Old system label
Did you know that the average boiler in Germany is 17.6 years old? In fact, some 36 % are over 20 years old. Over 70 % of the boilers installed in Germany today only fulfil energy efficiency grades C, D or even E. Precious few customers are aware of this issue, as the successful tests performed by sweeps give the impression that everything is in order.
The old system labelprovides clarityThe old system label for boilers ensures greater awareness. It can be attached to old systems by heating technicians and installers, for example, providing a clear overview of how uneconomical old heaters are compared with the current standard. |
A LABEL THATOPENS UP NEW OPPORTUNITIESThe old system label provides the ideal opportunity to advise your existing customers at an early stage and help them reduce their heating costs. Take this chance to be the first to address the problem, raising the prospect of Ecodan heat pumps as a solution. After all, the system owner must be informed of alternatives for a more efficient heating supply while the old system label is being attached. |
Overview ofthe key pointsThe following section provides answers to the key questions concerning the old system label. Additional information is also available by clicking the links within the respective topics. |
What is the legal basis for the attachment of efficiency labels?
It is the latest version of the German Energy Consumption Labelling Act (EnVKG), which regulates the labelling of boilers in existing buildings. This stipulates that operators of heaters must accept the labelling process. This regulation also requires that the process of labelling and providing corresponding information must be performed free of charge by the operator.
Which boilers can be labelled?
The law states that the compulsory labelling applies to all boilers for gaseous and liquid fuels with a nominal output of up to 400 kW. The German Energy Consumption Labelling Act (EnVKG) also stipulates the point as of which boilers from a particular year of construction can/must be labelled:
| As of year | Labelling on heaters with year of construction |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Up to and including 1986 |
| 2017 | Up to and including 1991 |
| 2018 | Up to and including 1993 |
| 2019 | Up to and including 1995 |
| From 25 September: with new label (A++ to D) | |
| 2020 | Up to and including 1997 |
| 2021 | Up to and including 2001 |
| 2022 | Up to and including 2005 |
| 2023 | Up to and including 2008 |
| 2024 | As of 2009, provided they are at least 15 years old |
Who is permitted to order the efficiency labels and attach them to boilers?
The group of authorised persons according to section 16 para. 1 of the German Energy Consumption Labelling Act (EnVKG) is very clearly defined, including heating technicians, installers, chimney sweeps, building energy consultants from the industry and individuals with issuance authorisation according to section 21 of the respective applicable version of the EnVKG. You are therefore permitted to label the old boilers – depending on the year of installation.
The situation is different when it comes to authorised district chimney sweeps: as of 1 January 2017, these individuals are required to attach the label following the fireplace inspection according to section 14 of the Emissions Crafts Act (SchfHwG) if the boiler is subject to the labelling requirement and if no efficiency label has yet been attached.
Where can you obtain the energy efficiency labels for your customers?
You are provided with a special service as an Ecodan partner, receiving a starter package provided by Mitsubishi Electric.
Additional efficiency labels can be ordered from the online shop of the German Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning Association (ZVSHK). As well as labels featuring various energy efficiency grades, the packages also contain a corresponding number of information flyers from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The flyer must be handed over to the boiler operator during the labelling process. Further information is available from the online shop, which you can use even if you are not a member of a specialist organisation in the field of sanitation, heating and air conditioning. New customers are required to complete a one-off registration process.
Why do the labels feature serial numbers?
When placing an order, you must agree to the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) being informed of the labels (and corresponding numbers) you receive. This is in order to enable the subsequent inspection of the effectiveness of the efficiency label (for the purpose of evaluation and market research).
BAFA is also authorised to perform spot checks relating to the issuance of the label, with the registration numbers of the labels being used to identify the authorised individual in question.
How can you determine the energy efficiency grade of the old boiler?
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) provides various tools for this purpose. Once the necessary data relating to the old boiler has been entered, the efficiency grade is displayed and the corresponding label can be attached to the heater.
Where must the label be attached to the boiler?
As the boilers differ in appearance, there is no precisely defined location. However, the label must be attached to the exterior of the device such that it is clearly visible.
Which other tasks are associated with the attachment of the label?
In addition to the labelling of the boiler, the operator must also be given the information brochure ‘New energy label for old heaters’ published by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The operator must be informed of other consultation options (such as the investment funding provided by the KfW development bank and the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)).