With the Energy Related Product Directive – or ErP – due to be implemented in just over a year’s time, there is a busy time ahead for the commercial and residential heating industry. Installers, specifiers, contractors and manufacturers alike need to be ready for the change.

Coming into force in September 2015, the directive will mean boilers and renewable heating equipment will be given an efficiency rating. The directive comprises Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for Lot 1 (space heaters and combi space heaters) and Lot 2 (water heaters). This will mean two things.

Ecodesign – any product that does not meet certain efficiency requirements will not get a CE mark, and will, therefore, not be legally available for sale.
Energy Labelling – will mean that each space and water heater will come with an efficiency rating and label, from G to A+++.
This will have a significant impact on the commercial market as it covers fossil fuel boilers and water heaters output up to 400kW. ErP will effectively, over time, eliminate all inefficient products up to 400kW from the market. The major impact on the market from ErP will be from September 2018 onwards, when the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are reduced.

The effect this will have on the industry is huge. If we calculate gross seasonal efficiency using the Part L Building Regulations formulae and apply them to Lot 1, the equivalent seasonal efficiency is 92.5% without differentiation between new or existing buildings. To achieve such levels, small to medium sized projects will require a condensing boiler solution, with refurbishment projects requiring customers invest in a full system replacement rather than simply replacing the affected module.

Manufacturers therefore need to focus on not only ensuring their products are ErP ready, but also providing support and information to make the transition as easy as possible for their customers – the installers, contractors and specifiers. For the installer, the ErP directive means more paper work will need to be completed during the commissioning  phase to provide a package label for the combined heating products installed, so it’s vital that they are prepared for the change and that the industry pulls together to simplify the process as much as possible.

The ErP is almost upon us and the commercial heating industry needs to act now to ensure it is ready for the next phase. Baxi Commercial has produced an ErP infographic to help the industry understand what the change will mean, which is available for download from www.baxicommercial.co.uk