United Kingdom (UK) HVAC News & Trends

Duct tape is both the most familiar product associated with the HVAC industry and, in many cases, not fit for purpose. Duct tape is also misunderstood. In fact, the product began as waterproof cloth tape that was called “duct tape,” emphasizing its ability to withstand moisture. Misinterpretation of duct tape Many tape products now identified as “duct tape” are not suitable for use with HVAC systems, which require permanence and the ability to withstand prolonged heat...

If homeowners are remodeling or building a house, they have probably thought more about floors and walls than air conditioners. However, to keep the house cool and energy bills low, homeowners need the right kind of AC unit. In areas with warm to hot summers like northern Illinois, air conditioners account for an average of 12% of a home’s energy costs. Types of air conditioners Let’s explore five different kinds of air conditioners and what situations they’re best for: Cen...

Plymovent is very happy to announce that their Canadian colleagues of the Industrial Products division have moved into a new office building in May 2021. The new office provides plenty of space for their offices, a large warehouse. Larger office area John Mora, General Manager for Industrial Products NA, said: “Our new facility offers us the opportunity to serve our loyal customers better and work with our valued business partners.” Larger warehouse will allow us to stock more i...

The nationwide lockdown since November 2020, made necessary by the high infection figures of the second and third corona waves, is still accompanied by considerable restrictions. This makes it all the more important to safeguard the indispensable work in public institutions and, in particular, teaching in schools. the new air purification unit To make a decisive contribution to the solution, Viessmann has developed Vitovent 200-P, a new air purification unit. These are unique hybrid ventilatio...

After extensive research, testing, and evaluation, Johnson Controls, the provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has selected R-454B, a lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, to replace R-410A in its ducted residential and commercial unitary products as well as air-cooled scroll chillers. Systems using the new refrigerant will be available for Johnson Controls, YORK®, Luxaire®, Coleman®, Champion®, TempMaster®, Fraser-Johnston®, Guardian®, E...

American Residential Services (ARS), the nation’s largest provider of residential heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing services, has announced the appointment of Scott Boose as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Scott Boose, a Senior Executive with significant experience in the HVAC, plumbing, and home services industries, succeeds David Slott, who earlier served as CEO of ARS, and who will remain in a Senior Advisory role and assist Mr. Boose and the Senior Man...

Since March 2020, Ecotricity founder, Dale Vince, has been working with George Monbiot and the Good Law Project to get the government to review the UK’s Energy National Policy Statements (Energy NPSs) – this is the country’s national planning policy for energy. Just over a year later, in April 2021, we got the news we wanted to hear – the government has accepted our argument and a wide-ranging policy review is underway with the potential to...

The new products at a glance: The ViCare app uses the smartphone location function if desired and detects the distance to the heating system (geofencing). The heat output is automatically turned down if nobody is at home. It is then increased again as soon as a resident approaches the house. The new Vitoguide was developed in close cooperation with trade partners and now combines all important functions for commissioning, remote maintenance, and servicing as an all-in-one tool. The new Vies...

Why is it important to test the sump pump? Despite its clunky name, the sump pump is arguably the most important piece of plumbing equipment for the basement. Why? Because it transfers water (usually from heavy rainfall or rising groundwater) away from the home. A sump pump prevents extensive and expensive damage to the foundation of the home and the possessions. Knowing if the sump pump is ready to go for the spring and summer months is key to preventing hefty repair costs. At the very least,...

HVAC and active air purification specialist, Better Indoors, has been listed as a chosen supplier for the provision of equipment for UV Infection Control by NHS East of England. Encompassing 22 NHS Trusts, the East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub has chosen Better Indoors as one of just a handful of suppliers for bespoke decontamination solutions – where its active air purification technology is the only product that doesn’t require evacuation and can operate safely in...

Schneider Electric, the pioneer in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the launch of its Easy Rack Series available exclusively in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Available in a variety of sizes, the Easy Rack series is designed to be quick and easy to install, while simple to scale, customize and accessorize. It delivers a high-quality and cost-effective rack system for a broad range of mission-critical applications, including net...

Over 3 million users attend music festivals every year in the UK, creating a staggering 23,500 tonnes of waste. WOMAD is already leading the way in sustainability, with several inspiring initiatives including green energy from Ecotricity and action on recycling, single-use plastics, water, and travel. Whichever events users choose to attend, here are the top tips for a sustainable and safe summer of festivals. Be COVID safe Wide open spaces like those at WOMAD are perfect for keeping us...

EDF Renewables Ireland is announcing plans to develop a 100MW wind farm to the south of Bellacorick in Mayo. The proposed project, which could consist of up to 25 turbines and power more than 60,000 homes, will be located in a forested area to the northeast of Slieve Carr, approximately 8 km southeast of Bangor Erris. environmental studies The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine...

Nortek Global HVAC (NGH), manufacturer of the unit heaters, has redesigned its entire Reznor® brand of commercial/industrial/residential gas-fired unit heaters for the North American market. New updates Updates include aesthetics, integrated air direction accessories, and technological advancements that help contractors with installation, diagnostics, and service to provide end-users with optimum building protection, comfort, and reliability. The redesign applies to Reznor’s UEZ, UD...

The education field was faced with multiple challenges this past year. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic bring the necessity of online learning, but it has also brought up necessary changes to physical schools and universities, when reopening time arrives. The health and safety of students, staff, and faculty has become a priority for directors of school operations, who have been working to properly adapt school facilities to this new reality we are facing. Ensuring health and safety of studen...

ABB Robotics’ Research and Development center in China has been recognized by the Shanghai Government for its technological innovation and R&D capabilities. To be recognized, an R&D center must be established by global investors in Shanghai, operate at a global level and play a key role in global R&D projects and create unique technological innovation. At the Recognition Ceremony held on May 24, 2021, Rui Liang, Head of ABB Robotics in China, received the honor from Shangha...

ABB has begun a pilot project with Equinor in Norway, at the Gina Krog platform in the North Sea. The project enables a digital transformation of monitoring of critical electrical systems on the platform, accelerating Equinor’s condition monitoring capabilities with a focus on improving safety, reducing operational costs, and increasing production efficiency. Adopting a collaborative maintenance model enables Equinor to start the journey from today’s planned maintenance program tow...

In light of the government closing its Green Homes Grant, Panasonic has announced an extension to its own Green Cashback Schemes to provide installers and homeowners with a longer period to benefit from this generous scheme. Now extended for a further two months, the two schemes offer generous cashback on the completion of installations of Aquarea Air-to-Water heat pumps.  Projects must be completed by 31 August 2021 and all claims for the cash need to be submitted by 30 September 2021. A...

With this report, IEA shows how the transition to a net zero energy system would be possible by 2050 while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, providing universal energy access, and enabling robust economic growth. While the study addresses the energy sector, the chapter on buildings does offer some perspectives. Buildings The 244-page study focuses on the energy sector. For information, abstracts from the chapter on buildings are copied below. It should be kept in mind that the...

The European Commission and Öko-Recherche recently presented the preliminary findings of the F-Gas review study. The study notably models the degree to which F-Gases could be substituted in RACHP equipment until 2050. Eurovent considers the substitution scenarios unrealistic and has expressed skepticism about the modeling assumptions used by the study consultant. Review of the study The study notably foresees that hydrocarbons could be used in up to 90% of small heat pumps as of 2025,...

Compact, climate-friendly, and with a stunning design: This is the new generation of Viessmann air/water heat pumps. Powered by green electricity, they produce CO2-free heat for heating, cooling, and DHW generation. All that alongside particularly climate-friendly refrigerants. The wall-mounted and compact devices in the Vitocal 25x-A and Vitocal 2xx-S lines recently won the iF Gold Design Award 2021. renewable energy The iF Design Award is awarded once a year and is one of the most renowned...

The calibration laboratory of sensor specialist E+E Elektronik has been commissioned by the Austrian Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (BEV) to provide the national measurement standard (etalon) for CO2 gas concentration. This makes the calibration experts from Engerwitzdorf the highest metrological authority in the country for a further physical quantity following humidity, dew point, and air velocity. As the BEV's designated institute, E+E Elektronik is authorized to perform special...

Do HVAC systems help with the spread of COVID-19? No one is entirely sure, but it seems very likely. Especially in the case of enclosed indoor spaces. As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic began, fingers pointed to air-conditioning systems as culprits, and scientists now believe a super-spreader event traced back to a restaurant in Guangzhou, in China, which could have started with an asymptomatic person who just happened to cough close to an HVAC fan. Scientists also believe something similar happe...

It’s no secret that climate change is one of the most pressing concerns facing our planet. We must act collectively on behalf of future generations to enact the change that will help us to avoid a climate catastrophe; and not least the HVAC industry, which has been, and remains, a major contributor to atmospheric greenhouse gases and global warming. In 2015, the UK Government, along with 196 parties entered the legally binding international treaty on climate change, which was adopted at C...

Over the last year, we’ve become all too familiar with the risk posed by a deadly airborne virus, but, as we move out of lockdown, there are other airborne hazards we urgently need to fight. However, while advice and guidance are abundant in the use of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in combating the spread of COVID-19, there has been very little said of the risk of using HVAC systems after a prolonged period of inactivity. As those familiar with HVAC systems know, air...

GE Appliances. (GEA), a Haier company, partnered with Chicago nonprofit Kitchen Possible to provide GE Digital Air Fry 7-in-1 Toaster Ovens to 46 households in Chicago’s Pilsen and East Garfield Park neighborhoods as part of GEA’s community engagement investments with nonprofit organizations and community partners who connect people with the resources they need to be successful. About Kitchen Possible Kitchen Possible teaches weekly cooking lessons to young people ages eight throug...

  The MCX15B2 and MCX20B2 controllers’ capabilities have been further extended with seamless WT-DM room thermostat integration to make it easier for OEMs and integrators looking for a one-stop-shop temperature control solution across a range of comfort applications. Used for room temperature or water-based floor heating systems, Danfoss WT-DM thermostats help maintain precise temperature settings. Their highly functional electron...

No matter how brief, power outages inevitably impact productivity. The good news is it is now easier to keep critical processes running reliably. Induction motors controlled by high-power VLT® drives can recover faster from mains drop-out, thanks to improvements in the flying start feature. Function The flying start feature kicks in to catch a motor that is spinning freely due to a mains drop-out or windmilling. This function is especially relevant...

Two of Carrier Transicold’s longest-serving network service partners have relocated to improved facilities, in a drive to ensure customers have access to the most modern and well-equipped dealerships, situated in the most convenient locations. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a foremost global provider of healthy, safe, and sustainable building, and cold chain solutions. Leading the investment, Robson Refrigeration, which trades as Carrier Transicold East &...

An immersion heater is an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat liquids and gases stored in tanks, barrels, vats, and other containers. Immersion heaters offer solutions for a wide array of heating applications, from water temperature maintenance to reaching the perfect viscosities. How Do Immersion Heaters Work? While the designs and advantages of immersion heaters are varying, their general function and purpose are standard. Heated electrical elements are welded to a flange or scre...