Initial-fit boilers in existing dwellings cannot claim the points for a boiler move. This means initial-fit in a flat could qualify as an exception, but everywhere else would have to be condensing.

The exceptions process will become part of the C&G 6084 qualification. The worksheet has been published on the ODPM website, with the points values as above. It can be found here.

New Build
Click here for details of how Part L affects new dwellings.

Where and when?
The amended Part L Regulations apply to gas boilers in England and Wales from 1st April 2005. Oil boilers are excluded until 1st April 2007.

Scotland and N. Ireland are not changing minimum boiler efficiencies in their proposed Building Regulation updates for January 2006. There are currently no indications of possible timing for such a change.

And after April 2005?
Fully-updated Part L Building regulations will come into force in January 2006 in England and Wales. Key points are:
• Heating controls also become a controlled service from January 2006, in the same way as boilers are now
• No change to controls in April 2005 – a back boiler on gravity DHW can be replaced with another back boiler on gravity if it qualifies as an exception
• But a complete change expected from January 2006 – even an exception must be converted to fully-pumped.

The full new Part L may use the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill to require that when major work is carried out on a house (eg an extension), a further 10% of its cost is spent on energy efficiency upgrades. This depends on both the final form of Part L, and on progress of the Bill.

Part L1 Regulations

Replacements and First-Fit
Exceptions will apply to a small number of replacement situations in existing dwellings. First-fit in existing dwellings will very rarely qualify, as a boiler move is always required to justify an exception (except for flats), and a boiler move cannot be claimed for first-fit.

There is a points scheme for the installer to calculate whether an exception applies. Points are allocated for house type* – so, for example, a flat is given more points (710) towards an exception than a mid-terrace home (640), which in turn is more than a semi or detached house (590). Added to this are points for extra costs if needed to fit a condensing boiler:
- Boiler move to another room (350 points) and/or:
- Extended flue longer than 2 metres (200 points) and/or:
- Condensate pump or soakaway (100 points).
*when using natural gas – different points apply for LPG and oil.

Click here to open the Exceptions table

There will be a Guide setting out when each cost item can be claimed. If the total exceeds 1000 points, an exception can be claimed. A Competent Person has to sign the worksheet to confirm the option with the lowest feasible points value has been used to calculate the total.

The effect is that a flat needing an extended flue and condensate pump to fit a condensing boiler will qualify as an exception. Other house types will always need a boiler move and one of the other two items to qualify. Despite the different points per house type, it will be no easier to claim an exception in a mid-terrace house than in a detached one.