PHAM NEWS | MAY 2026 10 News Review Industry viewpoint Future-ready homes


Even if a heat pump isn’t installed now, there are practical, incremental steps that can make a property heat pump-ready and ensure any current system operates at peak efficiency in the meantime. HHIC director Stewart Clements explains how installers should be advising their customers.


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Hidden waste behind England’s 5 billion litre water gap


New research from the University of Surrey suggests that small changes in how we use water could help close England’s projected five billion litre daily shortfall. While the findings highlight an important part of the solution, UK water management specialist Cistermiser argues that behaviour change alone won’t be enough. Alongside reducing how much water we use day to day, the manufacturer is urging greater focus on the significant volumes of water being lost through leaks, inefficient systems and poorly managed infrastructure inside buildings. Ageing components, poor system design


and inefficient flushing mechanisms mean water is often being wasted by default, before a user even interacts with the system. ‘Leaky loos’ remain one of the most persistent and overlooked sources of waste, with a single faulty flush wasting up to 400 litres of water per day. That’s treated, potable water, lost continuously, whether a building is occupied or not, and toilets are only part of the problem. Cistermiser MD Richard Braid explains: “There’s a lot of focus on encouraging people to use less water, which is important. But it risks overlooking a bigger, more immediate issue – water that’s being wasted whether anyone changes their behaviour or not. Leaks, inefficient flushing and outdated systems mean we’re losing drinking-quality water


constantly, and most of it goes completely unnoticed.” Importantly, every litre wasted also carries an energy and carbon cost, from treatment to distribution, meaning inefficient systems are quietly increasing both operational spend and environmental impact. “If we’re serious about closing the water gap, we have to look at where water is being lost right now,” continues Richard. “Fixing leaks and upgrading inefficient systems is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to reduce demand and it’s something building owners can act on immediately.” Modern flush management solutions


are designed to remove the root causes of hidden water loss. By delivering reliable, mains-powered flushing without the risk of silent cistern leaks, they provide facilities managers with a practical way to regain control of water


usage, don’t need particularly to wait in


high-traffic environments such as schools, hospitals and commercial buildings. “We


for new


infrastructure to make a difference,” adds Richard. “By tackling the hidden inefficiencies inside our buildings and starting with something as simple as a leaking toilet, we can save significant volumes of drinking water straightaway. Reducing usage is important, but the biggest gains come from stopping water being wasted before anyone even uses it.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/10


WRAS marks independence day


The Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) is marking five years since becoming an independent UK certification body


for


plumbing products and materials . Becoming independent in 2021 has strengthened governance and reinforced the arm’s-length relationship between WRAS and the water companies that enforce the water fittings regulations. It has also enabled WRAS to achieve UKAS accreditation to ISO/ IEC 17065 – the internationally recognised standard for product certification bodies. MD Julie Spinks (pictured) comments:


“Becoming independent gave us the governance structure to operate with complete transparency. It underpins everything we’ve achieved since. It has also


allowed us to make changes, additions and improvements to the service we provide to our customers.


“The team has grown, our digital infrastructure has been transformed, and the laboratory network now serves manufacturers around the world. Demand for WRAS approval is growing – from manufacturers demon- strating compliance installers searching for


to


compliant products – and we are now much better placed to meet those demands.” WRAS says it is now focused on


integrating digital tools to further enhance services and reducing the testing burden for customers operating in European markets. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/11


efore talking about future technologies, it’s essential to ensure the existing system is working as efficiently as possible. A properly


optimised gas boiler system doesn’t just save energy and reduce bills, it also lays the groundwork for lower-temperature heating in the future. Key areas to focus on include:


• Boiler flow temperature – many


boilers are set far higher than necessary. Reducing flow temperature (typically to around 60°C or lower, depending on the system) improves condensing efficiency and is similar to the lower operating temperatures of heat pumps.


• Controls – installers should ensure


the system includes a room thermostat, properly configured timer or programmer and TRVs on most radiators. These will allow zoning and prevent overheating, both essential for efficient operation now and in a future heat pump scenario. • System balancing – poorly balanced


systems lead to uneven heat distribution and inefficiency. Taking the time to balance radiators ensures optimal performance and gives insight into whether emitters are adequately sized.


Preparing pipework One of the most overlooked barriers to heat pump readiness is pipework. Many older systems, particularly those installed in the 1970s and 1980s, use microbore pipe (typically 8mm or 10mm). While microbore can function


adequately with high-temperature boilers, it often struggles to deliver the higher flow rates required by heat pumps. This can lead to poor performance, system noise and inefficient operation. Heating engineers should advise


on upgrading to larger diameter pipe (typically 15mm or above) where practical and consider phased upgrades during other renovation work to reduce disruption. Importantly, don’t use small diameter pipes to extend an already installed system.


Planning ahead Futureproofing doesn’t necessarily mean ripping everything out immediately; however, identifying limitations early allows customers to plan ahead. As heat pumps operate most efficiently


at lower flow temperatures, radiators (or other emitters) must be capable of delivering sufficient heat under these conditions. Installers should:


• Assess radiator sizing – many


existing radiators are undersized for low- temperature operation.


• Consider emitter upgrades – options


include larger panel radiators, skirting board heating or underfloor heating.


• Use heat loss calculations – rather


than relying on rule-of-thumb sizing, proper room-by-room heat loss calculations are essential. This ensures emitters are correctly matched to the


property’s needs, both now and in a future heat pump scenario.


System design As the industry shifts toward lower- temperature heating, system design becomes increasingly critical. A poorly designed system will underperform regardless of the heat source. Installers should carry out:


• Accurate heat loss assessments


-this is the foundation of any efficient system. Without it, emitter sizing, flow temperatures, and overall performance are guesswork.


• Hydraulic design – ensuring correct


flow rates, pipe sizing and minimal resistance is key.


• Zoning and controls strategy –


effective zoning should be considered if it improves comfort and efficiency while aligning with modern smart control systems.


Home improvements While not strictly part of the heating system, the building fabric plays a major role in determining whether a heat pump will perform effectively. Installers are often a trusted advisor and can guide their customers toward loft insulation upgrades, cavity wall insulation (where suitable), draught-proofing measures and double or triple glazing. Reducing heat loss lowers the demand


on any heating system, making low- temperature solutions far more viable. Even modest improvements can reduce the need for extensive emitter upgrades later. As we know, unlike combi boilers, most


heat pump systems require a hot water cylinder. Several purpose-built designs are available where space within a property is limited, including slimline, horizontal and compact cylinders that fit into tight areas like small cupboards, lofts, under eaves, or narrow utility spaces. Installers should discuss potential cylinder locations early and identify whether an airing cupboard or alternative space could be used. For many homeowners, the idea of a full


system overhaul is daunting. Installers can add real value by suggesting a phased approach to futureproofing, highlighting cost savings and comfort improvements from incremental upgrades. By spreading improvements over time, customers can manage costs and disruption while steadily moving toward a heat pump-ready home.


And finally… The transition to low-carbon heating won’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t need to. For installers, the opportunity lies in helping customers take sensible, planned steps toward the future. By focusing on system efficiency, pipework, emitters and good design, installers can ensure that even today’s boiler systems are aligned with tomorrow’s requirements and their customers have a manageable plan for the future. ◼ www.hhic.org.uk


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