The latest phase of work on a far reaching energy refurbishment programme involving a major council in Northamptonshire has just got under way. Heating products from the range of Johnson and Starley once again being specified. The homes on the Queensway estate in Wellingborough, constructed in the late Sixties and early Seventies, utilised some of the manufacturer's earliest models of warm air heaters.
While they have proved reliable, the properties were built to Parker Morris standards and the heating systems do not match up to comfort levels with some rooms unheated.
Drawing on Johnson and Starley's expertise, the Borough of Wellingborough has therefore been upgrading the warm air heaters with high output circulators and other modifications.
This has not only enabled the domestic hot water to be provided from the same unit as the space heating, but also conventional radiators to be installed throughout the upstairs.
This effectively 'zones' the properties with tenants being able to choose to heat the downstairs living rooms separately from the bedrooms, or to select hot water only.
The modifications on the Queensway estate have encompassed replacing existing Janus circulators with higher output SuperJan circulators to supply hot water and run up to five radiators.
In addition indoor air quality has been greatly improved through the quick and simple retrofitting of the manufacturer's Cleanflow Electronic Filtration units.
The Repair and Improvement Manager for Wellingborough, Mr Ray Whittaker, comments: "We are in our fourth year of upgrading the existing installations and on completion of the current phase, over 350 properties will have been upgraded.
"The works include the fitting of radiators to upstairs rooms, replacement of existing cylinders, fitting high output circulators to the existing Johnson and Starley units, renewal of the flues, and the renewal of return air grilles as well as the fitting of dampers and electronic air cleaners.
"Johnson and Starley's assistance throughout the four phases has been invaluable.
They undertook the initial surveys of the properties, produced the design drawings, and submitted quotations for the components and equipment required."
These quotations were included within the specifications prepared by the Borough of Wellingborough's engineers and tenders were taken from contractors on the authority's approved list.
Johnson and Starley conducted courses for the successful contractor's operatives who would be involved in carrying out the upgrades.
The manufacturer's technical staff also attended the pre-contract meetings and continued to carry out site visits and inspections to ensure the work went smoothly.
Mr Whittaker continues: "The involvement of Johnson and Starley during the contact complimented the service being supplied by my Clerk of Works and our CORGI registered consultant who carry out the final tests and inspections.
Overall the upgrades will assist us in achieving the Decent Homes standard, while feedback from our tenants has been positive and appreciative."
The existing tanks have meanwhile been replaced with modern Part L compliant units featuring the use of Honeywell Smart Fit controls.
Johnson and Starley were established in 1922 and for over 80 years have provided innovation to the UK heating industry.
As a manufacturer of 'Home Comfort Solutions' the company offers an extensive range of warm air heaters and ventilation products in addition to high efficiency boilers.
They offer the complete heating and ventilating range to heating installers and specifiers.
Johnson and Starley has built up a reputation as a manufacturer of high quality, reliable, long lasting, fuel efficient products which offer cost effective solutions
