PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2025 Light CommercialHeating 29


Assessing all the elements


Choosing the right hot water system is key to performance and effi ciency in commercial projects. Hamworthy’s Kevin Potter off ers expert advice to help select reliable, energy-effi cient solutions tailored to commercial needs.


I


n line with the 2021 update to Part L regulations, installing a non-condensing water heater is no longer


permitted, unless the site is exempt. Additionally, many non-condensing systems are reaching the end of their lifespan, making it an ideal time to consider upgrading to a condensing model. However, before making this transition, it’s essential to carefully consider several key factors.


Sizing and recovery rates Commercial spaces vary in terms of their hot water demands, depending on the number of occupants or usage points, so choosing a system with the right capacity will ensure that hot water is readily available as and when needed, without overloading the system. Most importantly, an adequately sized water heater can help to avoid unnecessary energy waste and unnecessarily high energy costs. To achieve an appropriately


sized system that meets the needs of a building, the best starting point is to gather information about the specifi c building and its usage. For new builds, understanding the client’s requirements will ensure that all factors, such as the quality and location of DHW outlets, the intended usage, and the number of users, are accounted for. Furthermore, anticipating any challenges early on can help save time later on in the process. Conducting a thorough site


survey is just as important for refurbishment projects. It can uncover issues with the current hot water system, such as non-compliance or ineffi ciencies, and highlight opportunities for more suitable solutions. Additionally, it’s important to consider that building usage patterns may have changed since the original system was installed. For example,


Kevin Potter National sales manager – commercial at Hamworthy Heating


combined with electrical anode protection. This advanced design provides a robust defence against corrosion, signifi cantly enhancing the durability of the system and contributing to an extended lifespan. From a practical perspective,


stainless steel products also have the added advantage of being lighter in weight, which makes them easier to transport, handle and install, often without the need for expensive cranes or heavy lifting equipment, which can quickly see installation costs escalate. Additionally, for that


added peace of mind, most manufacturers typically back stainless steel water heater systems with strong warranty coverage, refl ecting confi dence in the product’s longevity and reliability.


When it comes to water heaters, corrosion is the enemy, making stainless steel a smart choice for durability and long-term reliability


CUT TO THE CHASE


 Non-condensing heaters are now restricted under updated Part L regulations


 Many older systems in commercial environments are due for replacement or upgrade


 Correct sizing avoids energy waste and efficiently meets hot water demand


 Site surveys uncover inefficiencies and changing building needs


 Match storage and recovery rates to peak and consistent usage patterns


 Water composition impacts heater performance and lifespan


 Stainless steel heaters resist corrosion


an increase in occupancy or the installation of additional sanitary outlets could mean that the current system is either over or undersized. This process is also the


perfect time to understand a building’s demands, for instance, in situations where hot water demand peaks in a short period, such as during morning showers in a hotel, storage capacity will be a key consideration. However, in applications with more consistent demand, where storage is less of a concern, recovery rate will be the primary factor. Equally, for buildings with


varying hot water demands throughout the day, both storage and recovery will need to be carefully balanced. In these cases, the system should be sized based on the hourly demand, factoring in simultaneous usage. It’s also important to plan for future growth as a building may not be operating at full capacity from the off set.


The right fi t Plant rooms come in all diff erent shapes and sizes, so it’s also important to ensure the chosen system fi ts within the available space, and


allows clearance for adequate ventilation, and future maintenance access. For plant rooms with limited


space, such as those within city centres, compact and lightweight designs off er increased fl exibility. For example, the Dorchester DR-SG stainless steel condensing boiler from Hamworthy Heating features a narrow diameter of less than 80cm, making it suitable to fi t through a standard 800mm doorway. “The small footprint of the


DR-SG provides customers with a fl exible solution when working in tight plantrooms. Also, there’s the added benefi t of being able to remove the installation jacket, if needed,” says Christian Robinson, our area sales manager for Central London.


Why stainless steel? When it comes to water heaters, corrosion is the enemy. Unlike enamelled or glass-lined steel products, which require additional measures to minimise the risk of corrosion, water heaters equipped with stainless steel technology – such as the Dorchester DR-SG – feature high-grade stainless steel


Water composition When choosing a water heater, it’s also important to consider how diff erent water types can aff ect the heater’s performance, effi ciency, and lifespan. Hard water, containing minerals like calcium and magnesium, can lead to scale buildup in water heaters, which acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer and increasing energy consumption. Over time, this can cause wear on the system and eventually lead to failure. In comparison, in areas


with soft water, the absence of minerals means there’s no scale buildup; however, the water can be more corrosive. This can cause metals to corrode more quickly, degrading the internal components of the water heater and aff ecting its performance. To address these issues, stainless steel products off er a good fi rst line of defence.


It all adds up Selecting an effi cient and durable hot water system is a crucial decision for any commercial project and requires a detailed assessment of various key factors. These include energy effi ciency, system size, installation requirements, water composition, and long- term maintenance needs. By carefully considering these elements, you can ensure the system will meet the specifi c demands of the building, provide reliable performance, and reduce long-term operational costs. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/32


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