The two UK industry trade bodies, WMA (Water Heater Manufacturers’ Association) and MODUS (Manufacturers Of Domestic Unvented Systems) have combined to form the Hot Water Association (HWA). Its stated objectives are “To be recognised as the leading body in domestic hot water storage and, through cooperation and partnerships, to support, drive and promote the sustained growth and improvement of standards within the entire domestic hot water industry”.

The main driver for the formation of the HWA is the need to provide a positive uniform industry response to the directives relating to water heating that are currently coming out of Brussels.  The importance of the contribution to carbon reduction provided by efficient water heating systems has been widely recognised at European level.  In fact, as early as January 2009 water heating systems labelled in a similar manner to domestic appliances may be seen.

Previously, the WMA embraced all types of hot water storage systems, whether vented, unvented or thermal store with membership restricted to manufacturers  only  of   hot  water   storage   systems  (including  unvented).  More/MODUS however, focused on the fastest growing market sector, unvented hot water storage systems only, yet included the component suppliers and other interested parties, such as British Gas.

“In recent years, a closer working relationship between the WMA and MODUS has developed, ultimately extending to regular joint technical meetings”, says Martyn Griffiths, Technical Consultant for the newly formed HWA.  “It became apparent that there was a growing overlap between the activities of these associations in terms of both interest and resource, with considerable duplication of membership. It became obvious that the ever increasing demand for hot water in UK homes and the need to generate it as energy efficiently as possible can best be served through the combined expertise within these organisations”.

Homes are becoming more energy efficient due to higher insulation and air tightness standards gradually being introduced into existing housing stock.  In many homes built to the latest Part L Building Regulations, the energy requirement for water heating will actually be greater than that for space heating.  Therefore the proportion of the energy bill paid for water heating and hence the choice of the correct water heating system is becoming an important issue.   

Since 1986, when unvented cylinders were first permitted in the UK, the demand for unvented, or the alternative thermal storage option, has continued to rise significantly.  Mains pressure hot water systems, which include unvented cylinders, are likely to reach 50% of the entire domestic hot water market mix for the first time ever in 2007. “This trend is likely to continue as we move towards a low carbon economy, with the use of renewable and alternative energy sources in hot water production expected to prevail”, suggests Neil Mattock, HWA Marketing Director.  “These types of system generally require hot water storage and whilst manufacturers are making them as installer friendly as possible, the importance of educating consumers and training installers will be greater than ever.  The combined commitment of HWA members to provide comprehensive information for consumers and installers, guidance to Government considering revisions to legislation and best practice recommendations for the industry, means the water heating sector can look forward with confidence to the future.”