Product category:
Heating Systems, Controls and Management
News Release from: Johnson and Starley | Subject: Next generation high efficiency boilers
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 January 2006
Next generation high efficiency boilers
Stan Bell, Sales Director atJohnson and Starley, takes a look at the next generation high efficiency boilers By
The market for condensing boilers already looks crowded with many manufacturers having already made their mark It could therefore seem difficult for another manufacturer to enter the market now with any confidence of sustaining a decent market share
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 6 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Dryflow product range from Johnson and Starley
Johnson and Starley specialises in design and production of a comprehensive selection of ventilation and heat recovery equipment where installation of ductwork is not practical.
Renoxtra Sedbuk Band A combination boiler
RenoXtra high efficiency combination condensing boiler from Johnson and Starley features a new gas saver module built into the cabinet of the boiler and provides additional system efficiency.
However, some of the problems of first generation gas condensing or high efficiency boilers are well documented in terms of performance and reliability.
Therefore any manufacturer that can introduce a product which addresses these difficulties has an excellent opportunity to make its mark - particularly as the overall drive towards energy efficiency and reductions in CO2 continues to favour condensing boiler technology.
There are many areas of high efficiency boiler design and manufacture that need to be addressed by the makers of the latest generation.
Further reading
Increased DHW delivery rates and space saving
Complementing Johnson and Starley's latest RenoXtra high efficiency combination boiler, a new Hiflow thermal store module or kit can now be added to the heating system.
Reno boilers offer all round quality
Johnson and Starley's SEDBUK Band A rated RENO condensing boilers are one of the very few high efficiency ranges developed and manufactured in the UK.
Reducing air leakage through the building envelope
Johnson and Starley specialises in the design and production of a comprehensive selection of ventilation and heat recovery equipment where the installation of ductwork is not practical.
Design innovation, build quality, reliability and ease of installation remain key performance indicators for specifiers whilst performance and life expectancy of wet systems ought to match that of modern warm air systems in every way - except the actual method of heat delivery.
Some of the areas of build quality that have been addressed include the use of stainless steel heat exchangers as it is by far the most durable and reliable material which has a proven record in Johnson and Starley warm air systems.
Long guarantees - as much as five years - have to be offered on the heat exchanger to inspire customer confidence.
On the first generation of condensing boilers, relays on the PCB's appeared to be the most common feature.
Heating controls and PCBs have therefore had to be re-examined and their reliability improved upon.
Digital PCB's with no moving parts increase reliability.
Operational noise levels have been reduced through the design of the venturis.
Energy efficient performance has been improved through features such as a pre-heat facility which on a combi boiler will keep the secondary heat exchanger hot all the time, although it can be switched off for optimum efficiency.
Overall, manufacturers must respond to the requests of their installers and customers, but occasionally in the past, were slow to do so, whereas an installer led design process, such as that employed in the Reno development programme, can provide a product which is easy to install, innovative and of high quality.
The introduction of a separate pressure gauge on the wall fixing jig to enable all the pipe work to be filled and tested without the boiler fitted is one way of improving the ease of installation.
Also the introduction of a self diagnostics function on the controls assists maintenance and fault identification.
Increasing the length of the flue run on a condensing boiler allows increased flexibility for the installer.
A length of 10 metres as an alternative to the traditional 4 metres is therefore an attractive option when choosing the appropriate project solution.
The ability of a manufacturer to offer its customers a choice of heating solutions is also important.
Contractors and their customers from the private and social housing sector need to be able to choose exactly the right type of heating system for a particular project.
Therefore, the availability of a high efficiency 'heat generator' alongside established warm air heating systems and ventilation systems from a company with a high pedigree will be very attractive.
Often, social housing providers allow one section of their organisation to specify the heating system and another deal with the ventilation requirements.
Everyone needs to be brought together at the planning stage and this would help to eradicate some of the problems often encountered after installation when occupiers start complaining.
Such problems could be overcome by dealing with a single supplier who in effect offers a total home comfort package covering heating and ventilation requirements.
Manufacturers more now than ever need to work with installers and their customers to provide the most appropriate heating solution for any particular project.
Those suppliers who have a choice of solutions under one roof, backed up by manufacturing, training and service standards higher than their competitors, will succeed in this crowded market place. Request a free brochure from Johnson and Starley ...
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