Boiler Plus Explained: What Horsham and Adur Homeowners Need to Know About New Combi Boiler Rules

Hi, I'm Andrew Tyler, a certified Gas Engineer here at Prime Boiler Care in Horsham. 

I cover the whole area, from Horsham, Southwater, Storrington, and Billingshurst down to the coast in the Adur District, including Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick, and Sompting.

I know the words "new regulation" can sound daunting, especially when it comes to your home's heating, but I want to put your mind at ease about Boiler Plus.

When this legislation came into effect on April 6th, 2018, it simply amended the existing Building Regulations in England. 

The key takeaway for you, the homeowner, is that Boiler Plus only applies when you are fitting a new combi boiler in an existing domestic property—it doesn’t apply to new builds.

Understanding the Two Core Requirements for Your New Combi Boiler.

If you're looking to replace an old, inefficient boiler in areas like Steyning, Henfield, or Pulborough, your new boiler installation must meet two main criteria to be compliant and give you the best energy savings.

1. Minimum Efficiency Standard.

Every new combi boiler we install, whether you're in Broadbridge Heath or Upper Beeding, must have a minimum 92% ErP efficiency rating. 

Modern boilers are incredibly efficient, and this standard ensures you're installing a high-quality product that will help lower your gas bills right away.

2. An Additional Energy-Saving Measure

On top of the 92% efficiency, your new combi boiler installation must also include at least one of four specific energy-saving measures. 

This is where you get to choose the best option for your home and lifestyle. 

These controls allow your boiler to operate more smartly, avoiding unnecessary energy use.

Here are your four options:

• Flue Gas Heat Recovery System (FGHRS): This is a highly efficient unit that recovers heat from the waste flue gases to pre-heat your domestic hot water. While it’s highly effective, it is generally the most involved and most expensive option for combi boiler replacement.

• Weather Compensation: This smart external sensor is usually fitted to an outside wall. It tells your boiler the outdoor temperature, allowing the boiler to automatically adjust the flow temperature of the water in your radiators. This means your heating works smarter, not harder, leading to real energy bill savings in places like Ashington and Rudgwick. Compatible boilers include Intergas, Vokera, and Vaillant.

• Load Compensation: A brilliant option that uses a thermostat to "talk" to the boiler via digital protocols like Opentherm or eBus. It regulates the flow temperature based on how close your current room temperature is to your set temperature. This avoids overheating, giving you consistent comfort and reducing your gas consumption. Again, brands like Intergas, Vokera, and Vaillant are compatible.

• Smart Controls with Automation and Optimisation: For most of my customers across the Horsham District and Adur, this is the simplest and often most affordable compliance route.

• Automation means you can programme your heating and it can sometimes detect occupancy.

• Optimisation is the clever part—the control learns how long your house takes to heat up and cool down, anticipating and adjusting the boiler's start time to hit your set temperature precisely when you need it. We regularly fit compliant controls like Nest, BeSmart, and vSmart.

Your Free Upgrade Offer for Boiler Plus Compliance.

There’s absolutely no need to worry about being compliant when you choose a reliable, Gas Safe registered engineer like myself. 

To make your new combi boiler installation in West Sussex as straightforward and efficient as possible, Prime Boiler Care is offering a FREE upgrade to either Load Compensation or Weather Compensation with every new combi boiler we fit.

This means you get a higher standard of control, maximum efficiency, and peace of mind knowing your new heating system is fully compliant, whether you're in Cowfold, Warnham, Bramber, or Faygate.

Ready for Your Energy-Efficient Boiler Upgrade?

Don't search for "boiler installation near me" and settle for less. 

Choose a local, experienced Gas Engineer who knows the regulations and covers your area, including Horsham, Southwater, Storrington, Billingshurst, Steyning, Henfield, Pulborough, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick, Sompting, and all neighbouring areas in West Sussex.

Contact me, Andrew Tyler, at Prime Boiler Care today for a free, no-obligation quote on your Boiler Plus compliant combi boiler replacement.

Call Prime Boiler Care now to claim your FREE control upgrade:

01403 814602

Prime Boiler Care

Suite 54, Standby Business Centre

Foundry Lane

Horsham, West Sussex, England, RH13 5PX