APHCI
Update:
AMID GREAT CHANGE, THE BASIC UNDERLYING SKILLS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE TRADE REMAIN THE SAME, SAYS THE ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING & HEATING CONTRACTORS IRELAND (APHCI), OFFERING ITS OUTLOOK FOR 2024…
Pivoting towards a low-carbon future
A s a busy 2023 draws to a close, we look forward to the years ahead with a sense of trepidation and excitement. The trade as we know it is undergoing a period of great change, probably the greatest since electricity became available to all. Yet all remains the same in that the basic underlying skills and craftsmanship of the trade remain unchanged. Yes, every day there are new designs of equipment and materials, but they are all intended to carry out the same basic functions as always, be it heating, cooling or transporting water, air or other fluids. They all have to be installed, jointed, secured and insulated in accordance with the current standards and manufacturers’ instructions; all based on the trade skills of old. Looking forward, we all must recognise that we all have to conserve energy and pivot towards the low carbon future where possible, and ensure all installations are as efficient as they can possibly be. Things like the old rule of thumb of watts per square metre or BTUs per cubic foot should have been long ago consigned to history and replaced with proper heat loss calculations. Energy sources, controls, zoning and
hot water storage need to be optimised for each installation and customer, while the correct attention to insulation is also required. In the case of pipework, the days of 9mm or 12mm wall foam pipe insulation, with open joints is long past. The minimum requirement is the correct thickness of insulation depending on pipe size and location with all joints sealed and all fittings properly insulated. Now more than ever, we all need to play our part in the success of our trade into the future. It is a team effort. Everyone needs to have pride in their work and resist the urge to sacrifice quality for speed. Our customers, large and small are putting their trust in us and spending their hard-earned money on an installation that they hope will last many years, if not their lifetime. They deserve the best. Suppliers need to ensure they stock only good quality materials and resist the lure of increased margins and cheaper prices offered by equipment of inferior quality. At national level, the powers that be need to resist the urge to reduce the training requirements for our apprentices. Our craftspeople are among the best trained and qualified in the world, and this pays dividends in the long run. However, they
do need to increase the availability of apprenticeship training for off-the-job phases, which is a serious issue at the moment. The availability of additional courses for those who wish to upskill also needs to be addressed. Monitoring of materials offered for sale both at wholesale and retail level for compliance with standards is also desirable. For our part, APHCI will continue to support contractors and trades people and their interests in a proactive manner at all levels. We have recently relaunched our website and plan a regular podcast from early 2024: watch out for details. We work on a completely voluntary basis and need your help. Join up now if you have not already done so. Wishing you all the best for 2024, The APHCI team
For further information, contact APHCI Administrator Crozier Deane: T: +353 (0)85 803 5082 E: info@aphci.ie / crozier@aphci.ie www.aphci.ie
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