High efficiency heating controls from Danfoss are contributing to lower energy bills for tenants in affordable homes managed by Origin Housing in London and Hertfordshire. Advanced electronic room thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and time controls from the Danfoss range are part of new energy saving heating systems for 190 properties in Origin Housing’s ‘Decent Homes’ refurbishment programme. Following competitive tendering, Origin Housing awarded the contract to Taylor Heating Ltd of Hertfordshire on its reputation for quality workmanship and products, and its ability to offer extended warranties with longstanding supply partners like Danfoss.
Properties in this phase of Origin’s heating upgrade programme included flats, houses, bungalows, and some sheltered housing units. Taylor Heating replaced old energy-hungry boilers with condensing models, and old manual heating controls with easy to use, energy saving controls from Danfoss. The new heating systems are all designed to comply with Part L, which requires at least two temperature controlled heating zones and one hot water zone to be installed. In addition, each zone must have at least one room thermostat and individual radiator control, such as TRVs.
Electronic room thermostats chosen for the Origin Housing contract are Danfoss’s RET230P. The model combines a discreet design with a large setting dial that is both easy to use and to read. Users simply turn the dial to the required setting to achieve a high level of space heating comfort and control accuracy. A mix of hard wired and wireless room thermostats were specified, depending on the property, and Danfoss was able to supply special versions with raised ‘touch’ controls for visually impaired tenants.
In addition, Taylor Heating installed Danfoss RAS-C2 Revolver thermostatic radiator valves in all the properties. The industry’s first bi-directional TRV with a patented flow direction selector that allows the installer to change the TRV to match the flow, resolving the common problem of water hammer in an instant, without costly drain down.
Completing the high efficiency controls for the Origin Housing contract are Danfoss’s FP715Si Time Controls with Service Interval Function. A versatile solution for any domestic heating and hot water function, the FP715Si employs the latest technology to ensure reliability and ease of use. It offers true 7 day, 5/2 day or 24 hour programming, has a holiday function, and will automatically adjust to GMT/BST seasonal time changes. The service interval function can be set by the installer to start displaying a reminder 28 days before a boiler service is due. This handy feature creates an opportunity for regular service business for the installer, and acts as a useful reminder for householders, and for landlords, who are legally responsible for their tenants’ safety by ensuring gas appliances are properly maintained.
Taylor Heating Ltd has been installing Danfoss heating controls for over a decade and finds the product range easy to install and highly reliable. Taylor Heating’s customer portfolio includes some of the UK’s leading property companies and housing associations. Taylor Heating’s MD, Paul Taylor, says: “We believe our close-partnered working relationships with companies like Danfoss enables us to provide products and service that are second to none. We’ve never had any call-backs as a result of Danfoss heating controls, and that’s good for our business and for our customers.”
Danfoss is a leading manufacturer of world-class heating controls, from programmers and thermostats to TRVs and motorised control valves, with factories in the UK and Denmark. The company’s extensive product range is supplied through a national network of stockists. As part of its commitment to improving the knowledge and profitability of its customers, Danfoss offers a programme of installer training courses and CPD seminars, covering all aspects of domestic central heating techniques. A comprehensive range of installer support services is also available, including the Danfoss Assist mobile website at www.Assistyou.Danfoss.co.uk, specially designed for viewing on a smartphone display screen and providing instant access to installation guides, handy helpline numbers and links to the latest offers from Danfoss.