented system. Its modern design comes with a large backlit display and a wealth of energy-saving features. The Clas ONE R 24 has a patented stainless steel, continuous-coil XtraTech heat exchanger, with 40 per cent wider waterways, alongside low NOx ratings. The wider waterways of the heat exchanger mean that water can pass through quicker, with less risk of blockages from debris. Easy to use and install, the new regular boiler includes Ariston’s ‘Auto’ function technology, which gradually increases the system’s water temperature until the central heating has reached its target. When used in conjunction with the company’s own controls, this function guarantees no excessive peaks in flow temperature, ensuring greater levels of comfort, as well as reducing energy bills. Each boiler has an autodiagnostic system and an anti-frost device, and an
advanced range of wired and wireless controls is also available. The Clas ONE R 24 is suitable for larger properties, working with a storage cylinder to supply volumes of hot water to many outlets, and for multiple showers and taps to be used simultaneously without affecting the running of the system. The boilers are ErP A-rated and come with an eight-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard. www.ariston.com/uk
REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | PRODUCTS
Remeha adds 135 to Quinta Ace boilers New from Remeha is the Quinta Ace 135, adding to its range of high-efficiency, low-NOx, wall-hung condensing boilers. Now available in outputs from 30kW to 160kW, the Quinta Ace series provides more options for new and retrofit installations. The Quinta Ace 135 has similar dimensions and connections to the Quinta Ace 160. With its compact design, it is suitable for both individual installation and as part of a multi-boiler cascade or rig system. As with all the models in the Quinta Ace range, outputs can be mixed and matched for added flexibility. This enables more accurate matching of heat demand to cut energy consumption and waste. It has increased flexibility and efficiency of operation, from installation to commissioning to maintenance. Inbuilt 0-10V and volt-free contacts provide direct connection to any Building Management System (BMS) for improved system control at no extra cost. It comes with a seven-year warranty. Paul Arnold, product manager at Baxi Heating, says: “With a choice of eight outputs, our customers have all the flexibility they need to meet individual project requirements.” remeha.co.uk/products/wall-hung-range/ quinta-ace-30-160
Eco-friendly Aico alarms Eco-fit range is the new range of alarms from Aico. It’s the company’s most eco-friendly range yet and is exclusive to the 3000 series of single and multi-sensor alarms, providing maximum protection with minimal packaging. Featuring the Heat and Carbon Monoxide Multi-Sensor, the Aico 3000 Series provides whole-property coverage from one series. All alarms contain intelligent sensors and use Aico’s next generation of wireless interconnection, Smartlink, integrating with its gateway for remote monitoring. The Eco-fit range is available as head-unit only, which means there are no bases, screw packs or dust covers included. The company’s Easi-fit base is universal to all current Aico products, so the bases do not need to be replaced unless they have been damaged. The Eco-fit range can be used when upgrading and retrofitting properties where Easi-fit bases are already in situ. Product development manager Michael Wright says: “The new Eco- fit range has been created with sustainability in mind. It’s the ideal solution where existing Easi-fit bases are already installed as they provide a simple way to install new alarms with minimal packaging waste. www.aico.co.uk/product/eco-fit-range/
Gas Safe Register
Inspector
Gas Safe Register is operated by Capita plc on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive and is the official gas registration body for the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Guernsey. We are looking to recruit an Inspector within the Field Services Team in the Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire area. This varied role includes the inspection of all types of gas installations, the monitoring of registered engineers for competence, and assessing that Gas Safe registered businesses have effective procedures and processes in place to manage gas work safely. You should hold a suitable range of qualifications: domestic core ACS, all domestic appliances and, ideally, core non-domestic ACS categories. The role is field-based from home. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, and all tools, equipment and a company car are provided, along with a competitive salary. You must reside within the area you are applying for.
More information and apply at:
https://cutt.ly/UbTSnwc Closing date: 14 June 2021
Gas Safe Register recruits purely on the basis of relevant skills, experience and competence for the role. If an applicant has disabilities or other requirements, we will make suitable efforts to accommodate.
Chemicals Sentinel and Fernox Etc. Text information to Martin on 07821 517 954 Email: Webuyplumbingstock@live.co.uk www.gassaferegister.co.uk 43
RECRUITMENT
The Official Service Partner for AGA & RANGEMASTER
Excellent Rates of Pay / Quick and efficient Payment Repairtech are recruiting Engineers to join its existing Range Cooker repair network, specifically with Natural Gas and LPG qualifications, and working the following postcode areas; LL, NR, GU, SN, LA, TR, PR, HP, BB, SY, ME, CT, DA , TN, HR, WR, LE & PA If you feel that you would like to be part of this successful and growing organisation, to apply or find out more, contact Repairtech on aga@repairtechuk.co.uk
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44 June 2021
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LONDON AND SOUTH EAST
Training Services
BTAAC offer a full range of Domestic and Commercial Gas training and re-assessments in a well-equipped training facility at very competitive prices. · All ACS Domestic Gas – core + appliances ·All ACS Commercial Gas including CMDDA1,BMP1,LPG · Unvented Hot Water & Water Regs · Essential Electrics & Heating Controls · Highly knowledgeable trainers with years of experience
We offer short courses in the following
Electrical Part P full scope 17th Edition Pat Testing
Bromley Training & Assessment Centre (BTAAC) Unit 4 Ashgrove Industrial Estate Ashgrove Road, Bromley Kent, BR1 4JW
Basic electrical safety Essential electrics
ACS for Natural Gas and LPG All Domestic elements All Industrial/Commercial elements Commercial Catering Elements Mobile Catering Commercial Laundry Commercial Meters Emergency Service Providers Flue Gas Analyser
(Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment) (Initial and Re Assessment)
Other Courses Unvented Hot Water Systems Water Regulations Energy efficiency Plumbing to Gas Engineering
For more information and to book your course contact us on:- Email: sarah.bygraves@bromleytraining.co.uk Telephone: 0208 315 5678
A friendly and professional service for all your Electrical and Gas Training and Assessment requirements.
New Entrant Basic Gas Utilization Course For Domestic or Industrial / Commercial Training Needs Analysis Bespoke Training and Assessment courses for Managers/Landlords/Agents
Legionella Water Hygiene Oil Basic Pipe Skills Basic Understanding of Central Heating Systems 1 Day Gas Safety Awareness
For further information on any of our courses please
Fax 01322 Phone 01322 524 792 Email paul.chambers@egtrainingservices.co.uk
310 223
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LONDON AND SOUTH EAST
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46 June 2021
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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | COMPETITION
Competition Win an electric boiler We’ve teamed up with our friends at the Electric Heating Company to offer a Fusion Astro electric combi to one lucky winner.
W
ith the drive towards a net-zerocarbon future, electric boilers are increasingly popular as a replacement central heating system. The Fusion Astro electric combi boiler provides a costeffective alternative to electric storage
heating, oil, solid fuel and LPG systems. It’s the perfect solution for properties that do not have a mains gas supply and those that are not suitable for gas boilers, such as listed buildings and bedsits. It’s also ideal for use with underfloor heating. It has outputs of 12kW and 14.4kW single phase, and 18kW and 24kW three phase, which are suitable for light commercial installations. Its operating temperature can be adjusted with the easy-to-use LED control panel and temperature outputs are 30°C-60°C (hot water) and 30°C-80°C (heating). With superior performance and reliability, the boiler provides on-demand heat and instantaneous hot water. It’s suitable for small properties that have a shower and hot water outlets for sinks. In homes with larger hot water requirements, it can be combined with a hot water storage cylinder. If three-phase electricity is available, the 18kW and 24kW models can fill a bath at the same time as heating radiators fast. The boiler doesn’t need a flue, which means it can be fitted almost anywhere. www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk
Wo overth r
£1,3 00
Your chance to win To be in with a chance of winning a 12kW Fusion Astro electric combi boiler, please answer the following question correctly: What is the Fusion Astro’s heating temperature range? a) 20°C-60°C b) 30°C-80°C c) 30°C-60°C Send your answer plus your name, address and registration number to competition@electricheatingcompany.co.uk One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. All entries must be received by Wednesday 30 June, 2021.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS By entering this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions: • Registered Gas Engineer and the Electric Heating Company do not accept responsibility for lost, delayed, corrupted or invalid entries. • One winner 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 correspondence will be entered into. • The prize cannot be substituted or upgraded.
• The prize is non-transferable. There is no cash alternative. • Registered Gas Engineer and the Electric Heating Company 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 the Electric Heating Company, Gas Safe Register or Registered Gas Engineer or their direct family members or agents. • Registered Gas Engineer and the Electric Heating
Company 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 the Electric Heating Company, which may use them for marketing purposes. By entering this competition, you agree that you may receive communications. If you do not wish to be contacted, please add NO COMMUNICATIONS in your email entry.
www.gassaferegister.co.uk 47
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