PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2026 10 Energy Matters Boiler tweaks deliver more savings


Almost 8 million UK households could save an average of £57 a year by adjusting the flow temperature of their combi boiler, according to research by Nesta, the research and innovation foundation. Lowering the flow temperature to 60°C


or below can help the boiler operate more efficiently by recovering and reusing heat that would otherwise escape through the flue. Nesta commissioned Cambridge


Architectural Research to assess the potential savings from simple energy- saving measures. Its findings suggest that 7.5 million homes (26% of UK households) could benefit from these adjustments. Savings could rise to £220 a year by


combining six free measures, which Nesta estimates could cut the average household’s annual energy bill by 28%. The additional measures include


switching off the boiler’s pre-heat function, which keeps water hot when it is not needed, and turning down thermostatic radiator valves in rooms outside the main living area. Reducing the room thermostat from 20°C to 19°C can also help lower consumption.


Cost of heat a


growing concern Half of UK households are concerned about the cost of running their homes, with 35% worried about being able to afford heating this winter, according to a report by trade comparison site MyBuilder.com. The Energy Squeeze report examines how rising energy costs are affecting household finances and behaviour, and the barriers preventing homeowners from making energy- efficiency improvements. The statistics suggest that close


to half of Brits (46%) feel that their bills are out of their control, while 8%


Industry viewpoint Technical competence


The publication of Mandatory Technical Competencies (MTCs) represents a significant step towards establishing a more consistent approach to engineer competence. Kevin Lowe, technical manager at HHIC, explains more.


P Other recommendations include closing


curtains at night to reduce heat loss through windows and shortening the heating season by switching off the heating when it is no longer needed in spring. Nesta is encouraging households to take


part in its Money Saving Boiler Challenge, which provides guidance on all six measures through a free online tool. The online tool provides step-by-step guidance on making each adjustment, helping householders identify where savings can be made without compromising comfort. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/10


of respondents have turned to credit or borrowed from family or friends to pay an energy bill. The research also reveals that:


• 76% admit to watching how much


electricity they are using – and 66% are monitoring their gas usage.


showers, while 41% admit that they plan to only heat the room they are in over winter, as opposed to their whole home.


• 18% stated that they are taking shorter • 46% feel that the government is not


providing enough financial support to those who want to make their property more energy efficient.


• One in ten of respondents say that


energy costs are causing arguments in their households. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/11


Record sunshine, big benefits


The UK’s sunniest year on record helped the average home solar system generated 5,226kWh of electricity in 2025, worth almost £758 in combined energy bill savings and export earnings, according to research by Uswitch. The figure


comprises £170 saved by using electricity directly in the home and £588 earned from exporting surplus power to the grid. Collectively, the estimated benefit to the UK’s 1.6 million solar households was £1.21 billion. However, how much households


benefit depends partly on when they use electricity. Those out at work during the day typically use just 12.5% of the electricity their panels generate, compared with 24.7% for households occupied throughout the day. The latter could achieve an estimated £842 in annual savings and export income.


Almost 182,000


new domestic solar systems were installed in 2025, adding 881MW of capacity. Meanwhile, 2026 has continued the trend for sunshine, with July becoming the sunniest month on record for the year, according to the Met Office.


Uswitch says households that are out


during the day could increase the value of their systems by installing battery storage, allowing surplus daytime generation to be used in the evening rather than exported. “2025 has shown just how much value a


genuinely sunny year can unlock for solar households,” says Ben Gallizzi, Uswitch solar energy expert. “If sunny conditions like this become the norm rather than the exception, that value only stands to grow, and cheaper panels, bigger systems and rising battery adoption all point the same way.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/12


ublished by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) on 1 July, the MTCs establish a common framework for demonstrating competence across


government-authorised competent person schemes in England and Wales. They replace the previous MTCs, reinforcing the mandatory nature of the requirements for installers carrying out notifiable building work under self- certification schemes. This is an important distinction.


Competence is not simply about holding a particular qualification – it is about demonstrating the knowledge, skills and experience needed to carry out work safely and to the required standard.


Beyond qualifications For heating and plumbing engineers, the MTC framework recognises that competence is built on a combination of technical knowledge, practical skills, workplace experience, professional behaviours and continuing professional development (CPD). Engineers undertaking notifiable


heating and plumbing work will need to demonstrate competence across a range of core areas, including health and safety, building services engineering principles, pipework processes, hot and cold water systems, and central heating systems. This approach reflects the reality of


working in a sector where technologies, products and regulatory requirements continue to evolve. Qualifications remain important, but they are only one part of the picture. An engineer must also be able to apply their knowledge in practice, recognise the limits of their competence and keep their skills up to date. Additional requirements will apply to


those working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs), reflecting the wider objectives of the Building Safety Act 2022. These provisions reinforce the importance of competence, accountability and appropriate standards of work in buildings where the consequences of failure can be particularly serious.


Recognising experience One of the biggest challenges now facing the sector is how to implement the new framework in a way that recognises existing skills and experience while ensuring that all engineers meet the required standards. The UK heating industry has a


substantial, established workforce, with approximately 130,000 Gas Safe registered engineers and a significant number of installers who work on electrical, oil/ liquid and solid fuel heating systems. Many have years of practical experience and existing qualifications, alongside a strong track record of delivering safe and effective installations. It is essential that there are clear,


evidence-based routes for these engineers to map their existing qualifications, training and experience against the new competencies.


The objective should be to identify and


address genuine gaps in competence, rather than create unnecessary duplication for experienced professionals. A clear process will help installers understand what is required of them, while giving certification bodies and training providers a consistent basis on which to assess competence.


Framework for heat pumps Alongside the implementation of the MTCs, industry working groups are active across heating controls, heat pumps and other technologies. Their work is helping to develop implementation plans, competency frameworks and supporting guidance for certification bodies, training providers and installers. The development of a competency


framework for heat pump installers is particularly important as the transition towards lower-carbon heating continues. Heat pumps bring different technical


considerations from conventional boiler installations, including system design, commissioning, controls and the relationship between the heat source and the building’s heat distribution system. Installers need the appropriate knowledge and practical skills to ensure systems operate safely, efficiently and in line with their design requirements. As the market develops, it is vital that


competence frameworks keep pace with the technologies being installed. This means establishing clear expectations for the skills required, identifying appropriate ways to demonstrate competence and ensuring that training and assessment provision can support the industry’s changing needs.


Big opportunity The MTCs represent a significant opportunity to establish a more consistent baseline for competence across traditional heating and emerging renewable technologies. For consumers, the aim is greater


confidence that work carried out under self-certification schemes meets the appropriate technical and safety requirements. For the industry, a common framework should help clarify expectations, support professional development and encourage a stronger focus on demonstrable competence. However, the success of the framework


will depend on how effectively it is put into practice. Requirements must be clear, assessment routes must be proportionate and guidance must reflect the realities of the work undertaken by installers. At the HHIC, we recognise the


importance of ensuring that competence standards provide both consistency and clarity. By working collaboratively across the sector, we can help establish an approach that protects consumers, supports installers and enables the workforce to develop the skills needed for the future of heating. ◼ www.benchmark.org.uk


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