Modern Building Services

10 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MARCH 2022 FEATURE HEATING However, on many projects, a complete replacement flue system is likely to be required. One solution might be to replace the complete flue rise with a horizontal flue which would go straight through a close outside wall. This will be dependent on adequate wall space and the terminal position meeting the following standards and guidance notes: BS5440: Flues and ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW (net); IGEM UP 10: Installation of flued gas appliances in industrial and commercial premises; Building Regulations Part J Section: Additional provisions for gas burning appliances with a rated input up to 70kW (net). Experienced hot water solutions providers will also be able to advise on the best approach. A second consideration is the condensate. Condensing water heaters, unlike non-condensing models, require a suitable drainage point to discharge the condensate that is formed in the normal operation of the unit. While there may be a condensate discharge point close to the installation, an alternative location may need to be identified if this is not available. Both factors will need to be assessed on a project-by- project basis. Proactive asset management programme Given these added considerations, how best can we support facilities and estates managers and building operators and help them prepare for the changes ahead? Our advice is to start working with them now to implement a thorough asset management programme. With regular condition surveys and plant asset inspection in place, they will be sufficiently informed to plan ahead to future proof their hot water systems. Switching from a reactive to a proactive approach will enable them to prepare for change and budget ahead for future upgrades, thereby avoiding emergency situations and protecting their business. Even on the few and far between projects where exemptions may apply, forward planning is no less essential. Early engagement with the Building Control Body will be critical if contractors are to ensure that they are satisfied with the recommendation and avoid any risk of censorship. Achieve longer-term goals Enforcing condensing water heaters might be a governmental stick to drive improved energy efficiency, but, moving forward, the ‘carrots’ or benefits for building operators are intended to outweigh the challenges. A reduced carbon and NOx output will put a firm tick in the sustainability box while significantly lower running costs can only be welcome at a time of rising energy prices. Collective support by contractors, specifiers and manufacturers to implement proactive planning might also provide just the encouragement that is needed for some businesses to tackle the heat decarbonisation challenge. For operators of the UK’s notoriously harder to heat buildings, the energy transition is unlikely to happen overnight. But upgrading fromnon-condensing to condensing water heaters could be the all- important first stage in a stepwise refurbishment programme. A natural progression, where budgets permit, would be to integrate air source heat pumps with condensing water heaters in a hybrid system. This would reduce the carbon footprint still further bymeeting the hot water demandmore sustainably. Working together What nobody wants is for buildings to be left in an emergency situation with no hot water supply. And if organisations are to protect their business operations moving forward, they need to start implementing a robust upgrade plan now or run the risk of potentially costly, extended downtime and disruption. As manufacturers, we look forward to supporting contractors, specifiers and end users with site visits, assisting with sizing and helping assess the challenges and opportunities to achieve the most appropriate solutions at the right time. By working together, we can encourage businesses to plan ahead to achieve a smooth transition to a hot water system that is simultaneously more sustainable and future-proofed – and in so doing minimise disruption and help protect the bottom line. (Andrews Water Heaters is part of Baxi Commercial Solutions) More information can be found at www.andrewswaterheaters. co.uk