With over 2.2million homes on the island of Ireland, there is a legacy of ageing copper cylinders out there which, at some point, will need replacing.
But when that time comes, a growing number of households are opting for a stainless steel cylinder rather than a like-for-like swap. Modern stainless cylinders not only look good, but are significantly more robust for maximum durability; they also provide a better performance with faster heat-up times and excellent energy efficiency results.
One of the biggest manufacturers of hot water cylinders is Kingspan – the County Cavan based group has been selling the Kingspan Albion Ultrasteel cylinders since 2008. Known for their high build quality, fast flow rates and energy-efficient insulation, these cylinders have proven popular with many installers choosing to fit them all over the UK.
In response to the growing popularity of stainless cylinders in Ireland, and after listening to the installers’ feedback, Kingspan is introducing a new range specifically designed for the Irish market. These new Ultrasteel cylinders are available as indirect and solar indirect models, and feature ¾” BSP male threaded connections, making it much easier for the Irish plumber to install them, as it eliminates all the problems over pipe size compatibility.
Until now, all Albion Ultrasteel units have been sold complete with an unvented accessory kit. Reacting to feedback from installers, the unvented kit is now being sold as an option. This frees the installer to use a high quality Ultrasteel stainless steel cylinder in an open vented system, if required.
Should the installer still want to use the tried and tested components we recommend, they can still get them by ordering one of the four Kingspan Albion accessory kits. There are two sizes of kits available for indirect cylinders and two for solar indirect cylinders.
Eamon Clarke, Commercial Manager for hot water cylinders and solar thermal at Kingspan, believes that having a cylinder specifically developed to meet the needs of the Irish installer will accelerate the growth of this popular product.
“We have taken away two of the real headaches for the installer; until now plumbers wanting to use an Ultrasteel cylinder have had to mess about using imperial to metric adaptors as the cylinders were supplied with 22mm connections. Not anymore!
“Also, by selling the accessory kits as an optional extra we have freed installers to make their own choice. It really is a case of less is more, as they’re now no longer limited to taking the valves and controls Kingspan have selected and are not left with components they don’t want or need.”
Made from high-grade engineering materials, such as Duplex stainless steel and environmentally-friendly polyurethane insulation, the Kingspan Albion Ultrasteel name is known to installers and home-owners alike for its outstanding quality, straightforward functionality and reliability.
Quick recovery coils mean home-owners can enjoy low reheat times for the faster availability of hot water. Each cylinder is also fitted with at least one 3kW back-up electric immersion heater that can act as a boost if required. The high flow rates are perfect for multiple bathrooms and energy-efficient insulation keeps running costs low.
Available in sizes from 120 to 300 litres on indirect units and 180 to 300 litres on solar indirect units, with 400 and 500 litre models available on request, the installers can choose the right cylinder to suit their customers’ needs.
RELOCATED SALES OFFICES
To make the ordering process easier and overall customer experience even better for the Irish installer, Kingspan has recently relocated the Irish sales office for all hot water cylinders, as well as solar and oil tanks, from Portadown in Northern Ireland into Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. Now all customers residing in the Republic of Ireland only have to contact one office for all their Kingspan Environmental needs.
Kingspan also has a number of other new as well as renowned and well-established products on offer that the installers can avail of. To find out more and see the full product portfolio, visit the website www.kingspanenviro.com/ie or contact Eamon Clarke on 0044 7826 892 607 or (RoI) 00353 873 681 910.
