HVAC News, April 2021

Ali Group, a global company in the foodservice equipment industry, announced that it has successfully closed on its agreement to acquire KOLD-DRAFT® International from The Legacy Companies based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Filippo Berti, Ali Group’s Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are very pleased to welcome KOLD-DRAFT into the Ali Group. The KOLD-DRAFT acquisition is strategically important to our Group as it strengthe...

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has announced the launch of its manifesto, calling on the new parliament and new parliamentarians to understand the huge role that the engineering community will play in the future success of the United Kingdom.  CIPHE manifesto Covering major issues, such as the safety, health and welfare of the public, the environment, education, regulation and licensing, the CIPHE’s manifesto places the plumbing and heating indus...

Winter weather can make one freeze. With polar vortexes and snowfall, one might feel the need to turn up the thermostat a few degrees. But cranking up the heat will raise the utility bill, even if it’s only by a few degrees Fahrenheit. Chapman, the man for all seasons has advice regarding the right thermostat setting for every season so the bills stay low and the house stays comfortable. Recommended Thermostat Settings In The Winter Although the wind chill might make it frigid outside, i...

In its new position paper, the Federal Association of the German Heating Industry (BDH) takes a position on the integration of flexible loads such as heat pumps and electric cars into the power grid. "The expansion of the regulatory framework for the use of the flexibility of controllable consumers is imperative in order to enable the ramp-up of electromobility," explains Andreas Lücke, General Manager of the BDH. However, the legal changes would have to be designed in such a way that they...

Together with Messe Frankfurt, the BDH is organizing the Technology and Energy Forum as a digital format as part of the ISH. The special show will again be sponsored by a total of 14 industry associations from the sector and associations from the energy sector.  The Zukunft Gas initiative supports the special show as its main partner, while the Institute for Heat and Mobility (IWO) is a gold partner. The State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Andreas...

The moment Rishi Sunak, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, stepped up to make his budget speech, the entire nation collectively held its breath. While much had been already revealed on the extended furlough scheme and the expansion of the self-employment income support scheme, the UK Chancellor had reserved some announcements for the day. UK budget offers plumbing, heating incentives The budget covered several issues of particular interest to the plumbing and heating industry, including: Exten...

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...

Bradford White Corporation, an industry manufacturer of commercial, residential, and industrial water heating and storage applications, has named Rich Simons senior vice president and general manager of Laars® Heating Systems Company. “I’ve often said that Rich is the epitome of a general manager because he can bring insight and ideas to every facet of the Laars Heating System’s business,” said Bruce Carnevale, President, and CEO of Bradford White Corporation. &ldqu...

The Wood Warmth Initiative has published a new information brochure entitled “Wood - the great renewable energy”, including recommendations for politicians. The partners of the initiative refer to the EU climate targets, which were tightened again by the European Council in November 2020.  Utilizing wood to reduce CO2 While a CO2 reduction target of 40% was previously in effect, CO2 emissions are now to be reduced by 55% by 2030. “If you want to achieve su...

On Thursday, March 11, 2021, professional plumbers across the land will be celebrated on World Plumbing Day. While this year may look a little different, the critical worker status of plumbing and heating engineers has changed the way that many now view the industry. In the face of a global pandemic, it is those in the trade who have manned the frontlines, risking contact with COVID-19 virus, in a bid to keep the public safe and warm in their homes. World Plumbing Day Initiated by the World P...

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen both the Government’s and the public’s interpretation of what makes a key worker redefined. On 28 April, in the daily coronavirus briefing, Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, not only recognized the vital role emergency plumbers are playing but rolled out further testing for those in the construction and plumbing industry. Access to testing In his speech, Mr. Hancock said, “So from now we’re making testing availab...

According to the Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG), insurance claims for the escape of water occurrences have increased substantially, both in their frequency and severity, since 2015. Even more worryingly, the body states that large losses from the escape of water are prevalent, if not more so than fire-related incidents. Managing Escape of Water Risk The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has contributed towards the publication of CIREG’s...

On 11 March, professional plumbers across the land will be celebrated on World Plumbing Day. Initiated by the World Plumbing Council (WPC) - of which the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is a member - World Plumbing Day promotes awareness of the importance of plumbing and plumbers in protecting public health and improving amenity. Advances in modern plumbing mean that it is included in the daily routines of most people in the UK, with barely a moment’s thoug...

Since 1886, the Register of Plumbers has been helping to protect the public from poor plumbing work. It has reached a very special milestone with the 70,000th Registered Plumber (RP), Sam Demeza, from Newmarket, welcomed into its revered ranks. Registered Plumber Designation Introduced and maintained to help raise plumbing industry standards in the public interest, the RP designation has been a means by which consumers have been able to identify highly skilled practitioners ever since.&nb...

The new MagnaTherm HTD series of condensing boilers and volume water heaters boast real-time O2 trim compensation that maintains ideal air-to-fuel ratios, full 20:1 turndown on all sizes to match varying load profiles, and the LAARS Linc icon-driven control system. On-board each boiler is the LAARS Vari-Prime® pump control that seamlessly matches firing rate to boiler pump flow. Features & Functions LAARS Linc intuitive control system with color touchscreen has an easy to navigate cont...

The new OmniTherm series of near condensing boilers and volume water heaters includes industry-leading electronic air-to-fuel ratio control, long-life stainless steel heat exchangers, and the LAARS Linc® icon-driven control system. OmniTherm units can easily be installed in Category I, II, III, or IV vent systems for new or replacement applications. Features LAARS Linc's intuitive control system with color touchscreen has an easy to navigate control structure that displays key performanc...

Pre-coronavirus lockdown on 2nd March 2020, Keith Robert Walklate EngTech MCIPHE RP, Andrew John Mensley EngTech MCIPHE RP, and James G.S. Hendry EngTech FCIPHE RP were awarded their Certificates by the Livery Companies Skill Council (LCSC), at a ceremony held at Mansion House in London.  Certificates on the day were awarded by The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell, with the customary handshake replaced by touching elbows.  Awarding skilled professionals The Master Pl...

The Met Office has officially declared January the coldest on record since 2010 as average temperatures failed to rise above 2.2oC. For those who battled against the elements this news may come as no surprise, but the freezing weather conditions can be ripe for plumbing disasters? When the temperatures drop below freezing, the water within exposed or uninsulated pipework can freeze. In plumbing systems this can limit water supplies to taps, showers and toilet cisterns. In heating systems this c...

COVID-19 has caused an economic climate that is ripe for rogue trainers and fast-track courses. For those who have been made redundant or those whose priorities have changed post-pandemic, seeking to re-train in a new sector is an attractive prospect.  Demand for training On paper, it seems that learning a trade is a good option. Construction can offer a skill for life, is a key industry, with the potential to be one’s own boss and gain more control of the work/life balance. Profes...

Laars Heating Systems Co. (Laars) is pleased to announce that their NeoTherm boiler and volume water heater models 80-500 are now certified to be common vented (up to 8 units) with each other, using Centrotherm InnoFlue polypropylene piping products. Common vent systems These common vent systems require Centrotherm InnoFlue components, as well as non-return valve kits that are now available from Laars. Each Laars kit contains one appliance adapter, one connector ring, one non-return valve, and...

As the students from the Chamberlain Street School fifth grade of Rochester, NH walked off the bus and through the entrance to the Laars Heating Systems Customer Center, the Laars staff waiting for them was anxious and excited. This is not the audience they usually host and take on tours! With a shortage of workers and declining interest in entering manufacturing and trades industries, Laars staff wholeheartedly agreed to host such a field trip. The collective goal was to give fifth graders ex...

Since the autumn of 2019, Malmegårds Fastighets AB im­ple­mented a modern and in­no­v­a­tive control system, which reg­u­lates the heat supply to the building by indoor tem­per­a­ture instead of tra­di­tion­ally con­trol­ling by outdoor tem­per­a­ture. By de­vel­op­ing the existing control system, the energy op­ti­miza­tion service Leanheat has helped Malmegårds to minimize the peak de...

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...

Bradford White Corporation, an industry manufacturer of residential, commercial, and industrial heating solutions and storage applications, announced they have concluded their asset purchase of Keltech, Inc. from Bradley Corporation. Keltech is a manufacturer of commercial and industrial tankless electric water heaters. The acquisition expands Bradford White’s portfolio of commercial and industrial electric products to help satisfy the needs of a broader customer base and better position...

Bradford White Corporation, a foremost manufacturer of commercial, residential and industrial heating solutions and storage applications, announces they have reached a definitive agreement with Bradley Corporation to acquire the assets of Keltech, Inc., a manufacturer of commercial electric tankless water heaters known for their premier performance and durability for over 30 years. Upon closing, the acquisition will expand Bradford White’s portfolio of commercial electric products to help...

Those brave enough to undertake building works during the pandemic will be familiar with hold-ups due to supply issues. Stockpiling for Brexit and coronavirus lockdowns have played havoc with supplies running through to manufacturers and merchants. So, with the EU transition period set to cease on 31st December, many will be wondering what will happen to their dream home ambitions merchants should run dangerously low on stock. Knock-on effect The Guardian newspaper recently reported that sinc...

With the EU transition period set to cease on 31st December, attention has fallen onto the role of British ports in the supply chain. Those in the construction industry have been feeling the pinch of coronavirus-related supply issues through 2020, so with January looming, will the supply chain collapse as merchants run dangerously low on stock? The Guardian newspaper recently reported that since September, the port of Felixstowe has seen demand rise by 30%, due to ‘businesses rushing to r...

There’s been a flurry of activity on the drive to hit Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Government’s recently announced ‘Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ has pledged to implement the ‘Future Home Standard’ in the shortest possible timeline, extend the ‘Green Homes Grant’ for another year and aims to set out the ‘Heat and Buildings Strategy’ in 2021. However, confusion reigned, when due to a clerical error, a promi...

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 Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is offering stark warnings to both the Government and house holders on the National Burn Awareness Day, as the number of contact burns from heating appliances skyrocketed by 25% and scalding incidents from taps rise by 9%. The NHS Digital Hospital Episode Statistics for England 2019-2020 shows: Admissions for burn injuries caused via contact with heating appliances, radiators and pipes rose by 25%, from 797 (2018-2019) to 99...