Brought in to improve efficiency in domestic heating systems, the scheme came into force on April 6, and heating engineers should now be working to it.

Among the survey respondents, opinion was evenly split as to the benefits of the new scheme for consumers and installers, and around half felt they were equipped to take on the work that the new requirements would demand, which includes ensuring timers and room thermostats are installed with all heating systems going forward.

Despite Boiler Plus encouraging energy efficiency improvements, two thirds of respondents (64 per cent) felt that its introduction would not lead to more business – an opinion that could, in part, be due to information not getting through to the very people Boiler Plus will effect.

Mark Krull from Logic4training said: “The Government has stipulated the addition of various measures to improve the energy efficiency of domestic heating systems, and engineers will be responsible for delivering these. However, it appears that the general sense of confusion about the scheme has lead to a feeling of negativity, which is masking the real potential.

“Boiler Plus represents a great opportunity for installers, and their customers will reap the benefit of more energy efficient heating that has less environmental impact and saves money on fuel bills.

“We have updated our Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating course to reflect the changes in Boiler Plus, ensuring newly trained installers at least will have the right knowledge. It is clear from our survey that more needs to be done to help installers understand and get on board with Boiler Plus – we will help where we can through our training and information on our website – but the powers that be may need to reconsider the way information is disseminated to key groups.”

Logic4training’s Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating course has recently been revised to include the new requirements for Boiler Plus.

See www.logic4training.co.uk for more information, as well useful blogs and guides relating to the building services engineering sector.