Boiler Plus – New Legislation for Heating Systems

Boiler Plus 2018: What does the new legislation mean for you?

From 6th April 2018 the legislation around heating manufacture and installation in the UK changed, and there were some big changes. Named Boiler Plus, these changes have been introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and have an impact on boiler manufacturers, installers and homeowners.

So what is Boiler Plus?
Boiler Plus has been introduced to increase the efficiency of homes across the UK by stating that all gas boilers have to meet certain requirements. The most notable change applies to the minimum performance standard for domestic gas boilers in England, with the efficiency level of all boilers manufactured and installed needing to be at least 92% ErP.

As well as the minimum level of efficiency, there are some other measures that also have to be taken into account:

• 1) Time and temperature controls required for all gas and oil boiler installations
• 2) Combi boiler installations must also include one of the following:
  i) Weather compensation
  ii) Load compensation
  iii) Flue Gas Heat Recovery
  iv) Smart controls.

Note: Mechanical analogue timers do not meet this requirement.

What Will Happen to Homeowners and Installers who Do Not Comply?
Whether you’re an installer or a homeowner, installing a Combi boiler that doesn’t meet the Boiler Plus legislation could see you end up with a hefty fine. Installers who fail to install boilers in line with these new Building Regulations will be breaking the law and could be prosecuted by Building Control.

The Gas Safe Register can also refer safety concerns to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). Invoicing a customer for work which they claim to be legal but is not is also to be considered fraudulent under Trading Standards.

Homeowners who knowingly allow non-compliant work to be carried out could face prosecution and fines of up to £5,000