UK: The forthcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, requiring all new boilers to be Band A-rated, is great news for installers and merchants, said Baxi.

Paul Haynes, head of product management, Baxi Group UK, said: “When the Building Regulations Part L, changed in 2005, installers suddenly found that they had to retrain to be able to fit, service and maintain condensing boilers.

“From October 2010, only Band A boilers can be installed – and they will already be familiar with the technology. This means they can only fit the highest efficiency boilers, which is good news for their customers, who will be able to save up to £235 on annual fuel bills, and good news for the environment.”

Until the changes to Part L came in to force in October 2010, it has been possible to fit Sedbuk 2005 Band B boilers. This clause has now been removed, and from 1 October 2010, all boilers must now be the equivalent of Sedbuk 2005 Band A, with a minimum efficiency of 90%.

This applies to existing dwellings as well as newbuild and outlaws the installation of anything other than Sedbuk 2005 Band A appliances. Where building work has started or been agreed before 1 October 2010, boilers equivalent to Sedbuk 2005 Band B may still be installed as planned, provided the work is completed by 6 April 2011.