Energy Efficiency
Electric radiators– there’s a whole ‘lot’ going on
With new legislation set to come into force next year, Richard Brown, Managing Director of Electrorad, explains why energy efficiency will now be a major consideration when selling electric radiators.
E
lectric radiators have evolved rapidly over recent years. Not only has the design and look of the radiators
changed, their energy efficiency capabilities have improved dramatically. Fuelled by homeowners’ desire to reduce energy expenditure and to match consumption to their lifestyle, it’s the radiators that offer complete freedom, flexibility, and the ultimate in energy management that will continue to steal the crown. With a wealth of brands and models available in all shapes, sizes, colours and outputs, it can be quite a challenge for wholesalers to get to grips with which ones best serve the homeowners’ needs and bring the contractor a fit and forget solution. So, let’s take a closer look. Lot 20 forms part of the EU’s Energy Efficiency
Directive and the commitment to achieving a 20% energy saving by 2020. The new legislation will dictate that all local space heaters that are manufactured for sale after 1st January 2018 in the EU must comply with a minimum efficiency standard. Lot 20 affects all local space heaters that use
electricity, gaseous or liquid fuels; these are appliances that provide heat to indoor spaces by generating heat in the location within which they are situated. Naturally, electric radiators fall into this bracket. In order to improve energy
The WiFi programmer for Electrorad’s range of Lot 20 ready Digi-Line electric radiators – Touch E3. This control hub with WiFi gateway and App enables wireless control and direct management of home heating over the internet from anywhere in the world. It also features an inbuilt energy monitor.
efficiency, Lot 20 requires that the consumption and emissions for electric radiators and other local space heaters must be reduced through the use of integral intelligent timers and controls. Considering that more than half of the energy consumed in our homes is used to heat water and space, this new legislation sounds great for the environment. But, what does it actually mean for you? The key message is that, with effect from next year, you must be mindful of when the radiators
were manufactured. After January 1st 2018, they MUST be Lot 20 compliant and MUST provide their percentage compliance scores. These scores are calculated based on the amount of energy saving features the radiators have – the more features, the higher the score. However, there’s no rush to dispose of your existing stock that was manufactured prior to the compliance date, this can still be sold. With so many radiator brands unable to meet these new requirements, even with minimum compliance scores, it’s up to you to be vigilant in checking the manufacturing date and ensuring that your radiators hold a high Lot 20 compliance score. This is where it pays to only deal with a
One of the 20 Digi-Line models that boasts advanced energy saving features and controls that are compliant with Lot 20, the new legislation governing the energy efficiency of space heaters.
38 | electrical wholesaler September 2017
reputable supplier that is renowned for quality radiators with advanced technology. They will have been working well ahead of the legislation, and will already be adding any missing functions to ensure that their products are compliant in advance of the deadline. With considerable investment, both in terms of time and money to meet the new directive, it’s feared that some radiators – and even manufacturers – may simply disappear from the market. So, what are the features needed to achieve a high compliance score? They include; accurate room thermostat controls, 7 day/24 hour timing controls, and virtual open window sensors,
www.ewnews.co.uk
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