Blue Flame Heating Solutions - Energy Efficiency

In the UK, heating and hot water systems accounts for 60 per cent of the average household fuel bill. The Energy Saving Recommended Scheme accredits the most energy efficient boilers and heating controls, helping consumers to quickly and easily identify products that use less energy and are therefore cheaper to run.

The heating industry plays a vital role in ensuring that wherever possible the most energy efficient heating systems and controls are installed. This is helped by changes in Building Regulation (part L) meaning all new boilers in Scotland have to be of the high efficiency condensing type and rated A or B on the SEDBUK scale.

What is a high-efficiency condensing boiler?

Boilers, just like fridges, washing machines, etc, are rated on their energy usage.
Condensing boilers are high-efficiency boilers that produce less carbon dioxide. They reduce the amount of heat that escapes via the flue, compared with normal boilers. Condensing boilers also convert 86% or more of the fuel they use into heat and carry the “Energy Efficiency Recommended” logo.

There is a very wide range of condensing gas boilers available and many consumers have already chosen to have a condensing boiler because of the benefits that they bring.

How will this change benefit me?

When you change your old boiler for a condensing boiler, you will:
• Save money on your heating bills.
• Play your part in helping tackle climate change.

How do I choose an installer?

A properly qualified central heating installer will understand about all the changes taking place, and will know which boiler should be fitted in your property.
When choosing an installer you should:
• Check that your installer is CORGI registered if they are fitting a gas boiler or OFTEC registered if they are fitting an oil boiler. CORGI is the Council for Registered Gas Installers and OFTEC is the Oil Firing Technical Association.
• Ask the installer whether they have completed their energy efficiency training and ask to see proof (card or certificate).
You can find out whether an installer is qualified by contacting CORGI (for gas central heating) or OFTEC (for oil central heating). You can also check whether your installer has recent qualifications in energy efficiency. Blue Flame Heating Solutions are CORGI and OFTEC Energy Efficiency registered Click here to contact us

Is it easy to fit a high efficiency boiler?

In most cases, it is very easy to fit a high efficiency boiler. The only difference is that the installer needs to fit a condensation pipe and position the flue in a location so as not to cause a nuisance to neighbours.However, there may be a few homes where it would too be difficult or expensive to do this. Your installer will be able to assess your home and if this is the case, will be able to advise you on what type of boiler can be fitted instead.

Do I have to change my boiler now?

No, you do not need to do anything until you decide to have a new boiler fitted in your home. You should then choose a qualified installer who understands about energy efficiency and the changes to Building Regulations. Contact us for an estimate.

Do I need to do anything now?

Will I receive anything in writing when I have a new boiler installed?

From July 2007, your local authority must be told when you have a new or replacement boiler fitted. Your installer should do this for you, and you should receive one of the following certificates:
'Exceptional circumstances' form
If your installer tells you it is too difficult or expensive to install a high efficiency condensing boiler in your home, they should give you a copy of the 'exceptional circumstances' form for you to keep.
Completion certificates
If your boiler is installed by a CORGI-registered or OFTEC-registered installer, you will get a 'building regulations compliance' certificate from CORGI or OFTEC after the work has been completed. CORGI or OFTEC will also tell the local authority that you have had a new or replacement boiler fitted.
You should keep these certificates as you may need them when you sell your home.

Where can I find out more?

• The Energy Saving Trust: www.est.org.uk, tel: 0845 727 7200-- for more information on energy efficient boilers and other products
• CORGI: www.trustcorgi.com/consumers.htmx, tel: 0870 401 2300 -- for general information about gas safety and to find a local registered installer
• OFTEC: www.oftec.org, tel: 0845 658 5080 - for information about oil products and to find a local registered installer.
• www.boilers.org.uk : for a detailed database of boilers on sale in the UK.

For total control and optimum efficiency using EIB Technology we work in close relationship with Keiba Solutions, please contact them for in depth information on all aspects of Home Automation including central heating and hot water controls. http://www.keibasolutions.co.uk

SEDBUK RATING

SEDBUK is an acronym for 'Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler in the UK'.
The system was developed under the UK Government's energy efficiency best practise programme with the co-operation of boiler manufacturers and provides a basis for fair comparison of different models of boilers.

The SEDBUK rating is the average annual efficiency achieved in typical domestic situations, making sensible assumptions about climate, control, pattern of usage and other similar factors. The rating is calculated from laboratory tests together with other important factors such as boiler type, fuel used, ignition type, UK climate, boiler water content and typical domestic usage patterns. For estimating annual fuel running costs SEDBUK is a better guide than laboratory test results alone.

To establish the foundation calculations for SEDBUK test work took place over three years during which a theoretical seasonal efficiency model was developed. Experimental data was obtained from over 20 different boilers, supported by data collected from field trials in 99 homes to support these theoretical assumptions. This allowed fuel usage data (termed 'signature') to be related to efficiency test results supplied by manufacturers.
The boiler's performance is then scored which enables the boiler to be placed in a banding system using a scale from "A" to "G." "A" banded boilers being the most efficient and usually termed 'condensing' boilers.

It is now a requirement to fit condensing boilers when replacing or installing central heating boilers if anyone offers to fit a boiler for you which is not of the condensing type check their CORGI registration! They are likely to be a non certified engineer and will not register the boiler with CORGI or building control and may not install it safely.