From 6th April this year, there are some big changes coming to the rules and regulations around boilers for manufacturers and installers. The new legislation is called Boiler Plus and aims to improve the minimum performance standard for gas boilers. It will also mean timers and room thermostats are compulsory as well as encouraging a range of additional energy efficiency measures.
The changes are being introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy following a consultation which started in 2016. Read about the changes below and how it will benefit both installers and homeowners.
Energy Efficiency Standards
The overall goal of this new legislation is to improve the way that people use energy in their home. This means that the minimum performance standard for all domestic gas boilers in English homes will be set at 92% ErP. This new policy will only apply to boilers installed after April 2018 in England and does not apply retrospectively to existing boilers. As an installer or homeowner, you’ll need to be aware of the new regulations when you replace an existing boiler or purchase a boiler for the first time in an existing home.
Room Timers & Thermostats
Another major part of the new rules will require all new gas & oil boilers to have a timer and room thermostat. This is being called an ‘explicit’ requirements, leaving no room for interpretation. It is hoped that by making this change, households will now have the power to set timers and temperatures to be as comfortable as possible in the home.
Additional Energy Saving Measures
The final part of the new legislation provides some flexible options to help installers and homeowners improve energy efficiency. Every new gas combination boiler must comply with one of the following measures which can be selected to best suit the needs of the household:
- Flue gas heat recovery systems – These systems help to capture heat from the flue exhaust gases that would otherwise be wasted.
- Weather Compensation - This uses an outside sensor to monitor the weather outside. This information is used to adjust the temperature of hot water accordingly.
- Load Compensation - This is a feature which adjusts the heat of the temperature going to the radiators.
- Smart controls featuring automation and optimisation functions – Smart technology is now being used with a range of thermostats to provide more features than ever to households. Smart thermostats allow customers to control the temperature of their home via a tablet, smartphone or desktop. Automation allows the device to control the heating output in line with programmed demand or occupancy detection. Optimisation means the device calculates how long it will take the property to reach the required temperature and starts the boiler operation to achieve the required temperature at the desired time. View our range of Smart Thermostats here.
Check out our handy graphic to help decide what you’ll need to do next:
What if I don’t comply?
If you are an installer, not complying with the new legislation could land you in hot water. It would technically be a breach of Building Regulations and is, therefore, breaking the law. Homeowners are also bound by Building Regulations and failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £5,000.
Find out more information on Boiler Plus in the official government policy documentation here.
Looking for your next boiler? Discover our range of gas boilers here.