Sustainable Systems in Action: How J D Wetherspoon Is Replacing Gas with Intelligent Heat Recovery AHUs
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From Gas to Gains: A Smarter Way to Heat and Ventilate
J D Wetherspoon continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable building services by phasing out gas-fired heating in favour of advanced heat recovery ventilation. In partnership with ECE UK Ltd, the pub operator is deploying a nationwide upgrade of air handling units designed to reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality, and optimise long-term operational performance.
Central to this rollout are ECE’s PXA-3MX plate heat recovery units and SSAU (Supply Secondary Air Units)—intelligent systems engineered for high efficiency, seamless control integration, and on-site flexibility.
Make an enquiry for your air handling unit
Contact out team today and discuss your fresh air needs with our team. Call 01634 729 690, send an email to sales@eceuk.com, or make an enquiry through our form.
The Mission: Removing Gas, Improving Control
ECE UK was commissioned to develop a solution that eliminates natural gas heating from the building services equation. The result is a fully electric ventilation strategy based on air-to-air heat recovery, low-carbon mechanical support, and intelligent control strategies that respond dynamically to building conditions.
The combination of PXA-3MX and SSAU units ensures each site benefits from 100% fresh air, excellent temperature stability, and low-energy operation—while remaining fully compliant with UK Building Regulations and Eco Design standards.
Engineering the Solution
The PXA-3MX is a high-performance heat recovery AHU featuring a crossflow plate heat exchanger. Designed to recover thermal energy from exhaust air and use it to preheat incoming air, the unit significantly reduces the need for mechanical heating, especially in colder months. With no moving parts in the heat exchange process, it delivers reliable, low-maintenance operation across a 25-year design life.
Alongside the main AHUs, ECE integrates SSAU units equipped with three-way air mixing plenums and installed in conjunction with correctly positioned pressure relief dampers. This configuration enables controlled air blending and internal pressurisation, optimising indoor conditions while maintaining efficient airflow patterns throughout the space.
Total Visibility with Remote Access
Each system features ECE’s Intelligent Energy Control (IEC) strategy powered by a Trend IQ4 controller and enhanced by Teltonika RUT240 4G routers for remote access. Engineers can log into the system from anywhere to perform diagnostics, monitor sensor data, or adjust settings—eliminating the need for unnecessary site visits and enabling fast response to performance deviations.
This setup allows:
- Remote fine-tuning of system parameters
- Pre-visit diagnostics and fault identification
- Dispatch of the correct engineering discipline first time
- Centralised control across multiple venues
Built for Site Constraints
Many J D Wetherspoon venues present physical access challenges, especially in historic buildings or constrained plantrooms. To overcome this, ECE supplies AHUs in a range of delivery formats: fully assembled, modular, component form, or flat pack. Every section is colour-coded and labelled to ensure quick and accurate reassembly on site.
Where replacing legacy rooftop systems (such as York units), ECE matches existing ductwork positions to minimise installation disruption while upgrading internal efficiency.
Long-Term Benefits
ECE’s designs prioritise durability and maintainability. All units are fitted with asset tags linked to an online documentation portal, giving operators access to control drawings, spare parts, manuals, and service history through asset.eceuk.com.
Combined with energy-saving control strategies—such as CO₂-based demand ventilation, fabric protection during night hours, and economy modes that scale fan speed and temperature delivery—the systems deliver lasting energy efficiency and performance stability.
Why This Works for Wetherspoon
Gas-free operation using heat recovery and electric heating
PXA-3MX units deliver high-efficiency plate heat exchanger
SSAU units support indoor air strategy with pressure relief and air mixing
Remote diagnostics with Teltonika and Trend systems
Flexible delivery options for constrained sites
Digitally accessible documentation and asset management
Leading by Example
J D Wetherspoon’s adoption of fully electric, energy recovery AHUs signal a new era in sustainable HVAC deployment. With robust engineering, remote management, and scalable deployment across its estate, the company is proving that smart ventilation can meet both environmental goals and real-world operational demands.
Get in touch
Find out more. Talk to our professional team on 01634 729 690 or email sales@eceuk.com.