Come 26 September, all newly installed heating and hot water systems, including combination and those sold as a package including renewable energy, will have to display an energy efficiency label rating each system from A+++ to G, where A+++ is the most energy efficient.
The hope is that homeowners and businesses will have a simple way of determining how energy efficient a system or product is when deciding which system to have installed. This scheme follows other successful energy efficiency labels for washing machines, fridges and air conditioning.
The highest A+++ energy efficiency label will only apply to systems that include renewable energy, such as solar thermal hot water heating.
In addition to the new regulations, the launch of a new package label has been created amongst an alliance of trade bodies across Europe as part of the LabelPack A+ project. The online tool will allow heating and hot water professionals to calculate and generate the labels for combination heating and water systems.
The website also contains useful information for homeowners and businesses with training guides for installers, all designed to make the transition to the new energy efficiency labels as smooth as possible. There will also be guidance to help installers recommend the most appropriate solution to consumers, depending on their budget, wishes and needs.
Kathy McVeigh, MD of CoolSky Ltd and Board Member of Solar Trade Association, comments: “The requirement for all new hot water, heating systems and storage tanks to have energy efficiency labelling is a fantastic marketing opportunity for the solar thermal industry. The addition of a solar thermal system will make it possible for heating systems to attain up to A+++ rating. This together with the Renewable Heat Incentive available in the UK and Northern Ireland combine to make an excellent sales tool for the installer to generate some added value on the sale of a heating system.
“The support that the LabelPack A+ project will give to the industry is very welcome and will provide the means for professionals to easily draw up the correct labelling for the systems they sell and install, making the adjustment to the new labelling requirements smoother for all involved.”
Pedro Dias, Secretary General of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) and coordinator of the LabelPack A+ project, adds: “LabelPack A+ has developed a user-friendly online solution for calculating the package label. Since only packages including renewables, namely solar thermal, can reach the most efficient label classes for water and space heating, it is vital for the main operators in the sector, including dealers and installers, to have the tools that can help them comply with EU regulations and strengthen the solar market for heating solutions.”
