Oxleathers Court Heating Upgrade

Introduction: Client Background

Oxleathers Court heating upgrade was essential for improving the energy efficiency and reliability of the sheltered housing scheme in Stafford, managed by Home Plus. The facility comprises 47 self-contained flats, communal spaces, and essential amenities such as a lounge, kitchen, and laundry. The heating and hot water systems were outdated, inefficient, and increasingly unreliable, necessitating a full plantroom refurbishment.

Home Plus sought a trusted provider to modernise the system with energy-efficient solutions that would ensure reliability, cost savings, and compliance with the latest energy regulations. Vital Heating Solutions was chosen for their expertise in delivering tailored heating solutions for residential and commercial buildings.

Executive Summary

The project at Oxleathers Court involved the replacement of outdated boiler systems with modern, high-efficiency condensing boilers. The new system was designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Key Outcomes:

• Installed two Vaillant ecoTEC plus 64kW boilers with a 240kW plate heat exchanger
• Replaced outdated calorifiers with point-of-use water heaters for efficiency
• Upgraded plantroom insulation and pressurisation systems
• Installed Spirotech filtration to enhance system longevity
• Improved Building Management System (BMS) integration for better control and monitoring

Project Overview

Prior to the upgrade, the existing heating system at Oxleathers Court was inefficient and costly to maintain. The aging boilers suffered frequent breakdowns, leading to increased repair expenses and resident discomfort. The hot water system relied on a centralised calorifier, which was outdated and inefficient.

The scope of work included:

• Complete plantroom refurbishment with modern heating technology
• Upgraded flue systems to enhance ventilation and safety
• Improved energy performance through advanced control systems
• Temporary boiler plant setup to ensure continuous heating during installation

The Heat Network

Vital Heating Solutions designed an efficient heat network to optimise energy distribution across the building. By replacing the outdated system with Vaillant condensing boilers, plate heat exchangers, and Spirotech filtration, the installation significantly improved energy efficiency.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced energy efficiency: New boilers operate at over 94% efficiency
• Carbon footprint reduction: Lower emissions with a NOx class 6 rating
• Cost savings: Reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs
• Reliability: High-quality components ensure long-term performance
• Regulatory compliance: Meets latest Part L building regulations
• Improved resident comfort: Consistent heating and hot water availability

Products and Services

Technologies Installed:

• Vaillant ecoTEC plus 64kW boilers (x2)
• Vaillant 240kW insulated plate heat exchanger
• Spirotech air/dirt separator for water quality improvement
• Grundfos Magna 3 50-120D circulation pump
• New gas solenoid valve with safety shut-off
• BMS integration for remote monitoring and control

How We Delivered This Project

Energy Performance Review

A detailed assessment identified inefficiencies in the existing heating system. The optimisation plan focused on replacing outdated components with high-performance, energy-efficient solutions.

Energy Control System

A Building Management System (BMS) was integrated to provide better control over energy consumption, heating schedules, and fault monitoring.

Improving Energy Efficiency

• Low-temperature system design to maximise condensing efficiency
• High-efficiency insulation for reduced heat loss
• Upgraded pipework materials for longevity and performance

Feasibility & Compliance

A site survey confirmed the project’s feasibility, including compliance with:

• Gas Safety Regulations for boiler installations
• Part L of Building Regulations for energy efficiency
• Control of Asbestos Regulations (pre-installation asbestos survey)
• Health & Safety at Work Act for safe working practices

Project Development & Implementation

The project followed a structured installation timeline to minimise disruption:

• Phase 1: Temporary heating plant setup
• Phase 2: Old system decommissioning
• Phase 3: New system installation & testing
• Phase 4: Commissioning and handover

The Tender Query Tracker (TQ Tracker) recorded additional work and technical queries, including:

• Modifications to BMS pricing and control settings
• Updates to gas pipework installation for improved safety
• Adjustments to boiler ventilation for compliance

System Upgrades & Energy Management

• New energy-efficient condensing boilers installed
• Optimised heat distribution with hydraulic separation
• Automated energy monitoring to track consumption and savings

Comparison: Old vs. New System

Feature	Old System	New System
Boiler Efficiency	~70%	94%+
Hot Water System	Central calorifier	Point-of-use water heaters
Energy Management	Manual controls	Smart BMS integration
Maintenance Costs	High due to frequent failures	Reduced with reliable components
Carbon Emissions	High	Low NOx emissions

Client Testimonial

“Vital Heating Solutions delivered a seamless upgrade to our heating system at Oxleather Court. The new installation has improved energy efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced comfort for our residents. Their professionalism and expertise made the process smooth and hassle-free.”
— Home Plus Management Team

FAQ Section

What were the key reasons for upgrading the heating system?

The old system was inefficient, unreliable, and costly to maintain. Upgrading improved efficiency, compliance, and long-term savings.

How does the new system improve energy efficiency?

The new boilers operate at 94%+ efficiency, use plate heat exchangers, and integrate with a BMS for optimal control.

Was the installation disruptive to daily operations?

A temporary heating system was in place, ensuring minimal disruption for residents.

What cost savings does the client expect?

Energy costs are expected to decrease by at least 20% due to improved efficiency and reduced maintenance expenses.

How does the system support sustainability goals?

The low NOx emissions and high-efficiency boilers contribute to lower carbon footprints and environmental compliance.

What maintenance support is available?

Vital Heating Solutions offers ongoing maintenance plans and remote monitoring for system performance.

Conclusion

The Oxleather Court heating system upgrade successfully delivered a high-efficiency, low-maintenance, and cost-saving solution. The project met all regulatory requirements, improved resident comfort, and significantly reduced operational costs.

📩 Contact Vital Heating Solutions for expert advice on heating system upgrades.
📧 Email: sales@vitalheating.co.uk
📞 Phone: 01282 773338