www.heatingandventilating.net From the editor


What’s the future for heat pumps?


I


n 2024 the UK heat pump sector saw record growth, with a 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales and a 15% rise


in training qualifications. Data from the Heat Pump Association


(HPA) revealed that just under 100,000 hydronic heat pumps were sold and around 9,000 installers completed a recognised heat pump training qualification. These are welcome statistics, also


backed up by MCS data (pg6), but it is worth comparing the situation in the UK to what is happening across the Channel. New data published by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) shows that heat pump sales have fallen significantly in 13 European countries when comparing 2024 to 2023. This is down to a number developments including a change in government support and the cost of living. But should we be concerned the same could happen here? It has prompted the HPA to call on the


government for policy certainty in the form of credible heat decarbonisation transition plan to support sustained growth in the market. See more about what the HPA has called for on pg 6. • The HVR Awards are open for entries this month. Find out what’s new this year including a brand new venue on pg 10-11.


Heathe Ramsden, Edito Magazine Team Editor


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Circulation Curwood CMS Ltd


Heather Ramsden Kalil Kayani


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D


espite an established understanding that TMVs taps offer the highest form of protection against infection, particularly in high-risk


environments, Hydrosense is warning installers about the risk of Legionnaire’s disease if necessary precautions are not taken. Hand hygiene in washrooms is critically important


in preventing the spread of germs and maintaining public health – particularly, in high-risk environments, such as hospitals and care homes. As part of this, the role of hand washing is one of the most effective tools to prevent the spread of infections. To this end, many public buildings, particularly


health and care facilities, now use non-touch taps to negate the need for physical contact, thus significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination, while also saving costs and water. Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) play a key role


in this by allowing water to be stored and distributed at temperatures high enough to kill legionella bacteria, while enabling it to be delivered at a safe temperature for use by mixing it with cold water. However, while TMVs are essential for minimising the risk of scalding, legionella testing expert Hydrosense is reminding installers that, without the right precautions in place, they can inadvertently increase the risk of legionella growth. Ruth Thomas, product manager at Hydrosense,


comments: “People’s hands are the most common means of transmitting microorganisms, particularly bacteria, posing significant infection risks for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Employing non-touch operation helps significantly


WELCOME & NEWS


Installers urged to ‘get hands on about legionella’ amid TMV-related risk


minimise the risk of any cross-contamination. “There have, however, been several reports in


recent years about increased contamination from legionella and other bacteria on both sensor- activated and TMV taps. The legionella risk becomes even greater in taps that are infrequently used or not maintained properly. It is therefore vital that installers ensure adequate precautions are in place.” According to a study from 2011 at John Hopkins Hospital in the USA, legionella inhabits 50% of hands- free taps compared with only 15% of manual taps. Another report published in 2020 on sensor-


activated TMV surgical hand washing facilities in 11 hospitals in Italy found them to be a reservoir for legionella bacteria. The study identified 43.8% of samples were positive for legionella contamination. At the same time legionella cases around the world are all increasing at alarming levels; the US has experienced a 1,000% increase since 2000 and only recently, the EU observed its highest annual notification rate of Legionnaires’ disease to date. Ruth adds: “It’s clear that the industry must do


more to reduce legionella risk in TMV tap use. There is an obvious opportunity for installers to a play a proactive role and support their customers in reviewing their approach to TMV safety.” “Considerations should include providing on-site testing as part of an installation or maintenance package. As awareness around growing legionella rates grows, this will further secure an installer’s reputation as a trusted professional dedicated to helping to protect the public and help attract more business.


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www.heatingandventilating.net


March 2025


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