BetaTalk - The Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Heating Podcast

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

In this discussion, Dan Large, Director at Solaris Energy, shares his extensive expertise in heat pump systems. He emphasizes the importance of water quality, advocating for VDI 2035 methods over traditional chemical approaches. Dan discusses his collaboration with Kronoterm, enhancing heat pump design and installation, and addresses the challenges in the industry, such as the need for transparency and proper training. Throughout, he highlights the evolution of renewable heating and the critical role of innovation in system efficiency and customer satisfaction.

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