Baxi Regulatory Marketing Manager Jeff House gives the low-down on what Boiler Plus could mean for you
A significant change in regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from home heating and consumer bills is set to come into force in England on 6 April this year. It's the first significant shift in building regulations for replacement boilers to have an effect on installers and our customers for more than a decade. And it will be good news for both.
With over 80% of homes connected to the gas network, there's a great opportunity for homeowners to save money and for installers to fit more efficient systems.
"Boiler Plus is being introduced by the government as a quick win to make carbon savings, as well as fuel bill savings for end users,” says Jeff, who believes the change offers real opportunities for savvy installers.
"The changes form part of Building Regulations requirements therefore compliance is mandatory. But there are some easy and economically viable options to make the change go as smoothly as possible.”
From 6 April, the minimum requirements in existing buildings in England will mean that gas boilers must meet a minimum of 92% space heating seasonal efficiency in accordance with the ErP Directive, time and temperature controls are clearly mandated for all 1.2 million new installations every year. Combi boiler installations must also include one of the following additional measures: weather compensation; load compensation; Flue Gas Heat Recovery; or a Smart control offering automation and optimisation.
Jeff says Baxi's In Flue Outdoor Sensor, or IFOS, is a simple, low-cost and hassle-free solution that fits the weather compensation bill by communicating with the boiler to alter the flow temperature in relation to the weather outside.
"It clips on to the underside air inlet of the flue terminal and connects to the boiler PCB with no drilling or additional work. It's inexpensive and is a simple solution that will pay for itself through improved efficiency in a short timeframe.”
Another way to meet the new regulations is with uSense, which provides load compensation functionality and complies with Boiler Plus when it is connected using OpenTherm.
"If installers aren't sure, all our training courses have Boiler Plus content and we've produced an easy-to-use set of information if any doubts remain. We want our installers to be confident in the products they're fitting and the benefits to them and their customers.
"Change need not be a bad thing.”