Domestic heating controls have gone through evolution rather than revolution in the relatively few years since clockwork timers and relay valves. Peter Mason reviews the legislative requirements for heating controls from an energy efficiency viewpoint.

Parts L1A and L1B of the Building Regulations dictate that: Reasonable provision shall be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings by:

a. limiting heat gains and losses
i. through thermal elements and other parts of the building fabric and;
ii. from pipes, ducts and vessels used for space heating, space cooling and hot water services;
b. providing fixed building services which:
i. are energy efficient;
ii. have effective controls; and
iii. are commissioned by testing and adjusting as necessary to ensure they use no more fuel and power than is reasonable in the circumstances; and
iv. provide to the owner sufficient information about the building, the fixed building services and their maintenance requirements so that the building can be operated in such a manner as to use no more fuel or power than is reasonable in the circumstances

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