TECHNICAL BULLETIN
ISSUE 30
NOVEMBER 2018
BOILER PLUS THE NEW STANDARDS FOR DOMESTIC BOILER INSTALLATIONS FROM APRIL 2018 DR LISA BLAKE, TECHNICAL MANAGER, SAVA
Lisa Blake looks at the Boiler Plus regulations that were introduced in April 2018, and how they affect boiler installations as well as the technologies promoted by Boiler Plus and the difference between an ErP boiler efficiency and a SEDBUK efficiency. Boiler Plus was implemented on 6 April 2018 and aims to improve the way homes in the UK use energy by increasing the efficiency of their heating systems.
In addition, any new combination boiler must also have an additional energy efficiency measure installed.
What is ErP boiler efficiency?
The new standard forms part of the Government’s ‘Heat in Buildings’ programme, designed to maximise energy efficiency. The introduction of Boiler Plus is the first major piece of regulation since the UK went “all-condensing” in 2005 - becoming the first country to do so in the process.
In 2009, the EU adopted the ErP directive, a framework for setting the efficiency requirements of energy-related products. These are defined as products that use energy or have an impact on energy consumption, such as tyres, light bulbs and boilers. The ethos behind the directive is to reduce carbon emissions across Europe. There are two parts to the directive: ■■ EcoDesign: ensuring energy-related products meet performance and emissions standards at the point of manufacture. ■■ Energy Labelling: products should have an efficiency rating from G to A+++, which should be displayed on the product, ensuring end-users are aware of the level of energy efficiency within their products.
What is Boiler Plus? The Boiler Plus regulation states that all new boilers installed from April 2018 must have a minimum ErP (Energy Related Products) efficiency of 92%. Note that the ErP efficiency is not the same as the SEDBUK efficiency. New and replacement boilers must also have time and temperature control installed if they are not already present. At a minimum, this means a programmer and room thermostat.
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