Our
record
IPPEC established as far back as 1971, introduced
modern underfloor heating to the U.K. from continental Europe in 1986.
After much research and substantial injection of capital, the complete
systems of warm water underfloor heating were packaged under the registered
trade name of PEXATHERM underfloor heating. The pipe fixed with staple
to the insulation was unique in the UK market and it was not until
at least 10 years later that others followed this method of installation.
The Pexatherm UFH system included individual room control - thermostat
and programmable thermostats - were introduced at the outset as they
formed an integral part of this up to date warm water underfloor heating
system. IPPEC pioneered the advanced weather compensation controls
for domestic dwellings. This type of control became essential in well
insulated homes to save even more energy.
Advanced
plastic plumbing was followed soon. Distributing hot and cold water
from manifold to outlets with a joint free pipe was a revolutionary
step. The Pexapipe advanced plumbing system was born. The benefits
of this plumbing system are immense. Yet we knew plumbers would struggle
to comprehend and use this new concept. Yet by 1994, and after a severe
recession in the building industry, customers were demanding underfloor
heating and modern plumbing in their new homes. IPPEC systems were
making rapid inroad in several sectors of the market.
Training
To understand the systems and facilitate the installation of the heating
and plumbing system IPPEC set up a training centre. The first of its
kind in the UK for modern heating and plumbing systems. Completed
in late 1988 the centre attracted many plumbers and specifiers alike.
The training seminars were hailed as one of the best in the industry
on the systems and on energy efficiency in the home. At this time
IPPEC's own premises were updated to include underfloor heating in
the warehouse and offices. Ceiling heating was also installed on the
top floor to illustrate the advantages of radiant heating. The concepts
thus convinced visitors of the effectiveness of the systems. Now our
new premises in Bromsgrove have taken further strides in energy efficient
heating and cooling. Here we introduced passive solar system were
the whole roof absorbs solar heat and transmits it to the heating
system. All the floors are naturally heated with low temperature warm
water. Moreover the ceiling of the offices are chilled in summer to
give cool comfort without using energy hungry air-conditioning systems.
Progress
at all levels
Not satisfied with the progress made so far we turned out attention
to the wider market place and to the problems arising in from poorly
supplied installed systems. We became instrumental in setting up UHMA
(the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers' Association) which aims to
safeguard the customer from substandard systems and uphold the international
standards that have been established in countries where underfloor
heating is commonplace. The director of IPPEC is also on the British
standards committee. He has been involved in harmonising the underfloor
heating standards between UK and Europe.
Today
IPPEC's Pexatherm UFH and Pexapipe plumbing stands for quality and
value while IPPEC is known for its technical know how, service and
for bringing genuine progress to our building industry.
