Plumbheat Summer 2017

Newsleaks
Get ready for Energy Labelling
THE ENERGY Labelling directive
has been introduced in the UK
and Europe to help consumers
make informed choices on solid
fuel appliances in relation to
the efficiency of the appliance.
With the first of the new Energy
Labelling requirements for solid
fuel appliances coming into
effect this April, industry body
HETAS has compiled a guide to
help installers and manufacturers
get to grips with the changes.
“The new Energy Labelling
directive affects both installers
and manufacturers,” says Bruce
Allen, CEO of HETAS. “While
the new legislation has been
brought in to make consumer
choice on appliances easier,
manufacturers will need to
ensure that their products are
appropriately labelled, and
installers will need to have
a good understanding of
the requirements to ensure
commissioned installations are
in compliance.”
Energy Labels which can
already be found on a number
of domestic appliances such as
refrigerators offer a ratings score
based on the overall verified
efficiency of the appliance.
Bruce continues: “Energy
Labels are an important tool
for consumers to determine
whether a product will cut their
carbon footprint and save them
money on energy bills.”
This April, the Energy Labelling
directive was implemented on
independent boiler appliances
and come January 2018,
roomheater stove appliances will
be required to comply with the
new legislation. Woodburning
and biomass appliances will
likely be categorised as an A
rating due to their renewable
and zero carbon characteristics.
Appliances capable of burning
solid mineral and other fossil
fuels such as gas and oil are
likely to be classed lower.
To help ensure the new
regulations are being met,
the European Commission
has created an “Energy Label
Generator” which manufacturers
and installers can use. Bruce
comments: “The user simply
fills in the relevant performance
details of the appliance to
generate the applicable Energy
Label in a PDF format which can
be printed and passed onto the
installer or consumer.” HETAS
has also developed a range of
calculator tools and guides which
can be found in the members’
technical area on its website:
https://www.hetas.co.uk/
members-area/
“These calculations can
be used by manufacturers to
calculate an accurate Energy
Efficiency Index (EEI) for each
specific appliance sold as
calculations for independent
boiler appliances are different
to that of roomheater stove
appliances. Our online tools will
also aid installers in determining
energy efficiency ratings on
system packages. System
packages which contain multiple
technologies within the scope
of the directive (supplementary
heat sources, hot water storage,
temperature control devices
and/or solar panels) will be
affixed with a label based on
the energy efficiency of the
complete package. This will also
indicate the energy rating of the
solid fuel appliance,” Bruce adds.
It is the manufacturer’s
responsibility to ensure an eligible
label is affixed to all solid fuel
and biomass products and that
the labels meet the required
design parameters detailed in
the directive. Bruce continues:
“It is worth noting that any new
applications on the HETAS
approved product scheme after
April will require an Energy Label
to be submitted with the Product
Fiche which provides critical
performance information for the
purchaser or installer. For existing
products listed with HETAS, a
copy of the required information
will be requested at the time of
renewal of listings in the HETAS
Guide at the end of this year.”
For installers, it’s important
that they understand what the
Energy Labelling requirements
represent to support customers
with appliance selection and
choice. “Consumers will want to
know what a higher rated energy
labelled appliance will mean
for them. Installers will need to
know what to look out for in
ensuring compliant solid fuel
appliances and boiler systems are
being purchased from reputable
suppliers,” Bruceadds. All Energy
Labels will be associated with
a relevant reference number,
allowing installers to track energy
ratings back to the supplier/
manufacturer should any queries
arise during installation.
For more information on the
Energy Labelling requirements,
advice and downloadable
guides, HETAS members should
visit the technical area on the
website: https://www.hetas.
co.uk/members-area/ •
New Members
Welcome to our newest member firms
Alba Facilities Services Ltd.............................................. Glasgow
Amber Gas Group Ltd,............................................Clackmannan
Andrew Mackay Plumbing & Heating....................... Munlochy
Aquaflow Plumbing & Heating................................. Carnoustie
City Technical Services (UK) Ltd.................................. Glasgow
D D H Plumbing & Heating Ltd.................................... Inverurie
D Marriott Plumbing & Heating Ltd...................... East Kilbride
Eco Install Scotland Ltd............................................ East Linton
Gordon Ingram Plumbing & Heating.............................. Huntly
J C L Plumbing & Heating Ltd..................................... Kirkcaldy
K Brady Plumbing Ltd........................................................ Airdrie
K Spittal Plumbing & Heating............................... Helensburgh
Mark McDonald Plumbing & Heating................... Fraserburgh
Pawlett Plumbing & Heating Ltd............................... Banchory
R M Home Maintenance................................................. Dingwall
Richard Watt Plumbing & Heating Engineer........... Aberdeen
S S E Contracting Ltd....................................................... Glasgow
Strath Plumbing & Heating Ltd.................................Strathpeffer
4 Summer 2017