Feed-in tariffs explained

July 20, 2010 – 1:40 pm

April 1, 2010 saw the launch of the Feed-in Tariff for small scale microgeneration technology.  This means that if you install low carbon electricity generating technology, such as wind turbines or Photovoltaics (PV), up to 5 megawatts, or micro CHP up to 2 kilowatts, you will save on energy bills and you could receive a payment for the electricity you generate too. 

The Feed-in Tariff, or FIT, for low carbon electricity has been introduced to increase the uptake of renewable technologies and reduce the UK’s carbon emissions. It is great news for anyone who is thinking of switching to microgeneration for their electricity.

In order to be eligible for FIT, the products you choose and the installer who fits them must be MCS certified.  MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme.  MCS has been introduced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to provide consumer confidence that both products and installers reach the exacting standards of the scheme.

The Baxi Ecogen is our newest and most innovative wall hung boiler; innovative because, as well as producing heat for your central heating and hot water, it also generates electricity. This means that it is classified as a microgeneration technology and is eligible for the Feed-in Tariff. 

And it is the only combined heat and power appliance with MCS certification.  Householders will be paid 10p per kWh of electricity they generate, as well as saving money on their electricity bills, and 3p for every kWh of generated electricity they don’t use themselves and return to the grid. 

We have made a short video to show you what we mean. 

So, Baxi Ecogen will save you money by producing more efficient heat and electricity, and you will receive money back just for generating the electricity, even if you don’t use it yourself!

For more information on the Feed-in Tariff announcement, view the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s press release. (http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_010/pn10_010.aspx)

For more information on MCS visit http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/

See our video here

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, efficiency | Leave a Comment

I’d just like to thank…

June 30, 2010 – 4:39 pm

It’s the season for award ceremonies in the heating industry and voting opens for the prestigious CORGI Awards on 1 July 2010.

Last year, we were delighted that Baxi’s sister company Main scooped the Heating Manufacturer of the Year award.  The success was all the sweeter because Main was joined by both Baxi and our other sister company Potterton in the final shortlist of companies.  Baxi was also shortlisted for the Green Manufacturer of the Year category.

The CORGI Awards are unique because all Manufacturer and Product awards are uniquely judged by heating and plumbing engineers in an online voting system.  When it opens on 1st July 2010, we’d love you to visit the CORGI Awards website http://www.corgiawards.co.uk/ and vote for us.

Voting is simple.  To be valid you or your business must belong to one of the following professional bodies: CIPHE, CORGI, Gas Safe, MCS, OFTEC, and you will need to provide an email and telephone number.  You can then rate us across five criteria: Installability, Quality, Reliability, Technical Support and Value.

We’d like to think that Baxi provides you with an award winning range of high efficiency boilers that are reliable and have been designed for easy installation and straightforward service and maintenance. Our service division, heateam, has been voted one of the Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service, providing technical support and assistance at the end of the phone, or offering UK-wide coverage with a fleet of over 270 heating engineers.

Our Baxi Bermuda BBU HE is the only A-rated back boiler on the market, designed as a simple replacement for old back boilers, using the same pipe work and removing the need for complicated applications to local authorities for installation.

And we have a low carbon technology suitable for every application.  Baxi Ecogen micro-CHP, launched in April this year, is creating a stir in the market as a replacement for a conventional boiler.  We can also supply ground source and air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and a range of in-roof, on-roof and evacuated tubes for solar thermal installations.

Gosh – with credentials like that, we’d be delighted and proud to win!

So please, vote for Baxi in the Heating Manufacturer and Green Manufacturer categories http://www.corgiawards.co.uk/

Thank you.

By baxiuk | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Successful week!

May 27, 2010 – 3:11 pm

We’ve had a really successful week here at Baxi.

The Baxi Bermuda BBU HE triumphed at the IGEM/SBGI Gas Industry Awards 2010, winning the Gas Industry Innovation Award. The award ceremony was part of the Joint Gas Industry Luncheon held at the London Hilton Hotel on Tuesday 11th May. It was presented by National Grid Chief Executive Steven Holliday, Jeremy Bending, President IGEM and David Jones, President of SBGI.

As the only condensing back boiler unit on the market, the Baxi Bermuda BBU HE drew special praise from the judges who valued its high efficiency. They recognised that this product will “help reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions in over two million households which still rely on a back boiler to provide heating and hot water”.

Our success continued when the Baxi Ecogen micro-CHP won the Green Innovation Award as part of a virtual event called Sustainability Now. The event provided keynotes, information, discussions and an exhibition around sustainability in the built environment. All the delegates – professionals from architecture, engineering, quantity surveying, project management and construction – attended without having to leave their offices, saving money on travelling and hotels, and ensuring it was a low carbon event.

Baxi Ecogen fought off eight other innovative products to win the coveted Green Innovation Award. The products were all chosen as recent developments that the judges thought could make a difference and help the construction sector meet its sustainability goals.

Check out our product pages to see just why these two great products have been chosen by the judges.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (1)

New boiler scrappage schemes announced

February 11, 2010 – 8:29 am

Boiler scrappage scheme

On 10 February 2010, the Welsh Assembly announced that it is investing in a boiler scrappage scheme.  This follows hot on the heels of the Scottish Government, which said last week that it would be running a similar scheme.

 The two devolved countries are following the English scheme which has been running in England since January 5 2010.  The Northern Ireland Assembly has yet to make a decision. 

At Baxi, we are delighted that these Governments are taking a leading role in raising awareness and incentivising people to replace their old, inefficient boilers.  The scheme is good for the UK heating industry – around 80% of boilers sold in the UK are manufactured here – great for homeowners, who will see substantial savings on the fuel bills, and will help the UK Government to meet its targets for reducing carbon emissions. 

In Wales, only people over the age of 60 will qualify, and they will receive £500 towards the cost of a replacing an old, G rated boiler under the £2.5 million scheme.  The scheme will come into force on 1 April this year and the £2.5 million has been allocated for 2010/11.  In addition, £1.4 million will be invested in the Welsh Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, to help tackle fuel poverty in households by improving heating and insulation. 

A sum of £2 million has been earmarked for the Scottish boiler scrappage scheme.  If it is run along the lines of the English scheme, where homeowners receive £400 cash back towards the cost of replacing their boiler, 5,000 Scottish households could be enjoying savings on their fuel bills per annum, as well as reducing their carbon footprint. 

The mechanics of how the Scottish and Welsh schemes will work have not yet been announced, but when they are we will update the Baxi website to give you full details.  

Many homes in Scotland and Wales are in off mains gas areas.  These households will have the opportunity to replace G rated boilers replaced with new, high efficiency, A rated LPG boilers or low carbon technologies such as biomass boilers.

According to the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), there are approximately 4.5 million Band G boilers still in use in the UK, each working at less than 70 per cent efficiency.  Changing to a Band A high efficiency boiler could save you around £235 a year in energy bills, as well as reducing your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by a staggering 1.2 tonnes.  

Baxi has a range of SEDBUK Band A rated boilers suitable for every application.  The Baxi Duo-tec Combi HE was voted CORGI Boiler of the Year 2008 by installers and was awarded Best Buy by Which? in 2007, when it achieved 5-star ratings for efficiency, low NOx emissions (Nitrogen Oxide), features and installing.  Baxi has also introduced a brand new high efficiency back boiler unit, the only A-rated appliance on the market suitable for use as a direct replacement.  And we have a market leading range of low and zero carbon technologies including biomass, air source and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal. 

You can also find your nearest Baxi installer on the website.  Simply type in your postcode and hit the Find an Installer button for a map showing the closest Gas Safe Registered Baxi Installers, along with their names, addresses and Gas Safe registration numbers.

By baxiuk | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (2)

Baxi Group welcomes Government recognition of combined heat and power technology for Feed-in Tariffs

February 1, 2010 – 11:29 am

The Government has announced the final details of its Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme.  Baxi Group welcomes the Government’s recognition that micro-combined heat and power (mCHP) technology will play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint of homes.  However Baxi Group is disappointed that the generation tariff for mCHP is set at a lower level than expected, 10p/kWh*.  While this is a valuable contribution, it will not generate the same level of take up as the industry has been hoping for. 

Sarah Brook, Marketing Director, Baxi Group, commented on the FIT scheme Government announcement: “The UK is currently leading the world in terms of mCHP development and today’s news will help to promote growth in the mCHP market.  However, it will not deliver the scale of market growth or economic benefits that would have been achieved if the requested 15p generation tariff level had been awarded.  In making this decision the government has missed an opportunity to support a product that delivers fuel bills savings to the householder, and secures UK jobs as well as delivering carbon savings to the economy.”  

Feed-in Tariffs are set to be introduced in April 2010 to support the uptake of small-scale low-carbon electricity generation and help to deliver the UK’s 2020 renewable targets. An attractive financial incentive is key to driving the uptake of microgeneration technology, which makes today’s announcement of tariff levels disappointing. 

With homes accounting for nearly 30% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, the Government is keen to cut household emissions to help meet its targets of reducing UK carbon by 80% by 2050. The Government recently acknowledged this by launching the boiler scrappage scheme to encourage homeowners to replace old inefficient boilers. The micro-CHP sector was relying on FIT as an additional incentive to stimulate the microgeneration market and allow consumers to access this technology as a logical and practical alternative to a regular boiler. 

Baxi Group has timed the commercial launch of its revolutionary Baxi Ecogen micro-CHP to coincide with the introduction of FIT. Baxi Ecogen is the first wall-hung, domestic Stirling engine micro-CHP unit to be available, heralding the most significant change in the home heating industry since the condensing boiler.  

This type of microgeneration has some unique benefits, such as generating electricity at times of peak electrical demand, thus maximising greener on-site use, helping to alleviate fuel poverty and relieving the pressure on centralised power stations at times of peak demand when the most carbon intensive generating equipment is employed.  In addition, it doesn’t rely on building orientation or weather conditions to generate electricity. 

Baxi Ecogen complies with the latest legislation and provides significant carbon benefits, so it can help both the new-build and public sector meet the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Baxi Group is committed to developing and supplying innovative new heating technologies that will play a role in tackling climate change, reducing the use of fossil fuels and addressing the issues of fuel poverty. For more information, visit the Baxi site for our Feed-in Tariff FAQs

*This tariff is available only for 30,000 micro-CHP installations. A review will take place when 12,000 units have been installed.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, boiler scrappage scheme, efficiency | Leave a Comment

Boiler scrappage scheme explained…

January 14, 2010 – 10:04 am

We’ve created a short video explaining how the boiler scrappage scheme works…

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, boiler scrappage scheme | Leave a Comment

Winter advice

January 11, 2010 – 2:53 pm
Advice for those with external boiler pipework problems

winter scene

Everyone will have noticed the harsh weather conditions that are currently gripping the country, and everything has been affected.  Even our boilers.  We’ve noticed that the low temperatures have caused some of the external pipework connected to our high efficiency (HE) boilers to freeze. 

This will be apparent if your boiler is displaying the code E133 on its display panel.  The display will alternate between E1 and 33.

We hope that the following easy steps will help to get your boiler working again without the need for an engineer’s visit.

- If the boiler is displaying error code E133, check to see if the condensate pipe is located outside, as it may be frozen.  It is a plastic pipe that leads into the drainage
 - To unfreeze the pipe, the best solution is to pour hot, but not boiling, water across the length of the plastic pipe until it has defrosted.  This could take around 30 minutes, but the boiler will not light until this pipe has cleared
 - Once the pipe has thawed out, the boiler needs to be reset, and then should fire up and run as normal

The E133 error code will appear on all Baxi Platinum, Duo-tec and Megaflo boilers.

FAQs

Q. I’ve tried the above and the boiler is still displaying the error code
A. Don’t worry, give us a call and we can send one of our engineers out

Q. What if I don’t feel comfortable doing this?
If you don’t feel comfortable contact your installer or give us a call, however there may be a charge for this.

For more advice visit the aftersales area of our website.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, Winter advice | Leave a Comment

The boiler scrappage scheme – what is it, who is eligible and how will it work?

January 7, 2010 – 10:25 am

Boiler scrappage scheme

The purpose of the boiler scrappage scheme, kick-started by the Prime Minister this week, is to provide a grant of £400 to 125,000 households in England with the least efficient, G rated boilers toward the cost of replacing their boiler with a new, A rated model. 

New boilers are at least 90 per cent efficient, and replacing a G rated boiler could reduce your fuel bills by up to £235 a year, as well as considerably lowering your home’s carbon footprint.  In fact, replacing 125,000 will save 140,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road.

The Energy Saving Trust is responsible for the administration of the scheme, and householders and landlords who privately own and rent dwellings are eligible to apply.  The scheme only applies to homes in England.  The governments and assemblies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be responsible for allocating funds for similar schemes in their countries.

How can you tell if your boiler is G rated?

It’s worth checking to see if you are eligible if you have a back boiler, your boiler has a permanent pilot ignition or if it was installed before 2005 when legislation was changed to ensure all new boilers were high efficiency, condensing boilers.

If you have a Baxi boiler, there’s an easy reference guide on the Baxi website, along with an at-a-glance recommendation for a replacement boiler. 

The Energy Saving Trust website also has information to help you identify if your boiler is eligible.

I think I have a G rated boiler.  What do I do next?

First of all, you need to get a quote from a Gas Safe registered installer, to replace your G rated boiler with a new A rated boiler.  In order to make sure you get the best possible deal, it’s worth contacting at least two installers and comparing their quotes.  Ask for recommendations from your friends and family, or use ‘Find an Installer’ on our website.  Some low and zero carbon technologies are also eligible for the grant, so you may also consider installing a passive flue heat recovery device such as Multifit GasSaver, Baxi Ecogen Micro CHP units or Microgeneration Certification Scheme-registered biomass boilers and heat pumps. Solar Thermal is also eligible if combined with an eligible boiler replacement.

Then you need to register your interest either by emailing Energy Saving Trust or by calling their ACT ON CO2 advice line on 0800 512 012.

You’ll need to give them the following information:

 - Your full name
 - The address of the property you want to claim the voucher for
 - The make and name of the boiler being scrapped
 - The company name, address and contact details of the installer carrying out the work
 - The type of replacement boiler being installed (eg natural gas, LPG, biomass) 
 - Confirmation that you have a received a quote or visit from the installer to carry out the work

The £400 vouchers will be issued from 18 January 2010. You will receive the voucher approximately ten days after application. Vouchers are valid for 12 weeks from date of issue. If the voucher is not redeemed within this time, it will be cancelled and reallocated. Only one voucher per household will be issued, but if the voucher expires, it will be possible to apply for another if funds are available. 

Once you’ve received the voucher, you can go ahead with the installation.  You’ll have to pay the installer when the work is completed, and then claim back the £400 by sending the invoice and voucher to the Energy Saving Trust.  You’ll get your £400 rebate within 25 working days.

Please note that installations made before you get your voucher will invalidate your claim and you will no longer be eligible to receive the £400 rebate.

Check out Baxi’s range of Band A boilers

Baxi has a range of SEDBUK Band A rated boilers suitable for every application.  The Baxi Duo-tec Combi HE was voted CORGI Boiler of the Year 2008 by installers and was awarded Best Buy by Which? in 2007, when it achieved 5-star ratings for efficiency, low NOx emissions (Nitrogen Oxide), features and installing.  Baxi has also introduced the brand new Baxi Bermuda BBU HE, the only A-rated appliance on the market suitable for use as a direct replacement.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, boiler scrappage scheme, efficiency, energy | Comments (4)

Boiler scrappage scheme

December 10, 2009 – 11:14 am

Boiler scrappage scheme
Yesterday (9 December 2009), in his Pre-Budget Report the Chancellor announced details of a boiler scrappage scheme to start as soon as possible in 2010.

The scheme is designed to help householders with older Band G boilers lower their fuel bills and reduce the carbon footprint of homes.

Details released so far say that £400 is available for up to 125,000 households to upgrade their old Band G rated boilers to a new high efficiency SEDBUK Band A boiler. In addition extra resources will be made available for Warm Front to help 75,000 of the most vulnerable households with heating and insulation.

How can I tell if my boiler is suitable?

The Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC) have issued guidance to help householders identify if they have a Band G boiler.

For Floor Standing Boilers:

  • Pre 2002 with permanent pilot ignition.

    • Wall mounted boilers:

  • Pre 2002 with cast iron heat exchanger and permanent pilot ignition

    • Combi boilers:

  • Pre 1998

    • Back Boilers:

  • Pre 2002

    • Statistics gathered by the HHIC estimate that there are still 4.5 million Band G rated boilers in use that are rated at less than 70% efficient. Changing from a G rated boiler to an A rated boiler could save the householder up to £235 per year. Upgrading the boiler could also make savings of 1.2 tonnes of CO2 per year.

    Read Mark Kelly’s, CEO of Baxi Group UK, response to news of the boiler scrappage scheme

    Sign up to our newsletter to be informed of updates when further announcements are made

    By baxiuk | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (14)

    Carbon monoxide awareness

    November 30, 2009 – 11:14 am
    Carbon monoxide awareness

    Carbon monoxide awareness

    With winter just around the corner, and the evenings drawing in earlier, now is the time that we’re all starting to turn the central heating on back after the summer.

    And it’s also a great time to ensure that your gas boiler is working safely and efficiently too, following on from Carbon Monoxide Awareness week across the country.

    Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels – gas, oil, wood and coal, as used in gas boilers, oil burners, water heaters, gas overs, solid fuel appliances and open fires.

    Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so detecting it can be difficult – the use of an audible carbon monoxide alarm is helpful, which can usually be purchased from any DIY store or energy retailer.

    For your chance to win a carbon monoxide detector, just enter our prize promotion.

    Simple safety tips

  • Ensure your gas appliances are installed by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
  • Make sure that your gas appliance is serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. heateam, the service division of Baxi Group, can carry out a thorough annual service on your Baxi appliances. All heateam engineers are Gas Safe registered.
  • Don’t block any purpose provided ventilation.
  • If you have doubts about the installation of a gas appliance or you want to check one that is not working contact a Gas Safe registered installer.
  • For added peace of mind, consider purchasing and installing an audible carbon monoxide detector. However this should not be used as a substitute for regular servicing.
  • If you live in rented accomodation, you landlord must, by Law, provide you with evidence that a Gas Safe registered installer has safety checked the appliances within the last 12 months.

    • Please take a moment to visit our website for more information and details of how you can win a carbon monoxide detector.

    By baxiuk | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment