Insidethis issue 3 APRIL 2026 VOLUME 64 ISSUE 3 Editor’s
Viewpoint by Chris Jones
Better late than never
Last month’s announcement of the Future Homes Standard marks the end (or perhaps a new beginning?) of a long drawn-out process that fi rst began over a decade ago. A commitment to a zero-carbon homes standard was originally made by the previous Labour government and was marked for implementation in 2016. These plans, however, were scrapped by David Cameron under the last Conservative government and have remained on the back burner ever since. This latest development follows a detailed consultation which was launched in 2023, and while March 2027 is meant to be the time when the Standard comes into eff ect, there will still be another delay while housebuilders can take advantage of a 12-month transitional period. Despite the stop-start nature of its birth, our industry’s trade
associations, manufacturers and suppliers have generally been fulsome in their praise, perhaps refl ecting a sense of relief that the regulations are fi nally going to be put in place. For those working in the green technology industry, it provides some certainty that their investment in heat pumps and solar panels will ultimately pay dividends, while installation companies can be assured that their skills and know-how will remain in demand, both for original system design and future maintenance contracts. With the government’s announcement coming against the backdrop of chaos in the Middle East, it would seem that it’s a timely move to enhance the country’s energy security, but one can only wonder how much of a better state we’d now be in if the wheels had been set in motion several years ago. A welcome delivery of some long-term certainty has been the most common response from industry stakeholders, but the current energy crisis has also encouraged some vocal support for the further exploitation of fossil fuels. With our response to climate change likely to be a major source of contention at the next General Election, it seems that the UK’s commitment to net-zero can in fact no longer be taken for granted.
Special Features 19
Showers & Enclosures
What installers need to know about water efficiency and the latest advances in shower technology
Regulars
04 News Review 11 Industry Viewpoint 11 Letters 12 Talent Show 12 People on the Move 13 Merchant News 14 Energy Matters 15 Gadgets & Tools 16 Training Update
Product News
17 Business Matters 30 Products in Action 37 Product News
Don’t forget to use our online reader enquiry service to quickly fi nd the web page you need
See page 37 for the latest product news 25
Water Heating & Cylinders
Explaining the critical role of expansion vessels and the various options available
31
Energy Saving Products
Why integrated HVAC systems are key to delivering energy-efficient, low- carbon homes
Contributors Paul Ravnbo-West
Showers & Enclosures 22
Why water-saving instantaneous electric showers should be considered part of decarbonisation strategy
Look out for next month’s issue
Gary Brushett Water Heating & Cylinders
26
Highlighting the benefi ts of a new condensing solution for commercial retrofi t projects
PUBLISHING TEAM
The Essential Magazine for Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement Professionals
Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News
Published by: Datateam Business Media 16 Hawkesyard Hall, Armitage Park, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1PU Tel: 01889 577222
www.phamnews.co.uk
Editorial & Southern Sales Offi ce: PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1DP Tel: 01525 716143 Editorial Email:
editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk Sales Email:
nathan@phamnews.co.uk
ISSN 1368-9061
Printed by: Precision Colour Printing Ltd. Origination by: Design & Media Solutions
© Copyright 2026 Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without written consent from the publisher. Attributed articles represent the views of the Author(s) and are not the necessarily those of the Editor. The publishers accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers or advertisers. This magazine includes a number of colour editorial photographs paid for by suppliers.
Managing Editor Chris Jones Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Consultant Publisher Chris Evans Southern Advertisement Manager Nathan Wood Production Paul Forster Design Consultant Tim Plummer
Sam Abel Energy Saving Products
36
Why infrared heating could represent an ideal energy-saving option for social housing providers
ENQUIRIES: Tel: 01580 883844 Email:
pinede@c-cms.com
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
41,700 ABC Audited circulation Jan-Dec 2025
Underfl oor Heating
Tools & Workwear
Hybrid Systems
Products In Action
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
