Boilers and Heating news, page 8
- January 2023
Economy 7 electricity tariffs rise by an average of 7.6%
Electricity-only Economy 7 customers saw average annual bills rise by £116 from 1 January 2023, a 7.6% increase driven largely by EDF and Scottish Power raising Economy 7 rates.
Future Homes Standard draft publication expected in 2023
The government has accelerated work on the Future Homes Standard, with draft publication now expected in 2023 as part of a two-stage tightening of building rules.
Redrow announces all upcoming developments will feature air source heat pumps
Redrow announced in January 2023 that all its upcoming developments would feature air source heat pumps, two years ahead of the Future Homes Standard deadline.
- December 2022
Electrification of Heat project releases latest insights on installation challenges and consumer barriers
The Electrification of Heat demonstration project has reported that 47 per cent of participants who declined a heat pump cited disruption, with installation averaging £14,800 per property.
Amazon removes two heater products including one over safety concerns
Amazon says it removed two plug-in heater products in December 2022, one over safety concerns, after Which? testing found mini heaters that failed UK electrical safety rules.
Government issued flow temperature guidance
The government issued guidance in December 2022 on lowering combi boiler flow temperature, after Which? had already been encouraging the practice before energy bills rose sharply in October 2022.
Government report finds hydrogen's role in home heating likely limited
A December 2022 government report concluded that hydrogen's role in home heating looks likely to be limited rather than widespread, and that its deployment is unlikely to prove economically viable by the 2026 decision point.
- November 2022
Rinnai launches electric Infinit-E hot water cylinder range
Rinnai has put its Infinit-E electric hot water cylinders on sale, a stainless steel range that adds an electrical option to a manufacturer known mainly for gas fired water heaters.
Electrical Fire Safety Week 2022 highlights rise in electric heater use
Electrical Safety First reports around 4 million more people in the UK are using electric heaters than a year ago, as Electrical Fire Safety Week 2022 highlights the safety risks of cheaper heating.
Navien launched the Combi Crossover range
Navien launched its ON Combi Crossover boiler range late in 2022, a category the manufacturer says can service any sized home, with the NCB700 ON able to heat three showers at once.
Part L compliance date for heating controls takes effect in Wales
BEAMA guidance confirms that Part L of the Building Regulations applies to heating controls installed with gas or oil boilers in Wales from November 2022, five months after the English date.
- October 2022
Nesta publishes analysis of heat pumps and the energy crisis
Nesta analysis published on 25 October 2022 estimates that replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump cuts gas use by more than 70% and wholesale gas costs by over £1,100 a year.
Rinnai UK launches free heating and hot water system design service
Rinnai UK has launched a free design service for heating and hot water systems, offered by email or phone and forming part of its H3 product range.
Money Saving Boiler Challenge launched by Nesta and partners
Nesta launched the Money Saving Boiler Challenge with Which?, Energy UK, EDF, E.ON Next and Octopus Energy, an online tool guiding households to lower combi boiler flow temperature to 60°C or below.
Grant UK launches Uflex and Uflex MINI Overlay underfloor heating systems
Grant UK has added the Uflex and Uflex MINI Overlay System to its underfloor heating range, a dry, non-screeded option intended for retrofit projects where floors cannot be raised much.
Charity warns of household fire risk as millions plan to use electric heaters this winter
Electrical Safety First says 42 per cent of UK adults are using or considering an electric heater to heat a single room this winter, an eight point rise on last year, and warns of fire risk from unsafe use.
CO alarm requirement for landlords in England took effect
From 1 October 2022 landlords in England must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any living accommodation room containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Energy bills increased sharply
Which? has said it was encouraging households to lower combi boiler flow temperatures before energy bills rose sharply in October 2022, ahead of government guidance that December.
HETAS brings back #getfiredup campaign for 2022
HETAS has relaunched its #getfiredup campaign for October 2022, promoting approved retailers and Cleaner Choice solid fuel appliances to consumers as the heating season begins.
Nesta analysis finds energy crisis has narrowed the whole life cost gap between heat pumps and gas boilers
Nesta analysis published in October 2022 found the energy crisis moved heat pumps £100 to £250 a year closer to gas boilers on whole life cost, with combined policies making them cheaper still.
- September 2022
Up to £1.5 billion Help to Heat funding launched for SHDF wave 2 and Home Upgrade Grant
The government has opened up to £1.5 billion in Help to Heat funding for social housing providers and local authorities in England to upgrade around 130,000 low-income and social homes.
CIPHE warns households about burn and scald risks from heating hacks
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has warned that cost of living driven changes to heating systems may cause burns and scalds, especially in households with young, elderly or disabled occupants.
- August 2022
Nesta calls for COVID-style government response to cut household gas use 20% by next winter
Nesta has urged the government to set a target of cutting household energy demand by 20% by next winter, through boiler settings, smart thermostats and insulation.
Warmer Homes Scotland criteria revised
Scottish ministers revised the eligibility criteria for Warmer Homes Scotland in August 2022, widening access to the national fuel poverty scheme, particularly for households aged 60 to 75.
- July 2022
Scottish Government launches New Building Heat Standard Part II consultation
The Scottish Government has opened a 12 week consultation on plans to stop direct emissions heating systems being installed in new homes and non-domestic buildings warranted from April 2024.
Nesta launches beta web tool to help households lower boiler flow temperature
Nesta has published a beta web tool that gives households tailored instructions on changing boiler settings, saying lower flow temperatures could cut household energy use by 6 to 8 per cent.
Mitchell & Webber calls for government backing of HVO as oil heating alternative
Cornish oil supplier Mitchell & Webber has converted more than 50 oil-fired appliances to hydro-treated vegetable oil since 2020 and is calling for government backing of a national HVO demonstration.
Scottish Government publishes New Build Heat Standard Consultation: Part II
The Scottish Government has opened a second consultation on its New Build Heat Standard, proposing to ban direct emissions heating systems in new buildings applying for a building warrant from 1 April 2024.
Sustainable Warmth Competition programme launches in Elmdon and Foleshill
Two retrofit schemes have launched in the West Midlands, including a £2.86m Sustainable Warmth Competition programme in Elmdon, Solihull, and Foleshill, Coventry, alongside £7.5m for social housing.
Worcester Bosch publishes new build heating and hot water brochure
Worcester Bosch has published a July 2022 new build brochure setting out its Greenstar gas boilers, controls, cylinders and air to water heat pumps for housebuilders and specifiers.