If you’re installing a new boiler in England, the Boiler Plus standard sets the minimum requirements. Here’s what it means for your installation, and why it’s good news for your bills.
What is Boiler Plus?
Boiler Plus is a standard for domestic heating in England that came into effect in April 2018. It raised the minimum requirements for new and replacement boiler installations, with the aim of improving efficiency and giving households better control over their heating.
The key requirements
- Minimum efficiency: all new gas boilers must have a seasonal efficiency of at least 92% (ErP). In practice this means a high-efficiency condensing boiler.
- Time and temperature controls: every installation must include controls that let you set when and to what temperature your home is heated.
- An extra measure for combis: combi boiler installations must also include one of the following, weather compensation, load compensation, flue gas heat recovery, or smart controls with automation and optimisation.
Why it matters for you
These rules are designed to cut wasted energy. A high-efficiency boiler recovers heat from flue gases that older units simply lost, and good controls mean you’re only heating your home when and where you need it. Over time, that can mean lower bills and a more comfortable home.
What about Building Regulations and Gas Safe?
Boiler Plus sits alongside your wider obligations. Any gas boiler must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will also notify the installation to Building Control. Always ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card before work begins.
Do I need to worry about the detail?
Not really, that’s our job. We install every boiler to meet the Boiler Plus standard and current Building Regulations as a matter of course, and we’ll explain the controls we recommend in plain English.
Planning a new boiler? Request a free quote and we’ll handle the compliance for you.
This article is general guidance and reflects the Boiler Plus standard for England. For the latest official requirements, refer to GOV.UK and the Gas Safe Register.