After our first CPD Webinar: Key Insights and Common Questions Answered

Our first CPD webinar was a fantastic opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the current landscape of Waste Water Heat Recovery Systems (WWHRS). Cameron Loggenberg, Technical Manager at Showersave, shared his expertise and answered some of the most common questions from attendees. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from the session.

Key Insights

One of the most striking findings from our webinar was that over 59% of attendees are not currently using WWHRS. This highlights a significant opportunity to increase awareness and education on the benefits of WWHRS across various sectors, including new build, retrofit, and commercial projects. Raising awareness and demonstrating the efficiency and sustainability advantages of these systems will be crucial in driving adoption.

Another key insight was that most attendees reported using a combination of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and Gas Combi Boilers in their projects. This trend underscores the growing popularity of ASHP as a sustainable heating solution. However, the continued reliance on gas combi boilers remains and WWHR has been successfully used alongside these systems for many years.

While ASHP technology is widely embraced, we firmly believe that more can be done to enhance its efficiency. Incorporating WWHRS into projects can significantly improve system energy performance by reducing overall heating demand, making ASHP even more effective.

 

Common Questions Answered

During the Q&A session, Cameron Loggenberg addressed several important queries, including:

  • Are WWHRS units compatible with exhaust air source and water-to-water heat pumps in ambient loop systems?
    • Yes, WWHRS reduces hot water demand by preheating cold mains water to 30°C, improving heat pump efficiency, lowering running costs, and allowing for smaller cylinders.
  • Do you need a dual coil cylinder for WWHRS?
    • No, the cold mains water is preheated through WWHRS before entering the cylinder.
  • Are there common installation issues?
    • No major issues. A qualified plumber can install a gravity-fed system in about 45 minutes, and once fitted, it’s easy to reinstall if needed.
  • Do WWHRS get blocked?
    • No, Showersave systems don’t get blocked. Wastewater flows quickly through the pipe, preventing build-up, and the Showersave Blue is self-cleaning.
  • Can two showers (one from a bathtub and one from a shower tray) connect to one WWHR unit?
    • Yes, if they are in close proximity and using the same soil and vent pipe, they can feed into one unit.
  • What’s the return on investment (ROI)?
    • A family of four using a Showersave gravity-fed unit could save up to £250 per year, meaning it pays for itself within two years. Commercial projects often see even faster ROI.
  • What is the lifespan of a WWHRS?
    • Showersave units last as long as the building itself, as they are made from durable copper and brass, similar to standard plumbing systems.
  • How does WWHRS impact energy savings with a solar PV diverter?
    • In SAP10.2, WWHRS reduces the PV requirement by around 1.2kW. When paired with a smart cylinder, it extends hot water availability, optimising electricity use and enabling surplus energy to be used at home or sold back to the grid.

Looking Ahead

The engagement and curiosity from our attendees have reinforced the need for continued education on WWHRS. As we move towards a more sustainable future and the Future Homes Standard, we encourage industry professionals to explore how WWHRS can complement their heating solutions, particularly in enhancing ASHP performance and reducing reliance on gas-based heating.

Stay tuned for more CPD webinars and educational content as we continue to share insights and practical guidance on implementing energy-efficient solutions in the built environment.

For more information on WWHRS and how it can benefit your projects, feel free to reach out to our team at Showersave.

 

Watch the CPD Webinar on demand here