Boiler Plus
A new legislation aimed to benefit homeowners and our planet buy introducing more efficient boilers resulting in lower fuel bills and lower carbon emissions.
Did you know? new standards set by ‘Boiler Plus’ came in to effect in April 2018 and will apply to any new boiler installed within the UK.
What is 'Boiler Plus'?
As of the 6th of April 2018 legislation surrounding heating manufacturing, design and installation has changed.
Named ‘Boiler Plus’ the new legislation introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, impacts boiler manufacturers, installers and homeowners.
‘Boiler Plus’ aims to phase out old inefficient boilers which ultimately cost more to run and are more harmful to our planet. It forms part of a wider plan knows as the Government’s ‘Clean Growth Strategy’ aiming to counter climate change by lowering carbon emissions in line with targets set by the EU.
What is changing?
The main change will be that all new domestic Gas Boilers must have a minimum performance standard of 92% ErP (Energy Related Products).
The new regulations not only mean higher minimum efficiency ratings for Gas Boilers but also includes a requirement that all new Gas, LPG and Oil boiler installations must include timers and room thermostats, enabling homeowners maximum control over their home heating, whilst cutting energy bills in the process.
Key ‘Boiler Plus’ takeaways
- New standards set by ‘Boiler Plus’ came into effect April 2018.
- The new minimum performance standards for domestic Gas Boilers in English homes will be set at 92% ErP.
- Time and temperature controls are required for all Gas and Oil boiler installations.
- Combi Boiler installations post April 2018 will be required to choose from one of the four ‘Additional Efficiency Measures’.
* You can find a detailed account of the ‘Boiler Plus’ consultation document on the government’s website here.
How does ‘Boiler Plus’ affect Combi Boiler owners?
The new rules set by ‘Boiler Plus’ only effect homeowners who are looking to replace or install a new Combi Boiler post April 2018—it will require homeowners to choose from one of the four ‘Additional Efficiency Measures’ (listed below) to be fitted during installation.
Flue Gas Heat Recovery System
A system that captures and recycles heat (that otherwise be lost to the atmosphere) which is pumped back into the system to help pre-heat incoming cold water. A Flue Gas Heat Recovery System can improve the energy efficiency of a boiler by up to 6%.
Weather Compensation
This device allows a Combi Boiler to read outside weather temperatures via a sensor, this information enables the boiler to adjust and regulate the temperature of your heating accordingly, whilst using the minimum amount of energy required.
Load Compensation
Load Compensation is a function found in most smart controls and advanced thermostats. It works by adjusting and regulating the amount of fuel used by the boiler to meet a desired room temperature.
Smart Controls
Smart controls are the most effective and efficient way to control your home heating. They enable homeowners to set schedules and adjust the temperature of their home at different times of the day, either at home or remotely via a tablet, smartphone or desktop computer.
What about Oil Combi Boilers?
As part of the government’s ‘Clean Growth Strategy’ it plans to phase out the installation of high carbon fossil fuel heating in new and existing homes off the Gas Grid during 2020.
Oil can’t be deemed a clean source of energy as it’s a fossil fuel which when burned releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, therefore low-carbon alternatives will be considered.
The government is yet to decide the future of homes that currently use Oil for heating but states that homes (at this point in time) can continue to use it.
* For more information please consult the ‘Boiler Plus’ consultation document on the government’s website here.
Failure to comply with 'Boiler Plus'
Installers who fail to comply with the rules and Building Regulations set out by ‘Boiler Plus’ and install subpar products in homes are law breaking and could face prosecution from Building Control—furthermore homeowners who knowingly allow non-compliant work to be carried out could face prosecution and fines of up to £5,000.
