There is undoubtedly significant change ahead within the heating industry, as we move towards meeting our net-zero goals.
One of the main points from the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy is the phasing out of gas boilers, and a move towards renewable heat sources, such as heat pumps.
However, with the cut-off target for the sale of natural gas boilers set to 2035, there is still quite some time to go until homeowners start to be forced to look at alternatives. This means that early adoption of this renewable technology will likely happen at a gradual pace over the next decade, rather as an immediate switch.
Gas boilers will continue to be installed during this transition period, contributing to the UK’s carbon emissions. It is therefore important that steps are taken to improve the efficiency of existing gas heating systems to reduce emissions, some of which will be supported through the introduction of new legislation in the year ahead.
Boiler Plus update
In 2022, the industry can expect to see an update to Part L of the Building Regulations, which is set to boost the efficiency of gas systems. One of the most significant changes due to be introduced is the requirement for lower flow temperatures of 55°C or lower. While this helps to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, it also prepares UK homes for the move to renewable heat sources, such as heat pumps, which operate at lower flow temperatures of between 35 and 45°C.
System balancing is also set to become a requirement under the update to Part L. Already required as part of the Benchmark commissioning process, system balancing is essential for optimising efficiency, and helps homeowners save on their energy bills. However, despite these benefits, system balancing is not always carried out as part of an installation, which represents a missed opportunity.
Thermostatic radiator valves are essential tools in this, and should, ideally, already be installed on all radiators for improved heating control.
This is something that the updated Boiler Plus is also expected to mandate. This underlines just how important this technology is for enhancing the overall performance of the heating system.
Smart heating controls
The type of heating control installed with a gas boiler can also make a world of difference when it comes to efficiency.
In 2018, Boiler Plus set out the requirement for time and temperature controls to be fitted with any combi boiler installation, as well as the need to feature one of four additional measures: load compensation, weather compensation, a smart control, or a flue gas recovery unit.
With Boiler Plus set to be expanded to include conventional boilers as well as combi boilers in 2022, this means that every gas boiler will require adequate heating controls to be installed too. Plus, heating engineers will need to carefully consider which of the additional measures is going to be the best fit for their customer.
While load and weather compensation – which can reduce gas use by up to 10 and 12% respectively – can often be found in programmable thermostats, many smart controls on the market also offer these features. Smart controls can therefore easily meet not just one, but multiple additional measures mandated by Boiler Plus.
For example, Wiser’s Eco Mode combines weather compensation and optimum stop to adapt heating schedules according to changing weather conditions.
Additionally, some smart controls already on the market today offer the capability to build a multi-zone system, using smart radiator thermostats; something that, according to research by the University of Salford, can reduce energy consumption by 19%.
There are plenty of small changes that installers can make to customers’ existing heating systems that can already help reduce carbon emissions now, as we prepare to make more significant alterations to how we heat our homes in the future.
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