It’s Energy Saving Week 2011

October 24, 2011 – 10:41 am

Baxi is supporting Energy Saving Week

The Energy Saving Trust is holding its 15th Energy Saving Week from 24 – 28 October 2011.  This year, the theme is ‘Take back control of your bills’ and offers lots of advice on how you can take back control of your spiralling energy bills at home.

As everyone knows, our gas and electricity bills have been rising on a yearly basis. The current economic slowdown has been fundamental in the way that consumers are thinking about energy saving. Energy Saving Week provides the perfect opportunity for households across the county to learn about how they can make a difference.

Here are some top tips from the Energy Saving Trust to help you save money and stop wasting energy.

LOOK FOR CAVITIES…
Around a third of the heat lost in an uninsulated home is through the walls, so insulating them can be one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy in the home. Not all buildings are suitable, but if your home was built between the 1920s and 1990s then it could be the ideal candidate for cavity wall insulation and you could save up to £135 on your annual heating bills! Like double-glazing, cavity wall insulation will keep you warm in winter and can also help to keep you cool in the summer. If your house was built before 1920’s and has a solid wall construction you could think about installing internal or external wall insulation.  It could save you up to £475 a year on your heating bills.
BE ECO-CHIC AND LOOK OUT FOR THE LOGO…
Look out for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo when you’re buying new electrical appliances. The logo is a simple and quick way to find the most energy efficient products on the market. You’ll find it on a wide range of products from kitchen appliances, heating and lighting to televisions and computers. The idea is that whatever the product, whichever the labelling system – all you need to do is look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo. For instance, replacing your old, energy inefficient fridge-freezer with a new energy saving recommended one could save you up to £26 every year.  All Baxi boilers are Energy Saving Trust Recommended.
BOILERS… IF IT ISN’T BROKEN, IT STILL MIGHT NEED FIXING…
We rarely think of our boilers – until they go on the blink! If your boiler is over 15 years old, it’s probably time you thought about replacing it with a new energy efficient one. Replacing your old boiler with a new A-rated condensing model with a full set of heating controls will save you up to a quarter on your heating bills straight away – that’s up to £300 on average in gas heated homes. If all homes in the UK with gas or a G-rated boiler switched to condensing boilers, we’d save around £886 million a year!  Check out the new range of Baxi boilers with THINK intelligence within for maximum energy efficiency, reliability and cost savings.
BE NICE TO YOUR FREEZER…
Fridge freezers are the most hardworking appliances in our kitchens – in fact, UK households use around £2 billion worth of electricity on refrigeration and freezing every year. To help cut costs, don’t leave the door open longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot food into the fridge, defrost the freezer regularly and check the door seals are working properly.
WRAP UP YOUR HOT WATER TANK… GIVE IT A JACKET
An insulating jacket for hot water tanks only costs a few pounds and pays for itself within months. Fit one that’s at least 75mm (3”) thick and you could save around £40 a year. If every UK household fitted a jacket on their tank tomorrow, we’d save around £141 million on energy bills every year.
DRAW AT DUSK… CLOSE YOUR CURTAINS
As the days get chillier, closing your curtains at dusk will stop heat escaping through windows. This is an easy and practically free way to help you reduce you energy bills and stop wasting energy.
A BRIGHT IDEA… BUY AN ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHT BULB
When the days are shorter you’ll be relying on your lights more. Trade up your ordinary light bulbs for energy saving ones. And with inefficient light bulbs being phased out over the next few years, now is a great time to do so. Energy saving light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and by fitting all the lights in your house with energy saving bulbs you could save around £30 a year and £480 over the lifetime of all of the bulbs… This saving could be around £120 over its lifetime if you’re replacing a high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day.
TAKE TO THE FLOOR…
Stop draughts and heat escaping by filling gaps under skirting boards with beading or mastic sealant. That’ll save around £25 off your heating bills every year!
SEE DOUBLE… AND CUT HEAT LOSS BY 50%
Double-glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50% and could cut your heating bill by up to £165 a year. If you can’t afford to replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat, such as the living room and occupied bedrooms.
FEELING CHILLY? LOFT INSULATION WILL KEEP THE HEAT IN YOUR HOME
If your loft is uninsulated, about 15% of what you’re paying for your heating could be escaping through your roof. Insulate your loft to 270mm and if it’s currently uninsulated you could save around £175 a year off your heating bills. If you have less than the recommended 270mm, topping it up will save you around £25 a year. If everybody in the UK who could install 270mm of loft insulation did so, we would save around £437 million per year.
GENERATE YOUR OWN!
If you have the funds available, then why not think about installing your own microgeneration unit such as solar PV or Baxi Ecogen micro-CHP dual energy system for your electricity or a ground source heat pump for your heat. Schemes like the Feed-in Tariff offer you income for the electricity you generate, while the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) helps cover the up-front cost of green heating systems. You can find out which technology suits your home best with our Home Energy Generation Selector – www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewableselector
BE SWITCHED ON – TAKE A HOME ENERGY CHECK!
To find out how much energy can be saved in your own home, fill out the Energy Saving Trust’s online home energy check www.energysavingtrust.org.uk  Alternatively, you can call our free phone advice number on 0800 512 012. Our regional Energy Saving Trust advice centres can provide you with free, impartial advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and talk to you about grants you may be eligible for to implement energy efficient measures.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, efficiency, energy, Energy Saving Trust Recommended, Feed-in Tariff, Low carbon technologies, micro-CHP | Leave a Comment

A good week for Baxi

October 21, 2011 – 8:59 am

Left to right: Kelvin Stevens, MD of category sponsor Adey; Graham Parkes, Baxi Low Carbon Technologies; Comedian Rufus Hound

It’s been a very good week for Baxi.  InstallerLive 2011 – of of our main industry exhibitions – started on Sunday 16 October.  InstallerLive is a great opportunity for us to meet installers, merchants, specifiers and students and catch up with all the latest industry news.  As well as the Baxi stand, our sister companies Main, Remeha, Heatrae Sadia and interpart were all present.

It’s the first time for InstallerLive at the NEC – it has always been at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry in the past – and the first time organised by eMap, so we were all wondering how it would be.  Pretty good was the answer.  The Baxi stand featured the new range of boilers with THINK intelligence within, and the 5-year warranty offer.

The highlight of the week was the ‘Oscars’ of the heating industry, the InstallerLive Awards.  The awards were hosted by comedian Rufus Hound, who kept the audience amused whilst announcing the winners. Baxi was shortlisted for the Heating Manufacturer of the Year and the Green Manufacturer of the Year.  We are delighted to announce that we won the Green Manufacturer of the Year award, and our Low Carbon Technologies Head of Sales Graham Parkes proudly accepted the trophy.

“Winning the Green Award is a great accolade,” said Graham, “especially as the panel of judges are all prominent figures in the industry or former winners.

“At Baxi we pride ourselves on our low carbon portfolio and the support and training we offer.  We are particularly proud of Baxi Ecogen, and of being the first manufacturer to launch a domestic micro-CHP appliance to the UK market.

“I have received this award on behalf of the fantastic team that work tirelessly behind the scenes to enable us to deliver award-winning products and customer support.” 

The judges said: “The combination of heating and generating power from one unit is an exciting prospect and [Baxi] have started this very difficult path and are seeing great results.”

This is a good opportunity to congratulate Heatrae Sadia, who won the Environmental and Sustainability category of the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards in recognition of its continued commitment to promoting greener products and practice in the workplace.

By baxiuk | Posted in Baxi Ecogen, Boilers, Low carbon technologies, THINK intelligence within | Leave a Comment

New Baxi boilers are all endorsed by Energy Saving Trust

October 7, 2011 – 12:56 pm

All Baxi boilers are Energy Saving Trust Recommended

We are delighted to announce that all 16 of the boilers in the new Baxi range have been endorsed as Energy Saving Trust Recommended products.

The Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo

Only the most energy efficient products carry the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo, making it a quick and easy way for you to identify products that have met the stricktest criteria on energy efficiency.  These products will cost you less to run, contribute towards savings on your energy bills and help reduce carbon emissions.

The criteria is set by an independent panel and reviewed annually.  In addition, the Energy Saving Trust tests a percentage of products every year, so you can rest assusred that where there’s a logo there’s a smarter choice.

For more information visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Baxi boilers with THINK technology

Paul Haynes, Head of Product Management for Baxi, said: “It is important that we can demonstrate the quality and efficiency of our appliances, and we are very proud that the entire range of Baxi boilers is endorsed.”

Toni de la Motta, Marketing Manager at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “One of our key aims at the Energy Saving Trust is to ensure that people try to live as energy efficiently as possible by installing energy saving measures. This not only helps households to cut their CO2 emissions, but also saves them money on their energy bills. It’s great to see Baxi lead by example and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

In addition to the new boilers, all the previous models are endorsed, as well as the Baxi Bermuda back boiler unit and the Multifit GasSaver Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Device.  This means the entire range is eligible for installation under the Scottish boiler scrappage scheme.

The new range of boilers feature the THINK combustion management system, which includes Gas Adaptive Control and wide modulation ranges for smooth, reliable and cost effective operation.  The boilers included are Baxi Duo-tec Combi GA, Baxi Neta-tec Combi GA, Baxi Platinum Combi GA and Baxi Megaflo System Compact GA.

For more information about the Energy Saving Trust Recommended scheme, please visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

For more information about Baxi boilers, please visit www.baxi.co.uk or telephone 0844 871 1525.

By baxiuk | Posted in Baxi Duo-tec Combi GA, Baxi Megaflo System Compact GA, Baxi Neta-tec Combi GA, Baxi Platinum Combi GA, boiler scrappage scheme, Boilers, Carbon monoxide, efficiency, energy, Energy Saving Trust Recommended, Gas Adaptive Contol, THINK intelligence within | Leave a Comment

Baxi’s new range of boilers with THINK intelligence within

September 19, 2011 – 9:23 am

The new Baxi Neta-tec Combi GA fits discreetly in a kitchen cupboard

Baxi is proud to present the next generation of its award winning boilers.  CEO Mark Kelly explains why this is the perfect time to launch new, ground-breaking technology and introduces the range.

Like the rest of the heating industry, we are facing economic, environmental, legislative and political issues which we have had to consider during the development of these new boilers.

Natural gas reserves in the North Sea are dwindling, so we will depend more and more on imported gas.  The Government has given the UK a target of a 34% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020.  It has also set an objective for 30 per cent of our electricity and 12 per cent of our heat to be generated by renewable technology by 2020. Therefore, there is a growing need for gas boilers to be compatible with the growing number of low carbon technologies that are available in the marketplace.

The Building Regulations Part L changed in October 2010, replacing the old SEDBUK A to G banding with a minimum efficiency of 88 per cent, taking into consideration both summer and winter efficiencies.  And The Code for Sustainable Homes sets out clear steps to reduce carbon emissions in homes until 2016, when all new homes should be zero carbon.  This is reflected in the latest SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) requirements for newbuild.      

Climate change and legislation is forcing us to use less fossil fuel so the cost of gas and electricity is forecast to rise.  This means that energy bills for the average household will increase substantially year on year.  This, combined with increasing gas imports, means that the UK needs a new kind of boiler that can handle variable quality of gas supply, and deliver greater reliability, efficiency and cost savings.

Once we had addressed these external concerns, we had to make sure we understood exactly what is most important to installers and the people who actually use the boilers.

We carried out extensive market research among a large number of installers to find out the factors they considered when choosing a boiler.  Not surprisingly, product reliability came out head and shoulders above all the other features with, followed by ease of installation, product familiarity, technical support and after sales service. 

Consumers are demanding more affordable and more fuel efficient solutions.  For them, reliability, brand reputation and aftersales service were the key considerations.

‘Think’ intelligence within
The new Baxi boiler range will set the benchmark for the future; their unique ‘Think’ technology will drive reliability, efficiency and cost savings.

The range consists of three combi boilers, a heat only and a system boiler.  The new versions of Baxi Duo-tec and Baxi Platinum combis are joined by the brand new compact combi boiler, Baxi Neta-tec.  The range is completed by a new compact version of the Baxi Megaflo system boiler.

The range has smart new aesthetics that will complement any situation and user friendly, intelligent controls.  But the real difference lies in the state of the art ‘Think’ technology at the heart of each boiler. 

We have developed a combustion management system that includes gas adaptive control which means the boiler will self-adjust to provide a lifetime of optimum efficiency.  This starts delivering benefits as soon as the boiler is installed.  The boilers self-commission.  As part of this process, they automatically recognise the quality of gas and determine whether to set up for natural gas or LPG.  In fact, the whole range is suitable for LPG, meaning the merchant only has to stock one boiler rather than dedicated LPG models.  This is especially useful in rural and off-mains gas areas.

Gas adaptive control means that the boilers will always work at the most efficient setting.  In simple terms, this means fewer boiler ignitions, and therefore less work for the boiler which will improve reliability.  Over time, this means fuel bill savings for the consumer and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.  

The boilers also come with two speed pumps and the Baxi Platinum has a fully modulating pump.  This means the pump can be adapted to meet the heating demands of the property.  So, rather than working flat out at 100 per cent, heat is delivered much more efficiently, helping to reduce energy bills still further.

In addition to the new technology inside the boiler, we have introduced a complete range of accessories designed to deliver the most advanced, reliable and efficient hot water and heating systems.

The boilers and components have undergone the most rigorous testing regime we have ever carried out to ensure their reliability.  We have carried out an extensive programme of field trials, laboratory and environmental testing over several years, equivalent to 20,000 weeks of testing.  Life tests were carried out in climate chambers, replicating temperatures from -15 degrees C to +25 degrees C.

We are extremely proud of this new range of UK Baxi boilers, which will also provide the same platform for boilers throughout Europe.  All the boilers for the UK market will be manufactured in Preston, Lancashire.  Where possible, we have used common components, so the boilers will be familiar to installers, and have adopted a ‘learn one, fit many’ ethos.   

By listening to our installers and understanding the bigger picture, we believe we have been able to design a new range of boilers to meet today’s needs and tackle future challenges.

Visit the Baxi website or call 0844 871 1525 for more information.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boilers, efficiency, energy, THINK intelligence within | Leave a Comment

Gas Safety Week: Take care, be Gas Safe

September 9, 2011 – 9:00 am
Gas Safety Week

Gas Safety Week 12 - 18 September 2011

Baxi is proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week which is taking place 12-18 September 2011.

Gas Safety Week is run by Gas Safe Register, the only official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on your gas boiler, gas cooker and gas fire. By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register; it replaced CORGI.

Gas Safety Week aims to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.

If you rent your home your landlord must keep gas appliances supplied for you to use in good condition. They should arrange a gas safety check every 12 months and give you a record of the check.

By taking care of your gas appliances properly you are taking care of your home and your loved ones. Follow these top tips to help keep you and your family gas safe:

  • Make sure only a Gas Safe registered engineer works on your gas appliances
  • Make sure gas appliances have a regular service and an annual gas safety check
  • Always check the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card

For gas safety advice or to find and check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk   Alternatively call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.

By baxiuk | Posted in Boiler service, Boilers, Carbon monoxide, Gas Safe Register, Gas safety | Leave a Comment

Proud to be in Warwick for 40 years

April 21, 2011 – 2:47 pm
Brooks House celebrates 40th Anniversary

On Wednesday 20 April 2011, Baxi employees at Brooks House, Coventry Road, Warwick celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of the building.  They dug out their flares and spandex, dressed up in 70s clothes and enjoyed a huge cake to mark the day in 1971 when Dame Elizabeth Ackroyd MA officially opened the building.

In those days, Brooks House was the administrative centre and executive office for Potterton, which manufactured boilers at the Portobello Works down the road in Leamington Spa.  Field Service Engineer Mick Evans, who joined the company in 1973, says: “The offices were a bit different in those days.  I was based in Wandsworth, South West London, and if you were instructed to go to Brooks House you used to think you were in trouble!”

Mick has seen a lot of changes in his time, and the company has changed hands and merged with other market-leaders in the heating industry over the years to become the third largest heating and hot water specialist in Europe.  In January 2011, the name changed from Baxi Group to BDR Thermea and includes some of the best known brands in home heating, such as Baxi, Potterton, Megaflo and Valor.

Today, around 240 BDR Thermea employees work in Brooks House on a daily basis, but the number who actually report to departments at Brooks House, including field service engineers and the national sales teams, is 640.  Between them, they have notched up a staggering 3,411 years service!  The total number of BDR Thermea employees in the UK is 1778.

As well as the UK and Ireland CEO and Board of Directors, Brooks House is home to heateam, the Group’s award winning customer contact centre, interpart spares division, NewDesign and a fully equipped training centre.  The administrative functions are also based there.

In 2010, several of the functions moved to offices over the road in Acorn House, but still maintain daily contact with Brooks House.  A state-of-the-art training facility is due to open shortly, providing training on boilers and low carbon technologies for installers and heating contractors.

“Brooks House is a very happy place to work,” says Mark Kelly, CEO.  “Many of our staff have been here for 10, 20 and even 30 years, and even when they retire, they often come back to work for us part time! 

“We are extremely proud of our history and heritage in this area, and are pleased to continue to be a major employer in Warwick.”

By baxiuk | Posted in Boiler service, heateam, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Trophies galore for Baxi Ecogen

April 14, 2011 – 3:29 pm
Homebuilding & Renovating Product Excellence Awards 2011

Green Award for Baxi Ecogen, Homebuilding & Renovating Product Excellence Awards 2011

We are extremely proud of the Baxi Ecogen dual energy system.  So far this year we have won the Innovation category of the Rushlight Awards, the Plumbing and Heating category and the Green award of the Homebuilding and Renovating Product Excellence Awards and the Technology/Innovation category of the COGEN Europe Recognition Awards.  We were also shortlisted for the Sustain Awards and the Best New Product category of the prestigious Climate Week awards.

Michael Holmes, Editor in chief Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine and presenter of Channel 5 “I own Britain’s best home”, summed it up when he said: “The Baxi Ecogen harnesses well established micro generation technology into a neat conventional size domestic boiler, offering households a way to generate their own clean electricity whilst heating their home and hot water. As it qualifies for the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (FITs) the Baxi Ecogen could pay for itself within just a few years!”

The Baxi Ecogen Dual Energy System is a micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) wall hung gas boiler, which generates both electricity and heat from the same source close to where it is to be used.  The first boiler of its kind available on the market, it is an easy replacement for a conventional gas boiler.

For electricity generation, it uses a Stirling engine that is heated by burning gas.  Helium inside expands and contracts to move a piston up and down between a copper coil, generating up to 1kW of electricity at 50Hz single phase.  Any electricity that is not used in the home can be exported back to the grid.  It is MCS certified so is eligible for the Government’s Feed-in Tariff.

Find our more about Baxi Ecogen here.

By baxiuk | Posted in Baxi Ecogen, Boilers, efficiency, energy, Feed-in Tariff, Low carbon technologies, micro-CHP, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Feed-in Tariff: what is it, are you eligible and how to claim

March 29, 2011 – 3:42 pm

Feed-in Tariff: what is it, are you eligible and how to claim

Microgeneration is high on the carbon saving agenda right now, and receiving lots of news coverage.  As the manufacturer of Baxi Ecogen, the only Dual Energy System on the market, Baxi understands how important it is to be able to claim the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) so you can start enjoying the benefits as soon as you have your appliance installed.

What is the Feed-in Tariff?
The Feed-in Tariff or FiT is a fixed payment for the electricity you generate in your home, whether you use it yourself or export it into the national electricity grid. FiT is made up of two parts:

  • Generation tariff – a fixed payment per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated, regardless of whether it is used by you or exported.  For Baxi Ecogen Dual Energy System the generation tariff is 10p per kWh
  • Export tariff – an additional payment for each kWh you export back to the national grid.  For Baxi Ecogen this is 3p per kWh and is index linked.

Baxi has made a short film to explain what FiT is and how to claim, which can be found here.

How to get FiT
Baxi has put together a simple step by step guide to claiming the Feed-in Tariff for the Baxi Ecogen Dual Energy System.

Step 1     Check the installer is MCS certified.  MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme.  You can find an MCS certified installer on the Baxi website,  or visit the MCS website to search for an installer in your area.

Step 2     Check that the product is MCS certified.  Baxi Ecogen Dual Energy System is MCS certified, making it eligible for the Feed-in Tariff.

Step 3     Obtain the MCS certificate from the installer.  This certificate verifies the installation of your microgeneration system and confirms its eligibility for the Feed-in Tariff.  It needs to be presented to your chosen FiT supplier so that they can complete the registration process.  You should receive the certificate from your installer within two weeks of the installation.  If you don’t, contact them and request it.

Step 4     Choose your Feed-in Tariff supplier.  Once you’ve got your MCS certificate, you can apply for FiT from your chosen electricity provider.  You can either contact your existing provider to discuss the process for claiming FiT or click here for details of other providers.
You will need to provide your electricity provider with a copy of the MCS certificate.  You will also need an approved generator meter, which will have been fitted by the installer when your Baxi Ecogen was installed.
Once your electricity provider has processed your application, you will start to receive FiT payments.  These will be paid quarterly in arrears and will appear on your electricity bill, and will also include credit for any electricity you have exported.

What is Baxi Ecogen dual energy system?
Baxi Ecogen dual energy system provides efficient gas central heating and hot water like any other wall hung gas boiler and also generates electricity for use in the home: 

*     does not require planning permission

*     does not rely on the weather or building orientation

*     is easy to install as a replacement for your existing boiler

*     can help to reduce your fuel bills and carbon emissions

*     MCS certified so is eligible for the Government’s Feed-in Tariff

*     your electricity supplier will pay you for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated and an export tariff every kWh of electricity you export back to the grid

Feed-in Tariff Q&As
Q. Who can claim the Feed-in Tariff?
A. Any homeowner who has a microgeneration system such as the Baxi Ecogen dual energy system installed can claim the FiT. The installer and product must both be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certificated in order to claim the FiT. (See below for more information on MCS)

Q. Which low carbon technologies are eligible for the FiT?
A. All small scale microgeneration technologies such as the Baxi Ecogen dual energy system (micro-CHP), Solar PV, hydro-electric power and wind turbines are eligible for the FiT as long as the output is no more than five megawatts.

Q. Can I claim the Feed-in Tariff now?
A. Yes, the Feed-in Tariff scheme went live in April 2010.

Q. Can I claim the FiT if my product was installed before April 2010?
A. In some cases the FiT can be claimed if the product was installed between 15th July 2009 and April 2010.  You can find out more information by visiting the Feed-in Tariff section of the Energy Saving Trust website.

Q. What level of Feed-in Tariff will I receive?
A. The amount of FiT varies dependent on the technology type installed. If you have a Baxi Ecogen dual energy system you will receive 10p/kWh for all the electricity you generate, plus an additional 3p/kWh for any surplus exported back to the grid which you have not used within the home.

Q. Will I have to pay income tax on the FiT I receive?
A. If you install a microgeneration system, like the Baxi Ecogen dual energy system, within your home you will be exempt from paying tax on income from the Feed-in Tariff.

Q. Is the Feed-in Tariff index-linked?
A. Yes, the FiT is linked to the Retail Price Index, meaning that it will increase in line with inflation over time.

Q. What is a smart meter?
A. Smart meters allow you to make intelligent choices about your energy consumption by showing how much energy is being used and how much it is costing, they can help you reduce your energy use and in turn make fuel bill savings.

Q. How long will the FiT be paid for?
A. The Feed-in Tariff will last for 10 years from installation.  However claiming FiT is limited to the first 30,000 units.

Q. What happens if I move home?
A. Eligibility for the Feed-in Tariff would remain with the installation and transfer to the new owner of your property.

Q. What is MCS?
A. MCS stands for ‘Microgeneration Certification Scheme’, which is an independent scheme that gives certification for microgeneration products of under 50kW heat output (mainly for domestic properties) and provides certification of installers in accordance with a robust set of standards. By applying for MCS certification manufacturers can demonstrate that their microgeneration products, like the Baxi Ecogen dual energy system, are viewed as quality products with environmental benefits. Visit the MCS website for more information.

Q. Does the installer have to be MCS certificated?
A. In order to claim FiT, the Baxi Ecogen dual energy system must be installed by an MCS certificated installer. You can search for a Baxi Ecogen installer in your area by visiting our Find an Installer page.

Q. Does the product have to be MCS certificated?
A. The Baxi Ecogen dual energy system is the first micro-CHP boiler to be MCS certificated in the UK, and therefore is eligible for the FiT.

Useful Links
Baxi Ecogen website 

MCS website

Energy Saving Trust

Find a Baxi Installer

By baxiuk | Posted in Baxi Ecogen, efficiency, energy, Feed-in Tariff, Low carbon technologies, micro-CHP | Leave a Comment

Managing your energy bills – about the Priority Service Register

March 23, 2011 – 12:46 pm
Managing your energy bills

Managing your energy bills with the Priority Service Register

All major energy suppliers are obliged to provide a range of free services to vulnerable customers through the Priority Service Register (PSR).

The PSR is available to anyone who is of pensionable age, living with a disability or chronic illness, or with a visual or hearing impairment.

Joining the PSR entitles you to the following free services:

  • A gas appliance and installation safety check (where everyone in the household is eligible for the PSR)
  • Quarterly meter readings 
  • Help to move a meter if it is in an inconvenient position
  • A personal password system for gas and electricity staff to use every time they call at the person’s home, to confirm they are genuine
  • Help if they have difficulty in using certain appliances 
  • Their bills can be sent to a friend or family member on their behalf 
  • Bills can be supplied in different formats, such as large print or Braille, by cassette or in a different language

Contact your energy supplier if you want to join.

Alternatively, you can visit the consumer watchdog Energywatch’s website (now part of Consumer Focus) and complete an online registration form which will be sent to your supplier.

You can also register by phoning the Energywatch helpline on 08459 06 07 08.

If you are finding it difficult to pay your energy bills, there’s more information in this leaflet.

Useful links
Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC)
Energywatch
Consumer Focus
Home Heat Helpline   Tel: 0800 336699
British Gas Home Energy Care Register  Tel: 0845 955 5404
Scottish Power and SP Manweb   Tel: 0845 2727111
EDF Energy – customers with special requirements  Tel: 0800 269450
E.ON Guidance and Caring Energy
Southern Electricity (Southern Electric, SWALEC and Scottish Hydro) Careline  Tel: 0800 622838
Npower Warm Response Service Tel: 0808 172 6999

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

Baxi welcomes the publication of the Government’s RHI policy document

March 15, 2011 – 12:36 pm
Biomass boiler wood pellets

Biomass boiler wood pellets

Baxi has broadly welcomed the Government’s publication on Thursday 10th March of its Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) policy document.

We are encouraged by the main thrust of the RHI documentation.  The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has clearly learnt the important lessons from the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) framework and created an approach which will ensure technologies can be assessed in real life installations. The £15m funding could create around 25,000 installations under the Renewable Heat Premium Payments which will demonstrate the benefits renewable heat can deliver by 2015.

However, there is still clarity needed on key areas. We are disappointed that the definitive tariff levels for the domestic sector have not been revealed and we look forward to the publication of this information in May 2011. We also need detail on how dwellings will be assessed as eligible and whether the RHI tariff will be metered or deemed.

On the plus side, we are pleased to see that a clear link between RHI and the Green Deal has been expressed. Whilst there is a delay with implementation, the Government has honoured the commitment that installations completed after 15th July 2009 will be eligible for payments from 2012. 

The RHI policy document sets out the arrangements for the £860 million scheme, which will provide long-term financial support to renewable heat installations to encourage the uptake of renewable heat. DECC is aiming for the regulations which underpin the scheme to be approved by Parliament in summer 2011 and the scheme will be introduced shortly thereafter. The scheme is expected to increase green capital investment by £4.5 billion up to 2020, stimulating a new market in renewable heat. DECC believes that the incentive will increase the number of industrial, commercial and public sector installations by seven times to 2020.

The RHI Policy Document states that a full system of RHI payments will be available to households from October 2012 and in the interim, more than a quarter of the first year’s budget to be guaranteed for up to 25,000 household installations through a “RHI Premium Payment” to encourage take-up.

The Government plans to publish details of the “RHI Premium Payment” and how this will apply in May 2011 and will consult on the RHI tariffs that will apply from October 2012 later in the year. Further detail of the scheme can be found on the DECC website.

Baxi  has a range of MCS certified biomass boilers and solar thermal systems that can help households reduce their carbon emissions.

By baxiuk | Posted in Biomass, Low Carbon Building Programme, Low carbon technologies, Renewable Heat Incentive, RHI, Solar, Thermal | Comments (4)
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