Sep 2, 2011 | News & Events
Increases in domestic gas prices mean we will all be feeling the pinch on household budgets more than ever this winter. Alister Maclachlan, product director at Vokèra, looks at how the latest advanced controls can significantly improve the efficiency of a heating system and reduce utility bills – without requiring too much of a financial outlay.
Following the announcement that energy prices are set to rise even further, many homeowners will be looking to reduce their energy usage to combat the price hikes. The Government’s RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) and Green Deal schemes are designed to help homeowners afford energy saving measures – but aren’t going to provide immediate assistance.
Though the RHI Renewable Heat Premium Payments are now available, providing a one-off payment if a homeowner has a renewable technology installed (depending on the technology and if certain criteria is met), the ongoing tariffs will not be available until late 2012.
Similarly, the Green Deal will not be up and running until the end of 2012 at the earliest. This new scheme will see major energy suppliers offering loans to homeowners who want to install energy efficient measures and technologies.
So, with help from the RHI and Green Deal being some way off, how can installers help homeowners to find a cost-effective way to be more efficient? There is clearly a need for an immediate, affordable solution – and this is where the latest intelligent heating and hot water controls really come into their own.
Thermostats and controls have been on the market for many years and are an essential part of a modern central heating system; however, more recently manufacturers have invested heavily in further advancing boiler control technology to improve the efficiency of the boiler. In fact, the latest generation of controls offer homeowners even greater command over their heating and fuel usage, and when teamed with a high efficiency boiler, can dramatically reduce fuel bills for the end user.
The very latest innovation to hit the market is built-in OpenTherm technology. It’s estimated that up to 10 per cent of the energy consumed for space heating can be saved by using this type of control with an appropriate HE boiler. Fuel efficiency can be maximised by specifying these controls alongside boilers with higher modulation ratios, for example ratios of 5:1 and higher. For customers looking to reduce their fuel consumption immediately, OpenTherm could be an ideal solution, and is suitable for retrofit as well as new installations (depending on the boilers compatibility with OpenTherm protocol).
The benefit of OpenTherm technology lies in its ability to regulate the temperature of the room more effectively than a standard room thermostat. When a standard ON/OFF room temperature/programmable room thermostat is used, the boiler will usually provide a flow temperature that’s much higher than required for the room to reach the temperature set by the thermostat. This causes the boiler to ‘overshoot’, and as a result the home will actually become too hot. To compensate, the boiler switches off, and the temperature drops again. When the temperature goes below the set-point (the nature of traditional thermostatic controls means a boiler will ‘undershoot’), the boiler turns back on – and so this pattern continues. This frequent ON/OFF cycling results in an inefficient use of fuel and unnecessary wear and tear on boiler parts.
OpenTherm protocol controls are also available as wireless (RF) units, making them particularly suitable for retrofit applications. Vokèra is one of the few manufacturers to offer this type of control in a wireless format. Wireless OpenTherm controls provide a neat installation, something that is particularly ideal for house-proud customers who are concerned about the aesthetics of their home, and are easy to fit. With a 30 metre wireless transmitter, both new and retrofit installations are quick, simple and tidy.
Another recent development in controls has been weather compensation technology, which regulates the output of the boiler in line with the outside temperature, and is particularly effective when unseasonal weather occurs. Using weather compensation will almost always ensure that the boiler is fully condensing and this maximises fuel efficiency. In fact, under the proposed SAP 2009, the installation of a weather compensation control can increase the efficiency of a condensing boiler by up to 3%, enabling efficiencies in excess of 93 per cent. A weather compensation control not only saves energy, it can also ensure a more comfortable environment inside the home too.
While a selection of boilers are being supplied with weather compensation controls included, a key benefit is that existing boilers can be upgraded to include this technology. If fitting an external weather sensor, it is advisable to fit the controls to a north or north-west facing wall to achieve optimum results.
Both OpenTherm and weather compensation controls offer an affordable, cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency – and could provide a useful stop-gap until other measures, such as a more efficient boiler or a renewable technology, can be fitted.
When specifying controls it’s worthwhile looking for any additional features that will add to the usability of the control, ensuring the homeowner can make the most of their heating system, manage their energy efficiently and maximise comfort. For example, the OpenTherm protocol RF control from Vokèra includes a handy holiday function. This allows the end-user to set the control for the duration of the holiday, and the temperature at which the boiler should operate at during this period and for when they return.
If a control boasts an optimisation function, this means it will start the boiler working before the programmed ‘ON’ time, so the desired temperature is reached for when the homeowner wants it. Some controls also give homeowners access to useful information too, such as the current and target room temperatures.
When specifying controls with advanced user functions, it is important to ensure the homeowner is properly briefed when the unit is installed. This will ensure the customer knows how to operate the controls and that the maximum energy savings can be achieved.
With fuel prices rising dramatically and the effects of the economic downturn still being felt, there has never been a more important time to ensure a home’s central heating system runs as effectively and efficiently as possible. Installers can provide valuable information to homeowners about the advantages of intelligent controls to help them reduce their energy usage now, so they are better prepared to manage the cost of their utility bills in the future.
Our website has a wealth of information on boilers, controls and renewables, to help you save on your fuel bills
Jul 21, 2011 | News & Events
Renewable Heat Premium Payment Grant finally announced
If you are installing renewables, then you need to read on, the Government Renewable Heat Premium Payments (RHPP) have finally been announced and will be availale from 1st August 2011.
What is great about the RHPP is that so far the scheme seems to be very simple. This will help its success – something we saw with the boiler scrappage scheme, which was kept very clear and subsequently worked very well.
The premium payments demonstrate that the Government is backing renewable technologies and recognising their importance in meeting our carbon reduction commitments
The announcement from the DECC on 21st July 2011 has confirmed the scheme will start on 1 August. Installers who have not started need to get prepared. Vokèra’s advice to installers is to get MCS accredited, finish off any necessary training so they can offer these additional services to their customers alongside their core business.
The RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) tariffs which are expected to launch in October 2012, will further encourage their uptake. We are expecting announcements regarding the criteria and amount of ongoing tariffs for households who invest in the eligible renewable heating technologies later this year.
Vokèra is urging the Government to announce the RHI tariff criteria as soon as possible. The ideal situation would be that the criteria is the same for the tariff as it is for the RHI Premium Payment, so people are assured of this continued support. Alternatively, the Government should allow homeowners who do not meet the criteria a chance to implement any necessary changes and reapply.
RHPP Factfile
What is the RHPP?
The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme is a Government scheme that gives householders a one-off payment to help them buy renewable heating technologies – solar thermal panels, heat pumps and biomass boilers. It will run between 1 August 2011 and 31 March 2012. It only runs for eight months – because from October 2012, the Renewable Heat Incentive tariffs will be launched for the domestic sector and the Green Deal will come into force.
What is the criteria?
Where practical, loft insulation to a minimum of 250mm and cavity wall insulation needs to be in place. The products installed and the installer must be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) approved.
Following installation the homeowner will complete two surveys and could have the opportunity to have a free meter installed to monitor the energy performance.
How much is it worth?
ALL HOUSES
£300 – Solar thermal -voucher valid for 3 months
HOUSES NOT HEATED BY GAS FROM THE GRID
£850 – Air source heat pump – voucher valid for 5 months
£950 – Biomass boiler -voucher valid for 6 months
£1250 – Ground source heat pump -voucher valid for 6 months
How do you apply?
Apply online at the Energy Saving Trust website. If the criteria is met, a voucher will be issued, which must be returned before its expiry date with a copy of the invoice and certificate from the MCS.
The Scheme will end on the 31 March 2012, or when the allocated funding has been issued.
So, how do we access the RHI tariffs?
Installations that have received the RHPP will be eligible for the RHI tariffs, providing you meet the RHI criteria, which has not yet been finalised. Full details of the scheme and eligibility can be found on the EST website: www.est.org.uk
Jan 5, 2011 | News & Events
Vokèra has announced the launch of the new Linea One, a SEDBUK A rated combi boiler, with high output of 38kW and excellent domestic hot water performance of 15.6 litres per minute.
Linea One is our flagship combi boiler, boasting an array of exceptional features, benefits and efficiency for maximum end user comfort as well as offering a 5 year parts and labour guarantee as standard for total peace of mind.
The Linea One has one of the lowest NOx emissions in its class, with just 29mg/kWh and has an outside weather sensor included in the box, enabling it to be up to 93% efficient*
Alister Maclachlan, technical director, for Vokèra, said: “We’re really excited about the new Linea One, as we believe it offers customers a high quality, high performance, modern boiler which features some of the latest technology in energy efficiency.”
A snapshot of Linea One’s functions:
Intelligent ‘Pre Heat Memory’ function
The Linea One incorporates an intelligent domestic hot water ‘Pre Heat Memory’ function that, when selected, adapts the appliance pre-heat function to match your typical daily hot water usage pattern. Over a 1-week period, the boiler monitors at what times and how much hot water your household uses, thereafter the pre-heat function of the boiler is automatically adapted to suit your lifestyle, ensuring that there is always an immediate supply of hot water when you need it.
‘Comfort’ function
The ‘Comfort’ function allows you to set a fixed outlet temperature for DHW within the range 35°C to 45°C (factory set at 40°C). By choosing to operate this function you ensure that your DHW is of a comfortable and safe temperature which is especially useful if there are young children or elderly relatives in the home.
To find out more email [email protected]
*Based on SAP 2009
May 27, 2010 | News & Events
Vokèra’s smallest condensing combi boiler the Compact A, has been specifically designed to meet the new Part L of the Building Regulations.
Following the success of Vokèra’s Compact HE range, the new Compact A is a cost effective combi, offering low NOx and is available in two outputs of 25kW and 29kW.
The name Compact describes the boiler perfectly as it is 40 per cent smaller and 22 per cent lighter than the previous model, while the standard Vokèra layout enables quick and easy equipment replacement or upgrade if required.
Alister Maclachlan, technical director, for Vokèra, said: “We’re really excited about the Compact A, as we believe it offers installers a quality, modern boiler which meets all latest legislation requirements, but at a cost effective price for domestic customers.
“The exclusion of Band B boilers from Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into force in October 2010, means the Compact A is the perfect choice as a cost conscious solution that satisfies the legislative change and meet the needs of installers and customers alike.”
Compact A offers a number of key benefits including pre-mix combustion and a combined parallel and in-series hydraulic circuit. The expansion vessel is side-mounted and a cyclonic separator is fitted as standard. The interface is simple to use and a clock kit and wireless programme kit are available as additional options.
To find out more click here
Jul 14, 2009 | News & Events
Vokèra the UK’s first boiler specifically designed for outside installation on a balcony or mounted on an external wall. Based on it’s leading combi boiler Unica HE, the Unica Balcony HE offers the same excellent quality, reliability and efficiency, but with increased siting flexibility and the benefit of space saving in a home.
The Unica Balcony HE’s IPX5D rating means that Vokèra is the only UK manufacturer to offer an external boiler able to withstand the elements without the need for additional protection. Not only is it ideal for flats and apartments with limited inside space, but the Unica Balcony HE can also help solve a range of flueing and condensate problems.
When a boiler is not located near an external wall, flue clearances can be difficult to achieve, so the Unica Balcony boiler is a perfect solution. In addition, with many properties wishing to update to a condensing boiler, the issue of condensate disposal can cause problems. Installing a boiler to the outside of the property also means that there is no need to inaugurate lengthy soak away pipework, making the installation quick and easy.
Like the Unica HE, the Unica Balcony HE is a condensing boiler, with the potential to reduce running costs by up to 35 per cent when compared to a conventional boiler. The patented aluminium heat exchanger provides excellent thermal transfer and is corrosion resistant, helping to keep the boiler in good condition and reducing the need for costly maintenance work. The built-in frost protection also helps to keep repair work to a minimum, protecting the appliance from damage during cold weather.
The Unica Balcony HE boiler is initially available in 32kW output, with further models to be added to the range later this year. This latest product from Vokera demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in its comprehensive heating solutions that help the installer overcome complex installations.
In addition to the Unica HE range, Vokèra has a comprehensive offering of heating solutions to suit domestic applications, incorporating stylish designs and many optional extras as standard, at an affordable price. For further information call Vokera on 0844 391 0999 or visit www.vokera.co.uk.
May 19, 2009 | News & Events
Leading boiler manufacturer Vokèra is encouraging Benchmark registered installers to join their recommended installer list, offering them the opportunity to gain customer leads.
Vokèra recognise that particularly because of current difficult market conditions, maximising every opportunity to find new customers is important to installers. Linking up with a leading manufacturer like Vokèra can be the key to finding leads. To join the scheme, Vokera prefer installers to be Benchmark registered, and their necessary qualifications must be up-to-date as well being a loyal Vokera affinity member*.
Eleanor Waldron, marketing director at Vokèra, said: “The recommended installers list is a great way to ensure that we are promoting the best standards in the industry. For those installers who sign up, there is the bonus of being given leads which could turn into work for them, offering them the help they might need during these tough times.”
Vokèra actively supports the HHIC Benchmark scheme, which ensures that the installation and servicing of domestic heating and hot water products are carried out to the highest standards by a fully qualified installer. To find out more about Benchmark or to become a member, visit the Heating and Hot water Industry Council (HHIC) website: www.hhic.org.uk .
For further information on Vokèra’s installer scheme, or how to become a member, email [email protected].
* Other conditions apply.
