Formed in 1933 by Mads Clausen in the attic of his parent’s home in Denmark, Danfoss is now a global corporation, manufacturing everything from TRVs to district energy solutions. PHPI reports back from a trip to its Danish HQ.
Think of Denmark and your mind likely wanders to Lego, pastries and a famous side of underdogs winning Euro 92. Yet many installers probably fit one of the country’s greatest exports on a daily basis. Starting life in a humble farmyard attic, founder Mads Clausen and those who have followed in his legacy have now developed Danfoss into a global brand.
In the UK domestic heating sector, the manufacturer is best-known for its controls and TRVs. Danfoss has a long history with the TRV, with Mads having engineered the first radiator thermostat way back in 1943. Proud of this history, the highly sophisticated production facility in the town of Silkeborg ensures quality control with a network of inter-connecting robotic arms regularly checking for consistency, while the business claims to be the only TRV producer to manufacture its own valves and bellows.
75 years on from the TRV’s origin, the company continues to highlight its importance for improving energy efficiency in the UK, with its own research indicating that TRV upgrades in Europe could make savings of more than 29 million tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Gareth Ash, Marketing and Technical Support Manager in the UK, comments: “It’s likely that around 11 million homes in the UK have potential for upgrades, providing fantastic opportunities for installers. With a potential payback period of nine months (depending on the system), and measures from the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive set to come into force next year, it really does make sense to upgrade or install a customer’s TRVs when replacing a boiler.”
Making it easy
During the trip, Danfoss also announced plans to provide greater support for its UK-based network of installers, with the business set to streamline its range of electronic room controls and timers. Plans involve reducing the number of model variants from 80 to 17, without compromising on any features, to make it easier for customers when selecting a suitable unit.
For example, the redesigned TP5001 replaces existing TP7000 and TP9000 models. Based on the company’s TP platform and with an ultra slim profile, this latest version is available in three variants: battery volt free relay, 230V mains volt free relay, and RF. This joins the upgraded TPOne with OpenTherm programmable room thermostat in the new product line-up, as well as the RET1001M dial room thermostat and the RET2001 room thermostat featuring OpenTherm and an electronic display.
Its domestic time controls, meanwhile, have also been streamlined from seven models, down to two. The TS710 and FP720 are easy to programme for either 24hr, weekday/weekend (5/2) or seven day periods.
Installer Life
Not stopping there, Danfoss is set to introduce a dedicated new website as part of its ‘Installer Life’ campaign, where engineers can find all the information and support they need when choosing and fitting domestic heating controls. The Installer Hub will feature training modules, webinars, puzzles and competitions, as well as exclusive ‘How To’ videos, product comparison tables and the latest product data sheets.
Gareth adds: “We know our customers are busy people who need information fast and without fuss. Installer Life is all about meeting that need.”
Did you know?
Danfoss has built its very own science park next to its headquarters in Nordborg. Designed to inspire the next generation, Universe Science Park includes a Segway race track, giant ‘blue cube’, film studio, VR coaster and hosts the Danfoss Museum, detailing the history of founder Mads Clausen.
