From 6th April 2018 there will be new rules for new boiler installations in England which all homeowners need to be aware of.
As part of the government’s Clean Growth Strategy, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is changing Part L of the Building Regulations to improve the energy efficiency of domestic heating systems.
The changes (known as Boiler Plus) set new expectations for boiler manufacturers and installers and are intended to:
- Phase out inefficient boilers and reduce carbon emissions (in line with EU targets)
- Give consumers more choice over how they heat their homes
- Save homeowners money on their energy bills.
What are the changes?
The changes below will apply to all homeowners in England when installing a new boiler in an existing building.
- All new gas boilers must have a minimum energy-related product (ErP) efficiency rating of 92%.
- All new gas and oil boilers must have time and temperature control via a programme timer and thermostat.
- All new combi boilers must have at least one of the following energy-saving features (whichever is best for the nature of the building and the needs of the household):
* Weather compensation – reads the outside temperature via a sensor and adjusts the heating temperature accordingly.
* Load compensation – adjusts the flow temperature (of the heat going to your radiators) to the home temperature to maintain comfort and save energy.
* Flue gas heat recovery – recycles the heat from flue gases (which would otherwise be lost) to preheat hot water.
* Smart control – allows you to control your heating remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
What’s the impact on homeowners?
The changes will mean that homeowners have a few more things to think about when deciding to buy a new boiler – but any reputable installer should be able to advise you on the best option for your home and budget.
You may pay slightly more for a boiler which meets the new requirements but any extra cost should be outweighed by the energy savings you’ll make over the boiler’s lifetime.
If you’re concerned that your existing boiler doesn’t meet the requirements, don’t worry – you don’t have to replace it right away but when you do, your new boiler must comply with the new rules.
Your installer is required to ensure that the new boiler meets the requirements, but it’s important for you to double-check this for your own peace of mind because if you knowingly have non-compliant work carried out, you could be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000 for breaching the Building Regulations.
Find out more
We’re fully up to speed on the changes so if you’re considering replacing your boiler, please contact us for information and advice about energy-efficient boiler installations.
Range Heating have been installing energy efficient boilers in the Southern Manchester and Cheshire area since 2008 and we have a reputation for outstanding customer service.
