Builders’ and plumbers’ merchants will play an essential role in helping heating installers comply with Part L, according to Polypipe Building Products, after new research reveals that installer awareness of the new building regulations is low.
According to the company’s research, almost half (48%) of heating installers admit that they are not aware of the updates to Part L, and over a third (35%) said that they do not keep up to date with changes to regulations. This comes as the grace period for compliance with Part L, which covers the energy performance of new and existing buildings, recently drew to a close.
The end of the grace period means that all projects must now adhere to the new regulations and installers must now carefully consider how they specify and install new heating systems.
The survey of 150 heating installers by Polypipe Building Products also revealed that over a quarter (27%) don’t understand the building regulations “at all” and 30% of installers feel that while they have tried to gain an understanding of the updates, the building regulations are not clear.
Dan Love, Head of Commercial at Polypipe Building Products, commented: “The confusion and lack of clarity surrounding the changes to Part L could spell trouble among the installer community as non-compliance could result in hefty fines and serious penalties. While the onus is on installers to familiarise themselves with the updates, merchants have a crucial role to play in advising customers and supporting them in making responsible and compliant purchases.
“Up-to-date knowledge of the new regulations and evolving product lines will be an invaluable layer of support for installers as they make the transition, and can help cement merchants as indispensable, long-term partners.”
The research also highlighted confusion amongst installers when it comes to which projects the updates will affect. Of those surveyed, 37% think that because they work on existing dwellings, the legislation won’t affect them, and one in four installers (23%) said that they are not aware of whether the building regulations affect new builds.
When respondents were asked if they have read and understood the regulations, over a third (36%) said that they have read Part L of the building regulations but don’t understand how it will affect their work. Conversely, 23% of installers admitted that while know that the regulations might affect them, they haven’t read the approved document.
In terms of awareness amongst different demographics, less than a third (32%) of 35-44 year-olds and only one in five (18%) installers aged 45-54 said that they are aware of the changes to the regulations. However, younger installers are more likely to have an awareness of the updates, with 59% of installers between the age of 25-34 saying that they have read and understood the building regulations.
On top of this, female installers are more likely to have read and understood the regulations with almost two-thirds (59%) of female installers saying they understand the building regulations, in comparison to just one-third (34%) of men.
Dan continued: “While it’s positive to see higher awareness among certain demographics, a comprehensive understanding of the regulations is essential for all installers and merchants moving forward. However, it’s important that they know that the industry is here to help them if they need it.
“At Polypipe Building Products, we’ve been working alongside the building and plumbing community to support them through the regulation updates. If installers or merchants are unsure about the requirements for a project or are struggling to design or advise around a low-temperature system, they should reach out to the manufacturer to discuss available solutions that will help them to ensure compliance.”
For helpful resources on the updates to Part L and for further information, visit: www.polypipeufh.com/futurehomeshub
