"ErP" is site shorthand. What actually applies is a set of separate regulations, retained in Great Britain and enforced through the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021: ecodesign and labelling of space and combination heaters sit in 813/2013 and 811/2013, water heaters and hot water tanks in 814/2013 and 812/2013, solid fuel local space heaters in 2015/1185 and 2015/1186, and electric local space heaters in 2015/1188 with no energy label at all. Knowing which text covers the appliance in front of you is what stops you hunting for a figure in a document that never carried it, and it is also what tells you whether the product needs UKCA or CE marking for the market you are selling into.
Understanding the ErP Directive and its impact on heat generators
What ErP is for: ecodesign and energy performance objectives
The ErP (Energy related Products) Directive governs the placing on the market of heating and hot water equipment. The idea is simple. Set minimum performance thresholds and reduce consumption, noise and certain environmental impacts. For you, it's a clear benchmark for choosing compliant equipment, and a safeguard against overly energy-hungry models.
Which equipment is covered: boilers, heat pumps, water heaters and hybrid systems
Most residential heat generators are covered, but not by the same text. Knowing which one applies saves you looking for a figure where it was never published.
| Appliance | Ecodesign | Energy labelling | Indicator shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space heaters and combination heaters (boilers, heat pumps) | Regulation 813/2013 | Regulation 811/2013 | ηs, seasonal space heating efficiency |
| Water heaters and hot water storage tanks | Regulation 814/2013 | Regulation 812/2013 | Water heating efficiency by tapping profile |
| Solid fuel local space heaters (stoves, inserts) | Regulation 2015/1185 | Regulation 2015/1186 | ηs plus emissions (PM, CO, OGC, NOx) |
| Electric local space heaters | Regulation 2015/1188 | No energy label | ηs |
Depending on the product, requirements cover seasonal efficiency, emissions and auxiliary consumption.
ErP and the energy label: what your customers see and what you need to explain
Your customers mainly see the energy label. Class, output, noise level, sometimes a "product" data sheet and a "package" data sheet if you're assembling several elements (controls, solar, tank). Your job is to translate this information into real-world use. Comfort, sizing, consistency with the insulation, and expected savings without overselling.
The ErP requirements to know in 2026: thresholds, efficiencies and emissions
Seasonal efficiency: how ErP actually rates a heat generator
ErP doesn't judge an appliance on a "full-power" efficiency figure. It looks at seasonal efficiency (ηs), calculated over a heating season, factoring in standby losses, part-load operation and the impact of the controls. For a heat pump, the "SCOP" approach gives the most accurate picture. On the boiler side, the ecodesign thresholds in force effectively push toward condensing models, the exact figure being read in Annex II of Regulation 813/2013 according to appliance type and output. To go further, see also a heat pump's real-world performance.
Emissions and noise: points to watch on site and in renovation
Two points come up often on site. First, NOx emissions for boilers. Second, the noise of heat pump outdoor units, shown in dB(A) (sound power). In renovation, take care with the layout, anti-vibration mounts and distance from boundaries, otherwise a high-performing installation can quickly become a source of nuisance.
Documents and markings: what to check before installing
Before installing, check the energy label, the product data sheet, the UKCA or CE marking and the declaration of conformity. Also check that the reference, output, application temperature and accessories are all consistent. These are the documents that protect your customer file, including for the funding.
How to choose and sell ErP-compliant generators without complicating your life
Reading an ErP product data sheet: the key information to spot in 2 minutes
On an ErP product data sheet, go straight to the point. Identify the energy class and the seasonal heating efficiency (ηs). Also check the noise level (LwA) and the useful output at the reference temperature. On a heat pump, look at the SCOP and the flow temperature compatible with the emitters. The same markers are found in an equipment catalogue where seasonal efficiency, SCOP and outputs come from verified manufacturer data.
Avoiding common mistakes: sizing, accessories, controls
A generator that's too powerful cycles on and off, consumes more, and wears out faster. Base your sizing on the heat loss or the audit. On the accessories side, plan ahead for a buffer tank, expansion vessel, filter and water treatment depending on the network. Finally, good controls (outdoor sensor, modulating thermostat) are often worth as much as an extra kW.
A simple pitch: ecodesign, savings and everyday comfort
Keep the sales pitch simple. ErP compliance means ecodesign. Less energy wasted, so lighter bills. And day to day, a well-tuned appliance means stable comfort, less noise, and an installation that "runs smoothly".
ErP on the job: checks, evidence and securing your files
Traceability: keeping the useful supporting documents (label, manual, declaration)
On every job, keep a clear record of the equipment installed. File the energy label, the manual, the product data sheet and, where available, the declaration of conformity. Note the model's exact reference, the serial number, and keep 2 or 3 photos (nameplate, installation, commissioning). For ErP, this is often the simplest proof when you're asked "which appliance, which class, which performance?"
Ecodesign, certification and funding: consistency with the scheme's criteria
Your documents need to tell the same story as the quote, the invoice and the certificate. Check that the product installed matches the one declared, with consistent performance and marking. On the funding side, the eligible measures and rates require technical criteria to be met. Total consistency avoids rejections and returned files, and if needed, rely on good practices to avoid rejected applications. On the CEE side, the bonus is calculated at pricing time and the file goes out with the documents the supplier expects.
In case of a dispute or an inspection: the reflexes that protect your business
Keep one file per job, dated, signed, backed up. Add the commissioning report, proof of payment, and correspondence with the customer. Respond quickly, factually, with a clear timeline. A well-organised file is like good insulation. It cuts off leaks of time and money.
Anticipating changes to the ErP Directive: preparing from 2026 onward
What might change: ecodesign requirements and calculation methods
The revision of the ecodesign rules could raise the seasonal efficiency thresholds, and tighten rules on noise and standby consumption further. The calculation and testing methods (EN standards) may also be adjusted, which would change the values shown on the energy label and in the EPREL database.
Updating your practices: a job-site checklist and supplier selection
On site, plan for a simple checklist to secure your ErP files and avoid bad surprises during an inspection.
- Ask for the manufacturer's product data sheet and declaration of conformity.
- Check the EPREL registration and that the energy class is up to date.
- If you're selling a package (heat pump + controls, tank, solar), provide the system data sheet and the label for the combined package.
- Archive manuals, settings and installation photos.
Training your teams: technical points to cover to stay compliant
Train your teams to read the labels, to size based on the bivalence temperature, and to set up the controls. A key point remains commissioning, with readings, parameter settings and handing the documents over to the customer.
