Stroma Certification Ltd CPD Assessment Guide: Boiler Identification This Guide explains boiler identification and use of PCDF according to the RdSAP software. There is a question section at the end of the Guide for you to complete in order to pass this section of the CPD. If you have any questions regarding boiler identification that are not covered in this Guide, please email certification@stroma.com with details of your enquiry. Alternatively, please call Stroma Certification on 0845 621 11 11. Date: 24 October 2014 Revision: v1.1 Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 1 of 22
Contents Regular Boilers... 3 Combi Boilers... 6 Condensing Boilers... 7 CPSU Combined Power and Storage Units... 10 Electric Central Heating... 10 Types of Electric Boiler... 11 Heating systems: Boiler Identification... 12 The PCDF Method... 13 SAP Table Data Entry Method... 14 Boiler Identification Question Sheet... 18 Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 2 of 22
One area of audit failure is when a boiler is incorrectly identified. This can lead to a variance in the rating and/or the recommendations on the EPC. If the rating varies by more than 5 SAP points or if there is an incorrect recommendation (or lack of correct recommendation), then the EPC will fail for technical reasons and you will need to relodge the report. It is therefore vital that you identify the boiler correctly. This document will focus on the heating systems that are identifiable via the PCDF database and via the SAP table method. It will also focus on the traditional heating systems involving a boiler. Any heating system that can ONLY be inputted via the SAP table method is not included. The rarer systems are also not covered. You should consult the RdSAP Methodology Manual, located in the Stroma members area, for a more detailed breakdown of all heating systems available in RdSAP. Let s begin by looking at the type of boiler in a domestic property. Boilers are split into two types of system: Regular/standard boilers (sometimes called system boilers) Combi boilers Regular Boilers If you assess a property with a regular boiler (this is a boiler that does space heating only). The water heating should be provided by the main system, even if the tank has an immersion heater. This is assumed to heat the water in summer and should not be selected. Cold water storage Heating header tank Hot water Hot water cylinder Control valve Radiators Conventional boiler: Oil or gas fired A regular boiler can be described and identified as: The boiler heats the water that flows around the heating and hot water systems. The water used for heating is fed from a header or feed tank usually found in the loft. As the water flows around the heating system, it expands. An expansion pipe is fitted to the heating system to discharge any build up in pressure in the system to the header tank. More modern sealed systems do not require the feed/expansion tank as they have expansion vessels instead. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 3 of 22
Key ways to identify a regular boiler: Usually only 3 pipes (gas supply, flow and return) Hot water tank usually present Simple boiler design few controls on boiler Data Entry You should always record the heating system via the PCDF method if you can identify the make and model of the boiler. A photograph should be taken to prove this. If you cannot locate the boiler in the PCDF or the boiler has no make and/or model qualifier then you should use the SAP table data entry method. Regular Boiler with no cylinder located As mentioned above, you would typically find this type of boiler in conjunction with a hot water cylinder. From time to time, you may find that you cannot locate the cylinder. In this case please enter the following: Water Heating type From Main Heating System Cylinder Size No Access Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 4 of 22
Your site notes should back this up (i.e. a relevant note or photo showing suspected location). If you can be sure that the cylinder has been removed, then you need to do the following in the RSAP+ software: Water Heating Type No Water Heating Present You will need to document this adequately in your site notes i.e. annotated photo showing space where cylinder should be with disconnected pipework. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 5 of 22
Combi Boilers Combi (combination) boilers are standalone boilers that provide space and water heating and will not be connected to a cylinder for storing hot water. Below is a basic diagram of a combi boiler within a heating system. A combi system Domestic hot water Combi Central heating flow Central heating return Mains cold water Identification Combination boilers will have 5 or more pipes emanating from the bottom of the boiler; o Heating flow (from boiler to radiators) o Heating return (radiators back to boiler) o Gas / oil supply o Mains cold water o Hot water supply (from boiler to taps) The boiler will fire when you turn the hot water tap on Lack of a hot water tank or cylinder Combination boilers tend to have fan-assisted flues Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 6 of 22
Examples Data Entry You should always record the heating system via the PCDF method if you can identify the make and model of the boiler. A photograph should be taken to prove this. If you cannot locate the boiler in the PCDF or the boiler has no make and/or model qualifier then you should use the SAP Table data entry method. Condensing Boilers These are more efficient/more modern versions of the two standard types of boiler. There are: Condensing combi boilers; and Condensing regular boilers They are identified by the presence of a white or grey plastic pipe that carries the liquid condensate from the boiler to a drain or soak away. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 7 of 22
Examples Condensing combi with white pipe Condensate pipe on exterior of property Data Entry You should always record the heating system via the PCDF method if you can identify the make and model of the boiler. A photograph should be taken to prove this. If you cannot locate the boiler in the PCDF or the boiler has no make and/or model qualifier then you should use the SAP table data entry method. Back Boiler Another common type of heating system uses a back boiler for heat and water heat generation. Back boilers can be fuelled by many fuel types. They are normally located behind a fire hence the name back boiler. They are always standard boilers connected to a cylinder, or there will be a multipoint water heater elsewhere in the property. A clue to their location is that the programmer is normally located on the chimney breast, next to the fire which contains the back boiler. It is possible to install a modern condensing back boiler, but they are difficult to upgrade due to their location. Instead of upgrading the back boiler, the boiler is normally relocated and a standard or combi condensing boiler is installed. Therefore back boilers are becoming rarer as time goes on. The key to identification is locating the boiler itself. It is likely that that a boiler won t be immediately found within the property, but there will be a gas fire with radiators present. The boiler will be hidden behind the fire making the exact make and model difficult to ascertain. Indeed, it becomes very difficult to take photographic evidence of the make and model as the identification panel is often difficult to access. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 8 of 22
If it can be identified by a make and model identification plate/panel/label, then the DEA should enter the boiler via the PCDF method. In the likely event, the DEA should use the SAP table data entry method (known as the Alternative Method in the RdSAP manual). Back boilers normally have an open flue but some can have a fan flue (more modern back boilers). Evidence will need to be provided to show the fan flue. Most back boilers are therefore entered as below. If a back boiler behind a fire has been identified, either via the PCDF or SAP table data entry method, it is essential that the fire itself is also entered as a secondary heating system. If it isn t entered, the EPC audit will fail as the EPC will have no secondary heating included. This is a common failure point. Examples A back boiler being maintained (fire removed) A typical fire (pre-1980 with open flue) with back boiler Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 9 of 22
CPSU Combined Power and Storage Units Mains gas or LPG CPSU non condensing Mains gas or LPG CPSU condensing Electric CPSU This appliance incorporates the provision of space heating and hot water. The hot water store should be at least 70L and integral to the appliance. Examples Key ways to identify a CPSU: Gas CPSU The appliance is larger than a conventional boiler and floor mounted There will be no separate hot water tank Electric CPSUs are similar to gas CPSUs it must have at least 270l of water storage o Otherwise it should be classed as an electric water storage boiler All units are quite large, around 1.8m tall and usually found in a ventilated internal cupboard. If a CPSU is selected in the software it is not necessary to include the cylinder details as this information is assumed by RdSAP. In the water heating section of the software select from main system and no cylinder. Electric Central Heating Electric central heating can be found in several different forms. They are not normally found on the PCDF but there are certain systems are on the database, so this should be consulted first before using the SAP data entry method. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 10 of 22
Types of Electric Boiler Electric direct acting boiler This boiler type is increasing in popularity, particularly in modern flat developments. The unit is a narrow device about 1 metre long. It can provide wet central heating and hot water if connected to a hot water tank. The units are usually found attached to the wall in a cupboard with the hot water tank. They can be fitted in properties with peak or dual rate tariffs but they are not considered to be storage systems as they do not fully utilise the off peak rate. Common examples of an electric direct acting boiler are the Heatrae Sadia Amptec and Trianco Aztec Classic. Key ways to identify an electric direct acting boiler: Attached to a pipe in a cupboard (airing cupboard) Normally next to the water cylinder It is about 1m tall Electric CPSU and electric storage boiler These look similar but the key distinctions are as follows: An electric CPSU will have a storage capacity of at least 270L and will be around 1.8m tall An electric storage boiler will have less than 270L of water storage and will be smaller Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 11 of 22
Examples Electric CPSU Electric Storage Boiler Electric dry core storage boiler This works in a similar way to an electric storage heater, using off peak electricity to heat bricks inside the boiler. Heat from the bricks is blown onto an air-to-water heat exchanger to provide space and water heating. Heating systems: Boiler Identification We have now covered the main type of heating systems. We will now cover the two methods of entering these into the software: Via the PCDF database Via a generic description using the SAP table data entry Incorrect boiler identification is a major audit failure point. Over 40% of incorrect boiler identification results in audit failure. The errors which are identified under the boiler identification tab are: The incorrect boiler has been entered onto the software according to the evidence provided We have been unable to verify the make and model of the boiler due to insufficient evidence of the boiler ID plate (blurred photographs or none at all) The DEA has provided no photos of the boiler identifying features to allow the auditor to enter a generic model into the software. There are two methods of entering in a boiler: Via the PCDF database if the make and model are known and the exact boiler appears in the database Via the SAP table data entry method if the boiler isn t in the PCDF or cannot be identified Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 12 of 22
The PCDF Method The PCDF database is a large and ever-expanding database of heating systems. It contains many of the boilers found whilst performing an EPC survey. It is important to select the correct boiler from the PCDF database. If you cannot find the exact boiler, or you can only find a similar boiler, you should use the SAP table method (see later). Selecting the wrong option from the list can result in: The boiler type can change, i.e. from a regular to a combi boiler The heating fuel can be wrongly selected The efficiency of the boiler can be incorrect Any of the above errors could result in an audit failing as the rating and/or recommendations could change. Example Vaillant Ecotec Plus 618 An example of a boiler ID. Collecting evidence such as this will help massively entry of the boiler will be much easier to do using the PCDF. Evidence like this will make verification of the boiler much easier for an auditor. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 13 of 22
Sometimes it is easier to find the exact model number/qualifier, by selecting a version of the boiler from the PCDF and then selecting the model number using the drop down on the main heating page. In the above example, the EcoTEC plus 618 is present in the PCDF; therefore the SAP tables should NOT be used. The PCDF search facility will sometimes bring up different results depending on which words are used from a boiler s make and model. It is therefore worth searching using the make, then the model, or just the model and identifier number. The data following a search will not necessarily be in alphabetical order so it may be easier to find the make and model (i.e. EcoTec Plus) by selecting an example and then changing the model qualifier using the drop down on the main screen. It is a requirement to evidence the main heating system when it has been entered, and rather than just taking a picture of the system from a distance it is good practise to get evidence of the boiler ID plate, or anything on the boiler, which specifies the make, model, and qualifier. This helps hugely with the audit process and simplifies things for the auditor. SAP Table Data Entry Method Wherever possible, a boiler should be entered via the correct make and model description found on the PCDF. If this isn t possible (i.e. the heating type isn t in the database, or the exact model isn t available), then the DEA must use the SAP table data entry method by identifying the properties of the heating system. SAP table data entry involves selecting the correct descriptions of the heating system/boiler. For example, this can involve identifying the age or type of heating system, where a boiler is mounted, and the fuel and flue type. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 14 of 22
Below is an example SAP table data entry of a Vaillant ecotec plus 613. This wasn t available in the PCDF so the SAP method was used. Evidence Required The DEA should be taking a good level of photography to allow the auditor to identify all features listed in the SAP Table: Overall boiler photo, showing mounting and type of boiler (and age, to an extent) Pipework below the boiler, where possible Flue photo and, if possible, showing the white condensate pipe Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 15 of 22
It is important to note that whilst there is nothing inherently wrong with using the SAP table method the default values for each heating system are based upon assumed efficiency ratings. These may not reflect the actual efficiencies of the heating system or boiler. It is therefore preferable to use the PCDF wherever possible to ensure accurate ratings on the EPC. Mis-identification or non-use of the PCDF, where it was possible to use, will contribute to inaccuracy in the report and could result in audit failure. Summary - Let s recap how to identify the different types of boiler: Regular boiler A simple boiler design with very few controls present on the boiler; there are usually only three pipes present on the boiler and a hot water cylinder is also usually present. Combination boiler More controls on the front of the boiler, often a pressure gauge is also present. There are a lot more pipes present, usually between 5 and 7. There also is no hot water cylinder (in rare cases they can be). Condensing boiler Regular and combination boilers can both be condensing. The giveaway is an extra pipe coming from the boiler (plastic condensate pipe). Also, the flue will be a fan assisted one, and is usually plastic. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 16 of 22
Regular Combination Condensing (combination) Back boiler Harder to locate than a normal boiler. Found behind a fire. They are much more difficult to identify and are normally entered via the SAP table data entry method. Electric boilers Various types of boiler exist. Mains gas is unlikely to be supplied to the property. Boilers are normally located in cupboards and won t normally be available on the PCDF. Therefore SAP table entry is normally required. PCDF vs SAP table data entry method Wherever possible, a boiler should be entered via the correct make and model description found on the PCDF. If this isn t possible (i.e. the heating type isn t in the database, or the exact model isn t available) then the DEA must use the SAP table entry method by identifying the properties of the heating system. If you ever have any doubts over boilers, you should not just choose the closest match. Support is always available through the usual channels should you need a second opinion or guidance. Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 17 of 22
Boiler Identification Question Sheet Now that you have read and digested the CPD provided due to the failed audit, you are now required to complete this sheet. Below are a set of questions relating to identifying boilers and the associated entry into the RdSAP software. Each question is multiple choice with the option of two, three or four answers. You must answer each question correctly to pass this section of the CPD. Your questions will be selected randomly from our bank relating to boiler identification, and generated below for you to complete and return to us. 1. Can you identify the correct boiler from the picture below? a) Combination boiler b) Regular condensing boiler c) Regular boiler d) Condensing combination boiler Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 18 of 22
2. Can you identify the correct boiler from the picture below? a) Combination boiler b) Regular condensing boiler c) Regular boiler d) Condensing combination boiler 3. Can you identify the correct boiler from the picture below? a) Combination boiler b) Regular condensing boiler c) Regular boiler d) Condensing combination boiler Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 19 of 22
4. Can you identify the correct boiler from the picture below? a) Combination boiler b) Regular condensing boiler c) Regular boiler d) Condensing combination boiler 5. If the only details you have on a boiler are a Worcester Greenstar, should you use this information to make an entry into the software using PCDF or SAP tables? a) PCDF details known b) SAP generic worst case scenario boilers 6. If the pipework running from the boiler is not visible as it has been boarded over to improve aesthetics, but you have identified the boiler is a combination due to it firing up when hot water is run, how would you identify whether it is condensing or not? a) Fan assisted flue with condensate pipe leading to the external drain b) Enter combination only as a worst case scenario c) The boiler is fairly new so assume condensing d) Pressure gauge present on the front of the boiler Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 20 of 22
7. If you are unsure as to what the boiler is as the pipework is blocked off and there is no boiler ID plate present, and you turned a hot water tap and heard the boiler fire up, what boiler type have you just identified? a) Combination b) Regular c) CPSU d) Heat pump 8. If you cannot find a boiler anywhere in the property and you see water pipes coming from a gas fire, then on further inspection you find controls behind the plate on the gas fire, what have you just identified? a) CPSU b) Combination boiler c) Range cooker d) Back boiler 9. What is the following system? a) Range cooker b) Back boiler c) CPSU d) Combination boiler Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 21 of 22
10. For audit purposes, a picture of the primary heating system is an absolute must. What else can you, as the assessor, evidence to make the data entry and audit process easier? a) Nothing because it is not listed as a requirement b) Pipework, manual and boiler ID plate c) A picture of the manufacturer s logo on the boiler 11. If you know the GC number of a boiler what should you attempt to do? a) Enter the system in sap tables b) Attempt to enter the system in PCDF tables first Boiler Identification CPD Guide v1.1 Page 22 of 22