A Failing Boiler System Puts Comfort at Risk
With years of experience supporting healthcare and care home facilities, Plumbing & Gas Solutions understand the importance of reliable heating and hot water systems in safeguarding vulnerable residents and maintaining compliance.
In a local, Aylesbury care home, maintaining a warm, comfortable environment for residents is a top priority. However, the site’s ageing bank of four boilers had become increasingly unreliable. Frequent breakdowns meant the care home was often running on just one operational boiler, leaving residents without adequate heating for extended periods.
Replacement parts were difficult to source, leading to long lead times and frustration for the maintenance team. It was clear that a long-term solution was needed, not just a temporary fix.
A Modern, Efficient Solution
Plumbing & Gas Solutions were brought in to design and install a more efficient, dependable heating system that would meet the care home’s demanding requirements. The team replaced the failing units with three Ideal Evomax 2 boilers, known for their reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
To further enhance system performance and longevity, a plate-to-plate heat exchanger was added to separate the boiler water from the heating system water. This clever design creates two independent water systems, helping to keep the boilers cleaner and extending their lifespan.
Cleaner, Greener, and More Cost-Effective
A large magnetic system filter was also fitted on the heating circuit to capture any sludge or debris circulating through the pipework. This sludge, common in older heating systems, can significantly reduce efficiency and increase energy bills. By filtering it out, the new system now operates more smoothly and economically, a welcome reduction in running costs for the care home.
During regular servicing, the PGS engineers will clean out the filter, keeping the system spotless and ensuring it continues to perform at its best.
Breathing New Life into a Care Home Heating System
Safety and Compliance Upgrades
As part of the project, the PGS team also replaced the outdated open flues with room-sealed models. This important safety feature means combustion air is drawn directly from outside, eliminating any risk of carbon monoxide entering the boiler room in the event of a fault.
The old flues and pipework were found to be in poor condition, with leaks and corrosion caused by acidic condensate. PGS ran new flue systems and re-routed condensate drainage safely to waste outlets, preventing future damage and ensuring compliance with modern standards.
A new pressurisation unit was also installed. This intelligent system automatically maintains the correct pressure and includes built-in alarms to alert staff if abnormal water levels are detected protecting both the plant room and the property.
Designed for Longevity and Ease of Maintenance
Despite the compact size of the plant room, the new boilers and cascade system were straightforward to install thanks to the well-designed Ideal framework. The system was seamlessly integrated with the building’s BMS (Building Management System), requiring only minor adaptations to modernise the controls.
The existing pumps and low surface temperature radiators within the building were retained, as they were in good working condition, ensuring a cost-effective upgrade without unnecessary disruption.
The installation was completed with minimal disruption to the care home’s daily operations, and the management team praised the professionalism and communication of the PGS engineers throughout the project.
The Result: Reliable Heating and Peace of Mind
The transformation has given the care home a modern, energy-efficient heating system that’s cleaner, safer, and more reliable. Residents can now enjoy consistent warmth and comfort, while the care home benefits from reduced energy costs, simplified maintenance, and confidence that the system will serve them well for years to come.Working with Plumbing & Gas Solutions Ltd
Plumbing & Gas Solutions deliver specialist commercial heating installations across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire, helping organisations like care homes, schools, and businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance. Learn more about our commercial heating services here.
If your care facility is facing similar challenges with ageing boilers or inefficient heating systems, Plumbing & Gas Solutions can provide expert advice and tailored solutions to suit your needs. Call us today on 01908 569031 email [email protected] or fill out our contact form below, we’re here to help!