PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 8 News Review Warning to avoid using counterfeit spares


The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is calling on heating engineers to remain alert to the growing number of counterfeit spare parts entering the UK heating market. “These fake components are putting household safety at risk, undermining appliance reliability and exposing installers to potential legal and fi nancial consequences,” warns HHIC director, Stewart Clements. “Just because a part fits does not mean it has been tested to withstand the stresses and conditions the manufacturer designed the appliance to handle. Installers must protect themselves and their customers by sourcing parts only from recognised, reputable suppliers.” Heating appliances are rigorously


tested and certifi ed before being sold. Every component must meet strict safety and performance standards.


Updates to HIU test standard


The Building Engineering


Services Association (BESA) has released Version 3.1 of its UK Heat Interface Unit (HIU) Test Standard, enhancing performance


benchmarks


and supporting industry readiness for upcoming heat network regulation. The update introduces new


pass-fail criteria for indirect space


temperature


heating, including stability, and


revises thresholds and best- practice values to improve product design, effi ciency, and consumer outcomes. Developed in collaboration with the HIU Steering and Technical Committees, the standard refl ects real-world performance


needs across


the supply chain. Version 3.1 aligns with the forthcoming Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), off ering an independently verifi ed framework for compliance. Kevin Morrissey, technical


director at BESA and chair of the HIU Steering Committee, says: “Version 3.1 is a signifi cant step forward for the HIU market. Building on the V3 updates, it introduces revised performance thresh- olds and best-practice values that address the needs of network consumers and operators while refl ecting manufacturers’ ongoing product development. “Alongside


this, our


HNTAS training programme is helping to equip the industry with the knowledge and skills it needs to meet upcoming requirements.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/07


programmers, timers, and flues. Many originate from online marketplaces rather than specialist suppliers, and unusually low prices are often a warning sign. These parts may look similar to genuine items but are frequently made from inferior materials without testing or certifi cation, sometimes even bearing false CE markings. Their use can cause premature failure, breakdowns, leaks, or, in extreme cases, carbon monoxide incidents, risking warranties and customer trust. For engineers working with gas


Genuine spare parts are engineered to operate under the exact conditions the appliance is designed for, and can be identifi ed by correct branding and part numbers. Compliance with health, safety, and environmental legislation


allows appliances to carry CE or UKCA marks. Safety-critical components must also be properly marked. Counterfeit parts are not limited


to internal components; they also include accessories such as


MVHR systems are being neglected


Homeowners in the UK may be compromising indoor air quality by failing to maintain their mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, according to data from Zehnder Group UK. Analysis of over 1,500 customer orders across two years shows only 4.7% of users ordered replacement fi lters more than twice, suggesting most systems are not serviced at least annually. Industry guidance recommends changing MVHR


fi lters at least every six months, particularly in urban areas with higher pollution levels. Filters are essential for removing harmful particles and maintaining system effi ciency, with inadequate upkeep potentially allowing pollutants to circulate in homes. Zehnder highlights that incentives can increase


awareness, noting 16% of customers used vouchers to purchase new fi lters. Only one customer ordered six fi lters over two years.


Will your box have the Golden Ticket?


To encourage proper maintenance, the company has launched three annual Service and Maintenance packages – Basic, Comfort and Premium – aimed at homeowners, landlords and property managers. The packages cover essential support, comprehensive servicing, and full priority maintenance, helping ensure systems continue to function eff ectively without relying on users to remember schedules.


◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/06


Damp and mould at home


The search is on for installers across the UK, as Drayton has hidden 10 ‘Golden Tickets’ inside selected boxes of its two-port Motorised Valve product, with each ticket qualifying lucky fi nders for a £50 Greggs voucher prize. This new initiative is part of the company’s ongoing Great Greggs Giveaway, which seeks to reward installers with a well-earned tasty treat in the middle of their working day. Now, anyone lucky enough to discover a Golden Ticket inside a qualifying Motorised Valve box will be able to claim £50 worth of Greggs vouchers. Claiming the prize couldn’t be easier, with fi nders simply asked to take a selfi e of themselves holding their ticket and tagging Drayton on one of their social media channels.


Over the winter, it is estimated that more than 18 million homes (64% of households) struggled with the repercussions of con- densation, damp and mould. This is acc- ording to new research by energy comparison experts at Uswitch. One in three households (36%) said the problem was worse this year, and 81% had to use at least one cleaning product or tool to tackle mould. Nearly half of homes (49%) had damp or mould in bedrooms, with 58% seeing the problem in their bathrooms. Other problem areas include windowsills, an issue in 41% of households, ceilings (27%) and behind furniture (26%). Over a third (36%) of households said that mould has become more of a problem because the heating has been on less, and more than half (53%) believed mould issues would likely be reduced if their home were heated adequately. Ben Gallizzi, energy comparison expert at Uswitch, says: “Millions of households are suff ering with damp, mould and condensation, with the high cost of heating preventing them from improving the situation.”


appliances, the stakes are higher, says the HHIC. Under the gas safety regulations, installers are fully responsible for any components they fit. Counterfeit failures can lead to prosecution and serious reputational damage. Businesses selling counterfeit or undisclosed refurbished parts may also face legal action under product safety, copyright and trademark laws.


NEWS IN BRIEF


◼ Baxi has become a Level 3 signatory of the Future Skyline Skills Commitment, adding its name to a growing list of leading construction firms and suppliers supporting the green skills initiative to accelerate the energy transition. Created by the City of London Corporation’s Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce, the Commitment encourages the UK built environment sector to develop a skilled, diverse workforce for delivering sustainable commercial buildings London and beyond.


in


◼ Reflecting its growth and commitment to customer support, SFA Saniflo is relocating to larger premises in Watford. The new 10,000 ft2 facility expands warehouse capacity and includes an on-site training centre for installation, maintenance, and fault-finding courses. The upgraded space will enhance product availability and service levels across the UK, supporting installers, merchants, and specifi cation partners with both stock and technical expertise.


◼ Heating specialist Ariston has introduced a promotion off ering an extended warranty for its Clas One combi gas boiler range. The promotion, which runs until 31st August 2026, will increase the warranty from 8 to 10 years on all Clas One boilers purchased and installed during the same time period, at no extra cost.


◼ Stiebel Eltron has converted the packaging of 147 hot water products, including instantaneous heaters and small storage tanks, to fully recyclable cardboard. The new design uses resource- saving brown cardboard with single-colour printing, reducing chemicals while improving strength for safer transport. The updated packaging also provides clearer


information for


retailers, tradespeople, and customers, reflecting the company’s ongoing focus on sustainability in both product design and delivery.


◼ Glasgow-based industrial and commercial heating and pipework specialist James Ramsay has been successful in its bid to deliver the boiler upgrade works at the Scottish Prison Service’s HMP Perth facility. The contract award follows a competitive tender process which includes the design, installation, testing and commissioning of a new boiler plant to serve the prison’s main energy centre.


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