PHPI provides its readers with a multitude of news from the plumbing and heating industry. Here, we uncover the latest to find out what could be influencing spend in merchant branches.
The April issue of PHPI is here, and as we slowly move into spring as well as the warmer months, it is a good time for reflection as well as new beginnings. And, what better way to take heed of those new beginnings than with the latest additions to hit the market.
First up is the magazine’s Heating and Renewables feature and we get started with Alpha Heating Innovation explaining the importance of a good manufacturer warranty. Of course, warranties are useful upselling tool for merchants as customers are more likely to purchase products which they know will be covered, should anything go wrong.
Alpha offers ‘packs’ which include accessories such as a wall mounting jig or an integral pipe clip plate with variable fixing points to not only ensure installation is easier but will also extend the company’s warranty offer. For example, the premier package on the new E-Tec Plus 28/33kW combi boiler takes a standard 10-year warranty up to 13 years and will provide extra assurance for the customer.
Flamco enters the fold now with the launch of its RedProtect, tapping into the rising awareness surrounding the fact that water treatment is vital for any wet heating system. It may be prudent to take stock of the growing popularity of these types of products as customer demand increases.
The RedProtect comes in a solid tablet format to reduce the risks of spillages or leaks and also offers environmental benefits. Due to its solid format the system provides an approximate reduction of 84% in plastic packaging content compared to a traditional one litre chemical jerry can, perfect for your environmentally-conscious customer.
It would not be a Heating & Renewables feature round-up without mentioning the Government’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions. And with many options put forward for the future of the UK’s heating, it can be a hard to keep on top of all the changes.
Here, Glen Dimplex examines the opportunities presented by modern electrical heating technologies. This includes SAP methodology which is the government’s recommended system for measuring the energy rating of new dwellings, as well as water heating and new technologies such as its Dimplex Quantum off-peak heating system which offers an improvement in EPC rating over conventional static storage heaters.
Plumbing & Bathrooms steps into focus next and Wilo presents its smart Stratos-MAXO. Designed and introduced for use in large residential and commercial projects, it promises to deliver greater efficiency and the highest level of compatibility with existing systems. The sensor technology and control functions include Bluetooth connectivity for use with mobile devices, Green Button Technology, Dynamic Adapt Plus and Multi-Flow Adaptation to improve system efficiency.
Next up in this feature is Dowsil. Formerly known as Dow Corning, the company has launched a neutral cure, solvent-free version of its 785 Sanitary Sealant — 785N. The new low-odour, neutral cure version offers a sealant that has been designed for use in confined spaces and which offers adhesion to most non-porous surfaces, making it suited to sealing around baths, sinks, urinals and ceramic tile joints to provide a water-resistant hygienic seal.
It can also be used on some metallic surfaces such as aluminium, copper, brass and stainless steel as well as natural surfaces including marble, granite and limestone.
Closing off the Plumbing & Bathrooms feature is Saniflo with a new addition to its portfolio of showering products. The Fast 2000 enclosures aim to be suitable for every size and shape of bathroom and the range is said to be quick and easy to install — a key selling point for your customers — by featuring interlocking aluminium profiles to ensure the frame is simple to assemble. The door profiles can also be fitted with easy release rollers without the use of any tools, again making it simple to assemble for customers who need time-saving solutions.
Lighting up the pages of the Tools & Workwear feature is Unilite with its latest inspection light, the PS-IL1OR. Highlighting the trade-focused advantages of SMD LEDs (Surface Mounted Diodes) which provide better run times when compared with other LEDS, the inspection light incorporates 27 SMD LEDs which produce 1,000 Lumen of lighting power. It also features a 250 Lumen spot beam which is said to be ideal for tasks that require an intricate beam.
Last up this month is a musical performance from Makita with its DAB Job Site Radio, its first ever featuring Bluetooth. The DMR112 features a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by the company’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries. The DAB and DAB+ Bluetooth radio has an elastomer bump-protecting casing, foldable antenna for added protection, an AC adaptor jack and digital amplifier along with an LCD display. Perfect for bringing musical entertainment to any site!
