Burning issue
If ErP is the stick, the carrots are plenty
Where like-for-like boiler replacements are no longer possible, what’s the solution to achieving compliance and improved energy efficiency, asks Andy Green, Remeha’s technical director
greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations like the European Union’s Energy-related Products Directive (ErP) aim to drive this initiative by encouraging less efficient products to be replaced with higher efficiency, new generation heating technology across Europe. Ahead of Brexit, the Government has announced
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its proposal to convert all EU law into UK law. This means that all EU legislation will apply in the UK, at least until the formal departure date of March 2019. So it’s worth noting the new ErP legislation due to come into effect in 2018. Nearly two years ago, ErP introduced tighter
energy efficiency requirements for all space heaters, including boilers up to and including 400kW in September 2015. The one exception has been the direct, like-for-
like replacement of non-condensing pressure jet boiler shells or burners which were initially out of scope of the regulation to enable spares provision. However, from 1 January 2018 the window of opportunity for replacing burners or shells for old- style pressure jet boilers below 400kW closes firmly. This is followed later in the year by the
introduction of mandatory ErP NOx requirements. From 26 September 2018, maximum NOx emissions of 56mg/kWh will be enforced for gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) boilers and 120mg/kWh for oil-fired boilers on both new build and replacement projects.
Impact of ErP on manufacturers
Manufacturers have been encouraged to engineer ever-higher efficiencies into their products, improving performance and reducing energy consumption. Condensing boilers are the most efficient of all boiler types, with the latest models
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n today’s uncertain times, being energy efficient is more important than ever to protect energy security while reducing energy costs and
now achieving near maximum efficiencies. As a result of the stringent demands on boiler efficiency, ErP has made it mandatory to install condensing boilers on small and medium sized projects.
The 2018 regulations The move towards condensing boilers is set to
continue when like-for-like replacements are no longer possible and mandatory NOx requirements are enforced. Again, advanced condensing boilers are ahead of the game, future-proofed to ErP 2018 NOx levels with ultra-low emissions at or below 40mg/kWh. Certain models are also certified for operation on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), providing a viable solution for off-grid organisations looking to switch to a more sustainable fuel source.
In practice
On new build projects, the focus should be on ensuring that only ErP-compliant high-efficiency low NOx heating products are specified and installed. The challenge could lie with refurbishment
projects where like-for-like boiler replacements are no longer an option. The legislation applies only to new equipment, but it’s advisable to plan ahead in readiness for next year. A move to condensing boilers can and should be a seamless transition. However, allowing sufficient planning time provides the opportunity to accommodate any additional design factors into the schedule and budget – including flueing arrangements and/or a change of fuel source. This is particularly relevant where several properties are involved, each served by a number of boilers. In such scenarios, implementing a rolling change programme is a practical means of ensuring a smooth changeover. After all, no-one wants to be in an emergency situation beyond economical repair. With a planned, staged
replacement programme there is adequate time to design and budget for the most appropriate solution that will maximise energy and cost savings. And as the phased replacements can be carried out in a live environment, this approach also minimises any disruption. ErP aside, condensing boilers provide numerous advantages for contractors and installers. Lightweight and compact, they are easy to handle and install. And with extended design options, they offer far greater flexibility to overcome the problem of restricted available space in plantrooms. Cascade packages for floor-standing and wall-hung boilers, for example, are a high-quality, speedy solution to achieving a high heat output in a tiny footprint. At the same time, their high turndown ratio enables accurate matching of the building’s heat load while ensuring more reliable heating and easier maintenance and servicing. The rapid advancement of condensing technology reinforces the valuable role of manufacturers in heating refurbishment projects. Strong technical skills combined with in-depth product knowledge make manufacturers like Remeha well placed to support contractors, specifiers and asset managers with the implementation of rolling replacement programmes. As a first step, we would recommend a site visit to survey the existing boiler plant, identify any potential future challenges, and present the most appropriate solutions. Improving the energy performance of the UK’s existing buildings is one of the greatest challenges facing the building services industry today. And if ErP is the stick, then the many carrots include more comfortable, productive living and work environments, lower energy bills and cleaner air. With the ready availability of high-efficiency, low NOx gas and LPG condensing boilers, ErP requirements are entirely achievable. But don’t leave it too late – start planning now and avoid being caught out.
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