Building Regulations udpate

"Parts F, J and L of the Building Regulations will all see changes implemented in October, but the most notable alterations for heating engineers come within ADL (approved document part L) which covers energy efficiency.

"This document has been under consultation for two years and we will see the latest changes made in the Autumn, but further changes will be implemented in 2013 and again in 2015/2016.

"The main change is requirement for a 25% improvement in energy efficiency for any new build dwelling. This means that any new build property plans approved from 1st October 2010 onwards must be 25% more efficient than the original Building Regulations standards of 2006. This will bring us in line with level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

"Within this, the most notable change for the heating industry is that installers can only fit SEDBUK A rated boilers as opposed to both A and B rated appliances being allowed. This means that all boilers fitted after 1st October 2010 must be condensing boilers which operate above 90% efficiency. We're pleased to see this step forward as we have campaigned for A rated only boilers since the condensing legislation was first introduced and chose to only manufacture A rated condensing boilers from 2005.

"There is one exception where band B boilers will be allowed, which is for oil-fired combi boiler installations within existing properties.

"It is also important to be aware that within part L there is a second tier document called the Building Services Compliance Guide, which contains further changes that we are a little unclear on at the moment. We have discussed the issues with our trade body who have requested clarification from DEFRA and CLG and we hope to see a resolution soon.

"Currently in a house, with a floor area less than 150 square metres, you are required to have a minimum level of controls, which consist of a programmer or timer, a room thermostat and TRVs. You effectively have two zones in a house, sleeping accommodation and living accommodation. Under the current guidelines people can control the temperature of those two zones with TRVs with a room thermostat generally sited in a hallway. This is a good system that works well but the way the changes in the Compliance Guide are written suggests that from October, homes will need a seperate room thermostat and timer upstairs as well as downstairs.

"We don't think this is necessary for two reasons. Firstly, it is unlikely this system would work well because heat rises and therefore it will give the upstairs room thermostat a false impression of how warm it actually is. Secondly, it is very difficult, if not impossible in some situations to pipe the system in such a way that you can have individual time and temperature contols in two seperate zones.

"We have responded to say that we don't think this is the right approach and that the current regulations are quite sufficient. Once we have had clarification on this issue we shall inform our customers of the response."

 

For more information on the Building Regulations changes, visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/legislation

 

Source - Worcester Bosch Group 

Posted Date: 18th May 2010