Building Regulations
In response to the volume of waste gases emitted to the atmosphere, changes to Building Regulations for England and Wales, introduced in April 2005, stipulate that:
With very few exceptions, all new domestic gas boilers installed must be high-efficiency condensing boilers, rated A on the SEDBUK scale.
All new gas boiler installations must also satisfy the new minimum requirements for heating controls (see below).
All installers fitting these boilers must be Gas Safe registered, and trained and qualified in energy efficiency and in accordance with the latest condensing boiler Building Regulations.
After completion of your new boiler installation, you will receive a certificate from your local authority confirming that the boiler complies with the latest Building Regulations. This certificate will be important should you ever decide to sell your house as it will form part of your HIPs information. (See also Low Carbon Building Programme)
Only where it is not feasible to install a condensing boiler can an installer recommend an alternative type that can be legally fitted.
Central Heating controls
The minimum requirements are:
Combination boilers
A programmer linked to a room thermostat to control independent central heating timings that will shut down the boiler when the desired temperature is reached. Alternatively, a combined programmer and room thermostat, called a programmable digistat, that will also shut down the boiler when the desired temperature is reached; this is also available as a radio frequency control unit that eliminates electrical cables and trunking.
System and Regular boilers
Minimum requirements are similar to combination boilers excepting that a programmer is fitted that will allow independent timing control of heating and hot water temperatures.
The heating system installation must be fully pumped.
Solar installations
The installation of solar panels no longer requires planning consent unless the property is a Grade II listed building or lies in a conservation area.
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