In a move that is set to revolutionise the heating and hot water industry, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has announced a significant overhaul of the Benchmark gas appliance commissioning scheme. This development comes on the heels of a year-long review and is in line with the UK government’s Boiler Plus legislation of 2018.
Since April 2018, all boilers in the UK have been required to achieve at least 92% energy ErP efficiency and must be equipped with working timers and temperature controls. This legislation was part of a broader initiative to enhance the energy efficiency of homes across the UK. Combi boilers are also required to have one of four energy efficiency features: load compensation, weather compensation, smart controls, or FGHR (Flue Gas Heat Recovery).
The Benchmark scheme, an industry-led initiative administered by the HHIC, outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers and installers. It ensures the safety and efficiency of heating and hot water products, including compliance with Building Regulations. Now, after a 12-month review, the Benchmark scheme has been updated to comply with Boiler Plus standards.
Standard re-commissioning checks should include system flushing, water leak checks, gas tightness testing, and correct installation and positioning of the PRV, flue, and condensate pipe. Installers should also ensure the flame supervision device is working correctly during the GSIUR 26(9) checks.
When commissioning the boiler, installers must complete the Benchmark checklist. Failure to do so voids the manufacturer’s warranty. The boiler must be registered with the relevant manufacturer within a year from the installation date.
For more details on the Benchmark scheme updates, the revised checklist for installers can be found here.
The HHIC commented, “Embracing Benchmark is the most straightforward way for engineers to comply. The documentation is already supplied with the appliance. It also offers protection to the installer. It demonstrates that their work has been carried out to best practice guidelines and increases credibility with both manufacturers and customers. If the product is correctly fitted and has a completed Benchmark checklist, if a problem then occurs, the onus is on the product manufacturer to undertake the repair. It is also worth noting that, without completing the Benchmark checklist, the warranty of the product is void.”
This is a significant step forward in the UK’s journey towards energy efficiency. The overhaul of the Benchmark scheme is expected to have a profound impact on the heating and hot water industry, setting new standards for energy efficiency and safety. This move is not just a win for the industry but also for consumers who will benefit from safer, more efficient heating and hot water products.
The HHIC’s decision to align the Benchmark scheme with the Boiler Plus legislation underscores the industry’s commitment to achieving the government’s energy efficiency goals. By ensuring that all boilers meet a minimum energy ErP efficiency of 92% and are equipped with working timer and temperature controls, the UK is making significant strides towards reducing its carbon footprint.
Stay tuned for more updates on this hot topic as we continue to share more information.
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