This month, the government introduced two new regulations that are set to significantly impact our homes and the way we live. These being:
- A rise in the Minimum Energy-Efficiency Standards (MEES)
- The Boiler Plus Scheme
So, what do these changes mean exactly?
MEES legislation
An Energy Performance Certificate rating can range between A (very efficient) and G (inefficient) and is used to show how energy-efficient a property is. On 1st April, the government changed the rules set out by MEES to encourage landlords that have properties with F or G EPC ratings to increase the energy-efficiency of their privately rented homes.
The following are ways of potentially boosting a property’s energy-efficiency. These include:
- Installing a new boiler
- Cavity wall installation
- Draught proofing
- Smart thermostats
- Secondary glazing
- High performance external doors
If you’re a landlord with a property that falls beneath the new threshold, we recommend you make the necessary adjustments as soon as you can; failing to do so could result in you facing a fixed penalty fine of up to £4000 (Residential Landlords Association).
Boiler Plus
The government’s Boiler Plus scheme has been launched to change the way that boilers are manufactured and installed. In a bid to improve the energy-efficiency of homes within the UK, the new legislation outlines the following:
- All gas boilers must have a minimum performance standard of 92% ErP (Energy Related Product, i.e. a rating of the product’s energy-efficiency).
- All gas and oil boilers must be fitted with time and temperature controls (programme timers and thermostats).
- All new combi boiler installations must include one of the following:
- Flue gas heat recovery systems
- Weather compensation devices
- Load compensation devices
- Smart thermostats.
As is the case for the MEES legislation, it’s important for you to abide by the regulations set out by the Boiler Plus scheme. Landlords and installers could face potential sanctions for failing to comply, whilst homeowners could face penalties for knowingly allowing substandard installations to take place.
Why have the new legislations been created?
The new regulations have been introduced as a part of the government’s Clean Growth Strategy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase our national income.
Both MEES and Boiler Plus could provide a number of advantages. For example, homeowners could lower their bills and live more comfortably by using more energy-efficient appliances, whilst landlords could potentially add value to their properties by enhancing their energy-efficiency.
There’s already been talks of the government aiming to raise the minimum energy-efficiency rating for UK homes to a C rating by 2035, so it’s clear that the government is committed to their goal of combating climate change and increasing our national finances.
Adopting an energy-efficient lifestyle could be beneficial for everyone, and installing one of Ideal’s A-rated, energy-efficient boilers could be the first step forward. Click here to view our range.
