Hot Water System Upgrade – Care Home, Winchester
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Industry: Care Home
Background
Asbury Heating was appointed to carry out a full replacement of the hot water system at a care home in Winchester. The existing system comprised two Hamworthy boilers for heating, two water heaters for domestic hot water, and a separate water heater serving the laundry facilities.
With hot water essential for resident care, cleanliness, and hygiene, it was critical that the system upgrade be delivered with minimal disruption to the home’s daily operations.
Scope of Work
The project involved the removal and replacement of all three water heaters. The older Hamworthy DR-LA units were upgraded to Hamworthy DR-SC models, offering improved energy efficiency and enhanced reliability.
One of the primary requirements was to maintain a constant hot water supply throughout the entire six-day installation period to ensure uninterrupted care provision.
Challenges and Solutions
Carrying out a major mechanical upgrade in a live care environment came with several logistical challenges. Asbury Heating overcame these by:
- Replacing one cylinder at a time to ensure hot water availability was maintained
- Pre-fabricating the pipework off-site to minimise time spent on the premises and streamline the changeover
- Using HIAB lifting equipment to safely remove the old water heaters from the basement
Thanks to precise scheduling and a methodical approach, the team was able to maintain uninterrupted service throughout the works.
Results
- The care home was left with a new, highly efficient hot water system
- Reliable performance across both domestic and laundry facilities
- The new setup has led to reduced gas consumption and lower operating costs
“Asbury Heating delivered exactly what we needed – reliable, consistent hot water and a seamless upgrade with no impact on our residents.”
– Care Home Facilities Manager (Winchester)
Timeline
The entire project was completed in just six days, including planning, installation, and commissioning.
Cost Analysis
Although the replacement was a significant capital investment, the new Hamworthy DR-SC models provide long-term value through increased energy efficiency, reduced running costs, and lower maintenance requirements.
Safety and Compliance
Safety was a top priority. HIAB services were used to lift heavy equipment from the basement, and all work was completed in compliance with current health and safety standards, ensuring the protection of both staff and residents.
Lessons Learned
This project demonstrated the value of pre-planned sequencing and off-site preparation. By replacing each cylinder individually and fabricating pipework in advance, the team reduced on-site time and disruption – an approach that now sets the standard for similar projects.
Conclusion
This successful upgrade highlights Asbury Heating’s ability to deliver complex system replacements in sensitive environments. The care home remained fully operational throughout the works, and the new system now delivers reliable performance and lower energy costs.
Asbury Heating – solving challenges efficiently with a skilled, dependable team.
