Electric properties

The majority of domestic properties that are not heated by mains gas are located in rural areas. However, some do exist in UK towns and cities – where, for example, there are gas supply restrictions or flue issues. It is in these circumstances that electric wet central heating is making its mark, proving to be an ideal alternative heating solution.

It’s fair to say that electric space heating generally conjures up negative connotations. For a long time electric heating was associated with night storage heaters, which generally store heat during the night when off-peak economy tariffs are available, and release it during the day. Though daytime off-peak tariffs have now been introduced, and controllability has improved in terms of storing and releasing heat, the inherent inflexibility of storage heaters has been known to cause some issues for householders.

The introduction of electric flow boilers, which provide wet central heating, have really moved the electric heating market forward. Rather than storing energy, electric boilers work in a similar way to gas central heating boilers. These provide heating and hot water when it’s actually needed via conventional radiators or an underfloor system, coupled with a hot water storage cylinder and controlled by a programmer and room thermostat.

Electric boilers have breathed life into the electric heating market and widened the applications suitable for electric heating. In fact, they are now being considered for properties located in urban areas where mains gas is available, but the installation of gas central heating would be challenging.

Let’s look at multi-storey dwellings or high-rise flats for example. Gas supply restrictions or the location of the flue (and the condensate drain if we’re talking about a high efficiency gas boiler) may present challenges for a property developer or heating installer. With electric central heating there’s no flue to consider, so it’s simple and flexible to install.

Then there’s social housing properties and rented accommodation. By specifying electric central heating, annual gas safety checks, which must be carried out in accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998, are eliminated. This is an important benefit for local authorities and private landlords wanting to reduce their maintenance overheads.

Electric boilers are also proving to be an ideal choice when a property’s central heating system needs to be extended to service a new extension or conservatory. Installing an electric central heating boiler will be less disruptive than extending the existing system and in many cases will provide the necessary extra capacity that may not be available from the property’s main boiler.

Electric boilers are also compatible with underfloor heating systems. This type of heating is ideal for conservatories and extensions and is becoming an increasingly popular consumer choice – the market for underfloor heating grew more than sevenfold between 1990 and 2001. During the winter, homeowners can find that tiled, laminated or wooden floors – a popular choice for conservatories and extensions – can be cold underfoot; electric underfloor heating eliminates this problem. Underfloor heating is also energy efficient, produces an even distribution of heat and eliminates the need for radiators.

The electric flow boiler market was largely developed by Electroheat, manufacturer of the Amptec electric central heating boiler, and was acquired by Heatrae Sadia at the beginning of 2004.

Amptec has been well received by our customers, and having fully integrated the business and product into our manufacturing, marketing and sales operation, we have been quick to see growth – so much so that we are predicting unit sales to increase by more than 30%.

Electric boilers offer many benefits. They are an environmentally friendly product, often offering efficiency levels of 99·8% and they are extremely compact too. Their slim, sleek appearance can save valuable space around the home – an important benefit for developers, landlords and homeowners. The homeowner can of course utilise the benefits of economy off-peak electricity tariffs.

The appeal of a modern, slimline electric boiler that offers installers versatility, flexibility and ease of installation and provides consumers with an energy efficient heating solution, greater heating control, cost effectiveness and off-peak electricity tariffs is clearly attractive. It is also presenting new opportunities for electric installers and contractors working in the domestic sector.

Let’s move on to opportunities in commercial electric water heating.

With increased knowledge, publicity and legislation surrounding hygiene, cleanliness, bacteria and germs, there’s never been a greater need for effective washing facilities in commercial premises, from offices, factories, schools and hospitals to hotels, prisons, pubs and shopping centres. ‘Now wash your hands’ signs greet us in most public toilets and the media constantly reminds us how easily harmful germs can be transferred.

Health and safety bodies advise that hand washing facilities must be available in commercial premises, especially where hygiene is a priority, for example where food is sold and prepared, and in healthcare applications such as hospitals.

It is vital that these types of premises have effective hand washing facilities, especially when you consider the recent press coverage on the growth of the hospital superbug MRSA and the suggestion that frequent, thorough hand washing could help to prevent it from spreading.

Unvented hot water storage is ideal for providing effective, mains pressure hot water for sinks, basins and showers in commercial premises. Fed directly from the cold water mains, unvented hot water storage is becoming more popular than ever in the UK, with the benefits of powerful hot water delivery – without a loss of performance when taps and showers are used simultaneously – stimulating growth in the market.

Small unvented systems, where the heater is normally located close to the point where hot water is needed, are ideal for applications with around three sinks or basins, such as office, leisure centre, pub and restaurant washrooms, school and nursery toilets and hair salons.

Unvented water heaters are a cost-effective and efficient way of providing powerful hot water for commercial hand washing. Today’s systems are available with a range of accessories designed to simplify installation.

Larger systems are available for a range of light-duty commercial applications, with products that can serve two or more heavy duty commercial sinks, or alternatively an increased number of lower usage outlets.

For commercial applications with a greater demand for hot water – for example hotels, sport and leisure centres and large offices with a significant number of basins, sinks and showers in use – a large unvented system is the ideal solution.

Products deliver mains pressure, powerful hot water to showers, sinks and basins. Available in different capacities, typically ranging from 70 to 300 litres, there is a model to suit most commercial environments, ranging from offices and restaurants to more demanding applications such as hotels and sport and health clubs, where two or more units can be installed in parallel.

Small unvented systems (under 15 litres) should be installed by a competent person, whereas unvented systems over 15 litres must be safely installed by a competent person who holds a current registered operative identity card in accordance with Building Regulation G3.

Many plumbing and heating installers have taken advantage of the increased market demand for unvented systems, and have been quick to obtain the legally required certificate. Electrical contractors and installers should also seriously consider obtaining the qualification in order to broaden their revenue opportunities.

Training is available through the CITB, colleges and manufacturers. Heatrae Sadia’s sister company Baxi Potterton is now offering industry-approved large unvented water heating training courses at its Warrington, Dartford and Belfast training centres. On successful completion of the course, installers will receive a registered operative identity card.

The growth of electric wet central heating and unvented water heating is providing increased opportunities for the electrical industry in both the domestic and commercial sectors. By investing in training and becoming clued up on these types of products, electrical installers and contractors can extend their skills and knowledge and offer a broader service – naturally increasing their revenue opportunities.