The reasoning behind the directive was to increase the efficiency of heating and hot water systems by making homeowners aware of the efficiency level of the products in their home via the clearly displayed energy label.
It was developed to help the European Union reach its target of reducing household energy usage by 20%. It ensures that all space and water heaters meet the minimum efficiency requirements and that they feature the same labels as refrigerators and freezers currently do.
How Will It Affect You?
If you sell or install any of the products listed below then it is your responsibility to provide your customers with the energy efficiency label.
- Heating devices below 70kW
- Electric Showers
- Water heaters, storage water heaters, hot water storage tanks (Cylinders) with a rated output of 70kW and 500 litres
Labelling
It is your responsibility to provide your customers with a package label when combining a heating appliance with another product such as a controller. This will detail the combined energy efficiency rating of the entire system rather than ratings of each individual component.
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ERP Rating Labelling[/caption]
It is the responsibility of the boiler manufacturers to ensure that they have the necessary labels however it will be your responsibility as the installer to ensure that the correct label is provided for the complete heating system. The efficiency figure is calculated by taking into account the different components of the system.
How Will ERP Benefit You and Your Business?
ERP Labelling will provide you with positive advantages for your business, including being able to provide energy efficiency comparisons on various products such as boilers to illustrate to homeowners why your recommendation would benefit them. It has the added value of providing a clear understanding of the benefits that controls and renewable technology can have on the system's band rating and efficiency.
What About BREXIT?
As it is an EU directive it is unclear what affect BREXIT will have on it although as many products are built or pass through via Europe, it is expected the directive will remain as policy within the U.K.
How We Can Help
We know that this can be a daunting prospect and that's why the Plumbmaster team are here to help you with any questions you may have. Feel free to get in touch and find out more about how you can ensure that your products are ERP certified.