New EU energy labelling and ecodesign requirements for Heaters and water heaters to come into force

On 26 September 2015 new Ecodesign standards for home boilers, and corresponding labelling coming alongside, entered into force.

As of that date, only gas boilers and water heaters using energy-efficient condensation technology, together with micro CHP unit and heat pumps will be allowed for sale in the EU. Europe’s heating equipment is responsible for 25% of the continent's CO2 emissions, according to the EEB, around the same level as road transport or industry.

Energy efficient heaters and water heaters in households can save European consumers €30 billion by 2020. For example, if your home is equipped with a conventional gas boiler using 20 MWh of energy per year, a new condensing gas boiler can save you €700 per year. A new boiler will pay back its original cost in just seven years while also reducing your energy consumption by more than 20%.

Energy efficient heaters could save 528 TWh of electricity per year, avoiding the emission of 110 million tonnes of CO2. Energy efficient boilers and heat pumps could save 124 TWh of electricity, avoiding the emission of 26 million tonnes of CO2.

Energy Labels

A new heater or water heater comes with an energy label showing its energy efficiency class. For individual products, ratings go from G (least efficient) to A++ (most 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.

Ecodesign

Ecodesign requirements are mandatory for all heater manufacturers and suppliers wishing to sell their products in the EU. The regulations set requirements on energy efficiency, nitrogen oxide emission levels, volume for storage water heaters and heat losses from hot water storage tanks.