Boiler Plus
Boiler Plus is a set of energy-efficiency requirements for new and replacement boiler installations in England. It’s designed to improve heating system efficiency, reduce fuel bills, and cut carbon emissions by ensuring modern controls and higher performance standards are used alongside new boilers.
Did you know? Boiler Plus rules have applied since April 2018 and continue to affect many boiler installations — especially combi boiler replacements — by requiring time and temperature controls, and (for gas combi boilers) an additional efficiency measure.
What is 'Boiler Plus'?
Boiler Plus refers to changes to energy efficiency guidance used for domestic boiler installations in England. It was introduced to improve the real-world efficiency of heating systems by combining high-efficiency boilers with the right heating controls.
The rules affect boiler manufacturers, installers, and homeowners by setting minimum efficiency standards and requiring suitable controls to help reduce wasted heat and improve comfort.
In simple terms: Boiler Plus encourages better boiler installations, not just better boilers. A modern boiler fitted with poor controls can still waste energy — so Boiler Plus pushes the industry towards upgrades that make a measurable difference.
What is changing?
A key requirement is that new domestic gas boilers installed in England must meet a minimum efficiency standard of 92% ErP.
Boiler Plus also strengthens expectations around time and temperature controls. In practice, most new gas, LPG and oil boiler installations should include suitable timers and thermostatic control (or confirm that existing controls are appropriate and working correctly).
Key ‘Boiler Plus’ takeaways
- Boiler Plus requirements have applied since April 2018 and continue to shape many boiler installations in England.
- Domestic gas boilers must meet a minimum efficiency standard of 92% ErP.
- Time and temperature controls are required where appropriate to give homeowners better control and help cut fuel waste.
- Gas combi boiler installations must include one of the four ‘Additional Efficiency Measures’.
* You can find a detailed account of the ‘Boiler Plus’ document on the government’s website
here.
How does ‘Boiler Plus’ affect Combi Boiler owners?
Boiler Plus mainly affects homeowners replacing or installing a gas combi boiler in England. Alongside the boiler meeting the minimum efficiency standard, the installation must include one additional efficiency measure to improve performance.
Flue Gas Heat Recovery System
This captures some of the heat that would normally be lost through the flue and uses it to help pre-heat incoming cold water. It can improve overall efficiency in certain setups, but suitability varies by property and boiler model.
Weather Compensation
Weather compensation uses an external temperature sensor to adjust the boiler’s flow temperature automatically. When it’s milder outside, the system runs at a lower temperature — improving efficiency and comfort.
Load Compensation
Load compensation helps the boiler modulate its output by responding to room temperature changes more accurately. This reduces overshooting, helps maintain steady comfort, and can cut fuel use.
Smart Controls
Smart controls let homeowners schedule heating, control temperatures more precisely, and often manage zones. Many systems also support remote control via smartphone, which can improve convenience and reduce unnecessary heating.
What about Oil Combi Boilers?
Boiler Plus is primarily known for its impact on gas combi boiler installations, but the wider direction of UK heating policy is toward lower-carbon systems over time — especially in new-build homes.
Oil is a fossil fuel, and when burned it produces carbon dioxide. Because of this, government policy has increasingly focused on encouraging off-grid homes to consider lower-carbon alternatives where practical — such as heat pumps, improved insulation, solar thermal, or (in some cases) hybrid systems.
If your home already uses oil heating, you can continue to run your current system, and like-for-like boiler replacements remain common. Over time, homeowners may see more emphasis on upgrading controls, improving insulation, and exploring lower-carbon options when replacing ageing equipment.
* For more information please consult the ‘Boiler Plus’ consultation document on the government’s website here.
Failure to comply with 'Boiler Plus'
Boiler installations must comply with relevant Building Regulations. Installers who do not follow the requirements can face enforcement action by Building Control. Homeowners also have a responsibility to ensure notifiable work is carried out correctly and certified. In serious cases, knowingly allowing non-compliant work can result in enforcement and potential fines (commonly cited up to £5,000).
