02/03/2012 HVCA becomes B & ES

From yesterday the HVCA (Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association) is now known as the B&ES (Building and Engineering Services Association)!

The reason for the change is mainly because the Association felt that back in 1963 most members would have described themselves as h&v contractors so the name was appropriate. Nowadays, h&v doesn't really explain just how diverse and highly complex the nature of the work members now undertake. The name 'building and engineering services' now covers all the other specialisms the membership includes, such as ventilation hygiene, heat pumps and facilities managment plus many more.

Looking to the future, Bob Shelley, President of the HVCA comments said, “Rebranding is just one element in a re-positioning exercise that will enable this Association to provide its members with a wider range of services, enhance its influence with Government, and provide a natural home for all building engineering services specialists. I am convinced that, as B&ES, we shall be ideally placed to become just such an organisation”.

Look out for the new logo

The new website is http://www.b-es.org/index.php.

21/02/2012 One of our projects featured on Channel 4's The Restoration Man!

Hope you all managed to catch The Restoration Man on Channel 4 last Thursday?

The programme was based on a couple who dreamt of converting an old water tower but faced many problems with the planners. This episode was even more interesting to us as it featured one of our projects! We fitted the couple with a Heat Recovery Ventilation System, helping to bring the property into the 21st century as well as making it ultra energy efficient.

If you missed the show you can watch it on 4OD just follow the link!

09/02/2012 Key considerations when planning for your new system 

It's important when planning to have a Heat Recovery Ventilation System fitted in your home to consider the following steps, these will help you avoid some of the expenses, delays and pitfalls many renovators and self builders experience when they start a project unprepared!

Start as early as possible

The best way to ensure the smooth integration of an appropriate ventilation system into your self build is to consult a specialist team as early as possible, preferably during the planning stage.

Consider the system location

As well as considering which ventilation system you might use, you should think about where it will be positioned within your property, especially since planning regulations might dictate that certain conditions are met, such as the position of external terminals. Although modern systems are highly reliable and need very little maintenance, it's necessary to have access to the system for routine cleaning and servicing.

Know the rules

Although the legislation surrounding emissions and sustainability sometimes seems complicated and changeable, it's vital that you know your legal obligations and familiarise yourself with the latest or imminent legislation that might affect your self build. Think carefully about issues like planning permission, and remember that in built-up areas, near busy roads or airports that use of trickle vents may not be allowed. A reputable consultancy can help you navigate the rules and regulations relevant to your situation.

Choose carefully

Whoever you choose to supply your ventilation system, make sure you have chosen them carefully. It's worth remembering that an experienced and reputable team won't just design and install the very best system for your particular brief, they'll also project manage the process and ensure that the job's completed on time and on budget.

Finally ask yourself the following questions about your ventilation provider:

• Are they TrustMark accredited?
• Can they offer installation and commissioning of the system?
• Do they specialise in working with self builders and renovators?
• Will they provide truly impartial information and advice, or will they only recommend products and systems from a single manufacturer?
• Are they members of HVCA, an association who monitor operating procedures and standards?
• Do they know all the rules of ventilation? Too little ventilation leads to poor air quality and inadequate removal of pollutants and condensation. Excessive ventilation can cause discomfort through cold draughts and lead to increased heating costs.
• Have they specified good quality ducting & accessories? The ductwork is an essential part of the system and must be of a standard that does not adversely affect its performance or lower your SAP rating.
  

02/02/2012 Building Regulations to drive demand for Green Deal

Measures to drive up demand for The Green Deal have been announced to make Britain's buildings greener!

Existing properties that have any building work on them such as extensions may have to invest in energy efficiency improvements from October this year - this would be financed through the Green Deal.

New builds will also be effected as the Government has said how it would like to move towards zero carbon standards from 2016. By 2020 the government want to insulate 14 million homes through the Green Deal. From the autumn homeowners will be able to take loans out to pay for energy efficiency methods which will guarantee that savings on their energy bills will be greater than loan repayments. These new changes could save homeowners over £150 per year on their energy bills, compared to homes which were built in May 2010!

The approved measures to make your home energy efficient include heat recovery ventilation.