Boiler Plus Weather Compensation Fact Sheet

Boiler Plus introduces mandatory new standards for domestic heating from April 2018. One of the key changes will require an additional energy saving measure to be specified and fitted whenever a new or replacement gas combination boiler is installed in a domestic property in England. One of the following technologies must be chosen:

• Flue gas heat recovery systems
• Weather compensation
• Load compensation
• Smart controls with automation and optimisation functions

While these technologies are not new to the market, the fact that they will be mandatory from April puts a certain pressure on installers to know they key points to enable them to offer best advice to customers.  

Where can I find out more about the eligible technologies?

Unsurprisingly, many of installers working within the industry have brought up questions surrounding the qualifying technologies, and how they can help consumers make a suitable choice that reflects the needs of their household and the nature of the building. To help both installers and consumers get up to speed on these energy saving measures, the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) have launched a series of guides covering the four specified technologies.   The first installer factsheet covers weather compensation, click the button below to download it.   Speaking about the guide, Martyn Bridges - Director of Marketing and Technical Support at Worcester Bosch Group and chair of HHIC Boiler Technical Panel, said: “With the advent of the Boiler + standards, entering into force in April 2018, we know that many installers will be keen to learn more about the four technologies eligible for installation with a replacement gas combination boiler, at least one of which must be specified and fitted alongside the boiler. “Through discussion at HHIC meetings, and whilst the policy was at a formative stage, we identified that there was a need to provide a simple and effective way to assist in educating and supporting installers less familiar with the concepts, principles and installation considerations for weather compensation. “We decided that an industry factsheet would be the best approach, helping installers grasp the key points, and instilling them with the confidence to undertake more focused training if necessary. “DBEIS have placed great emphasis on the importance of installer skills and competence to the success of Boiler +, not least through the correct specification and installation of control options based on property, consumer and system considerations.   “This document can only help aid the UK installer in their transition to working more frequently with weather compensating controls, particularly as it has been developed in consultation with appliance manufacturers, installation businesses, training providers and other leading industry representatives.” We’ll let you know when more guidance is put out so watch this space.