The standards and requirements set in place by Boiler Plus aim to regulate and improve the way homes use energy by increasing the efficiency of their heating systems. 

The legislation 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 legislation introduced since the UK went “all-condensing” in 2005 – becoming the first country to do so in the process. 

From April 2018, all boilers are required to have a minimum ErP (energy-related products) efficiency of 92% and all installations must have time and temperature controls fitted if they aren’t already present and working correctly. 

In addition, combi boilers, which make up a significant proportion of the market will require one of four additional requirements to be fitted. Each will need to be discussed with the homeowner and suited to each individual homeowners’ circumstances. It will mean each installation will include a consultancy aspect needed for each boiler swap.  

The measures available are: 

• Load compensation – the ability to modulate the flow temperature from the boiler based on the actual room temperature, this requires the control and boiler to ‘speak’ the same language 
• Weather compensation – the ability to modulate the flow temperature from the boiler based on the outdoor temperature, a system widely used in Germany. 
• Smart control – A control that provides automation and optimisation. 

• PFGHRD (Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Device) 

All households are subject to the government-led rules set out, meaning that any new boiler installations after April 2018 must comply with the standards. Any boilers already installed in a home will not be subject to the regulations. 

Information provided by our partners at Vaillant.