New Lot 20 legislation coming into force from January 2018 is set to improve the efficiency and performance of electric fires for social housing properties, says Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation (GDHV).
Under Lot 20 of the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, all local space heaters manufactured for sale in the EU will need to comply with a minimum efficiency standard.
Modern electric fires offer easy and flexible installation, for clean, fuss-free and low-maintenance single-room heating. Safe, easy to operate and with a range of designs to suit all properties, it is little wonder that they remain a popular choice for housing associations and Private Registered Providers.
Now, with manufacturers redesigning their products ahead of the new legislation, housing providers will be able to benefit from innovative controls that will reduce energy consumption and reduce costs for tenants.
Chris Stammers, Head of Insight for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, said: “The aim of Lot 20 is to rule out inefficient technologies and reduce the energy used in our homes, helping to achieve our overall carbon reduction targets.
“In simple terms, all electric fires will have to meet a specified energy efficiency level. As with any electric heating appliance, the key to driving efficiency lies in regulating their use through intelligent timers and controls. “There are of course a wide range of mechanical and electrical controls available, with day or week timers, many of which have been available for many years and often purchased as add-ons.
“In order to meet legislation, these controls will now be integral to new devices, even entry level products, which means housing providers will be able to offer more efficient and more sophisticated fires for their tenants. And with reduced running costs as a result, tenants will have greater confidence that their housing provider has their best interests at heart.”
The new Lot 20 legislation applies to electric fires, storage heaters, direct acting heaters, portable heaters and radiant heaters.
Since April 2015 when the legislation was ratified, GDHV, which includes the Dimplex and Valor brands, has been working hard to redesign its vast product portfolio of electric heating solutions in line with requirements, whilst ensuring that all new models comply with the new regulations. As such, the GDHV portfolio will be compliant before the end of 2017, ahead of the January 2018 deadline, providing social housing providers with an innovative, cost-effective and compliant heating solution for all requirements.
To register your interest and to find out more about the upcoming legislation, visit: www.lot20.co.uk.
