The BHL team recently visited EcoBuild 2010 at Earls Court, London. The exhibition was massive with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors.

EcoBuild displays the latest energy efficiency and renewables products and materials from the leading manufacturers within the building industry. Many manufacturers use the exhibition as an opportunity to launch new and innovative products.

We wanted to see the Plumbing and Heating stands and be the first to learn about some of the new and exciting developments within the industry. It was also interesting to see all the other disciplines within the construction industry on display.

Worcester Bosch, as you would expect from one of the UK’s leading heating manufacturers had a large and impressive stand displaying their wide range of products including Worcester Bosch Boilers, Worcester Bosch Heat Pumps and Worcester Bosch Solar.

EcoBuild 2010 featured over 1000 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products and materials including Boilers, Solar Panels, Flooring, Green Walls and Wind Turbines

Kingspan had a large presence at EcoBuild and displayed a wide range of their products including Range Tribune Cylinders and Albion Ultrasteel Cylinders.

The Guardian’s Architecture and Design correspondent Jonathan Glancey in the EcoBuild 2010 Arena Lecture.

The New Albion Aerocyl Unvented Hot Water Cylinder and Aerocyl Buffer Tank on display for one of the first times.

The impressive Remeha (Broag) range of Avanta Boilers on display and showing off their build quality and use of top quality parts.

Glow-worm Clearly Heat Pumps on display at EcoBuild.

Worcester Bosch Underfloor Heating System which as the sticker suggests is new for 2010.

EcoBuild’s most impressive structure was Cityscape, an imposing 8 metre high cube clad in the very latest living wall technology.

Ideal Heating displayed a wide range of products including the Ideal Gas Boiler and Stelrad Radiator range. Ideal also sported their new corporate logo.

Baxi Ecogen, from Baxi is a combined heat and power appliance (CHP) generates electrical power and useful heat from the single source. The model displayed above explains it all. Baxi also displayed the Zenex built GasSaver, which I discussed in a previous blog post, Save Money with a Boiler Gas Saver.

Be sure to read our blog in the coming weeks when we will report on our findings in more detail including further details of the exciting Glow-worm Clearly Hybrid, which, according to Glow-worm is the first totally practical hybrid renewables solution that looks after the earth and your pocket.

We at BHL are always trying to keep abreast of the latest developments happening within the plumbing and heating industry.  The buzz word at the moment is renewables – and there has been tremendous growth and interest in renewable technologies recently.

BHL will be visiting this years EcoBuild 2010 at Earls Court, London. EcoBuild is the country’s largest exhibition for the sustainable building sector and it offers the opportunity to view the latest energy saving and renewable products including Solar Water Heating Panels, Solar PV Panels, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Water Harvesting and High Efficiency Condensing Boilers, as well as developments in sustainable design, construction and the build enviroment.

All the leading names from the industry will be displaying their latest products at the conference including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Glow-Worm, Baxi, Grundfos, Bristan, Biasi, Ideal Boilers, Pegler Yorkshire and Cistermiser.

Amongst the manufacturers displaying new lines at EcoBuild is Worcester Bosch who will showcase a selection of new products, including  the new Worcester Greenfloor underfloor heating system as well as the Worcester Micro CHP unit – which is due for release in 2011. Worcester are also launching MVHR (mechanical ventilation and heat recovery) which will be displayed as part of a model house.

To find out about our visit to EcoBuild and the products we discovered, be sure to follow our blog in the next few weeks.

New Central Heating Boilers today are the most energy efficient that they have ever been. A new A-rated high efficiency condensing boiler will boast an efficiency rating of around 90%. However, a lot of heat is still lost through the flue outlet.

A new innovative product has been designed to capture this heat and use it to help generate hot water for domestic use. Designed and manufactured in Britain, the Zenex GasSaver delivers more usable hot water than a typical solar hot water system.

The GasSaver is attached to the top of a domestic boiler and works by capturing waste heat from the exhaust gases to warm the water in the tank. These are then passed through a flue and pumped back into the system, which preheats the cold water entering the boiler.

The temperature of this water is kept below 50 degrees, giving an increase in efficiency over typical condensing boilers, whose performance drops if the water is above that temperature. The result is a boiler that uses less energy.

Installation should be relatively straightforward, a basic knowledge of plumbing should suffice. Another bonus is zero maintenance (no moving parts) or electrical supply (no electrician). New-builds and total refurbs may be the GasSaver’s natural home. It may prove difficult to install onto existing boilers, unless you are prepared for a bit of hassle. Another consideration maybe the GasSaver’s unsightly apprearance. Aesthetics shouldn’t really figure when saving money (and the planet) but the unit does look a little uncomfortable atop the boiler.

According to the manufacturers, the cost of the unit could be recovered within three to five years (compared to 20-40 years for Solar!) With energy prices anticipated to rise by up to 25% in the next five to ten years installing a GasSaver (which could save you 50% on your gas bill) may prove a wise investment.

Buying a GasSaver

The manufacturers of the GasSaver have licensed their products to leading boiler manufacturers Alpha Boilers and Baxi Boilers.

The Baxi MultiFit GasSaver currently works with the Baxi DuoTec and Baxi Platinum combi boilers.

Rarely do Central Heating Boilers make the front pages but the governments recent Boiler Scrappage Scheme initiative changed all that, certainly for a day or two.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme has been mooted for some time and is inspired by the successful Car Scrappage Scheme. The campaign for the Boiler Scrappage scheme was started by Mick Williams and I have followed and supported the scheme for some time now.  Chancellor Alistair Darling announced the Boiler Scrappage Scheme in his pre-Budget report in December.

The new Boiler Scrappage Scheme enables homeowners to get £400 off the installation costs when you scrap an old and inefficient G-rated boiler replacing it with a new, high efficient A-rated condensing boiler (and even renewable heating technologies) – Not sure if your boiler applies? Well if it has a pilot light it probably does. Need further clarification? Click here

There are currently 3.5m homes in England with the most inefficient type of boiler. The government is offering households (albeit only 125,000) £400 towards the cost of upgrading their old boiler.

It would be pretty obvious to most that an old boiler is not going to be that efficient, certainly not the 90% or better that a new A-rated boiler can boast. A new condensing boiler will use less fuel resulting in lower CO₂ emissions and running costs. Renewable options, including heat pumps do not burn fossil fuels, thus ticking all the green boxes.

To apply for the scheme the boiler you are replacing must be in full working order. You yourself must be under 60 and living in England. If you are over 60 you can still apply even if the boiler does not work. The scheme is not currently available in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you want to apply for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme you must first get quotes from different installers. Once you have chosen an installer you will need to get a quote in order to register for a voucher. Remember, installations must be carried out by Gas Safe, Oftec or Microgeneration Certification scheme registered installers.

Once you have received your voucher, you can then proceed with the installation. You will need to pay upfront for the new boiler and installation before you can then claim back the £400 by sending the voucher and invoice to the Energy Saving Trust. Payment will be issued within 25 working days of receipt of the voucher and invoice.

If you are interested in taking advantage of the scheme you’d better act fast. With 3.5m G-rated boilers but only funding for 125,000, some will be disappointed. But before you consider signing up, consider this. If your boiler is trouble free and operating effectively, is it worth replacing it? Sure, a new boiler will be more efficient but it probably wont last as long as your existing, cast iron appliance. However, should you decide to apply it is worth buying your boiler boiler directly, from a supplier like BHL rather than through your installer. BHL have a wide range of A-Rated Boilers at low online trade prices from leading manufacturers including Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Vaillant and Glow-Worm.

The Back Boiler Unit (BBU) was one of the most popular heating appliances but soon went out of favour with the introduction of Part L in 2005 which stated that most boiler installations should be high efficiency condensing models – and of course the old inefficient BBU’s were not.

The Baxi Bermuda was first introduced back in 1969 and was extremely popular, accounting for 80% of the 2.4million back boiler units still in operation today. The BBU quite literally filled the void left by the old coal fired boiler in the fireplace. Burning ‘clean’ gas the homeowner enjoyed a central heating boiler and a gas fire in one incredibly well-designed appliance. As such, the Baxi Bermuda was a rarity in the boiler industry, a much loved appliance specified by the end user.

This workhorse was also a remarkably reliable boiler with an anticipated lifespan of 20 years. In later years the Bermuda consisted of two boiler options and a range of Bermuda renewal fire fronts (which are still available)

We at BHL are always keen to learn about new developments within the industry so when we heard about the new Baxi Bermuda back boiler we contacted Baxi’s Ian Scott who provided an informative and engaging presentation.

In addition to informing us that there are an amazing 2.4m back boilers on the market today – wow – he also talked us through a typical replacement scenario.

The homeowner is the proud owner of a Baxi Bermuda 552 back boiler. The appliance is located in the living room and has been chugging away nicely for the past 12 years.

Preparing the site for installation of the new Baxi Bermuda BBU involves draining the system, removing existing fire front, disconnect the flue liner, remove exiisting BBU, LH gas supply position and remove existing flue terminal and flue liner.

Next, the Flue Duct System is installed. Using an innovative plastic duct (unlike the lethal steel liners) is a quick, efficient and safe procedure.

Lock in both inner and outer flue ducts to concentric flue adapter (retaining clips ensure correct fitting)

Nose cone with rope is attached to the flue adapter for installation down the chimney. Finally, attach the duct to the boiler.

Installing the terminal system requires trimming the flue to the appropriate length. Located the chimney sealing plate and attach the flue to the adapter and cap and weather the flue terminal.

Water connection to the Baxi Bermuda HE. The boiler has left hand flow and return with optional right hand side flow and return pipes kits available.

Condensate discharge connection. The new Baxi Bermuda HE has a built in condensate pump and utilizes simple push fit John Guest Speedfit barrier pipe (fittings supplied). There is also the choice of many different routes to drainage.

Finally there is one delighted customer, pleased to have retained their surround, back panel and hearth (and wallpaper). Installation time 1 – 1.5 days.

Key features and benefits of the new Baxi Bermuda

Replacing an old BBU with the new Baxi Bermuda is the simplest most convenient way to replace an back boiler. There is no pipework to be changed or walls to be redecorated – and if you were replacing with a wall mounted boiler, you will save space by replacing like for like. The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE has been specifically designed to work with the Valor Dimension TM range of electric fires.

• No need to re-site the boiler and modify the pipework
• No loss of valuable kitchen cupboard space
• No major disruption or redecoration to the property
• The only like for like direct replacement in the UK

Plus the Baxi Bermuda BBU HE is the only high efficiency BBU in the UK, fully compliant with Building Regulations Part L. It also saves energy, up to £375 can be saved using a Band A appliance according to the Energy Saving Trust (source: EST, August 2009).

Key features of BBU HE

• Replacing a back boiler with another has obvious advantages and our new BBU HE is full of features:
• Trusted, reliable Baxi back boiler technology for complete peace of mind
• High efficiency back boiler, meeting all current legislation
• SEDBUK Band A rated; saves energy and reduces heating bills
• 15kW heat output; modulating boiler adapts to heat demand ensuring optimum performance at all times
• Room sealed appliance; eliminating the need for air vents in the room
• Built in condensate pump and no pump overrun required, to ease installation
• Factory set to enable easy boiler commissioning
• Simple to use external boiler controls located on the dedicated Valor DimensionTM fire front
• Single piece flexible concentric flue; eliminating the need to provide flue inspection access
• 2 year warranty*
• Quiet in operation
• *Subject to registration and an annual service

Valor DimensionTM

Innovative. Unique. Stylish. Energy efficient. The new DimensionTM range of electric fires from Valor uses cutting edge technology to create the world’s most authentic ‘real flame effect’.

Redefining the market for fuel effect electric fires, the Valor DimensionTM range offers both traditional and contemporary styles, backed by the quality, reliability and peace of mind you would expect from the leading name in home heating. It’s a totally new way of enjoying the atmosphere that only a real fire can create – all at the press of a button.

Key features and benefits

• Unique, patented holographic fuel bed, with ‘real flame effect’
• Traditional and contemporary fire front designs
• Running costs for the fire using the effect only are less than 2p per day
• Heat outputs of 1kW and 2kW
• No servicing required
• 2 year warranty

The New Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler is now available to buy from BHL. Click Here for prices and details

We will be closing for telephone sales and enquiries on Christmas Eve at 12pm. We will be open between Christmas and New Year operating shorter days. Our website will be running 24 hours a day during the festive period and you can of course place orders online anytime. Normal service will resume Monday 4th January.

Trianco Aztec are electric central heating boilers and they are now in stock at BHL available for you to buy online.

Trianco are manufacturers of popular central heating boilers such as the Trianco TRG and Trianco TRH solid fuel boilers as well as the Trianco Eurostar oil boilers. Trianco even supply renewable products such as the Trianco Activair. Trianco are near neighbours of ours (they are located just down the road from us in Chapeltown, Sheffield) and we have been dealing with Trianco for decades.

There are two types of Trianco Aztec boiler, the Aztec Classic and Aztec Gold. The Aztec Classic is a wall mounted model available in 5 outputs ranging from 2kw to 12kw. The Aztec is a versatile central heating boiler designed to be suitable for just about any application in any type of property. Once switched on, the Aztec is fully controlled by a solid state management system, which automatically monitors its safety and running functions. The Aztec is ideal for applications where gas or oil are not available. It is also feasible to use the Aztec independent of an existing boiler, perhaps for use in a home extension such as a  conservatory or playroom – I intend to use an electric boiler in a basement conversion to power underfloor heating. More on this in a later blog.

The Trianco Aztec can be linked to provide larger heat outputs if required.  The larger sized boilers are also fan assisted, cooling down the PCB to give optimum performance. Temperature output varies from 50°C to 75°C to supply all forms of heating from underfloor systems to conventional radiators.

Here are the key facts about the Trianco Aztec Classic;

We stock the Trianco Aztec 6kw, Trianco Aztec 9kw and the Trianco Aztec 12kw Electric Boilers, all available for next working day delivery. Buy Trianco Aztec Boilers online now.

Trianco Aztec now in stock

Today, after months of development and planning we are pleased to announce the addition of some cool new features to our BHL website.

When we launched the new BHL website in the summer, we knew that the hard work had only just begun, afterall, our intention was always to build the most user friendly, informative and comprehensive plumbing and heating website out there.

New features on our website include;

BHL Next Day Express Delivery - Look out for the next day delivery icon (its a little red lorry) Products that display this icon will be delivered the next working day, provided that the order reaches us before 2pm. Our next day express service enables our customers to recieve prompt delivery on a wide range of plumbing and heating products that include Myson Kickspace Heaters, Trianco Aztec Electric Boilers, Wilo Pumps and Grundfos Pumps.

BHL Tag Cloud – Our Tag Cloud highlights the most popular searches that our visitors are making while on our website. The searches are graphically weighted in terms of relevance with the most popular searches having larger, more prominent font.

BHL Deals & Bundles – Plumbing and heating products usually need to be bought in conjunction with another product for it to be of any use. A good example of this is a central heating boiler which requires, in almost all instances a flue kit for it to function. So we devised our new deals and bundles feature which enables us to bundle frequently bought products together and offer a bulk buying deal to our customers.

Eco Products - All products within our Eco category will now display a green leaf logo to inform of it’s renewable and or sustainable feayures.

Latest Product Reviews – All products that are reviewed and rated by our customers will now appear automatically in the left hand column.

Recommend a Friend - Thousands of our customers tell their friends about us – and that’s the best recommendation we could possibly have. We’ll send you a £10 discount code when your mate or colleague signs up and places their first order with a value of £50 or more

Points – What do points make? in this case it is money. Customers accumulate points as they purchase items. £10 = 1 point. 1 point = 10p which can be redeemed off future purchases. Remember to log-in to your existing account everytime you shop with BHL.

Social Media – We have added links to the BHL Facebook Fan Site and Google Friend Connect to the website column enabling you to keep up to date with all that is happening at BHL as well as providing you with exclusive content such as discount codes and promotions. Please sign up and follow us. We really invest time in our social media content. You can also follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. You can also follow us by the BHL RSS Feed.

Myson Kickspace fan convector heaters are now in stock at BHL and are available for next day delivery* – Click here to see our range of Myson Kickspace heaters

Myson Kickspace is a clever little space saving heater designed to fit neatly within a unit plinth or floor cavity. In effect utilising unused, dead space, unlike traditional central heating radiators which use precious wall space and therefore limit interior design potential.

Myson offer a variety of Kickspace options – Myson Kickspace Hydronic models connect to your existing central heating system, replacing the existing radiator, Myson Kickspace electric models are ideal where pipework is not easily accessible. Myson Kickspace Duo models combine the two giving you the best of both worlds.

The Myson Kickspace works by drawing room air over the heated fins of the heat exchanger and projecting warm air back into the room. The controls of the Kickspace are located on the front grille.

Buy Myson Kickspace Heaters

Most of BHL’s customer buy the Myson Kickspace with the sole intention of installing within their kitchen. However, the Kickspace can deliver benefits in other rooms of the house such as the bathroom, utility room or hallway.

The Myson Kickspace comes complete with the white grille. However, there are a wide range of grille replacements, finished in different finishes and colours which enable the home owner to customize their Kickpspace to match the room decor. Click here to see the range of replacement Myson Kickspace grilles

The Myson Kickspace range of heaters are available to buy now at cheap online prices from BHL

The Myson Kickspace range carries a 2 year manufacturers parts and labour warranty against manufacturing defects.

Selected Myson Kickspace models. Next working day delivery, if the order is placed before 2pm – Sorry, the lawyers like this kind of clarification*

Myson Kickspace Heater in Stock at BHL

The British countryside offers far more than rolling hills, red phone boxes, country cottages and quaint pubs. If you know where to look, you will find a sight as common in rural locations as pillar boxes and thathed roofs - domestic oil storage tanks.

Tucked away in the corner of gardens, behind well manicured hedge rows lies the humble oil storage tank – the life blood of rural central heating systems across our green and pleasant land.

Traditionally oil storage tanks were made of steel. Nowadays oil storage tanks are mainly plastic, green in colour to blend in with their rural surroundings.  

Oil Storage Tanks contain the fuel that feeds the thousands of oil boilers up and down dale. Oil central heating is more popular than you might think – 1.5 million homes use oil for heating and cooking in the UK. For those homes without access to mains gas, oil heating is an obvious choice. Oil heating is cheaper than LPG and cleaner than solid fuel.

Oil Tank Regulations

Stringent regulations regarding the installation and location of oil storage tanks have recently been introduced. Covered in the goverment’s building regulations include;

1. Most new oil tanks should now be bunded and all oil tanks over 2,500 litres must be bunded.  
2. The correct positioning of tanks with emphasis on potential fire.
3. The use of bunded oil tanks in locations where enviromental damage may occur in the event of oil spillage.
4. A properly designed and constructed base to support the oil tank
5. The correct installation of pipework between the tank appliance (boiler or cooker)
6. Fire-shut-off-valve properly located and installed    

Oil storage tanks come in all shapes and sizes – See the full range here