The new European regulations for heat generators
ErP is the acronym of “ Energy related Products ” (products connected to the use of energy) and is the abbreviation that identifies the European Directive ErP 2009/125/EC, defined by the EEC with the intention of reducing the energy consumption of products through eco-compatible design ("eco-design ").
The field of action of this European Directive is extremely broad as up to now it has involved products such as light bulbs, air conditioners, washing machines, fans, etc. Following the publication in September 2013 of a series of implementing regulations, starting from 26 September 2015 it will also apply to heating products and the production of domestic hot water.
From the same date, other regulations will also become effective which will implement the energy labeling of the same product families. The transitional period between the publication of the regulations and their activation throughout the territory of the European Community was necessary to allow the full implementation of the contents by companies and market players.
The energy labeling of products for heating and domestic hot water production
The regulations issued require that all products intended for heating and/or for the production of domestic hot water, with a nominal thermal power lower than or equal to 70 kW, are placed on the market with an energy label that highlights their efficiency class.
Note: the regulation provides for the mandatory presence of the energy label for the release of the product from the factories to the market. All products previously introduced, for example present in distribution warehouses, can be regularly marketed even if they do not have an energy label. Various energy labels have been provided based on the use of the generator used: for heating from A++ to G; for the production of domestic hot water from A to G.
A new way to guide the consumer
The purpose of energy labels is to allow the consumer to easily identify the level of efficiency of a product and to be able to make a homogeneous comparison between products that use different technologies. For products whose transformation efficiency is influenced by external conditions, such as heat pump products, as has been done for air conditioners, the efficiency figure is reported for the average climatic range.
In addition to the product energy labels, the European regulations have also provided for the creation of a system label in the event that a plant is created in which various appliances, components and controls operate.
This labelling, thanks to the combinations of the data of the various elements used in the plant, will make it possible to create systems capable of reaching levels of efficiency even higher than those of the individual generators. The European regulation states that the system label must be made available by whoever supplies and/or puts the system into operation (sellers-installers); however, this option is also granted to manufacturers .