The guidance outlines best practice procedures for cleaning, flushing, protecting and maintaining domestic heating systems. It provides clarity on compliance with BS 7593:2019+A1:2024 and the new standard BS 9593:2024 for assessing the performance of chemical inhibitors, ensuring systems operate efficiently and reliably, whether they are powered by a boiler, heat pump or hybrid setup. The document also discusses alternative approaches to corrosion protection of heating systems.
Maintaining good system water quality supports appliance longevity and performance and also underpins the UK’s efforts to decarbonise and transition to cleaner energy.
Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC, said: “Heating engineers play a vital role in keeping homes safe, warm and energy efficient. This updated guidance supports them with clear, practical steps for maintaining system health, helping to ensure that every installation delivers optimal performance and aligns with current regulations and standards. Our collaboration with the HPA has ensured that this advice applies equally to both boiler and heat pump systems as the market evolves.”
Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive, Heat Pump Association said: “We are fully committed to supporting heating engineers throughout the transition to low carbon heating and providing insights on standards and Building Regulations guidance. Ensuring high water quality is crucial for all hydronic heating systems, and various approaches to corrosion protection are possible to enhance longevity and performance. We are pleased to contribute to the new guide with particular considerations for heat pump installations, and we have recently updated our HPA Commissioning Checklists to further assist installers.”
The guidance also highlights the importance of Benchmark Online, which provides a digital record for installation and servicing, enabling engineers to track key data such as inhibitor concentration and water quality. This ensures systems remain compliant and efficient throughout their lifespan.
The paper ‘Maintaining a Healthy & Efficient Domestic Heating & Hot Water System’ can be found on the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) website https://hhic.org.uk/uploads/6904A36486490.pdf