WORCESTER: Installers of Sedbuk Band B boilers are being urged to seek manufacturer advice in advance of October’s changes to Part L of the Building Regulations.
The advice from Worcester, Bosch Group, one of the UK’s leading boiler manufacturers, comes as the build-up to Part L gathers pace and amongst fears that installers of band B boilers may not be aware of the alternative options available to them.
The October changes will mean that installers will not be able to specify B rated condensing boilers from 1 October onwards. However, installers can continue to fit Band B boilers until April 2011 providing the order was taken before 1 October 2010. The exception to this rule is oil-fired combination boilers which can continue to be installed.
Industry statistics report that sales of Band B boilers account for approximately 10-15% of the UK boiler market, which in real terms is circa 150-180 000 boilers a year. Often, these boilers are bought through DIY chains, or the internet and are very price-sensitive.
“I would urge any installer who still gets the majority of their work from installing Band B to get onto a manufacturer training course as soon as possible,” says Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support at Worcester, Bosch Group.
“Once on a course, Band B installers might be pleasantly surprised. Band A boilers offer much more flexibility in terms of where the boiler can be sited and there is also much greater flueing flexibility. Things will change on 1 October, but a good manufacturer will be able to offer all the help an installer needs to get up to speed,” he stated.
