ErP Directive

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Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive

Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive

The Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive (formerly the Ecodesign Directive) is a European initiative put in place to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of energy-using products. Under this directive, minimum energy efficiency and environmental values for each heating technology are specified. The latest changes to this initiative were implemented in 2018, which included placing stringent limits on Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.

Although the UK is in the process of leaving the EU, it is anticipated that ErP will continue to be one of many methods employed by the UK government to reduce the environmental impact of heating technologies.

The ErP Directive is split into two parts: Ecodesign and Energy Labeling

Ecodesign

Ecodesign

Manufacturers of items sold in EU countries are required to follow Ecodesign legislation, which sets minimum standards for the environmental performance of products. This applies to space and water heating products up to 400kW in size and includes oil-fired, gas and LPG boilers.

NOx Emissions

In September 2018 new legislation was introduced which placed stringent limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels of 120mg/kWh. This had a great impact on the heating industry as traditional yellow-flame oil-fired boilers were no longer compliant. The legislation is applicable to all new installations as well as when existing products are replaced. Manufacturers are now required to state the NOx emission levels in product literature and on websites.

Water Heater Efficiencies

Since 2015, increasingly stricter sets of minimum efficiency requirements for water heaters (excluding hot water storage tanks and solar water heaters) have been enforced which includes combination boilers. The minimum energy efficiency level that applies is dependent on the “load profile” of a water heater, ranging from 3XS to 4XL. Load profiles are based on a given sequence of water draw-offs in a 24-hour cycle that the water heater is able to provide.

In September 2017 a second tier of more stringent load profiles was introduced and from September 2018 a third tier of requirements came into force. From this date water heaters with low maximum load profiles became obsolete.

Energy Labeling

Energy Labeling

Required for all boilers with outputs up to 70kW and water heaters and storage tanks up to 500L, ErP energy labels have been a requirement since September 2015.

As a result of the development of more energy efficient products, the energy scale was amended in September 2019. Products are now labelled on a scale of A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). It is also possible to buy a combination of technologies, such as a boiler with a solar hot water storage tank, in order to reach an A+++ energy efficiency rating.

Space Heaters

Boiler space heaters, cogeneration space heaters, heat pump space heaters, low-temperature heat pumps, boiler combination heaters, heat pump combination heaters should come with an energy label indicating its energy efficiency on a scale from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). Packages (space heater or combination heater + temperature control + solar device) should come with an energy label indicating its energy efficiency on a scale from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient).

Water Heaters

Conventional, solar, heat pump, hot water storage tanks should come with an energy label indicating its energy efficiency on a scale from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). Packages of water heater and solar device should also come with an energy label indicating its energy efficiency on a scale from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient).

Technical Support

Based at Firebird’s UK headquarters, the Technical Hub provides customers with a comprehensive technical support package which is designed to make the specification and installation process as simple as possible. For technical support please contact the Firebird Technical Hub on 01752 691177 or technicalhub@firebird.uk.com.

Product Literature

All Firebird products are supported by a comprehensive range of brochures and installation manuals. To download product literature please click on the link below.

Product Literature

Warranty

Firebird oil-fired boilers are covered by a 2-year manufacturers warranty as standard, with extended warranties of up to 10 years available on some ranges. For further information, please contact us.

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