All change for local space heating. Are you ready to take advantage of Lot 20/Ecodesign?
Despite the uncertainty of Brexit, one thing remains constant across the EU – our need to use energy more efficiently. The EU is committed to achieving a 20 per cent energy saving by 2020 and if this is to happen, all member states (including those that intend to leave) must continue to drive energy efficiency at all stages of the supply chain, from production to final consumption.
A number of ‘product lots’ have already been rolled out as part of the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), covering everything from televisions, lightbulbs and washing machines, to machine tools and compressors. Next is Lot 20, focusing on local space heaters – and when you consider that more than half of energy consumed in our homes is used to heat water and space, it is easy to see the difference it could make.
Lot 20 of the EED (2015/1188) states that all local space heaters manufactured for sale in the EU after 1st January 2018 which use electricity, gaseous or liquid fuels, must comply with a minimum efficiency standard. This includes electric radiators, electric underfloor heating and electric and gas fires. A second regulation (2015/1185) sets out the same requirement for space heaters which use solid fuels, such as stoves and fireplaces, from 1st January 2022.
Local room (or space) heating products are defined as appliances that provide heat to indoor spaces by generating heat in the location within which they are situated. Like other product categories, the aim is to rule out inefficient technologies and reduce the energy used in our homes, helping to achieve our overall carbon reduction targets.
The onus on such improvements is firmly with the manufacturer. This regulation was ratified in April 2015 and Dimplex, like other reputable manufacturers, has been working hard since that point to redesign products to suit the regulation. As a result, our entire product portfolio will be compliant before the end of 2017, ahead of the January 2018 deadline.
Lot 20 will create opportunities a range of new opportunities for installers and be advantageous for the customer. The key to driving efficiency of local space heaters is in the way in which their operation is regulated using intelligent timers and controls. By specifying the latest products, installers can give their customers confidence that they have a better quality product, using smart technologies that can help keep running costs to a minimum.