Controls

Controls are a hidden gem when it comes to boiler management and their importance is often overlooked. To achieve complete system efficiency isn’t just a case of installing a room thermostat and leaving the homeowner to their own devices. Providing intelligent controls will deliver greater energy savings and provides an opportunity for installers to use them to add on sales. Here Gren Ward from Biaisi looks at the specification of controls.

Controls for heating systems are not a new concept but the way homeowners interact with their homes has changed. Traditionally room thermostats have been used to regulate space heating temperature and control the output of the boiler. However developments made by boiler manufacturers have meant that installers can now help homeowners further improve the efficiency of their heating and hot water systems with the specification of more sophisticated controls that offer greater comfort and performance.

For controls to work efficiently with the heating system they have to be programmed correctly as too simple a control will not always generate energy savings. However, devices that offer automation, whereby there is no onus on the homeowner to make changes to the settings in some way, are in most cases the best option.

Firstly though, to ensure the controls meet the homeowner’s requirements, it is necessary to assess their lifestyle. This means looking at the size of the property and the areas most frequently used as this will influence the type of control devices recommended. For example, the revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations states that: “Heating systems up to 150m2 should be zoned into at least two separate time and temperature controlled zones. However if the property is a small single storey living area, where the living area is 70% or greater of the floor area, such as a bedsit, then sub zoning is not required.”

Installers also need to consider the length of time the homeowner spends in their property and at what times of the day. This will determine when the heating system may be programmed to come on and off and at what temperature it needs to be set. If the boiler is working outside these parameters then energy could be wasted.

There are many ways of adjusting the heating system’s temperature to match load. At the very least all heating systems should have a room thermostat to adjust the temperature to suit the homeowner’s requirements and will switch the boiler off once the required output has been reached. But manufacturers are continually looking for ways to make it easier and simpler for installers to specify and fit more sophisticated controls.

In German it is mandatory for all domestic boilers to have an outside air temperature compensation control. This technology is available in the UK, but its value is yet to be fully recognised. The use of a weather compensator controls the output of the boiler in relation to the outside temperature and adjusts the internal temperature accordingly. This not only increases efficiency due to the boiler condensing for longer but also increases the homeowner’s comfort as the radiator temperature remains at a constant level.

One of the most sophisticated levels of control is zoning. In an era when we are all under pressure to reduce energy waste, both for cost and environmental reasons, zoned heating systems make sense. Heating only the area of a home where it is required and at a particular time while controlling both the ambient temperature and hot water generation offers greater energy efficient. In fact, the use of efficient heating controls can reduce a household’s energy usage by up to 20 per cent. In addition when it comes to using zoned heating controls, some homes could see even greater savings as utilising these types of solutions will prevent rooms which are rarely used from being heated at full temperature at the same time high usage areas are heated.

Up until now, zoning a property has been a complex procedure for any installer, from designing the system to the installation as they would have to use a complex array of wiring and controls in order to control each zone, which often made it difficult to be effective and to maintain if there was an issue with the system. However, Biasi is on the verge of launching a zoned system that removes complexities by housing all the pump units within one box and using an electronic control system that has clearly defined electrical terminals to make zoning much more simple and effective.

While we are seeing some improvement in the take up of controls for heating and hot water systems, there has never been a better time for installers to recognise the importance of recommending more sophisticated controls that will meet the homeowner’s needs without little or no intervention from them. Controls do present a real option that homeowners can be embrace now to deliver further savings on their bill, while providing the installer with an opportunity to generate greater revenue and add value to their service.

25th July 2010

Biasi Expand A Rated Range

Biasi UK, a leading boiler manufacturer, is expanding its ActivA range of Sedbuk A rated boilers with the launch of four open vented boilers available in outputs of 12, 15, 20 and 25kW, combining innovative new technologies with superior build quality. 

The open vented models enhance the existing ActivA range, which also comprises a combi model offering outputs of 25, 30 and 35kW and a system boiler in 18, 25 and 30kW.  The introduction of the open vented version means installers and merchants can be confident the ActivA collection will meet any installation requirements, while providing the ultimate in peace of mind as all boilers come with a complete five year parts and labour warranty. 

The ActivA features dynamic technologies to ensure it operates as energy efficiently as possible.  All models contain weather compensation and a fuel saving device, which allows the boiler to interrogate a temperature sensor mounted on the exterior of the house to efficiently deliver heat to the property.  In addition, the ActivA is available with Biasi’s Intelistat, which can be set to learn trends in the homeowner’s heating requirements, optimising the boiler’s energy usage. 

Safety is second to none with the ActivA range due to devices such as the quad processor, which enables the boiler to self check its components to determine whether it should shut down.  In some instances, it will bypass a problem if it presents no safety issue and will avoid ‘nuisance’ lockouts by retrying to establish ignition or attempting to clear a possible cause of a fault, helping to eliminate circumstances where the homeowner will be left without vital heating or hot water. 

The ActivA range also features Biasi’s unique heat exchanger, which ensures less corrosion and build up of lime scale, for greater reliability and superior build quality.  Using a specially mixed form of high grade aluminium with added components, Biasi has enhanced its durability.  The progressive design of the component also greatly reduces scale precipitation, while ensuring maximum thermal extraction from the flue gases. 

Designed for a quick and easy installation, the ActivA is compact in size, comes with a full range of flue accessories as well as offering exceptional flow rates of up to 14l/min to satisfy the homeowner’s hot water requirements.  It also features a built-in anti-seizure function and frost protection, for maximum reliability and operation, and is available with a choice of digital or mechanical clock options as well as simple to use controls with self diagnostics.   

All products come with Biasi’s exceptional five year warranty on parts and labour, providing installers and homeowners with complete peace of mind. 

Richard Braid, marketing director from Biasi comments: “The ActivA is the latest generation of our high efficiency boilers designed to meet the market’s demand for reliability, quality and energy saving features.  We have dedicated considerable research and development into making these new products as technologically advanced as possible in response to the heightened need to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housings stock.  In addition, combining state-of-the-art features with a sleek and compact design makes ActivA an excellent choice for installers in the domestic heating sector.”

June 2010

New Oppotunity For Installers From New Solar Package

Biasi Moves To Customer Friendly New Base

Biasi UK are moving to new premises in Walsall. The move will allow the company to expand its training facilities to incorporate their latest range of ‘A’ rated boilers and Renewable product ranges, as well as relocating its more customer facing staff.

As part of the company’s recent restructure to becoming less ‘backroom staff’ orientated and more ‘customer facing’, the move will allow Biasi to locate staff in an environment appropriate to achieving their new goals. The move will create no disruption to supply of Biasi products, but has meant a change in telephone number (01922 714 600)

Speaking about the move Gren Ward said the move was necessary to accommodate the increased product offering that we're introducing in 2010.

“I want us to be a lot more customer orientated so it was clear a better base was required. Our increased product offering means we are going to be offering a broader range of training, and by moving we are able to give Mike (Hook) what he needs to support the new ranges. All the staff involved in the short move has done a great job to make the move as smooth as possible for our customers”

Ecobuild 2010

Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.

Combining an 850 exhibitor-strong product showcase with more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions and dozens of interactive educational attractions, Ecobuild connects formal learning with practical experience, and with products and suppliers.

Almost 35,000 visitors attended Ecobuild 2009, including some of the most influential organisations and individuals responsible for some of the most valuable construction projects across the UK and beyond.

Tuesday 02 - Thurs 04 March 2010 Earls Court London
Biasi Uk Ltd. Stand No. 1240

Ward Takes The Reins At Biasi

Having successfully repositioned itself as a one-stop-shop provider of gas boilers, radiators and towel rails, Biasi UK - the subsidiary of the global Italian boiler manufacturer, Biasi SpA – continues its ambitious growth strategy with the appointment of Gren Ward to the position of Managing Director.

In addition to strengthening the Biasi brand and further developing its renewables offering, Ward will be responsible for unveiling a series of product and marketing initiatives designed to further elevate Biasi’s market standing and strengthen its commitment to merchants and installers.

Ward's 20 plus years experience in the heating market has laid the foundations for his new post. Having held a series of senior marketing positions within leading companies, including Potterton, Baxi Heating and Halstead, his arrival heralds the dawn of another exciting phase of development for Biasi, and his role seen as pivotal to the company’s success, Ward comments: "In such challenging times, it is vital that we focus on the changing needs of our installer customers. Biasi will deliver a superior range of home comfort solutions that, together with a new approach to supporting the one-off installer, will equip both our merchant and installer customers to meet the demands of the end user."

Biasi develops ActivA boiler range with unique heat exchanger