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INCREASING NUMBERS OF INSTALLERS AND CONTRACTORS ARE WIDENING THEIR KNOWLEDGE BASE & SKILLS TO ADOPT A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH, SAYS TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER MIKE LUCKEN… Evolving with Conex Bänninger
An ongoing transformation is taking place within the plumbing and heating market as contractors react to new opportunities in the ever-evolving heating sector. In the march towards net zero by 2050, energy performance has emerged as a key priority, whether retrofitting buildings or incorporating energy efficient systems at the design stage of new properties. Under the Future Homes Standard, proposed to come into force in March 2027, new homes will need to be highly energy efficient, requiring developers to install heat pumps or link properties to heat networks instead of using gas boilers. The work of a traditional boiler installer is evolving – and many are now getting to grips with such areas as refrigeration cycles, system balancing and air handling. HVAC contractors are also expanding their services to become more familiar with domestic hot water and hydronic systems used in modern underfloor heating, radiators and chilled-water air conditioning. In today’s smart homes, there is a requirement to connect several elements – heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation and energy management systems. Rather than turning to several trade professionals, homeowners would prefer just one or two contractors to carry the work out. The introduction of heat pumps dissects plumbing, heating and HVAC areas and this creates a growing market opportunity for heating contractors considering a move into an area that was previously dominated by HVAC specialists. Given their transferable skills, increasing numbers of heating contractors are taking advantage of the opportunities that exist within the heating and air
Conex Bänninger has developed an extensive product range for the ACR market, including the market-leading >B< MaxiPro.
conditioning industry by broadening their knowledge base and skills. To do this, F-Gas certification is required to handle refrigerants or install and service air conditioning units within the UK. This market is strictly regulated, and merchants won’t supply refrigeration products without proof of F-Gas accreditation. It is vital that installers know how to purge an AC system correctly to ensure oxygen is displaced from the system, preventing the oxidation which can lead to compressor failure. There are numerous AC industry courses and diplomas that are available, as well as some manufacturers offering ‘hands-on’ training. When I provided training to air conditioning apprentices at the City of
Liverpool College on how to install >B< MaxiPro, the tutors also asked me to demonstrate the >B< MaxiPro system to plumbing and heating apprentices. This was, I felt, an indication of the college recognising changing working practices. Conex Bänninger has developed an extensive product range for the ACR market, including the market-leading >B< MaxiPro, which has revolutionised pipe-jointing in AC and refrigeration applications. This flame-free press fitting was specifically designed for AC and refrigeration applications and comes in sizes from ¼” up to 1 5/8”. It is compatible with widely-used refrigerants including: HFC refrigerants such as R404A, R410A and R32, HFO refrigerants including R1234YF and hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 (propane).
For further information please visit: https://conexbanninger.com/ To register for free training, go to: https://conexbanninger.com/resources/training/ Want to know more?
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