Boiler Plus Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know

What Is Boiler Plus?

Boiler Plus is a UK government regulation that came into force in April 2018 for England. It sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for new gas boiler installations in domestic properties — going beyond simply requiring condensing boilers to also mandating the fitting of certain heating controls.

What Does Boiler Plus Require?

When a new gas boiler is installed in an existing property in England, the following must be provided as a minimum:

1. Time and Temperature Controls

All new boiler installations must be accompanied by time and temperature controls — this means a programmer (timer) and room thermostat. Most modern installations already include these.

2. For Combi Boilers: One of the Following

At least one of these additional efficiency measures must also be fitted:

**Flue gas heat recovery device** — recovers heat from waste flue gases

**Weather compensation control** — adjusts flow temperature based on outdoor temperature

**Load compensation control** — adjusts output based on indoor temperature difference

**Smart thermostat with automation and optimisation functions** (e.g., Nest, Hive with appropriate settings)

The most common approach in practice is fitting a smart thermostat, as these are cost-effective and deliver real energy savings.

Does Boiler Plus Apply to All Properties?

Boiler Plus applies to England only (not Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, which have separate regulations). It applies to gas boilers in existing dwellings — not new-build properties, which are governed by Part L of the Building Regulations.

What Are the Benefits?

The government estimates that Boiler Plus compliance reduces average energy bills by £60–£100 per year through better control and heat recovery.

What Should I Do?

Any competent, Gas Safe registered heating engineer should be fully familiar with Boiler Plus and will automatically comply when installing your new boiler. If you're in any doubt, ask your installer to confirm compliance.

Halo Heating installs all new boilers in full compliance with Boiler Plus. Call 01483 676108 for a free quotation.