Insidethis issue 3 OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME 64 ISSUE 8 Editor’s
Viewpoint by Chris Jones
Bigger bills focus the mind
The well-publicised steep rise in energy costs is unwelcome news to many UK households who may already be struggling to make ends meet. Such concerns have been refl ected by some recent polling carried out on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that found 28% of the public are extremely worried about the prospect of the Iran war pushing up bills this winter, with another 43% saying they are quite concerned. Meanwhile, the National Energy Action (NEA) estimates that more than 10 million UK households are now living in fuel poverty and research undertaken by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) estimates that excessively cold homes in England cost the NHS around £540 million a year in ‘preventable’ health costs. The price we all pay for energy is of course largely dictated
by global markets and events beyond our control. Household budget constraints will also often mean that there is little point in trying to persuade customers to consider the option of making a short-term investment that could provide benefi ts in the longer-term. When a growing number of people may be obliged to choose between heating and eating, there isn’t likely to be suffi cient savings to fi nance an upgrade of their heating system. However, there is also a sizeable section of the population
that recognises the growing proportion of their income going towards their gas and electricity bills and are actually in the fortunate position of being able to do something about it. And when it comes to seeking advice on such matters, their local plumbing and heating engineer should be able to provide the expertise they’re looking for. Whether it’s off ering relatively simple tips on ensuring existing systems perform to their full potential, providing guidance on smart control options or discussing the potential to make the switch from fossil fuels to heat pumps, professional installers have an opportunity to help reduce current distress levels.
Special Features 19
Gas & Oil Boilers
Including a round-up of current incentive schemes for installers and key boiler features to look out for
Regulars
04 News Review 11 Merchant News 12 Horror Show 12 People on the Move 13 Training Update 15 Business Matters 17 Energy Matters 18 Product Spotlight 18 Industry Viewpoint
Products in Action
27 Products in Action 36 Product News 39 Directory
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See page 27 for the latest case studies Contributors
Rob Rees Business Matters
15
Some advice on how to best chase customers for late payments and deal with overdue invoices
Andy Thompson Gas & Oil Boilers
25
How to avoid some of the risks and potential costs associated with condensate drainage
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© 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
Yulia Gillingham Electric Heating
33
Why accurate heating calculations are essential to the success of any electric heating project
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Look out for next month’s issue Heat
Water Pumps Treatment 28
Tools & Workwear
Some of the tools that should be considered an essential item in any plumber’s tool kit
33
Electric Heating
Why an electric boiler could provide an ideal heating solution for small homes and apartments
Taps & Showers
Product News
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