What will the new Boiler Plus 2018 legislation changes mean to you?

The new 'Boiler Plus' legislation was implemented on April 6 th 2018 by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). With the aim of maximising the energy efficiency of UK homeowners' heating systems, Boiler Plus is the first major piece of legislation to be introduced since the UK went 'all condensing' in 2005.

From April 6 th , all boilers must now have a minimum ErP (Energy related Products) rating of 92% and all gas and oil boilers must have appropriate time and temperature controls fitted. Ultimately, the aim is to phase out inefficient boilers and reduce carbon emissions in line with EU targets.

In addition, when installed, combi boilers must have one of four of the following requirements fitted:

• Load compensation – flow temperature can be modulated from the boiler based on room temperature
• Weather compensation – flow temperature can be modulated based on the outside temperature
• Smart control – automation and optimisation control
• Flue Gas Heat Recovery – a system that enables the boiler to reuse heat that would have otherwise been wasted

Which requirement is fitted depends on the homeowner's needs and circumstances. This means that a consultation is needed between the heating engineer and customer before any installation takes place in order to gauge which measure is most appropriate for the homeowner and their property.

If you already have had a boiler installed and it's in full working order and regularly checked and serviced, then the Boiler Plus legislation won't have any impact on you until it comes time to replace your boiler. However if you are about to have a new boiler installed, please read on.

At the moment, around one third of boilers on the market fall short of the 95% ErP rating. Therefore, it is imperative that you make sure that you use a trustworthy, Gas Safe registered engineer, who will fit a boiler that meets the energy efficiency requirements set out by Boiler Plus. Don't be tempted by cheaper prices and false promises – using someone who is not Gas Safe registered is both illegal and potentially fatal. If you knowingly allow work to be carried out that is not compliant with the legislation, you could be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000.

Otherwise, it's very much about choosing the right requirement. Each has its own purpose, cost and benefit:

• Load compensation – these thermostats cost around £100 more than standard and automatically adjust your radiator temperature depending on how warm or cold your home is. If you are someone who tends to leave your heating on for long periods, you should see significant savings
• Weather compensation – again, about £100 more than a standard thermostat and come with similar benefits, although radiator temperature is gauged on outside temperature
• Smart control – control your heating through your smartphone or tablet, wherever in the world you are. Although you may not see huge savings, you have instant control at all times
• Flue Gas Heat Recovery – these systems reuse heat from your boiler – heat that would have otherwise been wasted. This improves your boiler's efficiency and according to research, enables it to use 4% less gas whilst delivering the same amount of heat.

If you are still unsure, talk to your heating engineer as they will be able to provide professional advice to help you choose the most suitable energy saving device. By choosing sensibly, the energy savings you make over the years should easily pay for the additional cost over your boiler's lifetime.

The main thing to consider is that if you do not install a boiler that is in line with the new Boiler Plus legislation, you are breaking the law and can be prosecuted as such by Building Control. In addition, the HSE could become involved as the Gas Safe register is well within its rights to raise safety concerns regarding your work.