The Green
Poulshot
Devizes
Wiltshire
SN10 1RT
Tel: (01380) 828123
Fax: (01380) 828186
Archie Kidd (Thermal) Ltd -
'they don't make them like this anymore':
While the domestic boiler industry has been busy developing complex new condensing boilers, with aluminium downward firing heat exchangers and NASA grade electronics, a boiler manufacturer in Wiltshire has been watching with bemusement. Because there is nothing 'new' in condensing boiler technology.
During his demonstration to a live audience at the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in London in 1982, Archie Kidd described how his 'Model 1' condensing boiler could achieve huge energy savings whilst having a projected design life of 25 -30 years.
Some 27 years on, the late Archie Kidd's claims proved to be correct. Most of his early boilers are still earning their keep and the company continues to manufacture the design today. A few changes have been made over the intervening years, the most notable being a change in colour, from red to white.
What surprises industry professionals is that these superbly engineered but almost electronics-free boilers are amongst the most efficient on the market in 2009 (oil fired units are SEDBUK A rated).
The Archie Kidd range covers models for medium sized houses starting at 90,000Btu, up to boilers for very large commercial premises. All the boilers are floor standing and will not fit inside a kitchen unit! They are ideally located in a garage or utility room.
When one takes into account the longevity and reliability track record of these units, they represent an excellent investment. However, this is before you factor in 'standing losses', an important calculation - not fully included in the SEDBUK test routine, which only measures efficiency when the boiler is firing. The Kidd design is highly insulated, which means the boiler fires less often. Even the pump is intentionally located within the insulated heatstore area, to minimise unnecessary water and electrical heat loss.
They are solid engineering; no pointless adornments, designed to do the job, and made to last.
Where there are problems with flues, Kidd can design and manufacture a bespoke system out of aluminium; this has been particularly useful with listed buildings.
Available in oil or gas versions, we are your regional experts. We also service existing Kidd units and carry out maintenance work.
NB: if you are located in another part of the UK to Hot Water & Central Heating, Kidd Boilers can be contacted on 01380 828490.