Regional Winners

Please tell us about a project you are particularly proud of – what was the problem and how did you solve it for the customer?

One project I’m particularly proud of involved the installation of a new heating system in a seven-year-old new build house located in Leicester. The client reached out to us based on a recommendation after experiencing a breakdown in one of their boilers. Upon inspection, we determined that repairing the boiler would not be cost-effective as the entire system was running inefficiently. The property had a 65kW boiler for a 30-radiator system and an unvented hot water cylinder, along with a separate 30kW boiler for underfloor heating.

The main issue the client faced was extremely high gas bills, exacerbated by ineffective heating on the first and second floors, as well as inefficient underfloor heating due to the system running at high temperatures. After conducting a thorough survey, we held a meeting with the client to discuss a plan of action. We agreed that installing a new, more efficient heating system was the best solution.

For the installation, we reconfigured some of the secondary pipework and removed unnecessary valves and fittings to optimize the system’s efficiency. We replaced the existing boilers with a Viessmann 32kW system boiler and installed two divicon mixers for both the radiators and underfloor heating. Additionally, we installed a 300-litre twin-coil Vitocell EVBB-A hot water cylinder and a Dab pump for mains pressure.

What made me proud of this project was not only the high standard of installation we achieved but also the significant results we delivered for the client. By reducing the total heat output of the system to 16kW, equivalent to the efficiency of a heat pump, we were able to substantially decrease the client’s gas consumption and, consequently, their gas bills in the long run.

This project taught me the importance of thorough assessment and planning in determining the most effective solution for a client’s needs. By carefully analysing the existing system and discussing options with the client, we were able to agree on a plan that not only addressed their immediate issues but also provided long-term benefits in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings.

Overall, transforming this inefficient heating system into a highly efficient one was not only professionally satisfying but also personally rewarding, knowing that we made a positive impact on the client’s comfort and finances.

Which products did you select for the job and why?

• Viessmann 200w 32kw System Boiler: We chose this boiler for its exceptional modulating capability, being able to modulate down to 3% on heat output. This ensures precise control over heating levels, maximising efficiency and minimising energy waste. Additionally, features like the touchscreen interface and built-in app provide convenient user control and monitoring, enhancing the overall user experience. The integration of a four-pipe system for hot water further adds to the efficiency and performance of the boiler.
• Weathercomp Outdoor Sensor: This sensor helps optimise system performance by adjusting heating levels based on outdoor temperature conditions. By accurately sensing changes in weather, it ensures that the heating system operates at the most efficient levels, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort for the customer.
• Low Loss Header: This component helps improve hydraulic separation within the heating system, reducing pressure drops and ensuring uniform flow rates. By minimising energy losses associated with excessive pressure differentials, it enhances the overall efficiency and performance of the system.
• Divicon Heating Mixers: These mixers enable the independent control of radiator and underfloor heating circuits, allowing for different temperature settings and flow rates as needed. The built-in electronic mixer ensures precise temperature regulation within each circuit, optimising comfort and energy efficiency for the customer.
• 300 Litre Vitocell Twin Coil Hot Water Cylinder: This cylinder stands out for its exceptional efficiency, being the only cylinder in the market with an A+ rating. The twin coils maximise heat recovery for hot water, ensuring ample supply while minimising energy consumption, resulting in cost savings for the customer.
• DAB Esy Pump & Tank: This pump and tank combination enhances water flow rates, ensuring consistent and reliable water supply on demand. By improving flow rates, it enhances the overall performance and efficiency of the heating system, providing added convenience and comfort for the customer.
• SpiroTech Expansion Vessel: This vessel helps maintain optimal pressure levels within the heating system, preventing damage and ensuring long-term reliability. By minimising the risk of pressure fluctuations, it contributes to the longevity and efficiency of the system.
• Viessmann Air Deaerator: This component helps remove air from the heating system, preventing issues such as air locks and corrosion. By ensuring optimal system operation and longevity, it helps maintain performance and efficiency over time.
• Viessmann Magnetic Filter: This filter helps remove magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from the heating system, preventing damage and improving efficiency. By reducing the risk of blockages and inefficiencies, it helps maintain optimal system performance and durability.

Overall, each product was chosen for its specific features and benefits, aimed at maximising efficiency, performance, and reliability for the customer. While some products have been sourced locally, the primary focus was on selecting the best-in-class options to ensure the highest quality and performance for the client’s heating system.

Tell us what was different or unique about this job? Why does it stand out?

What made this project particularly unique and stand out amidst our other endeavours this year was the comprehensive approach we took in optimising the heating system’s efficiency and performance while addressing the client’s specific needs and challenges.

One aspect that set this project apart was the level of customisation and attention to detail we implemented in the product selection process. By carefully choosing each component, such as the Viessmann 200w 32kw System Boiler with its exceptional modulating capability down to 3% on heat output and the 300 Litre Vitocell Twin Coil Hot Water Cylinder with its A+ efficiency rating, we ensured that the system would operate at peak efficiency, ultimately saving the client significant costs on their gas bills in the long run.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced features like the Weathercomp Outdoor Sensor and Divicon Heating Mixers allowed for precise temperature control and optimisation based on outdoor conditions, ensuring maximum comfort and energy savings for the client.

In terms of showcasing our skills, this project provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in system design, product selection, and installation techniques. From conducting a thorough assessment of the existing system to presenting a detailed plan of action to the client and executing the installation with precision and care, we were able to showcase our ability to deliver exceptional results while meeting the client’s expectations and budget constraints.

The project took approximately 8 days to complete, during which we worked diligently to ensure every aspect of the installation was executed to the highest standard. This included not only the installation of new equipment but also reconfiguring pipework, optimising flow rates, and ensuring proper integration of all components for seamless operation.

The location and type of building also contributed to the uniqueness of this project. Working on a seven-year-old new build house in Leicester presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. While the property itself was relatively modern, the inefficient heating system and high gas bills highlighted the importance of upgrading to a more advanced and energy-efficient solution. Additionally, the client’s specific requirements, such as the need for effective heating on multiple floors and underfloor heating, required careful consideration and customisation in our approach.

Overall, what made this project stand out was our ability to tailor a solution to the client’s unique needs, leveraging advanced technology and best-in-class products to deliver outstanding results. By showcasing our skills in system design, product selection, and installation, we were able to transform an inefficient heating system into a highly efficient and cost-effective solution that significantly improved the client’s comfort and reduced their energy expenses.

And finally, tell us what the end result was for your customer?

The end result for our customer was a transformational improvement in their heating system’s efficiency, performance, and overall satisfaction. From the initial consultation meetings to the completion of the installation, the customer expressed genuine appreciation for the thoroughness and professionalism of our work.

One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the substantial reduction in the system’s energy consumption. By optimising the heating system and replacing inefficient components with state-of-the-art alternatives, we were able to reduce the total heat output from 95kW to a mere 16kW. This represents an impressive 83% decrease in energy consumption, a figure that undoubtedly translates into substantial cost savings for the customer over the long term.

Beyond the financial benefits, the customer was particularly pleased with the ease of operation and control offered by the new heating system. With features like the Viessmann 200w 32kw System Boiler’s touchscreen interface and built-in app, as well as the Weathercomp Outdoor Sensor for automatic temperature adjustment based on outdoor conditions, the customer felt empowered to manage their heating system effectively and efficiently.

Moreover, the customer expressed excitement about the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint. By upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system, the customer not only stands to save money on energy bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing their overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the end result of our work was a highly satisfied customer who experienced tangible benefits in terms of cost savings, comfort, and environmental responsibility. By leveraging our expertise and selecting the best-in-class products, we were able to deliver outstanding results that exceeded the customer’s expectations. As a result, the customer can now enjoy a more efficient and environmentally friendly heating system, confident in its performance and reliability for years to come.