PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2024 8 News Review


High public confusion about water regulations


A survey of 2000 British households has shed some light on homeowners’ perceptions of water regulations and plumbing risks, revealing a concerning lack of awareness and highlighting potential vulnerabilities in property maintenance and public health. The study, conducted by


Censuswide on behalf of the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS), aims to gauge the familiarity of homeowners with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. It reveals that only 15% of respondents are acquainted with the regulations (representing a decline from 21% in 2021). Despite this low regulatory


The findings also spotlight a


notable awareness (73%) among homeowners regarding the potential health risks posed by untested plumbing products. Non- metallic materials used in water fi ttings can contaminate drinking water. While 73% had awareness of this, it emphasises that a large portion of UK households need better information about whether plumbing products have been tested to make informed decisions. While 62% of homeowners said


awareness, the survey indicates a prevalent recognition of the risks associated with faulty plumbing products among homeowners. An overwhelming 94% of respondents acknowledge the potential property damage resulting from faulty plumbing, suggesting there is a signifi cant gap in understanding the regulatory frameworks that govern these essential home systems.


they were aware that plumbing products connected to the public water supply must undergo testing to ensure they meet suitable quality and standards, confusion persists regarding the responsibility for checking compliance of plumbing products. Only 25% correctly identified that homeowners or landlords bear this responsibility. WRAS says that this lack of


clarity suggests an urgent need for education on the roles and responsibilities within the plumbing supply chain.


Energy crisis continues to drive effi ciency behaviour


UK homeowners are turning to smart home technology in a bid to reduce their energy bills, according to the fi ndings of a new report from Drayton and Schneider Electric. The study of 2000 British


homeowners found that almost 74% have adapted their behaviour over the last 12 months to use less energy during the energy crisis, with 26% of people measuring or tracking how and where they use energy, and 14% investing in a smart thermostat to control their heating, both with the aim of reducing energy bills. When it comes to the most popular


Apprenticeship opp


South East training provider, Logic4training, has announced the introduction of a new 19+ apprenticeship programme and is calling for employers interested in taking on an apprentice. Scheduled for launch this summer at its Northolt centre, the fi rst apprenticeships will be in gas engineering and smart metering. Logic4training will do a block-release model, with in-centre training tailored in terms of time and content (where possible) to the needs of a business. By completing training in chunks (1-2 weeks at a time), it is hoped that the apprentice will be able to gain useful skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. To find out more and register your interest in


Logic4training’s apprenticeships, use the link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/07


Following talks that started in April last year, Carrier Global Corporation has announced that it has now completed its acquisition of Viessmann Climate Solutions from the Viessmann Group. The transaction of the German manufacturing group is said to further strengthen Carrier’s global leadership position as an end-to-end sustainable climate and energy solutions provider that addresses all heating, cooling, renewables, solar PV, battery storage and home energy management. Viessmann Climate Solutions’ 12,000 team


members, which includes over 130 employees based in Telford in the UK, will now join with Carrier which currently employs over 45,000 staff globally. Thomas Heim, who previously led Viessmann Climate Solutions, will lead Carrier RLC HVAC in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, which includes Viessmann Climate Solutions and Carrier’s RLC business in the region, including Riello.


smart technology devices, smart thermostats and smart energy monitors rank highly in the UK (2nd and 3rd respectively), beaten only by voice assistants.


Homeowners also said they made


some ‘traditional’ changes to their lifestyle and behaviours to decrease their energy consumption, with 52% decreasing the temperature of their heating at home and 41% limiting their usage of hot water. The energy crisis dominated the


results of the survey, particularly when looking at respondents’ top concerns, with energy efficiency ranking first (+14pts year-on- year). So concerned are British homeowners about reducing their energy use that they are willing to invest an average of around £1250 in energy effi ciency measures in the next 12 months, the study found. To access the full report, use the


link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/08


Bolstering UK supply chain


Stiebel Eltron has begun heat pump production at its Höxter facility in Germany, which will strengthen its supply chain throughout 2024. It is the fi rst of three planned production lines at the site and is expected to help the UK branch supply the latest heat pump technology in Britain. “With production beginning, the supply of heat pumps in the UK


will only be strengthened moving into the new year,” Stiebel Eltron UK MD Mark McManus says. “A key ambition of ours is to further bolster the UK’s heat pump market by providing the most innovative technologies, as well as the expertise which will see them implemented eff ectively. The new production line in Höxter will provide fantastic support in seeing us achieve this as it adds a robustness to our supply chain and increases our ability to meet demand.”


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