Commercial heating warms to LPG

Calor LPG, as an established fuel option for off mains gas areas, continues to grow as specifiers, contractors and end users appreciate its advantages for commercial projects.

Calor LPG, as an established fuel option for off mains gas areas, continues to grow as specifiers, contractors and end users appreciate its advantages for commercial projects.

The cleaner burning fuel is finding favour across the full range of commercial applications, including restaurants, bars, leisure facilities, schools and metered estates.

Paul Riding, Calor's commercial market controller, attributes the increasing growth of the fuel to its recognised environmental advantages, the convenience of operating hot water, heating and catering equipment from a single fuel source, and concerns surrounding new oil storage regulations due to take effect from 1st September this year.

"Quite aside from the new oil storage rules, where the use of LPG removes the associated risks, there are clear benefits for the specifiers, contractor and end user," he says.

Based on its low carbon emissions figure, LPG is the only viable fuel choice for space and water heating in buildings after natural gas, to meet Part L of the Building Regulations.

The growing range of factory fitted water heating equipment illustrates the position of LPG as an established fuel.

"LPG powered equipment is easy to install and can be specified as part of a complete heating and catering package," he adds.

"In addition, working with an established fuel supplier such as Calor ensures straightforward fuel tank installation as part of the overall project".

Metered systems can be installed to deliver LPG to multi-occupancy sites with a central storage tank serving all users.

Calor's technical specialists work with specifiers, contractors and installers to deliver the best solution based on the available space, gas off-take of the appliances and the amount of storage required.

An added advantage of LPG bulk tank installation is that the responsibility for tank safety, maintenance and service remains with the fuel supplier - unlike oil, where the owner of the tank is liable for pollution resulting from leakage.

It isn't only Calor promoting the benefits of LPG - plenty of specifiers, contractors and installers have already warmed to the idea.

One such business is Suffolk-based Thermalair , which specialises in industrial and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Founded in 1982, the company supports architects, developers and builders in East Anglia, in providing the best heating solution - whether it's new build or refurbishment projects.

When it comes to off-mains gas areas, says company director John Walsh, that means Calor LPG.

"Like many heating companies, the bulk of our business is mains gas, but it's vital to have the right option for premises in off-mains areas and we always recommend LPG," he says.

"It's generally a more convenient fuel, you get a greater variety of equipment that's competitively priced and you don't have the issue of double bunded storage and pumping that you have with oil.

"Installation of LPG powered equipment is easy - it's no more difficult than mains gas fired equipment, and our customers have the peace of mind that the tank's maintenance and fuel deliveries are handled by the gas supplier," he adds.

"For CORGI registered installers, LPG training is not too onerous.

We all win with LPG - we recommend a fuel supply with confidence and the customer gets the heating system designed by us, that delivers their needs".

Water heating equipment manufacturer Lochinvar also reports increasing interest in LPG.

The company already manufactures a wide range of water heating equipment designed specifically for LPG.

Its water heaters are designed on the principle of low storage but fast recovery of hot water, making them particularly suitable for applications such as leisure centres, sports clubs, hotels and restaurants where peak demands often occur.

David Pepper, Lochinvar's managing director, adds: "We're pleased to have a good working relationship with Calor, where LPG provides an efficient and economical solution to hot water needs where natural gas is not available.

Running out of hot water could be damaging for many businesses, but the fast recovery design of our products with Calor's reliable fuel supply gives peace of mind for all building owners or managers".

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