Ecodesign Compliance
Climate change and the environmental impact of using solid fuel appliances has been hotly debated over the last couple of years. At the start of this new decade, thoughts become more focused on Ecodesign Compliant Stoves. Here we take a look at what the legislation means and how it will affect us now and into the future.
What is Ecodesign?
Ecodesign is a piece of EU legislation requiring all future solid fuel burning appliances to adhere to new minimum seasonal efficiency and maximum emission performance limits before they can be legally sold and installed on the UK (EU) market. Even with our recent departure from the EU, the UK is still committed to this legislation.
Any appliance coming off the manufacturer production line after the implementation date will be required to have been tested for Ecodesign minimum efficiency and maximum emission limits, including;
- Seasonal Efficiency
- Particulate Matter (Smoke)
- Organic Gaseous Compounds (OGC)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx)
Click here to view our detailed explanation of Ecodesign regulations.
Dates to remember
Independent Boilers – 1st January 2020. This is now live and any independent boiler systems installed must be Ecodesign Compliant.
Roomheater Stoves, Stoves with Boilers & Cookers – 1st January 2022
Will existing installations be affected?
No. The new regulations proposed only cover those new roomheater appliances that are made available for sale and placed on the market in the UK market after 1st January 2022.
Although there are no legal obligations on the installer for ensuring an appliance meets the requirements of Ecodesign, it is important that consideration is given when installing a non-ecodesign appliance to ensure the minimum efficiencies required by Approved Document L are met.
Other considerations include agreements such as warranties for any future claims made, and also the sourcing of spare parts should a particular appliance range be discontinued, which may become more difficult under future maintenance schedules. For these reasons it is advised to only fit those appliances meet all current and future UK performance requirements, including HETAS “Cleaner Choice” appliances, a full list of which can be accessed on the HETAS website, or by using the search facility on the HETAS website.
Can I install a non-Ecodesign compliant stove after 2022?
As it stands currently, there are no requirements prohibiting the installation and commissioning (or putting into service) of solid fuel burning appliances after the 1st January 2022, if the appliance has been proven to have been placed on the market before the implementation date. HETAS installers should ensure that if an appliance is purchased from manufacturer/retailer stock after 1st January and there are concerns of the date in which the appliance was placed on the market, then a declaration is requested in writing from the manufacturer confirming so.
It is important to note that with the current withdrawal agreements being proposed since the UK’s intention to leave the European Union, these caveats may be subject to change. HETAS continue to liaise with government departments BEIS and the Office of Safety & Products Standards and will provide continual updates to its registrants as appropriate.
HETAS fully supports the introduction of Ecodesign Compliant Stoves and has been working with manufactures over the last few years to support those companies who have achieved Ecodesign compliance ahead of the 2022 deadline. We see this as a positive step in reducing the negative press that has surrounded the solid fuel industry in the last few years. For the best advice when buying a stove, please follow the link to find HETAS Approved Retailer in your area.
