What are the boiler rules and regulations for installing a new boiler in the UK?
If you are planning to fit or replace an existing gas boiler, you are required to install a condensing boiler.
This is a legal requirement in Part L1 of the Building Regulations that relate to the conservation of fuel and power so you need to get it right!
Why should you install a condensing boiler?
Gas-fired boilers installed after 1 April 2005, and oil-fired boilers installed after 1 April 2007 have to be condensing boilers, whether they are replacements or new installations. We’ve got no choice!
Condensing boilers are more efficient than ordinary boilers as they produce less carbon dioxide, and they still easily meeting the heating requirements of all homes.
You really will be helping to reduce your impact on the environment!
Condensing boilers reduce the amount of heat that is lost through the flue compared with ordinary boilers, converting 86% or more of the fuel they use into useful heat (older non-condensing types of boilers may convert as little as 60% of the fuel to useful heat).
The new standards apply only if you decide to change your existing hot-water central-heating boiler or if you decide to change to one of these boilers from another form of heating system. You are not required to replace your existing boiler if it passes the standard safety inspections.
Climate change has been caused by increasing amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere, about 16 per cent of the carbon dioxide that the UK produces has come from the gas and oil boilers that are installed in our homes.
How will a condensing boiler benefit you?
They may be more expensive to install (although costs are coming down all the time), but you will save money on your heating bills and you’ll help to tackle climate change.
Condensing boilers are getting smaller and smaller too, so you’ll be able to fit them into tighter spaces.
Do you have to have a condensing boiler?
You don’t… You are required to have a condensing boiler fitted if it is reasonable to do so, but the law recognises that non-condensing boilers are acceptable if it would be too difficult to install a condensing boiler in your home.
Your installer will tell you whether your circumstances are too difficult.
Who should install your boiler?
For gas-fired boilers, the installers you employ must be Council for Registered Gas Installers (GAS SAFE) registered as a safety and legal requirement, and they should also be capable of installing condensing boilers.
For oil-fired boilers, you can employ an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) registered installer or some other reputable installer that is capable of installing condensing boilers. OFTEC members are approved to certify that their work meets building regulations.
If you employ an installer who is not registered with OFTEC, you will need to tell your local authority’s building control department before the installation work begins.
In all cases, check that your installer has recent qualifications in energy efficiency, GAS SAFE or OFTEC can confirm this for you.
If the installation is for an oil-fired boiler, an alternative would be to ask your installer if they hold a Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating or an equivalent qualification.
