Solar energy originates in the depths of the sun. The Sun endures a continuous stream of thermonuclear explosions as hydrogen atoms are fused into helium atoms. We come across the resultant energy as radiation that hits the surface of the earth. Solar panels such as flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors, convert this solar radiation into useable electrical energy and store them in batteries for our use. Enough solar radiation strikes the earth every day to meet Earth’s energy requirements for an entire year. Solar panels help us harvest this energy and convert it into useable energy to meet the everyday needs of modern life as we know it today.

Solar panels are usually manufactured using crystalline silicon or the more expensive gallium arsenide, which is produced exclusively for use in photovoltaic solar cells. In direct sunlight at the surface of the equator, a maximally efficient photovoltaic cell about 1/5m in diameter creates a current of approximately 2 amps at 2 volts, however, as a result of the Earth’s atmosphere interference, terran solar panels will never perform as well as solar panels exposed directly to the sun’s rays (such as space-based panels on satellites).

Solar Kits are essential in the context of ever rising energy costs, climate change and changing legislation, the need for a heating and hot water technology that is future proof, cost effective and able to use an unlimited, sustainable source of energy is essential.

Every year the sun provides over 8000 times as much energy as we consume worldwide and in the UK alone we receive between 900 and 1200kWh of energy per metre square of land per year. On average, every home spends 20-25% of its combined annual energy bills on water heating. A well designed Solar Hot Water Kit can provide almost all the hot water for a home during the summer months and around 50-60% year round. This is why Solar Hot Water Kits are one of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly renewable energy solutions available, reducing fuel bills and building carbon dioxide emissions.

Whenever fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas are burnt, carbon dioxide is released. CO2 is the principal contributor to the green-house effect which is leading to long term climate change. However, a Solar Hot Water Kit can provide as much as 60% of a building’s annual hot water demand from renewable energy as building carbon emission can be significantly reduced. Using Solar Hot Water Kits means that running costs compared with traditional fossil fuelled water heating systems can be reduced. More significantly, using free energy from the environment future proofs the Solar Hot Water Kits against fossil fuels as they become ever more scarce and prices inevitably rise.

As with any central heating or domestic hot water system, regardless of it being either conventional or renewable, it is essential that several controls and accessories are used in order to achieve the optimum usage out of the whole system so that it runs efficiently.  The right controls will keep your home at the perfect temperature and save energy, which in the long term will save you money and reduce the impact you make on the environment. Key components of a Solar system are vital in the overall efficient operation of it, therefore, here at BHL we supply a wide variety of supplies for solar systems including; solar sensors, solar heat exchangers, solar pump stations and solar pipe.

Solar Cylinders are designed for use with a boiler to provide auxiliary hot water during periods of low solar gain. The lower coil or heater exchanger will be connected to the solar hot water system with the upper connecting to the central heating system. the Solar Panels transfer heat energy from sun light to a thermal fluid within the solar hot water system. When the thermal fluid is hotter than the water within the hot water cylinder a pump activates pumping the fluid throught the heat exchanger where the heat passes to the water, via conduction, heating your Domestic Hot Water.

As a result from all the required components of a solar heating system, BHL have provided a simple, stress-free solution by provide a comprehensive stock range of Solar Kits, Solar Hot Water Kits and Solar PV Kits. By purchasing one of these kits from our product range you will be up and ready to go and start saving massively on your annual heating bills, which you will notice straight from installation.

Solar Panels are available to Buy online from BHL. We supply a wide range of Solar Panels and Accessories online from leading manufacturers including; Kingspan Solar, Vaillant, Baxi and Dimplex.

Read more about Solar Panels here…..

At BHL we also offer a comprehensive range of quality Boiler Accessories for a variety of different boiler manufacturers in order to complement any new of existing central heating system in the UK. As a result, if you are looking for Boiler Accessories, such as a condensate pump or a plume management kit, BHL has the solution you need for quality Boiler Accessories for quality boilers.

The Boiler Accessories we sell include;

• Boiler Flues – The pipe, tube or channel that conveys hot air, gas, steam and waste product from a boiler to the outside environment.
• Boiler Controls – Give you the freedom to decide how your home is heated, making it warm when you need to, but switching off when you don’t, the right boiler controls could save you up to £235 a year.
• Filling Loops – A flexible hose with valves at either end used in sealed heating systems to introduce water into the system. It is generally situated near to the boiler and expansion vessel. This should be shut off once the system is filled.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Boiler Repair Kit – 28 commonly used fixings for a wide range of major boiler manufacturer’s appliances as well as 4 products needed for everyday service work.
• Condensate Pumps – A specific type of pump used to circulate the condensate water produce in a water heating system.
• Water Treatment – These ensure that the water used in the heating systems is appropriate for safe and efficient use.
• Universal Thermocouple – A junction between two different metals that produces a voltage related to a temperature difference within a heating system.
• Condensate Pipes – This is the waste pipe that carries condensation from the boiler to the drain outside of the property.

In relation to boilers, the main two types of accessories that are essential in the general usage and daily applications of a boiler and a heating system in domestic application are boiler flues and boiler controls. With the addition of these two types of boiler accessories, your domestic heating system will run more efficiently and effectively and thus, cutting down and reducing your general heating bills considerable which in itself is worth considering.

Boiler Flues are a composition of various pipes and components that convey hot air, gas, steam or smoke from a Boiler, Fireplace or Water Heater to the outdoors. At BHL we provide a wide array of components that help you construct the ideal flue system for your purpose and property, including both Gas Boiler Flues and Oil Boiler Flues. Boiler Flues usually operate by buoyancy, also known as the stack effect or the combustion products may be induced via a blower. As combustion products contain carbon monoxide and other dangerous compunds, proper draft and admission of replacement air is imperative from the use of Boiler Flues.

Furthermore, adding Boiler Controls or central heating controls to your system, whether they are inbuilt or external, will make the overall system more efficient and provide you with more consistent levels of home comfort and enjoyment. Here at BHL, we supply a wide variety and comprehensive stock range of Gas Boiler Controls and Oil Boiler Controls to ensure that you find the right Boiler Controls for you and your home. (Read more about Boiler Controls on our BHL Blog Entry)

Proper control of central heating and domestic hot water systems  with the use of Boiler Accessories can provide a comfortable living environment and help to minimise fuel costs. Energy efficiency in the home depends on controls that fit in with modern living patterns. Central heating and DHW controls are at the heart of the Part L of the Building Regulations and are key to delivering greater efficiency. BHL offer a comprehensive range of optional performance accessories, all enabling cost effective use of domestic heating.

Boiler Accessories are available to Buy online from BHL. We supply a wide range of Boiler Accessories online from leading manufacturers including; Vaillant, Worcester-Bosch, Glow-Worm and Honeywell.

Read more about Boiler Accessories here…

The central heating and domestic hot water industries have been revolutionised and progressed from strength to strength with the development of more advanced cylinder types such as the Primatic Cylinder, Thermal Store Cylinder and the Economy 7 Cylinder. The emphasis with the ever-changing climate and global warming is the usage of energy efficient central heating cylinders to help save you money as the customer and protect the sensitive environment that surround us, but how have central heating cylinders become such a plumbing industry phenomena.

There are two main types of Hot Water Cylinders: Unvented Hot Water Cylinders and Vented Hot Water Cylinders. An unvented cylinder is fed water from the mains whereas vented cylinders are fed from a cold water storage tank, usually found in the loft space.

These two types can be either Direct Cylinders or Indirect Cylinder and refers to the way they heat water. Direct hot water cylinders heat water directly with an immersion heater fitted into the hot water cylinder. An indirect hot water cylinder heat’s the water via a heat exchanger which is a coil of pipe that runs through the hot water cylinder. This coil has hot water from the central heating circuit running through it and the heat from the central heating system is used to heat the hot water cylinder indirectly. Solar Compatible Cylinders can be fitted to take advantage of solar energy they work by transferring the heat captured by the solar panel to heat water in the Solar Hot Water Cylinder. Hot water cylinders can be either Copper Cylinders or Stainless Steel Cylinders and must be insulated.

With cylinders constantly changing in shape and size to accommodate for ease of installation and peace of mind for you as a customer, regardless of the knowledge you possess regarding cylinders the Pre-Plumbed Cylinder is somewhat of a revolution to aid in an easy installation to ensure a quick replacement of an old cylinder or the addition of a new system.

Read more about Central Heating Cylinders Here…..

This year the staff of BHL visited, keen to learn about the latest Eco Plumbing, Eco Heating and Eco Building Products

Grant UK, perhaps best known for their range of Grant Oil Boilers displayed on their stand an impressive range of renewable products including the Grant Duowave Solar Cylinders, Grant Aerona Air Source Heat Pump, Grant Monowave Heat Pump Cylinders and Grant Solar PV Panels.

In amongst the many exhibitors (which included Worcester-Bosch, Baxi, Glowworm, Ideal Boilers, Fernox, Grundfos, Morso, Vaillant, Biasi, Albion, Alpha Boilers, Myson and Stelrad) EcoBuild also hosted many seminars on topics ranging from ‘Future Energy’, ‘Refurbishing Britain’ and ‘Sustainable Architecture & Design’. EcoBuild also boasted it’s own ‘Fringe’ as well as various conferences. Even Prof. Brian Cox made an appearance, as well as this giant, floating pink tap!

Worcester-Bosch displayed their range of high efficiency boilers including the Worcester Combi Boiler range as well as a selection of their renewable products including the Worcester Greensource Heat Pump, Worcester Greenskies Solar and Worcester Greenskies Hot Water Cylinders.

The Biasi stand had a mix of Biasi Boilers, Hot Water Cylinders, Radiators and Renewable products including the impressive Biasi Hydras cylinder, below.

While on the subject of Hot Water Cylinders, Kingpan displayed some of their popular Unvented Hot Water Cylinders models including the Albion Ultrasteel and Range Tribune. Both of which are available as either standard or twin coil solar cylinders – see below.

Be sure to check back soon for further reports from BHL’s trip to EcoBuild 2011.

Worcester’s new advertising campaign for winter 2010 highlights how much reliance is put on our heating and hot water systems, and why we should be looking after it. Worcester have relayed their brand’s reputation for quality and reliability, the ‘Thank Worcester for That’ campaign will appear on our screens, over the airwaves and in national press right through the winter, ending in December 2010.

Each part of the campaign shows a range of people in everyday situations enjoying a feeling of warmth and comfort – all with the peace of mind that they have Worcester products, such as the high-efficiency Worcester Greenstar condensing boilers, installed in their home providing all of the hot water and heating they need, when they need it.

Worcester Bosch have also begun sponsoring Ray Mear’s latest show, Ray Mear’s Wild Britain which aired in October on ITV1.

See Worcester’s Winter TV Campaign advert below.

Click here to see the full range of Worcester Boilers available to buy online at BHL

We have all seen the TV adverts for double glazing, flooring and kitchens. But, with a few exceptions you would have been hard pressed to find advertisements extolling the virtues of plumbing and heating products outside the confines of the plumbers trade press.

The reason for this historic lack of hype is probably because plumbing and heating products were marketed exclusively to the installer rather than the end user. Mass marketing was not required because the manufacturer influenced the plumber who in turn specified the products for the consumer.

Nowadays, thanks mainly to the advent of the internet, the route to market of plumbing and heating products is changing. The end user can now research (and buy) central heating systems and products online, independent of the (biased) opinion of the plumber. Magazines such as Which?, manufacturers own websites and blogs (such as Glow-worms great Blog), plumbing forums and DIY sites help the decision making process.

This new found end user power has encouraged manufacturers to rethink their marketing strategy. Some forward thinking brands are now talking directly to the end user using a whole arsenal of methods from improved websites, social media, press advertising and even television adverts.

Worcester Bosch Group sponsor Channel 4′s weather. Saniflo and their TV adverts. I even spotted the Worcester Bosch logo being paraded during the recent Tottenham Hotspur Vs Leeds FA Cup game at White Hart Lane.

Why Vaillant? TV Commercial

The most high profile advert was Vaillant’s recent ‘Why Vaillant’ TV commercial. Vaillant are leading manufacturers of home heating products including Gas Boilers, Solar domestic hot water systems, ground source heat pumps and solar cylinders.

With Vaillant’s high profile advert designed to target the homeowner, the end user is at last beginning to influence which plumbing and heating products are installed within their home.

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.

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.

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.

Trying to answer these questions can prove a little tricky, particullarly when trying to remain unbiased. Buying a boiler is expensive and can be confusing and the customer faces a huge choice of seemingly comparable appliances.

Vaillant and Worcester – the Best Boilers?

Traditionally Worcester-Bosch and Vaillant are acknowledged as the best boiler brands for which I would agree (despite the fact that I am not an installer and have never got down and dirty with such an animal). How then do I then reach this conclusion? Well, years of talking to both installers and home-owners pay homage to these brands.

In my experience most engineers and installers choose to install either Worcester or Vaillant boilers and most informed home-owners will ask for a Worcester or Vaillant boiler, partly due in part I suspect to the respective manufacturers larger marketing budgets. Glowing reports in consumer magazines also help. Which? magazine (September 2009) in their ‘Best and Worst Boiler Brands’ rated both Vaillant and Worcester as their ‘Best Brands’ scoring both an impressive 83%.

The Which? report asked 3,000 of it members about their personal experiences with their boiler. Just 26% of Vaillant owners have had any problems with their new boiler in the last four years.

My Worcester Greenstar 35 HE Plus

Worcester is the most frequently bought boiler brand by those surveyed and just 29% of owners had experienced any problems. My own personal experience of Worcester is echoed. I am the owner of a six year old Worcester Greenstar 35 HE plus. Up to now the boiler has not once let me down!

Best Buy Boilers

Among the best buy appliances tested the following appliances scored highly. Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE, the Glow-Worm Ultracom 24 hxi, the Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 824 Combi and Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 831 Combi and finally the Potterton Gold C24 HE Combi.

We found the Cheapest Boilers Online

A great shot in the arm for all online Plumber’s Merchants – all the Best Buy Boilers were found cheapest online. If proof was ever needed, this confirms that shopping online for Boilers (at a store like BHL or Boilers2go) is both fruitful and, so it would seem, the future consumers chosen market place.

Buy Boilers Online