Are your heating systems prepared for what is to come?

The mild autumn is sadly coming to an end and inevitably cold winter weather on its way. Well that’s fairly easy to predict as for most winters the likelihood of freezing temperatures, cold winds and a few inches of snow are what you would expect.

Here in the UK we don’t seem to have learnt enough from past experiences and always appear to be caught out by the first snowfall. The predictability that the weather is likely to get cold over winter and how our transport systems fail to deal with winter weather effectively always amaze me. Other countries manage to keep running in winter without it being a major crisis so why can’t we?

In these times of austerity I don’t suppose I can influence the government much to take the threat of bad weather more seriously but perhaps I can influence readers of my blog to look seriously at the heating systems you have in place at both home and at work.

The autumn is a good time to get boilers serviced and check that all pipe and cylinder lagging is in good order and adequate for the conditions. Check that radiators are bled and are warm from the top to the bottom. If the top of a radiator is cold when your system is running this is usually a sign that you have some air trapped. This can be vented by using a radiator key by opening the bleed valve and holding a cloth to catch the water (carefully as this may be hot) when all the air has been released. If when you have bled the radiator the bottom doesn’t warm up you may have a build up of sediment which would require your heating engineer to conduct a power flush to clean the sediment from your system.

Check that any Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s) are working correctly by fully opening and shutting. This helps release the mechanisms which sometimes get stuck during the summer off periods.

 If this doesn’t free it you can unscrew the top part of the TRV to expose the pin valve which you can ease up gently with a pair of pliers adding a bit of lubricant like WD40 and ease the pin up and down a few times (if in doubt call a professional). 

Make sure to check all TRV’s are set correctly and try turning each valve down a notch to save some energy. In rooms which have less frequent use or require lower heating loads try turning down even further. This will help to allow more heat to be available for other more demanding areas.

Air handling equipment should always be professionally serviced. It makes good sense to have a regular Air conditioning inspection and is a legal requirement to do so if your system has a cooling load over 12kW. The inspection may recommend some remedial work to bring it up to the regulatory standards but it can also be a good idea to have your Air Handling Units (AHU’s) refurbished and updated to make use of the latest energy efficient technologies available.

The other often forgotten part of a commercial heating system to keep maintained and working at peak performance and is often left until the first blast of arctic weather are the door curtains or air barriers protecting the buildings entrances. These are a special interest to me as I have spent nearly 30 years in this industry. 

Door curtains often get mistaken for over door heaters. They are not used to heat your building but are there to help protect your conditioned environment from the outside elements. A correctly sized, correctly installed, well maintained and effectively controlled air curtain will be an energy saving device. (Please see previous blog posts) So please make sure that this underrated energy saving product gets some TLC.

If you require any more information or would like some help with your air conditioning systems please contact me stevebrown@envirotec.co.uk .

  

Heat Pump Air Curtains now in scoping study for inclusion in ECA scheme.

There is a significant move in the HVAC industry towards renewable heat source schemes. With the inclusion of air source heat pumps in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) next year the interest in products that can benefit from using this medium as its heat source has increased dramatically.

The Carbon trust are currently conducting a scoping study to see if heat pump air curtains should be included into their Technology Listing. Steve Brown Envirotec’s Development Director says “If heat pump air curtains are to be included in the Carbon Trusts technology listing as an approved product and receive enhanced capital allowances  (ECA) this will give a real boost to the industry.

Not only will the end client benefit from having an air curtain installed - an energy efficient device in its own respect, but to have a air source heat pump as well will be a winning formula”.

You don’t have to have an understanding of how a heat pump works but you do need to know that why they are such a good way forward, for example a heat pump system with a coefficient of performance (COP) of say 3.0 would in simple terms mean that for every 1kW of electrical energy required to run the unit an output 3.0kW of heat could be generated.

For more information or to make an enquiry about Envirotec’s range of heat pump air curtains please contact Envirotec

Indoor Air Quality and Asbestos Exposure

Indoor Air Quality and Asbestos Exposure

Toxic chemicals can be found everywhere we look.  Whether they are in your home, or the ground underneath, it is important to be aware of chemicals with which you and your family may come in contact.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was incorporated into more than 5,000 products in the 1980’s.  This mineral has excellent insulating and fireproofing characteristics which is why it was commonly used for commercial purposes. This toxic mineral can be found in various deposits throughout the world;   the environmental hazard surrounding asbestos still exists today.

Where has it been used?

As previously mentioned, asbestos has been used in thousands of products.  Some of these products include household items, paper goods, automobiles, heating and cooling systems, and even in the construction materials used to possibly build your house.  A few products are listed below; please look at the complete list of products containing asbestos.

Some household products are

• ·        Adhesives
• ·        Asbestos ceiling and floor tiles
• ·        Vinyl products
• ·        Cook pots, popcorn poppers, stove mats and pads
• ·        Baby powder and hair dryers

Some construction products are

• ·        Cement
• ·        Insulation
• ·        Roofing materials
• ·        Floor backing and dry wall taping compounds

The majority of these materials are commonly found in construction materials used to in buildings and homes. Asbestos has such a high resistance to heat it was used in many heating systems and insulation.  High concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after these materials are disturbed by improperly trying to remove the materials or a remodeling project.   

Why is it toxic?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Due to a severe latency period of symptoms ranging between 20 and 50 years from the time of exposure, mesothelioma cancer is often diagnosed in a late stage of development.

This tendency for late diagnosis often complicates mesothelioma treatment options; as a result, the average mesothelioma life expectancy is 4 to 18 months. There is no cure for this cancer; but, some patients who were diagnosed early enough have survived mesothelioma. For this reason, it is important for anyone exposed to asbestos to seek regular medical exams to check for signs of asbestos disease.

The best way to prevent exposure to asbestos is to learn about it, however regardless of the knowledge that is now available, not everyone takes the proper precautions that are needed to prevent exposure. Prevention in the workplace can be as simple as wearing protective gear or breathing devices.  Since so many homes were built with asbestos containing products, the majority of household exposure comes from renovations, or do-it-yourself home projects.  Once the asbestos is disturbed you are at risk for exposure, so it is important to have professionals involved, or the areas tested for asbestos in advance.

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com was created to assist patients affected by asbestos-related disease.

Visit www.asbestos.com for more information regarding asbestos exposure.

You can “like” us on Face book and “Follow” us on Twitter  for daily updates and news articles surrounding asbestos and asbestos related diseases.

This article has been kindly written by guest blogger Rachel Gilner from The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

Marketing Assistant to be based in our High Wycombe Office

Company Overview

A market leader for over 30 years with a blue chip client base, Envirotec is a manufacturer of high quality air movement equipment including air curtains, air handling units and extract fans.

Position Overview

We are looking to recruit a Marketing Assistant to be based in our High Wycombe office.

The successful candidate will work within the development department, assisting in all aspects of product improvement and new product development. This will include identifying new product opportunities from concept to prototyping and launch into the market.

The successful candidate will be an energetic, enthusiastic and resourceful team player with Photoshop experience. You will be a multi-skilled individual capable of working on own initiative and be able to interact at all levels and also be a key team player.

Other duties will include gathering and reporting market intelligence, the design of marketing collateral, technical literature and operating manuals, maintenance and the regular updating of the company’s web site.

Your contribution to this role will help us to increase product development capacity, improve marketing and enhance technical product information.

The candidate: 

• Will ideally have a technical/engineering background with an understanding of the HVAC marketplace.
• Will be motivated, articulate, creative and able to present ideas and reports in a clear, well thought through manner.
• Will possess the drive to ensure that projects are completed to a high standard and within agreed deadlines.
• Will ideally have a recognised marketing qualification although candidates with a minimum of two years relevant marketing experience will be considered.

Extensive training on the company’s products will be provided as part of an on-going training programme.

Typical work activities can include:

• Coordinate PR, ensuring our new products and news reach the media.
•  Responsible for literature / written material. Liaising with Engineering and Sales departments for the technical content and enabling the distribution of material to the relevant media
• Communicates with the sales team and distributors, ensuring they have the most relevant information
• Maintain CRM database. Including removal of old contacts, missing email addresses, along with adding new contacts and unsubscribing existing ones.
•  Assists with the maintenance of the Company website, handling the written material and product updates
• Administrative support to the development team

Qualifications

Marketing, CIM Certificate or Diploma, Design or HNC/HND Engineering related degree or caliber, marketing or technical experience preferred but not essential.

Excellent communication (verbal and written), organisation skills and have creative flair


Proficient in the use of MS Office suite and Photoshop.

To express interest or more information contact Steve Brown

Trainee Sales Engineers and Marketing Assistant at Envirotec

Envirotec is recruiting for a number of newly created roles, due to investment in a programme of innovation, combined with ambitious growth plans.

Trainee External Sales Engineers

We are looking to recruit an additional five external sales engineers to work in the Midlands, South West and South East.

The role:

• to sell and promote the company’s expanding range of air curtains, air handling units, trench heating and refurbishment services, into specifiers, contractors and end users. 

To present the company in a professional manner at all times and to develop relationships with existing and potential customers. 

Extensive training on the company’s products and development of sales skills will be provided as part of an on-going development programme.

The candidate:

• will have experience of working within the HVAC industry, ideally in air movement or air handling, although this is not essential, along with experience of working closely with specifiers, contractors and end users.

• will be self-motivated, results driven, ambitious and looking to develop their skills and knowledge.

• will have either a formal engineering qualification or the ability to demonstrate previous success.

Applications please by email to danwild@envirotec.co.uk

No agencies thank you. 

Marketing Assistant

We are looking to recruit a Marketing Assistant to be based in our High Wycombe office.

The role:

• the successful candidate will work within the development department, assisting in all aspects of product improvement and new product development. This will include identifying new product opportunities from concept to prototyping and launch into the market.

• Other duties will include gathering and reporting market intelligence, the design of marketing collateral, technical literature and operating manuals, maintenance and the regular updating of the company’s web site.

The candidate:

• will ideally have a technical/engineering background with an understanding of the HVAC marketplace.

• will be motivated, articulate, creative and able to present ideas and reports in a clear, well thought through manner.

• will possess the drive to ensure that projects are completed to a high standard and within agreed deadlines.

• will ideally have a recognised marketing qualification although candidates with a minimum of two years relevant marketing experience will be considered.

Extensive training on the company’s products will be provided as part of an on-going training programme.

Applications please by email to stevebrown@envirotec.co.uk

No agencies thank you.

Envirotec

High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3BX

www.envirotec.co.uk

ENV101 Recruit ad 134x190clr.indd 1 17/06/2011 16:21

Envirotec Career Opportunities

Envirotec are recruiting enthusiastic HVAC engineers for external sales and internal engineering roles. Would you like to be trained in sales? 

Would you like a career with one of the HVAC industries leading companies?

A market leader for over 30 years with a blue chip client base, Envirotec is a manufacturer of high quality air movement equipment including air curtains, air handling units and extract fans.

Envirotec’s innovation programme has generated a significant increase in demand for its bespoke products and services. To help deliver the high quality service Envirotec’s customers demand they are looking to recruit a number of high calibre individuals.

External Sales Engineers

Envirotec is known within the building industry for the quality of its products and services. By helping to continue developing and maintaining its great working relationships with its customers (at all levels) you would be a member of Envirotec's external sales team delivering exceptional service to a demanding client base. 

These challenging and rewarding sales roles will only be offered to exceptional people.

Is that you?

If you are qualified to degree standard in an engineering discipline and would like an opportunity to be trained to become an external sales engineer then please contact peterfaruqi@envirotec.co.uk and enclose your current CV and contact details.

Internal Development Engineer

Our markets constantly demand new, non-standard and special products.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager as a member of the Product Development Engineering team you will be involved in all aspects of product development. You will possess the initiative to liaise with clients and work closely to customer requirements. The successful candidate will be an energetic, enthusiastic and resourceful team player with CAD experience and a comprehensive knowledge of sheet metal work. You will be a multi-skilled individual capable of working on own initiative and be able to interact at all levels and also be a key team player.

Your contribution to this role will help us to increase product development capacity, reduce lead times, reduce costs, and enhance technical information systems

If you have an Engineering or Design related degree or you are HNC calibre and have product development experience and would like to be considered then please contact anguscreighton@envirotec.co.uk  and enclose your current CV and contact details.

Development and Marketing Administrator 

Reporting to the Marketing Manager as a member of the Product Development team you will be involved in all aspects of product development. Our markets constantly demand new, non-standard and special products. You will possess the initiative to liaise with clients and work closely to customer requirements. The successful candidate will be an energetic, enthusiastic and resourceful team player with Photoshop experience. You will be a multi-skilled individual capable of working on own initiative and be able to interact at all levels and also be a key team player.

Your contribution to this role will help us to increase product development capacity, improve marketing and enhance technical product information.

If you enjoy creative and original thinking, have a marketing, design or engineering related degree or are of HNC calibre with marketing or technical experience with good communication skills both written and oral and would like a career with a progressive company then please contact anguscreighton@envirotec.co.uk  and enclose your current CV and contact details.

Envirotec

It’s curtains for energy wastage

Air curtains have the potential to save energy, but they need to be designed properly to address end clients’ environmental concerns. *Steve Brown discusses the key criteria.

The principle of using air curtains to prevent heated or cooled air escaping through open doorways has been established for many years. Indeed, the use of air curtains is now commonplace in many premises where the volume of traffic passing through the doorway makes it impractical to keep the doors closed.

Now that building operators are so focused on energy efficiency, however, concerns have been expressed as to whether air curtains are the most efficient option for such applications. Inevitably these concerns will feed back from end clients to building services specifiers and installers – so it’s important to understand all of the facts.

Just to recap on the general principles. When doors are left open, the heated air inside the building will spill out of the top of the open doorway and be replaced by cold air coming in at the bottom of the doorway. This situation may be reversed in the summer, where air conditioned air leaves the building to be replaced by warm air from outside.

While most buildings prevent this energy wastage by closing doors, this is not practical in shops where there is a steady flow of customers entering and leaving, as the doors would be open for much of the time. A similar situation is found in loading bays and other areas with a high frequency of deliveries entering and leaving the premises.

Consequently, air curtains are used to maintain comfortable conditions inside the building and save energy in doing so. In retail applications, they also enable ‘open door trading’, making the shop more inviting to customers.

Saving energy

The ability of air curtains to save energy is a key consideration for many building operators and retailers in particular are very sensitive about their sustainability credentials. Tests have shown that a properly designed air curtain will reduce heat loss around a door by up to 80%, so that less energy is used by the space heating system. This more than compensates for the small amount of heat used to temper the air passing through the air curtain. In fact, air curtains with thermostatic control can be configured to contribute to the space heating of the interior of the shop.

In addition, in buildings with high ceilings where warm air stratifies at ceiling level, air curtains can be designed to draw this warm air down from the ceiling and re-introduce it to the room at floor level, so less heat is wasted.

Low carbon heating

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular with many retailers because of their low carbon status and the opportunity to receive money from the government through the Renewable Heat Incentive. However, the heat generated by some heat pump systems can sometimes be of ‘low grade’ that might not be suitable for space heating without additional heating.

With air curtains, though, the requirement is only to temper the air, which makes them ideal for use with low temperature hot water, as might be generated by a heat pump. Similarly, they can also be configured to work with water temperatures that maximise the energy performance of condensing boilers.

In addition, more innovative air curtains may also incorporate electric heating to ‘top up’ the heat pump’s output in particularly cold weather.

Maximum efficiency

Clearly, as with any building services plant, it is vital to ensure that the system is designed so that it delivers maximum efficiency. This means that each air curtain needs to be designed in relation to the height and width of the particular doorway it is protecting and should be wide enough to ensure the air barrier overlaps the doorway at the sides. The velocity of the air also needs to be configured to suit the height of the doorway, so that the air reaches down to the floor but does not come into contact with it at high velocity as this will disrupt the laminar flow of the air.

In situations where it is not practical to mount an air curtain above a doorway, a vertical air curtain to the side of the door can be used instead – blowing tempered air horizontally across the doorway. Again, the design is all-important so there are very good reasons for specifiers and installers to call in specialist expertise for all air curtain designs. Using UK-manufactured air curtains also helps to improve the overall sustainability of the project and provides the opportunity for more bespoke solutions.

While extolling the virtues of air curtains, I wouldn’t suggest they are ideal for all shop doorways. In a shop that only receives occasional customers, a closed door will almost certainly be the most cost-effective option. But in busier shops and shopping centres with frequently opened doorways, an air curtain in conjunction with automatic doors will be the best option for reducing energy consumption and maintaining customer comfort.

 

Further information can be found at www.envirotec.co.uk