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The Government has an on-going strategy to reduce carbon emissions, across many sectors. For us and our Williams Trade Only customers, this means the heating sector.

To achieve what is required in terms of reducing emissions from domestic properties, the Building Regulations (in England) have changed and took effect on June 15th, 2022. Parts L, F and O all have new minimum standards to be aware of when installing a new heating system.

These changes come as an interim measure to tackle carbon emissions before the Future Homes Standard (which will complement Building Regulations) takes effect to ensure new build homes from 2025 produce between 75-80% less carbon emissions than those homes built under existing Building Regulations.

For gas installers and heating engineers, this can mean a change in a) the type of heating system specified and b) the way it is installed.

When it comes to installing a new system, these changes will depend on whether the property is a new build or an existing property. For the latter it will also depend on whether the heating system is being completely replaced or in part only, such as replacing just the boiler.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

NEW HOMES	EXISTING HOMES
31% Reduction of Carbon Emissions	Heating system designs to accept low-carbon heating in future
Mitigate Risk of Overheating	Adopt FEES for new extensions.
Adopt FEES to measure energy efficiency
Maximum flow temperature requirement of 55°C
Ventilation Improvements
All domestic central heating systems must be prepared and commissioned to BS 7593:2019.

(FEES – Fabric Energy Efficiency Standards)

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

Here are some of the key takeaways, though please consult the Building Regulations Approved Documents for all the relevant changes associated with the installation you are or will be working on. Links can be found at the end of this article.

WATER TREATMENT

Compliance with BS 7593:2019 means water quality checks must be carried out by law. This is to help keep central heating systems working at optimum efficiency and could extend the life expectancy of the boiler with fewer repairs.

All systems, new AND existing, should be flushed (with fresh water) and chemically cleaned during every new install, annual service and repair.
In-line filters need to be fitted immediately after cleaning
Inhibitor must be added, and levels checked annually.
In-line filters must be cleaned and serviced as part of recommissioning.
Biocides are required for low temperature systems, below 60 degrees.
Re-dose the inhibitor or complete a full analysis of system water every 5 years.
PROVIDE EVIDENCE - It is a legal requirement to complete a commissioning checklist to show compliance with BS7593:2019.

You can use a wide range of products to improve water quality to meet the required standards as described above.

AIRTIGHTNESS

To reduce unwanted heat loss through the air barrier (the wall of a property) when installing services pipes, flues and ventilation ducts a flexible collar, such as a Pipesnug / Flue Snug, should now always be used.

LOWER FLOW RATE TEMPERATURE

In new build homes and existing properties requiring an entirely new heating system, the new maximum flow rate of 55°C applies. If you are simply changing a boiler this does not apply, however, if you do reduce the flow rate temperature in this situation you are required to do a full room by room heat loss calculation before starting the job using the method now required as stated in the approved document.

TRV’s are also important for ensuring a heating system is operating efficiently and should now be installed on every radiator (excluding the room where the thermostat is located) even when it’s just the boiler being replaced. TRV’s can help to balance the heating system during the installation of a boiler by setting up the output of each radiator based on the heat loss calculated for that room.

Under Floor Heating (UFH) could also be an option in a new build or a refurbishment property. With UFH, lower temperatures are normal due to the floor being a huge heat emitter compared to a much smaller radiator in the same size room.

OTHER LOWER CARBON SYSTEMS

Air Source Heat Pumps are just one of the alternative solutions for reducing carbon emissions. When used with under floor heating and high efficiency radiators, such as those made from aluminium, you can achieve the maximum benefit of a low flow rate temperature.

For further information please see the links below to the Approved Documents and other information from some of our suppliers, to help installers navigate the changes.

Links to Approved Documents:

Conservation of Fuel and Power Approved Document L
Ventilation Approved Document F
Overheating Approved Document O

Here are just a few articles from some of our suppliers / manufacturers:

Fernox
Adey / Adey BS75993
Baxi
Grant
Pipesnug
Drayton
Worcester-Bosch
Inta

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Building Regulation Changes June 2022