Installer|Vokera

Technical Training Courses

Vokèra by Riello technical training delivers real value to Gas Safe Registered engineers.

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If you are a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, become a member of Vokèra Affinity and get free access to a range of installer benefits.

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Our products

Boilers

A full range of gas boilers, that provide high levels of efficiency and comfort.

Controls

Complementary controls that can enhance comfort levels and increase efficiency.

Unvented Cylinders

High pressure stored hot water cylinders that require a system or heat only boiler.

Water Heaters

Gas fired instantaneous multipoint water heaters for natural gas and LPG installations.

Renewables

Solar thermal panels and air source heat pumps for renewable hot water and space heating.

Literature

The literature library contains documentation for current and legacy Vokèra products.

Recent Vokèra News

- Riello Employee Recognised with Community Impact Award for Support of the Fight Against COVID-19
  LEGNAGO, Italy, September, 2020 — Riello is pleased to announce that Pierantonio Rizzardo, Riello plant manager in Volpago del Montello, was awarded the prestigious Community Impact award from Riello’s parent company Carrier. Rizzardo was recognized for his ingenuity and speed leading an initiative to convert an entire Riello production line to an assembly line for hospital beds during the COVID-19 crisis. Riello is a leading brand in heating, air conditioning and energy efficiency products and services, and is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire protection, security and building automation technologies. In just 24 hours, Rizzardo and his team converted a production line typically used to assemble boilers to an assembly line for hospital beds for Favero Health Projects, a company based in the Veneto region that designs and manufactures hospital beds for intensive care. With this project, Riello has made a tangible contribution to the fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are very proud to have made a direct contribution in the fight against COVID-19,” said François Audo, CEO, Riello. “This is thanks to our employees and suppliers who were proactive and supported the initiative quickly and with enthusiasm. In 24 hours, Riello demonstrated its commitment to the community, bringing out its true heart, made up of professionals of value, initiative and responsibility. “The hospital beds project was the result of collaboration with Favero Health Projects for the construction of hospital beds for the ever-increasing demand of intensive care wards at a crucial time for Italian Healthcare.” For his leadership, Rizzardo was awarded the prestigious Carrier Community Impact award. With this award, Carrier gave a tangible sign of appreciation, rewarding him for “the exceptional contribution to health, safety and environmental protection.” The Community Impact award was presented in July at the Riello plant in Volpago del Montello (TV) to Rizzardo in the presence of CEO François Audo, Human Resources Director Antonio Nigro and Operations Director Michele Candiani. This initiative is in addition to the other projects Riello implemented during the emergency period, including: – The introduction of smart-working for clerical staff in just four days, right from the beginning of the emergency; – The adoption of all the necessary preventive measures in its plants, aimed at guaranteeing the safety and health of its operators; – Taking out a health insurance policy for its employees in case of exposure to the coronavirus; – The possibility, given to its network in the territory, to take advantage of free webinars on issues of interest in the sector, for the entire period of emergency. About Riello Founded in 1922, Riello Group is a leader in products and services for heating, air-conditioning and energy efficiency. Headquartered in Legnago (Verona), Italy, Riello operates in over 120 countries. Riello is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. For more information, visit riello.com...Read more...
- VOKÈRA BY RIELLO LAUNCHES ALL NEW VISION PLUS RANGE
  Vokèra by Riello has launched the all new Vision Plus condensing boiler range. Vision Plus adds to the features and benefits of its predecessor – including new stainless steel heat exchanger technology on selected models – to offer high flexibility in performance and installation for a wide variety of domestic applications. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. The new range includes a choice of seven boilers: four combination boilers with outputs of 25 – 40kW and three system boilers with outputs of 20 – 30kW, all with a standard seven-year warranty. Featuring a click-fit flue system for easy installation across the range, and combination models with a universal pipe connection layout, the new Vision Plus is a great choice for installers and homeowners alike. Vision Plus combines Vokèra’s extensive knowledge of boiler design and performance in an innovative, installer-friendly range that offers Class A energy efficiency in accordance with the Energy Related Product (ErP) Directive. All models are feature-packed to deliver energy-saving comfort and long-term reliability and have the OpenTherm controls protocol embedded. As a further innovation, the 35kW and 40kW combination boilers and all three system boilers in the Vision Plus range feature a new, optimised radial stainless steel heat exchanger, which enables a wide modulation ratio of 1:8 for optimum operating efficiency and flexibility. This means that the Vision Plus 40C combi, for example, can modulate down to 4.9kW and the 35C down to just 4.4kW. This ensures that boiler cycling is reduced even when the central heating load is minimal. Ideal for larger homes, the 40C delivers an excellent domestic hot water rate (DHW) of 16.4 litres per minute at ΔT 35 C, while the 35C has an equally impressive DHW rate of 14.2 litres per minute at ΔT 35 C. The 25C and 30C combination models use a proven aluminium heat exchanger, offering high thermal conductivity and combining the benefits of a lightweight, compact design. These models have small installation footprints and the rear flue option makes it easy to fit these compact appliances into small spaces, such as kitchen cupboards. They are also lightweight for easy handling and transportation. All Vision Plus combination boilers have a built-in filling loop and include an embedded seven-day time clock with three modes of operation and back-lit LCD display for energy-saving comfort and control of heating times throughout the week. The universal pipe connection layout on all combination models also makes it easier when replacing another boiler with Vision Plus. The system heat-only Vision Plus boilers can provide central heating, be matched with Vokèra AquaFlow unvented cylinders to provide domestic hot water storage, and be connected to any existing S-Plan or Y-Plan system. A wide modulation ratio ensures flexibility and efficiency and, thanks to the Modbus protocol, the entire Vision Plus range is designed to be ‘hybrid ready’ for integration into low carbon heating system designs. For further flexibility, all system models boast a built-in relay, which allows for easy integration with zone valves....Read more...
- FOCUSING ON FLEXIBILITY
  Flexibility is fast becoming a primary focus for many of today’s commercial condensing boiler installations. Martin Fletcher of Vokèra by Riello explores how commercial boiler manufacturers are addressing this need with advanced engineering solutions that combine heating innovation with a wide choice of accessories to create one product with almost limitless configurations. Changing technology As anyone involved in the heating industry knows, commercial boilers have changed significantly over the past few decades. These changes are due, primarily, to the introduction of gas condensing technology, which offers significantly greater efficiencies compared with non-condensing products. Typically, commercial boilers were big, floor standing units with a large footprint and in many cases they were sectional products that had to be assembled on site, involving considerable time and labour. Needless to say modern commercial boilers have come a long way since those early models. Nowadays most appliances tend to be designed with heat engines and burners combined in a single box that can be wall-mounted (or floor mounted on a frame). This takes up a fraction of the footprint of the old sectional boiler and, thanks to condensing technology and associated innovations, modern boilers are able to offer much higher outputs for their size compared with the old non-condensing units. Driving efficiency But what has been the main driving force behind these changes? I believe the answer to that question is two-fold: the boiler manufacturers and legislation. Alongside a commitment to continuous product improvement and efficiency by leading boiler manufacturers like Riello Group, the heating industry has been the focus of increasingly stringent regulations to reduce carbon emissions. The urgent need to address climate change has been the motivation for many of the innovative technologies aimed at making our buildings more energy efficient. Given that commercial HVAC systems account for a high proportion of a building’s energy consumption it’s not surprising that boiler technology is among these innovations. In recent decades the advancements in boiler design, together with regulations to increase energy efficiency in both the domestic and commercial heating markets, have driven the market towards smaller, more high-powered appliances. For example, a two-boiler cascade in our new Condexa Pro range offers around 250kW in a small footprint when compared with the larger footprint of older floor-standing units with a similar output. However, that’s not to say that there isn’t still a market for high-power, floor-standing appliances for certain applications and many manufacturers, including Riello Group, continue to produce them: the key difference is that now there is a choice. Diverse needs From a boiler manufacturer’s point of view it is important to be able to offer solutions that fit the myriad requirements of different commercial projects, both new build and refurbishment. At Vokèra by Riello we believe the concept of system flexibility, or what we describe as ‘one product, multiple configurations’ holds the key to meeting the diverse needs of this demanding sector. Indeed, we know from our extensive experience of working with commercial specifiers and installers that the challenges and permutations they encounter are virtually endless, from single standalone and multiple cascade configurations to all the different ventilation, zoning and control requirements. An installation in, say, a school may call for external boilers in order to free up internal space for an extra classroom or storage facility. Also, although plant room size is not generally an issue, there are occasions where boiler dimensions are a critical factor because of restricted space or access, so the option of a smaller system that doesn’t compromise output is perfect. Different projects will also have different flue gas exhaust requirements – a factor which has been addressed in the development of our new Condexa Pro boilers. Whilst the range is configured for open-flue configurations optional ‘room-sealed’ kits are available that enable each appliance to be re-configured for room-sealed applications. A versatile flue solution, including standard, twin-pipe and concentric is one of the key aspects of system flexibility and not only expands siting possibilities but can be a huge factor when terminating flue gases safely whilst also taking in to consideration suitable ventilation. Of course, offering this level of flexibility and such a wide range of accessories could be daunting for even the most experienced heating professional. That’s why we believe this approach must come with expert support, if required, from the manufacturer to help customers build different configurations and guide them through the choice of components to meet their particular project specification. Modularity and control Modularity is at the heart of the new flexible commercial boiler concept as it enables a number of output sizes to be combined to achieve the required output. Being modular also means greater ease of access to the boiler’s various component parts when it comes to servicing. With a truly modular system units can be combined in multi-cascade configurations and in linear or back-to-back cascade applications. In addition, today’s more sophisticated control technology can play a major part in monitoring and managing the operation of a cascade at optimum efficiency in relation to demand. In fact, having this high level of integrated control means that in some cases an expensive Building Management System may not even be necessary. In addition to these benefits, the latest integrated logic-control (as used in our new Condexa Pro boiler range) enables a ‘managing’ and ‘dependant’ operation, allowing for the interchangeability of modules and for individual units to be isolated for routine servicing without disrupting continuity of operation. Future flexibility Looking to the future, we believe flexibility will remain an important consideration in commercial boiler specification, alongside enhanced efficiency and lower emissions in the continuing quest for cleaner, greener heating. Whilst condensing technology already offers high efficiencies and ultra-low NOx emissions, further advancements in technology will enable the next generation of boilers to become even more efficient. We have already seen tighter emissions control with the recent introduction of NOx Class 6, where Class 5 had previously been the standard. This reflects the ongoing drive to improve air quality and achieve climate change targets. As a leading manufacturer of heating solutions, we will continue to only develop and market products that comply with the latest legislation and as the regulatory goalposts move, as no doubt they will, we shall have the foresight and flexibility to change with them....Read more...
- FLEXIBLE FLUEING
  Although the majority of flueing systems for modern domestic condensing boilers can be relatively straightforward, there will always be some installations that require greater flexibility in siting and sizing. Eric Brawley, Technical Co-Ordinator at Vokèra by Riello tackles the topic of non-standard flueing. Planning and positioning A correctly specified and fitted flue is an essential element of a safe and efficient condensing boiler installation. The planning and positioning of the flue is key to keeping people safe from potentially harmful gases and Boiler Flue Regulations are in place to ensure installations meet strict health and safety standards. While most of the flueing requirements that Gas Safe Registered installers encounter on a day-to-day basis will be pretty standard, we believe it is important to be ready and able to deal with more unusual situations should they arise. It is for this reason that we run comprehensive courses covering all aspects of Vokèra boiler installation and commissioning, including flueing, and offer an extensive range of flue variants for all our domestic boilers. Indeed, some of the longest runs possible in the industry are permissible with our flue accessories in both horizontal and vertical options. Managing pluming There are, of course, some key considerations when siting any flue for a condensing boiler. Mitigating the possible nuisance of pluming is just one of these considerations. BS5440-1, which covers the flueing and ventilation of gas appliances, specifies the minimum clearances for flue terminal locations to prevent a plume of condensate causing an issue for neighbouring properties or public spaces. As well as the nuisance factor, plumes of water vapour may also cause damp patches on surfaces near the flue terminal. In addition to compliant siting of the flue, installers could also consider using a plume diversion kit, or designing a longer flue to help manage pluming. Length matters A non-standard flue will often relate to the length. For example, a longer run may be required when relocating an existing boiler, or where a standard flue isn’t practical for the preferred siting of a new boiler. Installers should always check the maximum overall length against the boiler model they are planning to use as they do vary. For most domestic condensing boilers a standard flue is a 100/60mm concentric. Flue extension lengths are generally available for this type of flue but usually up to a maximum of around 2 metres. Larger concentric flue systems of 125/80mm are also offered by most manufacturers and some may be extended but, again, only up to a maximum of about 2 metres. For installations that require greater lengths a twin parallel flue system may be available. On some Vokèra models this type of flue can be up to 50 metres on each of the air duct and flue duct, which should cover most requirements. When using our twin pipe systems installers are advised to terminate them with a collector box and a single horizontal or vertical 125mm OD terminal or a two port terminal gate. Adequate support Whatever type of flue system is selected it must be adequately supported throughout its length. For flues concealed within a void access must be provided (300 x 300mm) within 700mm of every joint (although this is not necessary with a flexible flue in a constructional chimney). Details of requirements relating to flues in voids were published in a 2019 Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletin and refer to properties, most likely flats or apartments, which have a room sealed, fan assisted boiler with a flue which is concealed behind a ceiling or wall. As the flue removes potentially harmful fumes from the boiler it needs to be accessible for inspection by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, either as part of the annual safety check or in the event of a problem with the heating system. Rear flueing For some situations, a rear flue option can offer a versatile alternative to a standard top flue. Where space is at a premium, for example, running the flue directly from the rear of the boiler will keep the overall installation footprint to a minimum. This type of flue can also increase siting flexibility for practical and aesthetic purposes. The direct rear flue option for Vokèra boilers is telescopic and can be cut to 320mm minimum and is adjustable between 600mm and 825mm maximum for optimum versatility. Verification requests Following the 2019 Gas Safe Register Bulletin regarding verification that an unusual flue installation complies with the manufacturer’s instructions, Vokèra’s Technical Team has been receiving regular confirmation requests on installations. In order to provide verification we simply ask the attending engineer to supply some photographs of the installation, together with the project address and dimensions. If it has been installed correctly, we will keep a record of the communication from the engineer so no one is in doubt that it is compliant. Be safe, not sorry Correct flueing is a critical aspect of a condensing boiler installation with health and safety implications that shouldn’t be underestimated. As such, flueing should be given careful consideration on every installation, regardless of whether it’s a standard system or a more complex design. That’s why at Vokèra we advise installers to always check the boiler manufacturer’s instructions and to seek expert advice if they are in any doubt, because it is better to be safe than sorry....Read more...
- SOCIAL MEDIA MEANS BUSINESS
  Love it or hate it, social media is now an integral part of everyday life for many people. Neil Mattock, Marketing Director at Vokèra by Riello, looks at how social networking can also be good for business. Streamlining communication Although it may have started out as a communication tool for sharing photos, opinions and events, social media today is used for much more than just social interaction. The popular networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, can also be powerful business tools that make it faster and easier than ever before to communicate with customers, suppliers and manufacturers. Companies can talk directly to existing and potential clients via these online platforms and respond more quickly to enquiries, helping to improve their customer service levels. Indeed, social media interaction with heating installers is now part of the daily routine for Vokèra’s Technical Support Team. Industry forums provide an ideal way for us to communicate with installers and we are often able to answer their queries without them having to even pick up a phone. That’s not to say that actually meeting and talking to your customers is no longer important because it is. However, using social media to get an ‘instant’ answer to a question can often be a real boon for a busy installer. Be selective From our experience at Vokèra it pays to be selective when using this technology for business, whether you are an installer looking to set up your own business page or profile on social media, or simply following your preferred suppliers. By following the companies you deal with on a regular basis you’ll get instant access to news about their latest promotions, product developments, and any professional training or trade events you may be interested in attending. As well as news updates, these sites are a great place to hear what people are saying and to join in conversations about issues that affect our industry. Vokèra is active on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and we find the interaction with our followers is invaluable in understanding what is important to them. They can communicate their feedback to us in ‘real time’ and send messages directly to key members of our team. Our social media accounts also offer easy access to associated groups including Vokèra BeSMART controls. Industry forums Industry forums are another popular form of social networking for the heating industry. These sites may be open to the public or restricted to members-only and have strict rules to encourage positive and respectful online behaviour. The ‘Gas Chat’ group on Facebook, for example, has over 12,000 members and gas heating engineers can chat online with their peers about issues that affect their working lives. They provide a virtual meeting place to share experiences and advice, which many find very useful. In addition, installers can use social media to stay on top of industry news, such as regulatory changes, by following relevant industry bodies and organisations, and then sharing this information with their own followers. Customer engagement Many installers also have their own social media accounts to promote their business and generate leads. As already mentioned, social media is all about communication and engagement, so it is important to get the right mix of business and personal messages to connect and build quality relationships with your target audience. Also, it is worth noting that the most commonly-shared content on social media is an image. By including a picture with your posts, possibly a recently completed installation, you can share your successes and significantly increase your chances of getting a follower to share the post with their network, and so on. In fact, there are a few well-known installers who have built a huge number of followers through their strong social media presence and become influencers in our industry. Although social media sometimes gets a bad press it has clearly helped streamline communication and networking in business and so could be described as the new ‘word of mouth’. If it is used effectively, politely and for genuine communication, social media can be a really valuable platform for a new or existing business, helping to generate new leads, boost brand awareness, share knowledge and build quality relationships with customers. Follow Vokèra on: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn...Read more...
- SERVICE AGENT OPPORTUNITIES
  Vokèra is looking for professionally qualified service agents to join its UK service network. Applicants must be Gas Safe registered, have their own transport (with full, clean driving licence) and public liability insurance. As well as these core requirements, agents should have a strong work ethic and a polite and professional manner when dealing with our customers. Successful businesses will work on a subcontract basis, servicing and repairing a range of Vokèra domestic appliances to the highest quality and safety standards. You will work as an Independent Contractor providing labour services in a non-exclusive engagement. Service agents are free to engage their businesses with others. If you think you’ve got what it takes to become one of our service agents and want to find out more, please send your contact details and a summary of your qualifications and experience to: alan.dunlop@carrier.com....Read more...
- TRAINING MATTERS
  A skills shortage in the heating and plumbing sector continues to be a cause for concern, so what’s the solution? Margaret Jovanovski, training coordinator at Vokèra by Riello explains how industry manufacturers can help fill the skills gap by offering professional training for the installers of today and tomorrow. Keeping up to date The heating sector is constantly evolving as it strives to find more energy efficient ways to provide heating and hot water in our homes. Keeping up to date with advancing technologies, new working practices and changing legislation can be a challenge for a busy Gas Safe Registered/RGII engineer, whether they are a sole trader or part of a local authority team or contracting company. That’s why at Vokèra we believe technical training should always focus on making an installer’s life easier and give them the knowledge and skills they need to enable simple and hassle free repairs and installs. Courses that cover new installation procedures and best practice, for example, can deliver real value and business benefits by helping save time and money on site. Learning about new industry regulations is another important aspect of training because installers need to understand how any changes in legislation affect the way they work. Also, since the new Boiler Plus initiative came into force in England in April 2018, even greater responsibility has been placed on the installer’s shoulders, so education is key to ensure compliance. Training partnerships In addition to training for individual installers, heating appliance manufacturers can also assist colleges, councils and housing associations with high quality training for their students and staff. Vokèra has established more than a dozen partnerships with education facilities that offer plumbing and heating courses, providing them with equipment and other resources for their training departments. And this support has now been extended to allow other colleges to send their students for courses at our well-equipped training centres. To further develop these relationships, we visit councils and colleges on a regular basis to discuss their needs and, in the case of colleges, to find out how we can contribute to creating the next generation of highly skilled heating engineers. Project support As an example of these partnerships in action, we recently donated one of our high efficiency evolve gas condensing combi boilers to a community project in Scotland. The boiler is being installed by East Ayrshire Council’s heating and plumbing apprentices, enabling them to gain valuable hands-on experience under professional supervision. A longstanding partner, the Council has been installing Vokèra boilers in its housing stock for about 15 years. As well as contributing a brand new combi boiler for the project, Vokèra is providing the apprentices with commissioning support and training on site by one of its highly qualified technical team. Finding the right course As heating products and technology have advanced, training courses have become more wide-ranging and now need to cover the latest electronic controls, for example, and renewable energy solutions. With so much choice we believe it is important to ask installers a few key questions before recommending the most appropriate course, such as how long have you been in business; are you looking for something practical; or are you interested in learning about a specific sector or application. From our experience, given the continuing emphasis on energy efficiency, it’s not surprising that courses focusing on solutions to maximise energy savings for their customers are particularly popular with installers. Sharing knowledge Of course, many heating installers now look to one of the many social media sites aimed at heating professionals for advice on a technical issue or maybe a compliance query. Apart from providing an opportunity to share knowledge with other installers, industry forums like Gas Chat on Facebook also provide an ideal platform for manufacturers like Vokèra to communicate with customers and answer their queries. Few would argue that professional training is key to increasing skills and productivity and assuring the future for the UK heating industry and its workforce. We believe heating manufacturers have a vital part to play in helping to make training more accessible and relevant. Investing in courses for current and future installers will ensure they have the knowledge and experience they need to fit the latest products effectively and safely and to stay ahead of the game....Read more...
- VOKÈRA BY RIELLO SUPPORTS COMMUNITY HEATING PROJECT WITH PRODUCT DONATION AND HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE FOR APPRENTICES
  Vokèra by Riello donated one of its technologically advanced combi boilers for a local Scout Group building project in Scotland. The high-efficiency Vokèra evolve 36C (36kW) gas condensing combi will be installed by East Ayrshire Council’s heating and plumbing apprentices, giving them valuable hands-on experience under professional supervision, all while assisting a worthwhile community programme. Vokèra will also provide commissioning support to the apprentices and on-site training by one of its highly-qualified technical teams. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. “Vokèra is one of our most valued and trusted partners when it comes to providing reliable new and replacement boilers for our social housing tenants,” said Barrie Mclatchie, project officer for East Ayrshire Council. “We install around 850 of their appliances every year and their support and training are always excellent. We believe their efforts will have lasting community benefits and ensure the viability of a building that combines warmth and efficiency for this important local youth facility.” According to Apprenticeship Statistics for England* there were 23,000 apprentices in the Construction, Planning and Built Environment sector in 2017/18. The Scout Hall project reflects Vokèra’s commitment to supporting local community initiatives and helping to create the next generation of highly skilled heating engineers by offering professional training and support. “In addition to training for individual installers, we also assist colleges, councils and housing associations with high-quality training for their students and staff,” said Neil Mattock, marketing director for Vokèra. “We have established more than a dozen affiliations with education facilities that offer plumbing and heating courses, providing them equipment and other resources for their training departments. And this support has now been extended to allow other colleges to send their students for courses at our well-equipped training centres.” The Vokèra evolve 36C gas condensing combi boiler will be at the heart of a complete new heating system for the Scout Hall and will be connected to approximately 10 radiators. Offering warmth, comfort, energy efficiency and superb performance, the evolve 36C is ideally suited to meet the building’s heating and hot water demands. *Apprenticeship Statistics: England: February 2019: House of Commons Library research service. ...Read more...
- BACK TO BASICS ON BOILER EFFICIENCY
  Some might say that heating installers have never had it so good with the wide range of products from which to select and assemble a system that meets or even exceeds their customers’ needs and wants (or disappoints). David Iszchak, Technical Trainer at Vokèra by Riello looks at the basics of boiler efficiency in keeping homeowners comfortably warm at an affordable cost. If the average homeowner does any research when considering a new boiler then it will probably be restricted to information from a brand they’ve heard of or whatever turns up on an internet search. They may often be more attracted by the presentation of a product, or the appearance of a control than the capability or potential of the appliance, or just as importantly, the appliance and control combined. Achieving comfort with energy efficiency at low cost is generally what most homeowners desire, but how are these three desires reconciled in a real world installation? Certification efficiencies Boiler efficiency is hard to assess as ‘test bench’ figures may not be representative of how a boiler will actually work in a property. Steady state test bed operation at two flow and return temperatures (80-60°C and 50-30°C) allow manufacturers to extrapolate test efficiencies of over 100% which, if the case is warm, the flue is warm, or there is water vapour at the terminal, could be mislead. These figures are steady state testing on certified test rigs and heating systems simply do not work in that way. The thermal performance of properties will also differ greatly depending on factors such as location and lifestyle: weather patterns are not consistent; occupation patterns vary, as do heat gains from solar, cooking and electrical appliances. Reality Bites: The closest a real world system is likely to get to steady state testing is to be operated continuously at temperatures that do not allow the boiler to cycle on/off. For the majority of the heating season the maximum output of the boiler is not required (this is certainly the case with a combination boiler) so good modulation between maximum and minimum output to the heating system is important. Generally speaking, 1:5 is thought of as a minimum and a higher turndown ratio will improve matters if it does not entail too much additional cost or complication. So, keeping the boiler on longer seems to suggest this might bring the boiler closer to certification efficiencies, but at what cost? Running longer does not necessarily mean more fuel will be used as a boiler with a wide modulation range will be able to match output to the varying load of the property. However, during low load operation heat is still lost from the appliance through the flue. If the boiler cannot modulate down to meet the load then it will cycle off and on however if cyclical losses are low continual losses through the flue may exceed pre and post purge inefficiencies and standby losses. Range rating the boiler heating output to the likely maximum requirement of the property, particularly with combination boilers, is a simple way to reduce cyclical losses and boiler firing cycles. Squaring the circle Is there any way the boiler efficiency can be improved further? Well, yes there is, because we know condensing boiler efficiency is better with some heat exchangers if operated at lower temperatures to encourage harvesting of latent heat. This will require the type of control that can adjust the boiler flow temperature in line with system demand rather than simply turning the appliance on or off and operating up to a preset maximum temperature. Here the control is being integrated with the appliance and we introduce what I call a system efficiency which adds to the appliance efficiency. If the heating control adjusts the boiler in order it runs cooler and at condensing temperatures more often than the boiler efficiency will improve but will the efficiency gain be eroded by prolonged run time losses? Advise responsibly Whatever the type of boiler or control, comfort is the primary objective for most households but acceptable levels of comfort differ. Also, whilst an end-user’s preference may be 23⁰C if their budget only covers heating the house to 19⁰C then how can that circle be squared? It is often quoted that a 1⁰C reduction of the space heating setpoint is the equivalent of 8% saving in fuel for heating. If this is to be believed then a 3⁰C reduction should equate to a 24% reduction in the fuel cost –really? Almost a quarter? Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that the homeowner is the one paying the fuel bill not the installer so any advice or claims on energy savings must be given responsibly. I know this may come under the heading of ‘stating the obvious’ to the reader of a trade magazine however, to use a phrase from the education sector, it’s also what’s known as ‘reinforcement.’ Sometimes the object of the exercise becomes hidden behind an avalanche of marketing information trumpeting worst to best case scenarios when that is rarely the case the installer is faced with. The object of the exercise is customer satisfaction with an installation and running cost they can afford that will win the installer the work and retain the customer; the homeowner is not a test bed for the latest marketed technological advance. Finally, it is important not to lose sight of the absolute basics when it comes to optimising boiler and system efficiency: The boiler efficiency is the baseline, everything else is an incremental improvement to system efficiency. Running the space heating to a warmer air temperature will cost more – check the thermostat setting to see if it could be dropped a degree without compromising comfort and dress according to weather conditions. Running it longer will cost more – check if adjustments could be made to the time schedule. Running it too cool will cut costs but could mean discomfort – try not to adjust the thermostat too much, let it do its job. Not running the heating long enough may be a false economy and can lead to damp and mould in the house – don’t allow the property to become too cool and encourage condensation when unoccupied. Automatic adjustment of the boiler flow temperature to lower levels improves the efficiency of a condensing boiler – consider a control type that can adjust boiler temperature. Turning the heating up from a phone before arriving home could cost more than waiting till you get home; if the house contents are at a stable economy temperature during unoccupied periods it will not take long to warm the air. Turning the heating off may appear to save fuel but may cost more with the energy needed to reheat the property from an ambient temperature – heating the air only is quicker than heating the air, walls, furniture that have grown cold. Setting two levels, an occupied (comfort) level and an absence (economy) level is a good compromise – consider a control that offers choice of both time and temperatures. Firing the boiler is what costs the money – controls that regulate a space without interacting with the boiler are not as effective as devices that can – basic thermostatic radiator valves do not directly interact with the boiler and are often poorly positioned. A space heating control in one area is better than none at all – some sort of time/space heating boiler interlock is a mandatory requirement. A space heating control that can assimilate heat requirements from several areas, keep them at varying temperatures and control the boiler firing is better still – consider aggregated multi-zoning if the budget allows. A control that can adjust the boiler operating temperature while achieving the above is even better still – this will encourage condensing operation at the boiler. If the boiler is in a position that is difficult for the user to access, then a control that allows the user to monitor and adjust the boiler operation as well as control the heating at the room thermostat, phone or app is better still – the homeowner can monitor its operating condition from the room thermostat or internet connected device. Training is key to help installers understand the capabilities of what type of boiler and control is fitted. One of the most critical elements in the whole process is the installer’s ability to explain the control in a simple and concise manner avoiding confusion or repetition and encourage customers to use the controls for optimum heating efficiency and comfort....Read more...
- VOKÈRA BY RIELLO LAUNCHES AQUANOVA LE
  Vokèra by Riello launches AquaNova LE, a simple and energy-efficient solution for providing instantaneous domestic hot water to multiple outlets at a high flow rate. With low nitrogen oxides emissions, this new addition is classified under the Ecodesign of Energy-related Product Directive (ErP) Class A, making it fully compliant with the latest ErP Tier 3 requirements. It is ideal for domestic and small, light commercial applications that require an instant and reliable hot water supply, such as restaurants and shops. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. “Easy to install and to service and featuring a powerful heat output, our new AquaNova LE offers a continuous supply of hot water, and can be used simultaneously at various outlets while delivering a high flow-rate,” says Alister Maclachlan, product director, Vokèra. “In addition, this compact water heater takes up less space than a conventional storage tank and virtually eliminates standby losses as energy isn’t wasted when hot water cools down in long pipe runs or while it’s sitting in the tank.” Delivering a flow rate of 13.2 litres per minute at temperature rise of 35 degrees C, AquaNova LE can fit applications where space is at a premium. Continuous gas modulation and electronic temperature sensing ensure accurate temperature control for user safety and comfort. A temperature lock function can be used to limit the outlet temperature, while a keypad lock function prevents tampering. The appliance features a digital display and user interface for ease of operation and there is also a fault code display function for diagnostic purposes. For increased efficiency, the appliance’s electronic ignition eliminates the need for a constantly running fan or energy-wasteful pilot light. AquaNova LE is available in natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) versions and is also designed to accept pre-heated water for solar integration. Installation and commissioning are simple with all connections easily accessible and a built-in fly lead. The appliance is designed for flexible flueing and can be flued horizontally or vertically using Vokèra’s concentric uni-flue or twin-flue systems. Units also include stand-off brackets required for rear outlet flue exit. Servicing has also been simplified as there is no diaphragm or water section, which reduces maintenance requirements. Summing up this latest innovation, Maclachlan, says: “When new ErP efficiency requirements for water heaters came into effect in September 2018, many existing appliances no longer complied. AquaNova LE has been specifically developed to provide a compliant solution that combines high performance with ease of installation, and is backed by our two-year warranty.” For more information on AquaNova LE, please visit www.vokera.co.uk/trade-professionals/water-heaters....Read more...