Since their introduction, Horstmann Controls’ ServicePlus service interval programmers have proved very popular with residential property landlords in sectors such as local authoritories, housing associations and social housing.
The programmers ensure full compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use Regulations) 1998 and with Part L of the Building Regulations by automatically shutting down the central heating or hot water system once the boiler service period is overdue.
Now, Horstmann has added a new feature to the programmers which permits only partial shutdown of the system, permitting a 15 minute period of water and central heating every hour but never consecutively from one hour to the next.
The installer still has the option to set the ServicePlus so that a full shutdown can occur after a 28 day ‘service overdue’ warning period but if programmed on installation, the 15 minute ‘On’ period option will reduce the effectiveness of the heating system so that it becomes uncomfortable for the occupier without it providing no heating at all.
This should have the effect of encouraging the householder to call the service engineer to check the system.
Comments Horstmann Controls sales manager Paul Lovegrove; “landlords have a statutory duty to comply with Gas Safety Regulation 36 which requires domestic gas boilers to be serviced annually. Aside from the obvious efficiency considerations, there is also the matter of safety if the Regulation is not met annually.
“While we would still expect normal servicing to be undertaken by means of a pre-arranged appointment, ServicePlus provides a fail-safe if the householders do not respond to these requests, thereby disrupting the boiler service schedule.
The new ’15 minute’ option has been developed in response to requests from landlords who feel it provides a more user friendly reminder to the householder to co-operate with the service provider.
ServicePlus enables the service engineer to set the 12-month safety check
using a unique key code. The programmer is based on an industry standard six terminal wall plate permitting ServicePlus to be used as a straightforward replacement for existing programmers.
In all other respects the ServicePlus range offers the user the features of the popular Horstmann Controls CentaurPlus electronic programmer range which offers single or twin channel, 24 hour and 7 day options to meet a specific application.