Expert Advice & News

Boiler Plus: A Look Back at the Combi Boiler Revolution.In April 2018, the UK government introduced Boiler Plus regulations, a set of standards aimed at improving the energy efficiency of heating systems in English homes. A key component of this legislation focused on combi boilers, the most popular type of boiler in the UK. Let's take a look back at the introduction of Boiler Plus and assess its successes and pitfalls.What is Boiler Plus?Boiler Plus is a part of the government's Heat in Buil...

The Decent Homes Standard in the UK. The Decent Homes Standard is a technical standard for public housing introduced in 2006 by the United Kingdom government. It underpins the Decent Homes Programme brought in by the Blair ministry (Labour party) which aimed to provide a minimum standard of housing conditions for those housed in the public sector - i.e. in council housing or by housing associations.The standard sets out four criteria that all social housing must meet: * It must be free from ...

Decoding the Future Homes Standard (FHS): A Greener Future for Housing.The Future Homes Standard is set to be introduced in England in 2025, promising a big shift in how we build and live in our homes. While we're still waiting on the exact timeline, the FHS is designed to make homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.At its core, the FHS is about reducing the carbon footprint of new homes. It sets stricter standards for things like insulation, heating systems, and h...

Heating Up Efficiency: Understanding the Revised Part L Building Regulations. The Building Regulations, Approved Document L (Part L), has undergone a significant update, effective from June 15, 2022. These changes impact both new builds and retrofits, focusing on fuel conservation and power in existing dwellings.  For homeowners considering heating system upgrades, understanding these revisions is key.

Looking back at BS 7593:2019: A New Era for Domestic Heating and Cooling Systems.The 2019 revision of BS 7593 marks a significant advancement in how we approach the care of domestic heating and cooling water systems. Replacing the 2006 version, this updated standard doesn't just tweak existing practices; it fundamentally rethinks what constitutes best practice, shifting the focus from simply protecting the boiler to ensuring the long-term health and efficiency of the entire system.

New Efficiency Rules for Landlords. As a landlord, you're probably aware that things are changing when it comes to the energy efficiency of your rental properties. By 2030, all privately rented homes in the UK will need an Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC) rating of C or higher. So, what does this mean for you?