Uniting against fuel poverty

Posted on by Posted in Heating

fuel-poverty-radiator

A united approach from industry and government is required to end fuel poverty in the UK, explained by Roger Webb, director of the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council.

Fuel poverty is a stark reality, but it isn’t just about keeping warm – as vital as that is. It’s about the relentless poverty that forces 6.59 million UK households – who are currently defined as being in fuel poverty – to make impossible choices between heating and eating, because they can’t afford their energy bills.

Establishing a robust strategy of the kind required by an issue such as fuel poverty is a major task, but we are not starting from scratch. There are policies in place, albeit not the complete cohesive package that will deliver what is needed.

Action to tackle fuel poverty to date has, rightly so, been based upon improving energy efficiency standards. The Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has been actively looking at ways to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s ageing housing stock, and progress has been made.

Last year, around 230,000 low-income and vulnerable households received energy efficiency improvements under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which HHIC has been working on with the Department for Energy & Climate Change (DECC) since its inception in 2010.

In July 2014, in order to better align existing policies like ECO, DECC launched ‘Cutting the cost of keeping warm – a consultation to prepare for a new fuel poverty strategy for England’.

HHIC is pleased that DECC has shown its commitment to fuel poverty by publishing the consultation, which demonstrated the government’s current thinking and enabled us to provide feedback on behalf of the industry. However, we are concerned that it is light on actions, which could affect how much work will actually take place.

In assessing the progress of the new framework, DECC proposes to “specify the following interim milestones in the new fuel poverty strategy:

  • (i) as many fuel-poor homes as is reasonably practicable to Band E by 2020 and
  • (ii) as many fuel-poor homes as is reasonably practicable to Band D by 2025.”

The ambition has HHIC’s full support, but it remains unconvinced that using “as is reasonably practicable” in the wording for the target will drive action. Without a defined target that can be measured against, it will be difficult to gauge future progress or the speed of it. Targets will also help drive the political agenda, but how can political buy-in be gained if the status of fuel poverty is not directly measurable?

What HHIC would prefer to see, is a road map of milestones that can galvanise stakeholders into taking action, and enable progress updates detailing what has been achieved against the targets set. Understanding progress will help shape future action.

Reducing fuel poverty in non-gas households

In the short term, the key to achieving this target is ensuring condensing boilers are installed as a minimum in all homes. Currently there are around 12 million properties that do not have a condensing boiler, and 4 million of those are below an ‘E’ rating.

ECO should be targeted to ensure these appliances are installed in fuel-poor homes. This is especially true of rural properties where ECO has not been widely available. An alternative form of funding or incentive may be required to help drive boiler replacement in such areas.

In the longer term, DECC should also consider subsidies for the purchase and installation of low-carbon and renewable heating, as initial costs can deter take up, especially among the fuel poor. DECC needs to find a mechanism to help reduce the upfront cost. The Green Deal is not ideal in this circumstance, as the cost of the loan will be incurred via the energy bill, so the household may not see an actual reduction, negating the benefit.

Finding a simpler solution

HHIC has long argued that heating controls are vital to allow households to reduce the amount of money spent heating their home. Recently, BEAMA produced a report based on research carried out by the University of Salford, which showed that, compared to a house with no heating controls, a properly controlled house could save 53% on heating bills. This illustrates the savings that could be made simply and cheaply. Full heating controls – that HHIC defines as thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), a programmable room thermostat and a timer – are key to reducing energy bills.

The reality is that, without controls, households will not realise the full benefits of energy efficiency measures, such as improving insulation, fitting a new boiler, or replacing windows.

DECC should request that the Department for Communities & Local Government looks to mandate full heating controls in Part L of the Building Regulations for any central heating installation. It should also further support their use by encouraging a programme of education delivered by community groups. Of course, HHIC would prefer to see DECC look into more advanced heating controls, such as self-learning devices and weather compensation, as these reduce consumer input.

Fuel poverty is a complicated issue to solve and requires government commitment, continual focus and innovation, as well as joined-up working and clearly defined targets. Only then will we have the package of policies that will deliver what is needed.

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Mia Collection by Matteo Nunziati for Teuco

Posted on by Posted in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Mia

MIA is the latest in a series of Teuco ‘Complete Collections’.

Comprising a choice of bathtub shapes and functionalities alongside co-ordinating sanitaryware; the wc is available in wall-hung, back-to-wall and close-coupled versions and the washbasin has an integral vanity shelf.

MIA is, to quote its designer:  a perfect expression of balance, simplicity and good taste.

Mia baths are available with chromoexperience as well as Teuco’s patented Hydroline whirlpool that the company claims is a world-first, being the only totally non-visible yet truly effective hydrotherapy system on the market today.

www.teuco.com

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DECC Central Heating Fund: Time to take advantage

Posted on by Posted in Heating

DECC-heating-fund

Sally Davison, marketing and communications manager, explains why local authorities should seize the moment.

Why the emphasis on urgency? Because the benefits of acting will legitimately help those most under threat from fuel poverty – an issue we cannot allow to continue in our modern society.It’s a race against time for local authorities (LA) to claim their share of a £25 million Central Heating Fund announced by the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) this March. Applications are being accepted until June 5, 2015, so time really is of the essence.

The DECC estimate that the programme will help to fund the installation of complete, energy-efficient central heating systems in 8,000 fuel poor homes. The scheme is targeted at homes in England that are either off the gas grid because they are isolated in the countryside, or those based in mains gas areas that rely on electric heating.

While the ultimate incentive for doing so is to help resolve national fuel poverty, the nature of the Fund has made it difficult for eligible LA to refuse. The application process itself is trimmed of bureaucracy – often cited as a deterrent in many sustainability initiatives. What’s more, the assessment of bids is similarly straight-forward with a weighted, points-based system.

Applicants must simply fill in a six-page application form that is available from the DECC. Then the bid will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of the results by June 30, 2015.

If a property is eligible in being off-grid or without a central heating system, LA will essentially be required to show evidence that the house is indeed fuel poor – defined by the UK’s Low Income High Costs indicator as having an income below the poverty line, with higher than typical energy costs.

As the scheme is intended for ‘first-time’ central heating systems, it opens a wave of genuinely sustainable options for local authorities and housing associations to consider. Air or ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal – all are highly efficient, both in terms of significantly reducing ongoing energy costs, as well as making a worthwhile contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The increasing availability of heating options that are compatible with these technologies, which ensure the tenants are comfortable and warm, should only go to further justify an application.

Local Authorities and Housing Associations should act now – while the health and well-being of their residents remains at risk, there really is no excuse not to.

As Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, said:

“The heat is on for warmer, healthy homes.”

Don’t miss the opportunity.

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Technology designed to make easier work of washroom safety

Posted on by Posted in Bathrooms and Kitchens, Health and Safety, Sanitaryware

hotwater

Chris Tranter advises on a new technology designed to make easier work of washroom safety in commercial environments.

Thorough and comprehensive infection control is an increasingly serious issue for any building used by the public.

One need only look at the healthcare sector to see why. Despite a significant reduction in cases of MRSA and Clostridium difficile, two of the most well-known hospital-acquired infections, UK hospital infection rates are still worryingly high.

Among others, two key causes for concern remain in the risk of Legionella and Pseudomonas. As we all know, 2012 saw a public outcry following the tragic death of three babies in a Northern Ireland hospital as a direct result of Pseudomonas bacteria found in the water supplies. More recently, a UK hospital was fined £350,000 over two Legionnaires’ disease deaths, where the issues were found to be inadequately cleaned shower heads and thermostatic valves on account of cleaning budget cuts. The sad reality is that both instances could have been prevented with some simple water safety measures.

The hospital environment, by its very nature, poses the greatest danger in terms of infection, but all public buildings have a duty of care to provide a clean and safe environment. This becomes an even more pressing issue in buildings occupied by the more vulnerable in society, such as schools with little children and care homes with elderly occupants. Now, more than ever, installers in the commercial field must stay abreast of the latest product developments that can help to optimise infection control against Legionella and Pseudomonas in public buildings.

Tackling the problem

As most installers will know, the primary method for tackling Legionella and Pseudomonas is the use of hot water. Both diseases are commonly found in water with temperatures of between 20ºc and 45ºc, therefore water must be stored at 60ºc or above to limit growth.

However, this entails another safety consideration – hot water temperature control. Each year, 20 people die and almost 600 are seriously injured from scalds caused by hot water. In the main, these incidents involve baths, but hand washing and showering facilities can pose very real hazards, too.

The problem is that, if water reaches a tap at the stored temperature, people can be scalded and, in severe cases, receive third-degree burns in just five seconds. Injury from scalding is on the Department of Health’s ‘never events’ list, which means it must never happen and can be prevented.

One current recommendation is the use of thermostatic mixing valves TMV3-approved anywhere hot water is delivered. For the highest level of protection, TMVs allow water to be stored and distributed at a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria, but reduce it to a safe temperature at the point of use by mixing it with the cold water supply. In addition, TMVs can maintain the desired water temperature even when the incoming water pressures/flow rates change.

Unfortunately, however, it is not as simple as an ‘install and go’. In order to ensure infection control is maintained, it is vital to check the water temperature at sentinel outlets on a regular basis and conduct a hot-water flush to ensure the supply and flow points remain uncontaminated.

Of course, for the typical public building already crippled with staff shortages and budget cuts, this additional maintenance – in terms of labour and cost – has posed an issue. Most traditional shower set-ups require a complete de-installation in order for the installer to access the supply point making it extremely cumbersome, and the recommended fortnightly maintenance flush has been deemed near impossible.

The good news, however, is that new technologies are coming to market to alleviate this issue. Bristan, for example, has recently launched the Opac bar shower with incorporated TMV3 control, which has been specifically designed to aid water temperature control and maintenance in the public and commercial sector.

The product features an integrated isolation and hot-flush mechanism, so that installers need only turn the two valves on the rear of the shower body, therefore eliminating the need for additional flushing equipment. To put the time saving into context, a typical hot water flush can take anywhere up to an hour with a traditional shower set-up whereas, with the Opac the method, this can be completed in just 10 minutes.

In addition, the shower features separate controls for temperature and flow with lever handles, making it easy to operate – a key consideration for the young, elderly or less able. Fully cool to the touch, the unit is safe to use as it never gets hotter than the mixed-water temperature.

Amid growing pressures on all those running public facilities to reduce infection count, the arrival to market of new technology designed to achieve the complex task of ensuring infection control and hot water temperature safety is timely. Therefore, for the installer working on the commercial front, the recommendation is to take stock of new developments that can help optimise occupant safety and, in turn, provide peace of mind for their customers.

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The benefits of a smart home

Posted on by Posted in Heating

smart-home-thermostat

Heating controls have evolved significantly over the past few years, becoming smarter and more compact. It’s important that the installer evolves at the same pace as the industry to avoid being left behind. Here, Andy Mansfield explains how.

Of late, manufacturers have seen an increasing demand for smart products and controls from installers. This is a significant development for the industry, as it means there is growing consumer awareness and interest in smart technologies.

However, there is still a need for manufacturers to educate installers on new products and how they can help homeowners achieve a fully connected smart home.

In a survey carried out by Honeywell in 2014, nearly half of all respondents (47%) said they would be interested in having a fully connected smart home, where they could control everything from a tablet or phone.

With the growth of this technology now dominating the market, installers need to be aware of how they can upskill to join the trend.

Smart technology is becoming much more accessible. Entry-level connected thermostats are now readily available, meaning there is a connected thermostat to suit every application and budget.

However, to ensure homeowners are signposted to the right products, more work needs to be done to make the installer their first port of call.

The survey also showed that 86% of installers expressed an interest in learning more about smart home technology, so we know the appetite is there. However only 18% of consumers in the same survey stated they would go to their heating engineer in the first instance.

Installers must act quickly to close this gap, upskilling so that they can provide fully integrated systems. Following manufacturers closely will be more important than ever this year, as will taking part in dedicated training courses. For that to happen, manufacturers must ensure that training covers every stage of the install, from technical know-how to customer care, so that installers can provide the best service possible.

Creating a strong online presence will also be vital, as more and more homeowners turn to the internet for advice.

Installer Views

In order to fully understand the challenge for the installer, Honeywell spoke to Rich Burrows of Overall Maintenance, to hear about his experience with smart controls on the job.

“As an installer, the main change I have noticed is that we are now dealing with customer networks in both commercial and domestic environments. Jobs in the home are much more technical than they were a few years ago. Few customers are ready for a fully connected smart home, but they are keen to make a start. An entry-level connected thermostat enables homeowners to control their heating with their smart phone – and opens the door to the option of multi-functional solutions in the future.”

After experiencing a high demand for connected thermostats, Mr Burrows started a new venture, The EvohomeShop, an online shop for installers and consumers.

“I’m pleased to say not only has this been great for business, but it’s also become a great platform to help educate installers on smart homes and connected technology. Often installers get in touch to ask how to set up smart controls for the homeowners, after they have installed products. We often talk them through the process of setting up heating systems, tailoring it to each individual homeowner’s needs, and we have even invited installers to come out with us on the road to watch how we install the systems so they can learn first-hand,”

“This indicates to me that training and learning is the main challenge that the industry faces. Manufacturers are producing really intuitive products that, most importantly, have easy-to-use interfaces for homeowners. Where we come in is making sure we have the skills to install them correctly, and support the sophisticated back-end technology.

“It seems to me that getting to grips with the smart home should be top of the agenda for installers in 2015. The technology is only going to get more intuitive, so upskilling is key to stay on top – and potentially ahead – of the trend.”

Looking to the future

After speaking to members of the Honeywell Installer Network, like Mr Burrows, it’s clear that the age of the smart home is truly upon us.

Installers need to upskill, yes, but for the ultimate advantage, they should also think about re-igniting the traditional heating installer/electrician relationship.

The full smart home installation requires more expertise and skill, meaning the lines are blurred between installers and electricians. Forming partnerships with both electricians and the manufacturers who develop the products is therefore crucial on this journey.

Good manufacturers feature ‘find an installer’ sections on their websites. Given that 80% of homeowners claim their first port of call to find a smart installer is the internet, registering with a manufacturer will help signpost customers to your business. With that in mind, ensuring your company website – essentially your shop window – is up to date and really sells your services is also vital.

Increasingly, it seems that the smart home of the future is now the smart home at present. To help ensure installers can own this space in the market, manufacturers have a duty to ensure they produce high quality products that exceed customer expectations. But they also have a duty to ensure they equip installers with all the training and skills they need to grow their businesses.

The right training is out there; installers should take the time to invest in it and stake their place in the market today, before it is too late.

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