BetaTalk

Send us a textEpisode Description: Host Nathan dives into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on the plumbing and heating industry. Joining him are Barrie and Amrit from Lorefuly, experts in leveraging technology for the trades.Key Discussion Points:The Hallucination Hazard: The trio discusses the crucial issue of Large Language Model (LLM) "hallucinations" – where AI systems confidently present inaccurate or fabricated information. This raises serious concerns about relying solely on unverified AI content.RAG to the Rescue: The Power of Accurate Data: Barrie and Amrit explain the concept of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and its importance in ensuring AI provides reliable and trustworthy information. By grounding AI responses in curated and accurate data, RAG offers a pathway to creating genuinely useful resources for professionals in the field.Lorefuly & BetaTeach at the Installer Show 2025: Exciting news! Lorefuly and BetaTeach will be showcasing their AI-powered solutions at the Installer Show 2025 at the NEC. Find out how they are harnessing AI to benefit plumbers and heating engineers.OEM Opportunities: Heating appliance manufacturers can get involved in this innovative initiative! Learn how OEMs can contribute their expertise and data to create valuable AI-driven tools for installers.Pre-Show Webinars: Stay informed! Nathan, Barrie, and Amrit announce upcoming webinars (first one here: https://tinyurl.com/BetaTalk-AI designed to provide more details on how OEMs can participate and the benefits of getting involved.Mentioned:Artificial Intelligence (AI)Large Language Models (LLMs)Hallucination (in AI)Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)LorefulyBetaTeachInstaller Show 2025 (NEC)Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan speaks with Leah Robson, owner of a small SME (Your Energy Your Way) installing heat pumps, batteries, and solar, about her recent appearance at Westminster. Leah gave evidence to the "Workforce Planning to Deliver Clean, Secure Energy" Committee, invited through Ellora Coupe of "Her Retrofit Space." The discussion centres on whether Leah's concerns about workforce training, particularly for heat pump installation, were understood by the committee.Key Discussion Points:Westminster Testimony: Leah shares her experience presenting to the committee and her assessment of whether her points regarding the challenges faced by small businesses were acknowledged.The Three-Day Training Issue: The core of the episode focuses on the prevalence of three-day heat pump installation courses and Leah's concerns about their adequacy. She highlights potential issues with the depth of knowledge gained and the practical experience of some trainers.Heating Training Grant (HTG): Who Wins? Nathan and Leah explore the effectiveness of the HTG, questioning whether the primary beneficiaries are the awarding bodies, training centers, or the engineers themselves.Engineer Perspectives: Feedback from experienced gas engineers who have taken these short courses suggests the training is insufficient and doesn't adequately prepare them for real-world heat pump installations.Taxpayer Value: The episode raises concerns about the value for money for UK taxpayers funding the HTG if the resulting training isn't producing competent installers.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textIn this insightful episode, host Nathan sits down with two key figures from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) – CEO Charlotte Lea and Chair Craig Dolan – to explore the role the HPA plays in the evolving UK heating landscape. They delve into the value the association brings to the industry, particularly as the nation transitions towards low-carbon heating solutions.The conversation tackles the fundamental question of whether industry associations are still necessary in today's rapidly changing world. Charlotte and Craig passionately argue for their continued relevance, highlighting their crucial function in providing a unified voice for the heat pump sector and driving positive change.A potentially contentious area is explored as Nathan raises the issue of potential conflicts of interest arising from HPA membership that may include companies also affiliated with the boiler industry and their strong advocacy for hydrogen boilers through the Heating and Hot water Council (HHIC). This leads to a nuanced discussion about navigating diverse interests within the broader heating industry.Nathan expresses his support for the HPA's proactive new strategy focused on amplifying the voices of heat pump installers – the boots on the ground who are essential to the successful rollout of this technology.The guests showcase the tangible benefits of HPA membership by highlighting the development and release of valuable industry resources, such as the new Residual Current Device (RCD) guidance and comprehensive heat pump system commissioning documents. The conversation then shifts to the complexities of the UK heating controls industry. Nathan and his guests discuss whether the competitive nature of the market might inadvertently hinder the adoption of common engineering sense and best practices in the design of energy-efficient heating systems.Finally, Charlotte and Craig shed light on the significant policy work undertaken by the HPA, including their collaborative efforts with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). They explain how the association actively engages with policymakers to shape regulations and support the widespread adoption of heat pump technology in the UK.Key Discussion Points:The core value proposition of the Heat Pump Association in the UK heating industry.The ongoing relevance and necessity of industry associations in the current climate.Navigating potential conflicts of interest with members also involved in the boiler/hydrogen fuel debate via the HHIC.The HPA's new focus on empowering and promoting the voice of heat pump installers.The importance and impact of HPA-produced technical documents, such as the new RCD guidance and commissioning documents.The challenges and opportunities within the UK heating controls industry and the potential impact of competition on best practices.The HPA's crucial policy work and collaboration with the Energy department.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan chats with Dan Large a Director at Solaris Energy. Dan has been involved with the design, installation and maintenance of heat pump heating systems for a good number of years. The important topic of water quality comes up and Solaris Energy use VDI 2035 methods rather than a chemical inhibitor approach. Dan is on the installer working group at MCS and gives insight into this process.The episode also discusses heat pump controls and how Dan and Solaris Energy have become involved with the heat pump manufacturer Kronoterm.This season is being sponsored by Primary Pro a professional pipe insulation systemSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textWelcome back to BetaTalk, the podcast dedicated to exploring the exciting world of renewable heating! In this episode, host Nathan is joined by two fantastic guests: Barry Sharp from Renewable Heat and a familiar voice to BetaTalk listeners, and Scott Sanford who has recently embarked on his own renewable heating journey.Our conversation kicks off with a fascinating deep dive into Scott's personal experience installing a Viessmann heat pump system in his own home. We hear firsthand about his installation journey, the challenges and triumphs he faced, and the benefits he's now experiencing. This very installation was also recently featured in the SNIPEF magazine, offering a real-world perspective on adopting heat pump technology.The episode then continues with a theme that Nathan and Barry have explored in previous episodes: the crucial role of mentorship within the heating industry. We delve into Scott's heating career, his motivations for embracing renewable technologies, and his active involvement within SNIPEF. We discuss how mentorship has potentially played a part in his journey and the importance of knowledge sharing within the sector as we transition towards a greener future.In this episode, you'll learn about:Scott Sanford's personal experience installing a Viessmann heat pump system in his home.The key considerations and potential hurdles involved in a domestic heat pump installation.Insights from Scott's journey as featured in the SNIPEF magazine.The ongoing discussion between Nathan and Barry regarding the significance of mentorship in the renewable heating industry.Scott's career path within the heating sector and his role as a SNIPEF member.The value of knowledge sharing and support networks within the plumbing and heating community.This season is being sponsored by PrimaryPro, a professional system for insulating heat pump pipeworkSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textWelcome back to the show! In this episode, I'm joined by a good friend and expert in the renewable energy sector, Ken Bone from Ultimate Renewables Supplies. Ken and I dive deep into a topic that's crucial for efficient heating and the future of low-carbon homes: weather compensated heating systems.One of the key points we explore is the apparent lack of understanding within the installer base regarding weather compensation. It's surprising, considering that condensing boilers – mandated way back in 2005 – operate much more efficiently when paired with this intelligent control strategy.But is it fair to point the finger solely at installers? We discuss why it's arguably not their fault. Ken and I explore the possibility that industry associations haven't adequately championed and educated on the benefits of weather compensation. This lack of widespread promotion has left many installers unfamiliar with its implementation and advantages.Our conversation then shifts to the burgeoning heat pump market. Are heat pump manufacturers doing enough to provide user-friendly and effective controls, both for the installer during setup and for the homeowner in their daily use? We examine the current landscape and consider areas for improvement.I also share a bit about the history of the control industry, where the ideal scenario pushed by control manufacturers for many has been individual room-by-room control. However, as Ken astutely points out, this level of granular control is often unnecessary and can overcomplicate things.We also touch on a fascinating aspect of the UK heating market: the observation that certain manufacturers are utilizing the same Chinese OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for their products. This raises questions about differentiation and the potential for shared underlying technology.A central theme of our discussion revolves around whether these OEMs could produce better weather compensation controls that also incorporate room influence. Can we achieve the best of both worlds – the efficiency of weather compensation fine-tuned by individual room temperature feedback?Towards the end of the episode, we briefly touch upon the important topics of grid flexibility and demand-side response. We discuss how a better understanding and wider adoption of weather compensation by installers could significantly ease the transition to heat pumps and contribute to a more flexible and efficient energy system.This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the heating industry, from installers and manufacturers to homeowners interested in optimising their heating systems and understanding the future of home comfort. Join Ken and me as we unravel the mysteries and potential of weather compensated heating!This season is sponsored by Primary Pro, a professional pipe insulation systemSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode, we delve into the contrasting approaches to water treatment in European domestic heating systems for corrosion prevention. While the UK predominantly champions chemical inhibitor solutions under the EN BS 7593 standard, many European nations embrace a wider range of methods. Surprisingly, some UK chemical inhibitor manufacturers who exclusively promote their products domestically readily offer non-chemical alternatives on the continent. Host Nathan interviews Ricky Prescott from Thoroughflush, who sheds light on the shortcomings of the BS 7593 standard. Ricky argues that manufacturers of chemical inhibitors often fail to provide sufficient information to accurately test heating systems and determine if adequate inhibitor levels are present. Adding to the complexity, while some of the UK's leading heating engineers favor the German VDI 2035 standard, the chemical water treatment group within the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC) appears resistant to discussing or acknowledging these alternative European approaches.This season is being sponsored by PrimaryPro a professional pipe insulation systemSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textEver wondered what connects the discipline of a three-time Oxford-Cambridge boat race rower with the intricacies of sustainable architecture and the practicalities of installing heat pumps? This week, Nathan Gambling sits down with Henry Pelly,  an extraordinary individual who seamlessly blends these worlds. Our guest is a Principal Sustainability Consultant at the renowned Max Fordham, a qualified architect holding Masters degrees in Environmental Design and Environmental Psychology – a powerful combination for understanding how buildings impact both our planet and our well-being. We explore his fascinating career journey, which has recently taken an exciting turn with the launch of his own MCS installation company, focused on bringing efficient and eco-friendly air-to-water and air-to-air heat pump systems to domestic properties. Discover Henry's incredible past representing Great Britain in rowing, the demands of building a wedding venue, and the heartwarming chaos of family life with three young daughters. Join us for a captivating conversation that proves passion and expertise can truly span diverse and impactful fields.This season is sponsored by Primary Pro, a professional pipe insulation systemSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textEver wondered how heat pump systems differ between the UK and the US? In this episode, Nathan chats with Shreyas Sudhakar, a leading heat pump installer and educator from California, to explore the contrasting approaches. Nathan, who has fond memories of his time in America, and his apprenticeship on a US airbase in the UK, emphasises the strong connection he feels to the country. He and Shreyas engage in a fun discussion, highlighting the strengths of both systems and gently suggesting areas where US installations might benefit from UK insights. They both strongly believe that sharing knowledge and best practices is key to maximising heat pump efficiency and sustainability. Join us for a conversation that celebrates innovation and the potential for transatlantic collaboration!This season is sponsored by Primary Pro a professional outdoor pipe insulation system used by top engineers in the UKSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textDamon Blackmore is a massive favourite among other competent heat pump installation engineers. He uses social media to help other heating engineers become interested in heat pump systems and has some of the highest performing heat pumps in the country.Unfortunately, the voices of good engineers are being drowned out by the comms pieces from much larger entities involved in the sector. Take a listen to someone actually at the coal face of industry...day in day out.  This episode is sponsored by Primary Pro a professional pipe insulation system used by Damon and other great engineers.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan chats to Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven about:Ofgem and the recent findings from Citizens AdviceThe CfD (Contracts for Difference) consultation the report from the National Infrastructure Commission's - Electricity Distribution Networks: Creating capacity for the future  PylonsMCSYou can find Adam on Linkedin and his blog site Unbalancing Mechanism Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textHeat pump owners around the UK have joined the Nesta scheme whereby they allow visitors to come visit them and ask questions about their heating system. Nathan chats to Codrina Cretu and Andy Marsden about the benefits of this free scheme to people thinking of having a heat pump as well as the benefits to installation engineers who can use it as a marketing tool.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textEpisode 3 of the Heat Pump Ready programme.Nathan chats toIan Rose arPassiv UK,Casey Cole at Guru,and Mark Lufkin at WondrwallSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan talks with Katrina from Energy Systems Catapult and Trysten Lee from Open Energy Monitor about a key question surrounding the Electrification of Heat (EoH) trial: why did the heat pumps perform so poorly? The trial, involving aprox. 740 heat pumps, showed an average Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) of just 2.81 for air source.This contrasts sharply with the performance of heat pumps monitored by Trysten at HeatPumpMonitor.org (HPM). Interestingly, many of the installers whose systems are tracked on HPM are relatively new to the field, some with only a few years of heat pump experience. Yet, they consistently achieve high-performing heat pump installations, a stark difference from the results of the large-scale trials. This success likely stems from their adherence to the two BetaTeach principles, their approach to self-directed learning, and their use of peer-to-peer learning. They also tend to pursue different training paths, rather than relying solely on the standard 3-day BPEC and LCL Award courses.The trial, conducted in partnership with Warmworks, OVO, and E-ON, involved 19 MCS contractors installing approximately 750 free heat pump systems.  Beyond heat pump performance, the trial has provided valuable insights that are informing policy development in areas such as planning permission and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) applications.  Trystan and his team have managed to visualise the data captured from the trial at eoh.heatpumpmonitor.orgFor information on the Air to Air trial and to see if you can have a free A2A heat pump system click hereThis season is sponsored by PrimaryProPrimary Pro, a pipe insulation system developed by Dave Smith, is gaining popularity among engineers for use in heat pump installations.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textMechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery systems are discussed with Nathan's guests Duncan and Barry Sharp.Regular listeners will know Barry from previous episodes of BetaTalk and is one of Nathan's favourite heat pump engineers based in Scotland.Duncan is Barry's dad and has been specialising in MVHR systems since around 2010.The discussion looks at how effective MVHR is and the problems with design, installation and commissioning. Duncan spends a lot of his time helping others understand MVHR and is involved in surveying the systems in social housing as well as designing and installing systems. Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan interviews Mick Wall, a self-proclaimed 'heating nerd,' about his experiences with a heat pump expertly installed by Damon Blackmore, a renowned engineer. Mick's story, like those of Trystan and Glyn featured on episode 10 of BetaTalk's 10th season (who run heatpumpmonitor.org), exemplifies a fascinating shift: the rise of informed heat pump consumers. Their deep understanding around the "science of heat" surpasses that of many professionals in the industry's marketing, media, and PR sectors.Mick's heat pump heating system is being monitored hereMick also runs Energy Stats which tracks agile electricity prices and can be found here Mick runs a blog and can be found on these social media sites:https://twitter.com/Zarch1972https://bsky.app/profile/zarch1972.bsky.socialThis is a great episode and start to a new season being sponsored byPrimary ProSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan talks to Steph Willis and Joseph Saxby, founders of Spruce.Lot's of topics covered in this exciting conversation such as heat loss, heat pump sizing and EPCs Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Send us a textNathan chats to Iain from Edinburg Heating about his journey into heat pumps. Iain has been using Barry at Renewable Heat (and a BetaTalk regular guest) as a mentor.Training course are discussed as well the barriers micro-businesses face in transitioning from boilers to heat pump heating systems. SEASON TEN IS SPONSORED BY Ultimate Renewable SuppliesSupport the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Nathan welcomes back to the show Trystan and Glyn, the brilliant team behind heatpumpmonitor.orgBetaTalk would also like to mention the legendary John Cantor, one of the UK's first ever heat pump gurus, who has helped the team develop this wonderful learning tool This show is PACKED with fantastic information so check out the chapter markers if you need to find specific pieces of information. But make sure you listen to the whole show...you won't want to miss this one.  Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

Notorious heat pump design expert Michael, from Option Energy Solutions in Brighton Sussex, comes on the show with Tom from Somerset. Tom runs Arlow Plumbing and Heating and has a team of five involved in the installation of gas and oil boilers. Tom started installing heat pumps quite a few years ago and has recently teamed up with Michael who has provided some mentorship.The conversation naturally discussed training, one of the subjects Nathan at BetaTalk is regarded as being an expert on. The episode is more proof of how engineers are learning more from each other than perhaps the courses which are on offer.The chat discussed recent changes proposed by DESNZ as well as discussing some of the manufacturers involved with heat pumps such as:VaillantViessmannGrantIdealWorcester BoschMitsubishiMidea Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

The microgeneration certification scheme (MCS) recently became aware of a non-certified business targeting and encouraging MCS installers to break scheme requirements. We chat to Ben who has recently become MCS registered to discuss the situation along with his transitional journey into the world of heat pumps. We also discuss a current topical: Government funded heat pump training, which Nathan argues is not working as well as it should.   Support the show

In this podcast Nathan chats with his friends Barry from Renewable Heat and Matt from Matt Rigby Heating Ltd. The guests and Nathan discuss Matts journey from a gas engineer to a heat pump engineer. It mentions how Barry has provided mentorship which is a far better way to help gas engineers transition than the current system of just sending them on a powerpoint course.This season is sponsored by Ultimate Renewables Supplies Support the show

Nathan was kindly invited by the Heat Geek team to host a podcast at their Installer Show stand where he chatted to Adam Chapman, founder of Heat Geek and Karolis Petruskevicius the brains behind HomelyThe discussion involves what is currently happening in the heat pump industry as well as Homely's heat pump optimisation tool.  Enjoy!Support the show

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In this episode Nathan chats with Fiona, CEO of SNIPEF and Barry, a regular podcast guest and a Snipef member. Snipef presented talks at the Green Homes Festival during Edinburg Festival month and Nathan discusses the talks with his guest and the potential Edinburgh has in switching to heat pumpsSupport the Show.

This is the second episode of the special Heat Pump Ready podcast series, in collaboration with the Carbon Trust with funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. In this episode, Nathan talks to 4 Heat Pump Ready projects to discuss ‘How Innovation can improve the heat pump survey and design process'. Key topics discussed include:  - Ways to improve heat loss calculations, the limitations of standard methods and the potential role of measured heat loss in heat pump surveys. - Innovative tools to improve and streamline the survey process, potentially reducing the need for surveyors to visit properties to generate quotes and system designs  - What tools do engineers and installers need to deliver an excellent result to their customers? A summary of the speakers and their Heat Pump Ready projects is provided below:Thomas Whiffen – GEOUtilising data from an existing portfolio of energy modelling and smart thermostat technologies, GEO is looking to provide a solution that will deliver an estimate of a heat pump system required for a property before a boots-on-the-ground assessment.Hermione Crease – PurrmetrixWorking with Hoare Lea, this project will use in-home energy monitoring to calculate the heat loss of a property and provide a forecast of appropriate heat pump products that would suit the homeowner. Richard Jack – Build test SolutionsIn conjunction with Veritherm and Elmhurst, Build Test Solutions use their expertise in measured domestic energy use to determine an accurate heat loss of a property, which can then be used for accurate heat pump sizing. Griff Thomas: HeatlyUsing just your phone camera and the Heatly app, this tool will allow a homeowner to conduct a building survey themselves and receive a complete heat pump design. Supporting both installers and homeowners. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not represent the views of the Government or the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.Support the Show.

Emma Bohan from IMS Heating came up with the idea for surveying heat pump installation companies big and small. She brought me on board with the project and I had Nesta help with the construction of the survey and its analysis. The podcast episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Installer Show 2024 with some audience questions at the end. Take a look at the survey report here Support the Show.

In the first episode of season 10 which is being sponsored by Ultimate Renewables Supplies Nathan speaks with Madeleine Gabriel the Mission Director for  Sustainable Future mission at NESTA and Adam Bell, formerly a civil servant at DECC, BEIS and DESNZ and now policy Director at Stonehaven.Support the Show.

In this episode I spoke to Nigel Banks, Technical Director at Octopus Energy. Nigel is  author of Fabric Fifth which many now see as the common sense approach to retrofitting and decarbonising homes. Nigel spoke in a personal capacity. I was extremely grateful he came on the show.  I have been critical of Octopus in certain regards but am also well aware they are doing important work. It was a pleasure to have Nigel speak on my show. I also chatted with Dan Kelly, Managing Director at Dartmoor Energy. Dan has nine years experience with heat pump systems as well as being a qualified PAS2035 retrofit coordinator and assessor.  For me, the episode helps illustrate that the fa bric first mantra has possibly led the UK down the wrong path.  And it could be argued there has been a waste of Government funds, essentially tax payers money. The most vehement of fabric first advocates, to me, clearly do not understand why the forefathers of thermodynamics got excited about heat pumps: things which used work to do heat rather than things which use heat to do work.  The former being able to reach well above the 100 percent efficiency cap of the later. It highlights how many are not taking ownership of their own learning and understanding what people like Lord Kelvin knew back in 1852.It has been far too easy for people to  disseminate "fabric first".  Quite honestly it is often laziness and highlights a lack of professional developmentIt is totally understandable that consumers do not understand the science of heat but for those involved in the discourse, especially if they are being paid and funded via money from the tax payer they need to take ownership of their own learning and bring them selves up to speed. What's discussed:UKREiiF event, and lack of heat pump knowledgeFramework lists for Social Housing and Local AuthoritiesConflicts of interest regarding PAS2035Cavity Wall Insulation (and Zone 4)LA's are stuck between a rock and a hard placeHeat Pump Optimisers such as Passiv UK and HomelyTackling fuel poverty at scaleThe able to pay market vs the fuel poverty marketTrust Mark - does it work? Possibly notUnconscious incompetenceI'd like to thank Grundfos for sponsoring this season of BetaTalkSupport the Show.

Nathan sat down with three regional winners for the 2024 Heating Installer Awards.They explain their winning installs as well as well as discussing the current trends happening in the industrySupport the Show.

Nathan was grateful the IMA reached out to ask if their CEO, Simon Storer, could  come on the podcast to contribute to a very interesting debate.Nigel Banks from Octopus (who wrote this fabric article) was scheduled to appear on the show and will  be coming on for a follow up episode.Nathan was very grateful Richard Erskine,  who could step in at short notice to be a guest host, who has lots to offer in the debate and wrote the very good "Insulate Britain! Yes, but by how much" essay.Great episode which will be continuedSupport the Show.

Nathan sat down to chat all things heat pumps and training with Clayton Brown from CB Heating.EDF acquired CB Heating back in 2022 which is one of the largest heat pump installation entities in the UK. EDF's strategic investment and partnership with CB Heating have supported the development of the HPIN Academy. This academy provides free training to upskill engineers at every level in the UK.The episode also discusses the recent partnership between Ideal Heating, a group Atlantic company, who manufacture and supply heat pumps.Take a listen Support the Show.

Heat pumps move energy from and energy source e.g. air, ground water (hence they are called :air source, ground source) to a sink.The sink is the emitter system within a home e.g. radiators, underfloor heating (UFH) and fan coils. Engineers, Installers, designers and the occupants of a home rely on radiators having accurate power output data. Unfortuanlty, it looks like their is a big problem in the radiator industry: the published power outputs are being over stated.This has huge consequences for heat pump systems which rely on designers designing a heat pump system which can operate at the lowest possible design temperature. Higher flow temperature to radiators requires the heat pump's compressor to work harder an use more electricity, resulting in more demand on the grid and higher fuel bills for the customer.Rob Nezard from UK Radiators has spotted a problem across the whole of the radiator supply chain and created a video to prove this. Nathan went to visit Rob (watch on youtube) to discuss the problem Support the show

In this episode Nathan chats to Paul Eastwood, Head of Energy Systems Planning at OFGEM and the past Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Also joining the heat pump conversation is engineer Barry Sharpe from Renewable Heat  The discussion focuses on what an ideal customer journey is. Paul has had a heat pump system after Nathan recommended Barry to him. The episode questions if Paul's experience could have been better with the hope engineers may gain some useful insight. Topics covered are:Heat loss assessments and independent assessments.Securing quotes for heat pump installationsInstall optionsHeat pump controls and operationsHeat pump servicingWhy do heat pump installs cost more than boiler installationsThis was one of Nathan's favourite recordings and he would like to note that Paul is speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of any employer. Please enjoy the episode.Support the show

Nathan chats to Barry Sharpe from Renewable Heat, Emma Bohan from IMS Heat Pumps and Steve Webster from EGE Energy about the MCS hybrid consultation, heat pump training as well as glycol and anti-freeze valves.Support the show

Sweden have had a long tradition with heating technologies and have incredible expertise regarding heat pumps. Nathan talks to the Swedish company AIRA, the new entrant to the UK's heating and home renewables industry. AIRA will be installing heat pump and other technologies across Europe bringing their expertise first to Italy, Germany and the UK.It's a great episode and Nathan enjoyed his conversation with Daniel Sarefjord, the chief executive of Aira in the UK, immensely. Support the show

As the title states, you are a very special group of people to me. You listen to me ramble on about heating for a start and I am very grateful for that.. So, thank you. I appreciate that very much.This is the first episode of 2024 and I wanted to do something a bit special. Something for you. As you know, this podcast is called BetaTALK... and the talk aspect is very important. In order to help accelerate the mainstream adoption of transitional heating technologies we first need people to start talking about them. We need to get people talking about heating in a positive and fun way. So how do we do that?This is something I care about and I know this is something you care about too. You care about getting people to talk about heating. But it's challenging. So, to help you,  Lawrence and I have developed a tool. It's a practical tool and it will  engender conversations around heating.It's new, it's fun, and it's very quirky. Take a listen and meet my partner Lawrence... together we have started up Jouln  As well as home owner listeners if you are associated with Local Authorities, Social Housing Groups, construction companies and even energy suppliers and interested in Digital Twins /artificial intelligence and how  they can help you then please contact us at lawrence@jouln.comOnce again, thank you for being part of something special.Support the show

Season 9 is sponsored by Grundfos and in this episode Nathan speaks to James  Twallin about the software and codes behind the heating industry. Support the show

In this episode Nathan chats to Paul Spence, a very competent and highly regarded heating engineer. Paul installs a range of heating system types including heat pumps.It's a long but highly interesting episode. If you want to hear Paul's credentials first skip to around the 1hr 05 min mark... and then come back to the beginning of course.Paul also runs the facebook group HeatPumps UK...check it outEnjoy!Support the show

Here is the link to the heat pump installer survey (lot's of prizes to be won)In this episode Nathan speaks with Glyn Hudson and Trystan Lea who along with open source enthusiasts have created open energy monitor and heat pump monitor.Heat pump installers and consumers are installing monitoring equipment such as heat meters onto their heat pump systems to obtain COP readings. COP stands for the coefficient of performance.The monitoring has provided the oppotunity for engineers and home owners to learn from each other about what works what doesn't work. Arguably, other monitoring schemes (which cost the tax payer money) have caused a headache to the energy transition movement because such studies were using incompetent installation companies to put these heating systems in. This has meant a low COP average which the fossil fuel industry loves to allude to.  These schemes have not shed much, if any, data on system design so no one has really learned anything from them. Conversely, this platform has engendered a hive of learning with engineers not only being able to learn from each other but also being able to validate their competence to prospective customers.  It's a great episode...take a listenSupport the show

Nathan speaks with Sandra Trittin, co-founder of tiko Energy Solutions and co-host of the podcast Talking New Energy from LCP Delta. Joining Sandra is Talking New Energy's other host Jon Slow partner at LCP Delta.The discussion centres around how we may be able to heat pumps, batteries and EVs as as virtual power plants to increase the  flexibility of the grid .Take a listenSupport the show

In the first episode of a new season Nathan chats to James Macnaghten, CEO of Caldera.Caldera manufacture and supply thermal storage solutions for industrial heat processes. Get early access to their investment opportunity hereThank you to season sponsors Grundfos Support the show

This was a recorded live show at Installer 2023 and featured Ian Rippin from MCS along with Ken Bone and Leah Robinson from Your Energy Your Way.Ian discusses the consultation and the new changes coming.Support the show

Econic is a new venture from Nathan's friend Christophe Grossbaier. Its aim is to make the transition from gas boilers to heat pumps smoother for both customers and installers and uses a hybrid heat pump business model to achieve this. With an engineering background and Masters from Cambridge University, Christophe appreciates heat pumps can heat almost any building but understands customers still have their concerns and worries. This business model is designed to take away the anxiety a customer may have and at the same time offer them a cheaper alternative - both in upfront and running costs.Econic will be working with local community groups as well as Local Authorities. To find out more contact the team here  Support the show

Nathan dives into the history of heating systems and looks at why chemical inhibitors were introduced to prevent corrosion.He also points out that manufactures are possibly misinterpreting the building regulations e.g. they are getting confused with a requirement within the building regs  and the guidance contained in an approved document.It also takes a look at the Benchmark system and questions if it is fit for purpose. Is it biased towards maintaining growth of the chemical inhibitor companies?The episode also looks at how a 1960s home could be heated from single panel radiators with just a flow of approx. 53°C... Support the show

In this episode Nathan interviews Faye Wade, his favourite academic researching the heating industry. This is because Faye understands that the most vital component of the industry is the engineer and that we need to really listen to them.Joining Faye are Nathan's friends Leah, Sovay and Rhiannon who are all involved in installing and maintaining heating systems.This is a fab episode with lot's of discussion around the transition to heat pumps and things like certification bodies, awarding bodies and MCS etc etcSupport the show

Alongside usual episodes from the BetaTalk Podcast, Nathan will be helping the Carbon Trust and the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero disseminate knowledge around the learnings from the Heat Pump Ready Programme with around 10 extra podcast episodes. This is episode 1 of these special Heat Pump Ready bulletins.  The Heat Pump Ready Programme is part of the The Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which  is a £1 billion fund, announced in the Prime Minister's ten point plan for a green industrial revolution, to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies, systems and business models in power, buildings, and industry.Nathan speaks to Nicola Lazenby who is the Energy Innovation Programme Manager, leading on the £60m Net Zero Innovation Portfolio Heat Pump Ready Programme at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Nicola has nearly a decade of experience leading innovation and technical research projects to support Government net zero policies. Nicola's passion for innovation and research stems from her academic background in civil engineering, where her PhD focused on pile foundation heat exchangers. Previous programmes which Nicola has led includes the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, Building for 2050 and the Energy Catalyst programme, in addition to her role in developing acceleration support services for the entrepreneurs supported by such funds. As an advocate for diversity in the heat pump sector, Nicola is the founding member of the Women in Heat Pump Network.Nathan also chats with Will Rivers from the Carbon Trust who leads Stream 3 of the Heat Pump Ready Programme and is Technical lead for the Green Homes Finance Accelerator. He also works on net zero strategies for social landlords. Support the show

In this conversation Nathan chats with Jonny Hancock, product manager at NIBE about some of the products and solutions they have on offer including their new exhaust air heat pump being launched at the InstallerShow 2023You can find the links discussed on the show belowNIBE Training University of West London PVT case studySupport the show

*Update: in this episode Damon and host Nathan realised after editing there was a mistake. An easy one to make as engineers like Damon have so many numbers running around in their head. He mentions he sizes radiators to 50°C when in fact Damon is one of the engineers who designs to a lower flow temp of 40-45*C for a radiator heating circuit.In this episode we speak to the fabulous engineers Damon from Blakemore Plumbing and Heating and Barry from Renewable Heat about quotations. It's a hot topic so sit back and enjoy.We also discuss the Glowmarkt website being developed by consortium partners within the Heat Pump Ready programme which Nathan, the host of the show, is part of. Support the show

I really enjoyed this episode chatting with Andrew Middleton, Managing Director at British Gas Zero and Steve Petrie, regional manager at British Gas Zero who also is a former British Gas engineer. I brought along for the ride my friend Adam Gilhespy from Carno to help me host the conversation as he also is a former British Gas engineer and like Andrew  understands strategy and processes. For anyone who knows my podcast I started it so on the ground engineers could have a more amplified voice. Unfortunately, in the energy discourses I'm privileged to be a part of these days the coal face engineers are not always being listened too.It is why it was refreshing when Andrew reached out and asked if he could come chat with us on the podcast. Andrew is one of my listeners and openly admits he has found it extremely useful to listen and learn from the engineers I have had on the show. Enjoy the showSupport the show

Recycled refrigerant and Energy Performance Declarations are discussed in this episode alongside the wider discussion around whole life carbon and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.Nathan's guests are:Ryan Philp, the Business Development Manager at Daikin Ellie Burkill, Energy Sustainability Consultant at XCO2Sara Godinho, Associate at XCO2To hear what Daikin are doing with recycled refrigerant skip to 1 hour 2 mins... a link is provided in the chapters tabSupport the show