FAR SIGHTED BOILER LEGISLATION DECISION REACHES MILESTONE
10 years ago the simple decision to make condensing boilers mandatory in the UK has proved far sighted. The Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) say that of all energy efficiency schemes and regulations introduced in this period that simple decision has proved the most effective in terms of fuel, energy and CO2 savings. Yet this success is tempered by the knowledge that there is still a long way to go, with an estimated 8 million non-condensing boilers still in UK homes.
28 May 2015 – 10 years ago new legislation came into effect making it mandatory to install condensing boilers in UK homes for upgrades and new installations – a far sighted decision according to the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) who say that of all the energy efficiency schemes and measures introduced in this period that simple change to regulations has proved the most effective in terms of fuel, energy and CO2 savings.
Now around 1.5 million condensing boilers are sold every year and on average they are 30% more efficient (than the boiler they replace) and 15-30% lower in emissions. For homeowners that could trim an average energy bill by at least £300. Another very important outcome of the mass take-up of condensing boilers is that it has significantly reduced the number of gas-fired carbon monoxide poisoning incidents.
Commenting, B&ES spokesman Mark Oakes said, “The modern generation of ultra efficient condensing ‘A-rated’ boilers convert around 95% of the fuel they use and can be up to 40% more fuel efficient than the older boilers they replace.
“However, the majority of homes in the UK still have either ‘F’ or ‘G’ rated boilers; at best these convert around 70% of the fuel they use into useful heat but it can be as low as 60% efficiency.
“So despite the resounding success of condensing boilers there is still a long way to go, with an estimated 8 million homes in the UK having non-condensing boilers. The rewards though are very clear: if every home in the UK had a condensing boiler, emissions would be reduced by 17.5 million tonnes, which would translate into savings of £1.3 billion on energy bills each and every year.”
It’s not difficult to find a reputable, reliable registered engineer to provide you with a “no obligation” quote for replacing your old boiler – simply visit the TrustMark website at: http://www.trustmark.org.uk.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert. Tel: 44(0)1256 472020;
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010; E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to editors
Since its formation in 1904, B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association (formerly the HVCA) has represented the interests of companies engaged in a wide range of building and engineering services including domestic heating and renewable technologies.
B&ES members are subject to regular, third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability, carried out by an independent certification body at least every three years.
B&ES members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople.
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