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What is Boiler Plus?

Boiler Plus is government legislation that aims to regulate and improve the way homes use energy by increasing the efficiency of their heating systems.
Woman using a sensoHOME smart control

What is Boiler Plus?

If you’re looking to update your heating system, or simply want to ensure you are receiving the best efficiency possible, we’ll help you understand the steps necessary to comply with the government regulation.

To comply with Boiler Plus, there are two main requirements:

  • Your heating system must meet or exceed an ErP (energy-related products) efficiency of 92% during operation.
  • All installations must have time and temperature controls fitted if they aren't already present and working correctly.

Who is affected by Boiler Plus regulations?

All households are subject to the government-led rules set out, meaning that any new boiler installations after April 2018 must comply with the standards. Any boilers already installed in a home will not be subject to the regulations.

Woman using a sensoROOM pure room thermostat

How to comply ?

A large portion of the heating market consists of combi boilers. Your boiler which will need to meet one of four extra criteria to comply with Boiler Plus.

Your installer will discuss each requirement with you to figure out which one will best suit your circumstances. This means each installation will include a consultancy aspect needed for each boiler swap.

The measures available are:

  • Load compensation - the ability to modulate the flow temperature from the boiler based on the actual room temperature, this requires the control and boiler to ‘speak’ the same language.
  • Weather compensation - the ability to modulate the flow temperature from the boiler based on the outdoor temperature.
  • Smart control - A control that provides automation and optimisation.
  • PFGHRD (Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Device).

Any changes made to your heating system should be performed by a certified installer, as they will be able to effectively install, test the equipment and ensure your heating system meets the efficiency requirements set out by the legislation.

Boiler Plus in Scotland and Wales

Please note:

As of late 2022, Boiler Plus standards have been introduced in Scotland and Wales with some slight differences to those set in England.

Boiler Plus in Wales

Boiler Plus policy in Wales includes the requirement for the smart thermostat to also feature remote access.

For a complete solution that meets the 4 additional measures of Boiler Plus in Wales, we would recommend pairing an ecoTEC plus with a sensoHOME or sensoCOMFORT and myVAILLANT connect.

Boiler Plus in Scotland

Boiler Plus policy in Scotland meanwhile has been expanded to apply to all gas boiler replacements (so includes system and open vent boilers as well as combi).

Controls requirements remain the same as England.

What Vaillant controls comply with Boiler Plus?

Using Vaillant controls, you can easily, effortlessly and efficiently meet the requirements for Boiler Plus.

Vaillant offers a range of solutions to meet all requirements:

FAQs

  • What is load compensation?

    Load compensation is when the boiler modulates the temperature by using the actual room temperature, ensuring maximum efficiency.

  • What is weather compensation?

    Weather compensation is technology that uses environmental data to understand the thermal behaviour in and around a property.

    The weather compensation feature on Vaillant’s smart controls uses weather forecast data to understand the outside temperature. It then adjusts the heat going to the radiators or underfloor heating system for optimum efficiency.

  • How will a control help me to increase the efficiency of my heating system?

    A control can help you to only use energy when you need it to. You can program your specific timings so that the boiler knows when to work.

  • Can I use non-Vaillant controls with Vaillant products?

    Whilst some non-Vaillant controls do work with our products, Vaillant controls have been specifically designed to work with Vaillant boilers thanks to our very own eBUS technology.

    eBUS is the way Vaillant products communicate with each other. Your control and boiler will talk to eachotther to and make decisions based on your heating requirements.

    It enables constant precision control helping you to save energy on your heating bills and increase efficency.

  • Do I need to upgrade my existing heating system after April 6th 2018?

    No you do not need to do anything if you are happy with your current heating system. You will have to comply if you are having a new system installed though.

  • What if I don't want a app-based control?

    Our range of controls are easy and straightforward to use, even when using an app on your smartdevice.

    Controlling your heating on your phone has numerous advantages and allows you to be smarter with your heating. You will be able to control your heating on the go and helping you to save money on your bills.

    However, we have a range of controls that are not app controlled that are still compliant with Boiler Plus.

  • What is Flue Gas Heat Recovery?

    This is when flue gases (which are normally released and lost) are captured by a Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Device and reused to provide heating within the boiler. The ecoTEC exclusive with Green iQ has this built in and is our first product which meets Boiler Plus out of the box.

  • Where can I find an installer that is aware of Boiler Plus?

    Vaillant Advance installers have been provided with an in-depth overview of Boiler Plus and you can find your local installer here.

Discover more about Vaillant controls

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Read more

  1. Ultimate guide to smart heating

    Read here

  2. What is a smart thermostat and are they worth it?

    Read here

  3. View all controls

    Browse here