Heating and Ventilation

Whilst we move into the summer months, now is an ideal time to consider retrofitting your housing stock and to take the opportunity to switch from traditional boilers and move towards more renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps. Paul Taylor, Head of Renewables for Panasonic UK, takes a closer look at the latest developments in heat pump technology for a more energy efficient heating and sustainable future.

A new wave of government funding is driving fresh opportunities for social housing providers and developers to decarbonise their UK housing stock. Adam Greaves, Panasonic Key Account Manager – Heating Solutions, puts forward the case that embracing renewable technologies such as installing heat pumps can have a significant effect in meeting net-zero goals.

Leading ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is delighted to announce it has been shortlisted in the Unlock Net Zero Live Awards. The Sussex-based company has reached the final line up in the Innovation of the Year - Product or Service category for its Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony, taking place alongside Housing 2023, on Tuesday 27 June at Manchester Central.

The inaugural Unlock Net Zero Live Awards seek to recognise and champion progress on the journey to decarbonisation for the UK housing sector and the supply chain that supports it. Vent-Axia's Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution aims to help deliver decarbonisation in social housing by providing the right ventilation support on the journey to Net Zero Homes by 2050 and healthier homes.  

Leading trade retailer ElectricalDirect has added the innovative Radbot 1 Intelligent Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) from Secure to its expanding range of heating solutions. This new type of heating control has been designed to optimise energy usage which is an ideal solution for those looking to reduce their energy bills in the cost of living crisis.

The easy-to-fit device, now available at ElectricalDirect, can be installed within minutes on any radiator that has an existing thermostatic radiator valve. It is compatible with wet central heating systems, including gas, oil boilers and heat pumps, and works with all standard heating controls and smart thermostats.

VORTICE has launched a new Positive Input Ventilation System (PIV) in both loft and wall versions to help eradicate the issue of mould in the home.   We spend more than 90% of our time indoors and unless we take steps to ventilate our homes correctly, the quality of the air we breathe can be 50 times more polluted than outdoor air, with all the associated health risks. Why is that? We are sealing up our homes and when you contemplate the number of cleaning products, hair sprays, paints, air fresheners, new furniture and carpets that we bring into our home, you’ll realise what we’re feeding into our indoor air. One of the main issues is the rise of humidity, encouraging the presence of condensation, mould and dust mites in the home and if not treated properly can cause or increase health risks such as breathing issues or skin allergies.

The challenges and opportunities of improving heat network performance to support residents will be explored at a free conference in central Manchester on Thursday 8th June 2023.

Hosted by heat network specialist Switch2 Energy, the event will explore solutions to three major challenges facing the industry. These are how to reduce operating costs and residents’ energy bills; how to reduce carbon emissions, and how to comply with tougher new regulation.

The Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP) has launched a new course; the Level 2 VRQ Award in Understanding and Prevention of Damp and Mould in Housing. Designed specifically for those engaged in the provision of social housing; the course seeks to support the sector in light of recent events by raising awareness of damp and mould prevention and control.