Part L Energy Efficiency Training Course

Part L

This course is aimed at Heating Engineers, Gas Fitters and Plumbers plus associated trades who are involved in designing, specification, installation and maintenance of gas boilers, heating controls, and hot water systems.

Upon completion of the course the candidate will have an understanding of:

• Building Regulation Part L and associated legislation.

• Central Heating Specification contained in Part L.

• Boiler sizing and whole house boiler sizing method for houses and flats.

• Importance of SEDBUK when choosing a new boiler.

• Principles of a condensing boiler.

• Minimum standards for the installation or replacement of hot water cylinders.

Further Information

Building Regulation Standards in Part L have changed in England & Wales ....

Climate change and global warming are caused in part by increasing carbon dioxide emissions.

Around 28% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from the domestic sector, with the majority of this caused by the production of heating and hot water in our homes. As an installer of boilers and central heating systems, you are therefore at the forefront of action to tackle climate change.

The Government is committed to reducing carbon emissions so that we can reduce the impact on the environment and help prevent extreme weather conditions and other environmental changes such as land losses due to rising levels.

For this reason, from the 1st April 2005, gas boilers installed in England and Wales should normally be SEDBUK A or B rated condensing boilers, apart from a few exceptions. By doing this, the Government aims to save 0.8-0.9 million tonnes of carbon per year by the end of 2010. This is around 5% of the savings the Government is seeking to make by 2010 - which is a significant contribution.

Gas fired warm air heaters that comply with BS5864-2004 and other forms of heating are not affected by these changes. Oil boilers will not be affected until April 2007.

Water Treatment

It is very important that central heating systems are thoroughly cleaned when a new boiler is fitted, as any scale and sludge in the heating system can block the heat exchangers in modern 'low water content' boilers, whether condensing or not.

There are many different designs of condensing boilers, so you'll need to read the manufacturer's installation guide for guidance on the use of corrosion and scale inhibitors in the final fill.

The Benchmark Scheme

Benchmark is the industry code of practice, backed by all major manufacturers and developed to hep installers carry out quality heating/hot water system installations. It also encourages householders to have their systems serviced/inspected on a regular basis.

The Benchmark commissioning checklist is included in most gas boiler manufacturers' installation manuals. Filling in the checklist whenever you fit a boiler enables you to check that you have completed the job properly, and to record detailed information about the installation. Manufacturers require completed checklists to be left with householders to help with future servicing and householders may need them for inclusion in Home Information Packs.

Controlled documents (CD10 and CD11) are also available from OFTEC for use during oil installations.

New Part L Domestic Heating Compliance Guide

The Part L Domestic Heating Compliance Guide will explain what these changes mean to you and include more information on condensing boiler installations.

-------------------------------