Heat networks: who should service HIUs?
It’s an uncomfortable truth that most UK heat networks aren’t 100% efficient. According to the Heat Trust, the majority are only 35-45% efficient, when this should be closer to 65-70%.
While problematic, this is not that surprising. Keeping heat networks continuously optimised is difficult. After all, it’s not only the communal parts that require proper monitoring and management but also every household’s heat meter and heat interface unit (HIU). If any part of the network, however small, is neglected, it can impact the performance of the entire system.
Residents’ responsibilities
Motivating householders to engage with heat network operation and maintenance processes can be tricky though. They may feel it’s pointless to do the ‘right thing’ when, if any of their neighbours decides not to bother, everyone’s bills still go up.
Alternatively, they may not even know they’re on a heat network and/or what that means in terms of their obligations. Or they may assume the upkeep of all equipment is covered by maintenance charges for communal parts, which may not be the case, depending on O&M contracts. Leaseholders, too, are often unaware that the responsibility could sit with them, subject to the terms of their lease.
Read the small print
It’s therefore essential for landlords and managing agents to check the terms of contracts and leases to see whose job it is to maintain household heating equipment, and make sure it happens.
That might involve explaining to residents what devices do and supporting them to keep them working well. For example, an optimised HIU is essential for the delivery of reliable, on-demand heating and hot water and, just like a domestic boiler, it needs regular servicing to prevent leaks, limescale build-up and pump seizures.
It’s also important to send out regular service reminders, signposting a reputable HIU and heat meter maintenance company. Getting both devices seen to in one visit keeps things as simple, convenient, and cost-effective as possible. Radiator and underfloor heating checks can sometimes be included too.
Wrong choice
Don’t leave it to householders to source their own supplier. They may well call in a general plumber or electrician with no expertise in heat networks to service or fix their appliance, either because they mistakenly believe their HIU to be a standard gas or electric boiler, or because they can’t find anyone suitable.
Alarmingly, some engineers with no heat network knowledge will still ‘give it a go’, potentially causing serious problems system-wide. We see this all too often. However, the number of reputable companies offering HIU services and repairs is still small, and very few also offer meter maintenance.
To solve this dilemma, Insite Energy recently launched an affordable HIU maintenance & repair service that includes a heat meter health check. With a first-time fix rate of 94, it gives invaluable peace of mind to our clients and their residents, while helping to keep running costs to a minimum.
When it comes to heat networks, you should never wait until a problem becomes obvious before taking action.
By Jarrad Bedford, Head of Sales: Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Insite Energy