Boiler Plus 2018

What is boiler plus?

As of the 6th April 2018 legislation around heating manufacturing, design and installation have changed. The legislation change has been named Boiler Plus, this has been introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). They assess the energy efficiency of heating systems and set standards for both manufacturers and installers.

There are three main criteria for the Boiler Plus legislation:

1. Gas boiler performance: The boiler must have a space heating efficiency of not less than ErP (Energy Related Products) 92%
2. All Gas, LPG and oil boiler must incorporate time and temperature control
3. Combi boiler installations must also include one of the following: Flue gas heat recovery, Weather compensation, Load compensation, Smart controls

Inefficient systems will be phased out by the introduction of these minimum standards. By following these legislation standards, we, as consumers and installers will be helping to reduce carbon emissions in line with targets set by the EU. A detailed account of the consultation document can be read on the Gov.uk website here.

Let’s break down these points

1) Gas boiler performance:

Having a minimum efficiency of ErP 92% means that a lot of the “cheap” boilers on the market, which still use atmospheric burners, will not be able to achieve the 92% benchmark. These boilers will be removed from the market.

2) All Gas, LPG and Oil boilers must have time and temperature control:

Time and temperature control is essential for minimising wasted energy and achieving a comfortable temperature within your home.

3) Combi boilers must include one of the following:

Flue Gas Heat Recovery (FGHR)

This is a device which improves the energy efficiency of a boiler by up to 6%. This is achieved by recirculating the flue gases through a heat exchanger which absorbs heat energy. This energy is then used to preheat domestic water before entering the boiler.

Weather compensation 

Weather compensation devices allow the boiler to read the outside weather temperature. The boiler then uses this information to achieve a comfortable temperature using the minimum amount of energy required.

Load compensation

Load compensation is an algorithm which is built into advanced heating controls. This allows the controls to measure the speed at which your home is “heating up” and adjusts the flow temperature from the boiler to achieve a comfortable temperature using the minimum amount of energy required.

Smart controls

Smart controls are the most efficient method of controlling your central heating system. A smart control incorporates both weather and load compensation. In addition, smart controls monitor occupants location. This information is used to automatical switch off your central heating during periods where all occupants have left the home.

How doe this affect you?

These changes will mostly affect those of you who are having a new combi boiler installed. You will have to choose one of the four efficiency improvement methods, FGHR, Weather compensation, Load compensation or a Smart control.

What if I don’t want too?

Unfortunately, Boiler Plus is an official legislation and forms part of the current building regulations. Failure to follow these minimum standards could result in fines of up to £5,000 for homeowners who knowingly allow non-compliant work to be carried out.

Installers who fail to install boilers in line with these new building regulations will be breaking the law and could lead to prosecution by building control. In addition, invoicing a customer for work which they falsely claim to be legal is considered to be fraudulent under Trading standards.