Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) News

Following several regulatory changes across the different countries in the UK, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) have launched a guide on carbon monoxide (CO) detector requirements across the UK. As variation in CO legalization across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland potentially opens the door to confusion among engineers, the guide has been launched to provide the best practice for each reg...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is encouraging heating engineers to ensure that condensate discharge pipes are installed correctly, and that any installations are upgraded where they have a risk of freezing in extreme cold weather. condensate discharge pipe With cold temperatures predicted across Europe, some households could experience issues related to the condensate discharge pipe freezing and become blocked with ice. While it is the responsibility of a heating engineer to...

In response to the recent speech outlining Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new approach to net zero, Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), commented: “Following yesterday’s speech made by the Prime Minister, we welcome the time afforded to make a more thought out and successful switch to low carbon heating. This will play a pivotal role in our journey in achieving net zero and decarbonizing homes across the country." “The 50% increa...

Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM. Innovations and experience Since joining Baxi as Managing Director almost three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi...

The Government should put an end to the proposed Clean Heat Market Mechanism says the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC), as the second consultation on it runs until 8 June. policy The policy seeks to fine boiler manufacturers £5,000 for every gas boiler sold over a certain quota compared to their heat pump sales in an attempt to kickstart demand for heat pumps in the UK. The concern is being raised by the heating industry that fining the manufacturers who do not create the d...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has announced the appointment of Kevin Lowe as Technical Manager to instigate and manage positive change in the drive towards the successful implementation of heat pump technology. The move signifies the HHIC’s commitment to supporting innovation within the sector by encouraging action on the energy crisis, decarbonization and the future of the UK’s heating mix. Kevin brings the trade body a wealth of industry experience having worke...

The Government’s recently announced ECO+ Scheme has been hailed as a welcome step in the right direction in improving energy efficiency in UK homes by an industry trade body. ECO+ scheme Set to launch in Spring 2023, the ECO+ scheme will set aside £1 billion to improve insulation among the UK’s homes. It will help to reduce energy costs for households by around £310 a year and extend support to those in the least energy-efficient homes in lower Council Tax bands. It fo...

An overwhelming majority of Brits are worried about the price of heating their homes this winter and 9 in 10 (89%) will be changing their home heating behavior in some way as a result, research has found. The survey of 2,000 UK homeowners, commissioned by the industry association the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC), found that 93% of respondents were worried about the price of heating this winter. Further prompting concern, the survey has also revealed a third (34%) of Brits are &...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is calling for greater support for hybrid systems in the Government’s net-zero strategy, in order to provide a practical method of achieving low-carbon heating for consumers. Launched in October 2021, the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Heat and Buildings Strategy outlined the key technologies in the UK’s transition to net zero. The £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme was the centerpiece of...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is urging the government to consider the suitability of current UK domestic heating systems to facilitate the transition to Net-Zero. Retrofitting homes with low-carbon technologies, like heat pumps and hydrogen boilers, will be key to meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets. However, many of the different heating systems that circulate heat and hot water in properties are not currently appropriate for these emerging technologies, nor are they ad...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has written to the Prime Minister confirming they have reached an agreement in principle with UK boiler manufacturers, that they will support any future UK Government legislation which mandates all new models of domestic boilers to be “hydrogen-ready” from 2025. This commitment is several years ahead of similar action being proposed within the EU. Future Switch Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said “UK boiler manufacturers are...

Following a Met Office warning of potential extreme UK weather such as a return of ‘The Beast From The East’ the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) are reissuing their consumer information guide to ‘protecting home heating systems’, which can be used by a heating engineer to explain the risks and the remedial action required, as well as what action customers can take should their condensate pipe freeze. Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said, “We are acute...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) on 6th January 2021 is issuing their updated ‘installer guide to condensate discharge pipe installation’. This comes following a warning from the Met Office of ice warnings with the 'Beast from the East 2.0' to hit in days, bringing an enhanced risk of snow and widespread frost almost anywhere across the UK’. Customer information booklet In addition, HHIC is also reissuing their customer information booklet, which can be used...

The Prime Minister has made a real statement of intent with his recently launched 10-point plan for decarbonizing the economy. The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, are encouraged by the balanced strategy, and in particular the support for decarbonizing heating through hydrogen and heat pumps. The plans to create a Hydrogen Town, generate 5GW of hydrogen and inject half a billion pounds represent a significant vote of confidence for the technology. Extending the Green Homes Grant is...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is ensuring it continues to support its members from across the wider heating industry. Emerging technologies have prompted a reorganization of the HHIC industry working groups, in order to provide a diverse platform for rigorous discussion on the future of UK heat. The Heating & Hot Water Systems Group brings together manufacturers from across the HHIC membership and parts of EUA to form an ongoing strategy for heating systems. Overarching...

Another step towards achieving Net Zero at home has been made by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) as a definition of what is a Hydrogen-Ready boiler, ahead of a potential nationwide roll-out of hydrogen for heating. This comes on top of the Government’s own scientific advisers, the Council for Science and Technology, advocating hydrogen’s use in home heating. The technical definition has been developed by the heating industry to ensure safe products are made ready fo...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, are delighted to announce that Heat Pump manufacturers across the UK have joined together to refresh the Heat Pump Benchmark commissioning checklist in line with the latest legislation, which forms part of the warranty of the appliance. Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said, “Benchmark is a nationally recognized scheme that places responsibilities on both manufacturers and installers to ensure best practice in installation, commissioning, a...

“While we welcome the details of Rishi Sunak’s new Green Homes Grant scheme, which could raise the profile of low carbon heating, there is disappointment that more measures are not included,” says the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, following the release of the scheme specifics. Improving Green Homes Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC continued, “Announced in the recent mini-budget on July 8th, the Green Homes Grant scheme aims to deal with green home improve...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, has produced a Heat Pump Charter aimed at ensuring the best consumer experience is obtained when heat pumps are installed, replacing other systems. It is a starting point; and represents the minimum requirements needed to give consumers confidence that their new heating system will deliver the affordability, warmth, and comfort they expect. Benefits Of The Charter Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said, “The heating industry wants to give c...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, together with the heating industry has created a useful guide offering advice to frontline heating engineers on operating safely during the COVID-19 crisis. These are based on Government recommendations, which change daily. HHIC will keep the guide as up-to-date as possible. Guide to safety HHIC has created this guide to put all of the relevant information in one place Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said: “Maintaining the supply of hea...

Following regular questioning and pressure from the heating industry, the government has confirmed that workers delivering essential services in the utility sector, which encompasses heat, are eligible for testing. Recognizing essential workers Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said, “The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, are pleased that government has recognized that the heating and plumbing industry carry out essential frontline work to maintain the supply of heating and hot...

The heating and plumbing industry carries out essential frontline work to maintain the supply of heating and hot water to UK homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. It still needs to operate to ensure people are kept safe in their homes and businesses. Further to updated Government direction on the circumstances where people should leave their homes during the current pandemic, an additional advice note has been compiled which has sought to clarify those businesses which should close. ...

The global pandemic COVID-19 has had unprecedented effects on the lives of us all. These are unchartered times causing untold uncertainty and fear amongst us all. The heating and plumbing industry carries out essential frontline work to maintain the supply of heating and hot water to UK homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. It cannot simply cease to operate. Therefore, the heating industry has identified a number of actions that frontline engineers- who are currently still operating - can...

‘A review of Building Regulations is well overdue’, says the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC as they respond to The Future Homes Standard 2019 Consultation on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for new dwellings. Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said, “Part L of the Building Regulations was last reviewed in 2012. Since then there have been many technological and industry advancements, so a review...

The number of gas boilers sold in the UK last year saw the market growth compared to 2018. But the estimated 4 million ‘Zombie boilers’ remain a blight on the UK’s journey to decarbonization says trade association the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC. In total, 1.67 million units were sold in 2019, an increase of 1.8% on 2018 figures. The number of homes with central heating is also increasing, with around 22 million homes in the UK now having gas central heating, c...

To help consumers understand the benefits of installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves, TRVs, and the technology they use to achieve energy efficiency, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, have created a ‘Consumer Guide to Thermostatic Radiator Valves’. Temperature control Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said; “TRVs are a simple and affordable way of controlling the heat output of a radiator and the temperature of a room. Effectively selected and installed, TRVs ar...

The HHIC based in Kenilworth, Warwickshire is the UK domestic heating and hot water industry. It operates 16 working groups collectively covering the full spectrum of technical and commercial influences affecting this important aspect of the energy industry. Strengthening membership and industry reach HHIC has recently agreed on a reciprocal membership agreement with the British Pump Manufacturer’s Association (BPMA). Providing mutual benefit Having held discussions regarding the import...

The heating industry trade body, the Heating, and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC have launched a guide to help consumers understand the many benefits of a gas stove and to showcase the inspiring designs available. Efficient and economical Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC says, “A gas stove provides an efficient and economical method for heating your home, particularly when used as a single source of heat. Providing the look and feel of a log...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, in partnership with major boiler manufacturers, installers, and representatives from across the supply chain have revisited the Benchmark scheme and updated the commissioning checklist, to take it into 2020 and beyond. Benchmark Scheme Benchmark scheme has promoted quality for the installation, commissioning, and servicing of heating and hot water systems Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said; “Since its launch in 1999, the Benchmark sche...

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC, have supported the awareness-raising event since its inception in 2011. Of course, for those working with gas day in day out, this subject is never far from our mind during the other 51 weeks of the year. To help remind homeowners of the need to use a Gas Safe registered engineer 365 days of the year, in 2018 members of the HHIC boiler manufacturers group pledged to place the Gas Safety messaging on their packaging. Detailing that gas appliances...