The addition of mandatory individual room temperature controls to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a welcome validation of best practice for the plumbing and heating industry, according to Worcester Bosch.
The revision requires individual room temperature controls, such as Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), to be installed during the construction of new buildings, or when boilers are replaced.
Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester Bosch, said: “TRVs are highly effective at improving heating efficiency and comfort in the home. This has long been known by many installers in the UK but has only recently been acknowledged in this legislation despite being overlooked in the Boiler Plus scheme.”
Many installers already opt for this type of temperature control as a common method of improving energy efficiency in the home, with the 2014 English Housing Survey Energy Report revealing that 76% of homes with gas central heating had either a full system or at least a partial system of TRVs.
“TRVs are far more sophisticated, creating heating zones and supplying a controlled level of heating to suit individual rooms,” said Martyn. “By making their installation a legal requirement, thousands more homes across the UK can now benefit from the energy efficiency and cost savings that they provide.”
According to the EPBD, individual room controls need only be installed ‘where technically, economically and functionally feasible’.
The benefits of TRVs are enhanced further when paired with smart controls, which allow users to easily monitor and control a household’s heating and hot water.
“Given that TRVs are fairly inexpensive, have a fast payback period and, in most cases, can be easily installed onto existing radiators, I can foresee them becoming a requirement for most installations moving forwards,” added Martyn.