Jonathan Tedstone, category manager for Andrews Water Heaters, has commented on the upcoming Ecodesign Directive - commonly known as the ErP Directive - and Energy Labelling Directive for water heaters and hot water storage tanks, which will be implemented later this year.

From 26 September 2015, water heaters and storage tanks with an output of up to 400kW and storage volume of 2,000 litres will need to meet minimum energy performance criteria. Meanwhile, those with outputs of up to 70kW and storage volumes of 500 litres will require an energy label. This is in line with the EU Directive 2009/125/EC: ‘establishing a framework for the setting of Ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (ErP)’, adopted in October 2009.

The energy efficiency bands will initially range from A to G, but will eventually extend to A+++. Conventional water heaters will have an A-G classification, while A+, A++ and A+++ will be reserved for products that use renewable energy.

“For specifiers, contractors and installers, product labelling is likely to make many things simpler and more straightforward,” said Mr Tedstone. “For example, it will be easier to select the most efficient products, helping to reduce end users’ carbon emissions and energy costs. It will also be easier to explain product efficiencies to customers, as they will already be familiar with the product labels seen on white goods such as fridges and washing machines.”

He added: “The Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives should be welcomed. We believe they will ensure that only the most efficient water heaters are being manufactured, specified, sold and installed – in turn reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs and preserving depleting fossil fuels.”