Two Alpha ProTec NX wall-mounted boilers have transformed the heating performance at Allington Castle, delivering a modern, efficient, and reliable commercial boiler upgrade tailored to the demands of an historic building. Installed in a cascaded configuration, the new system provides improved efficiency, enhanced control, and long-term operational confidence, all within a compact plant room footprint.
The upgrade replaced an aging boiler installation that had become increasingly difficult to maintain and no longer met modern performance expectations. By specifying Alpha’s ProTec NX commercial boilers, the site was brought up to current efficiency standards while future-proofing the heating system for years to come.
Heating requirements in historic buildings
Located in the Kent countryside, Allington Castle is a distinctive historic property that requires dependable heating to support its ongoing use. Any upgrade needed to balance improved performance with practical installation constraints, making system flexibility and compact design key considerations.
Alpha was invited to attend site alongside the installing contractor, Thames Mechanical Services, to assess the existing plant and advise on suitable replacement options, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and system control.
Upgrading an aging commercial boiler system
The original heating system comprised two outdated standard-efficiency boilers that presented a number of challenges:
- Poor seasonal efficiency compared to modern condensing alternatives
- Evidence of inconsistent and inadequate maintenance
- Spare parts becoming increasingly scarce
- An outdated control strategy with limited ability to optimise performance
With reliability concerns growing and ongoing maintenance becoming less sustainable, a full replacement was identified as the most effective long-term solution.
High-efficiency wall-mounted commercial boilers
Following the site assessment, Alpha specified two ProTec NX 68kW wall-mounted boilers, installed in cascade to deliver both resilience and efficient load matching.
To further enhance system protection and longevity, a plate heat exchanger (PHE) was incorporated to achieve full system separation. This not only protects the boilers from potential system contamination but also extends the warranty to 10 years, providing long-term peace of mind.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Compact, wall-mounted boilers to optimise plant room space
- Cascaded operation for improved part-load efficiency and redundancy
- System separation via PHE for enhanced reliability and extended warranty
- Upgraded control strategy including weather compensation
- Easy cascade programming for intelligent, energy-efficient operation
Together, these measures delivered a significant step change in system performance while keeping the installation straightforward and minimally disruptive.
Improved efficiency and reliability for a heritage property
The new Alpha ProTec NX installation has delivered clear benefits for Allington Castle, including:
- Improved heating efficiency and reduced energy wastage
- Greater system reliability and operational resilience
- Simplified maintenance and long-term parts availability
- Enhanced control and comfort through modern modulation and weather compensation
- Long-term assurance through an extended 10-year warranty
This project provides another strong example of the versatility of Alpha’s commercial boiler range. From heritage buildings such as Allington Castle to offices, schools, and industrial premises, ProTec NX boilers can be configured to suit a wide range of applications.
By combining compact wall-mounted design, flexible cascade options, and advanced control capability, Alpha continues to offer practical solutions for modernising legacy heating systems across the UK.
From education and public buildings to leisure facilities and community spaces, Alpha continues to provide dependable heating solutions that support long-term performance and sustainability.
If you need help with a heating system upgrade, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to offer advice on the best solution.