QRL Radiator Group has launched a campaign for the introduction of an energy labelling system for radiators – similar to the one used for boilers, renewables, hot water cylinders and other household essentials.
The Don’t Omit Emitters campaign calls for the industry to come together and petition the government to include radiators in mandatory efficiency ratings. Radiators are not currently covered by the EU’s ErP (Energy-related Products) Directive and its colour-coded energy labelling system, with efficiency bandings rated A+++ to G. This means there is no requirement for manufacturers to produce an energy label for radiators, or for installers to include radiators when producing the package label indicating whole-system efficiency.
David Kerr, CEO at QRL Radiator Group, says: “At a time when everyone connected with the heating industry – from government right through to manufacturers and installers – is putting efficiency at the top of the agenda, it’s ludicrous that there is no energy labelling system in place for radiators. Of course it’s important that we focus on insulation and the heat source, but if emitters aren’t included as the third piece of the efficiency puzzle then we risk undermining the performance of the system as a whole.
“We already have labels in place for boilers, heat pumps, micro CHP and hot water cylinders, so the introduction of a proper efficiency ratings system for radiators is well overdue. Our Don’t Omit Emitters campaign is aiming to make this right. Whilst the future remit of the ErP is unclear following the result of the EU referendum, it’s likely that product energy labelling will continue in some form in the UK. At QRL, we’re urging the government not to overlook radiators any longer – and we’re asking anyone who supports more affordable and efficient heating for all to sign our petition calling for change.”
For more information about the Don’t Omit Emitters campaign – and to sign the online petition – visit
qrl-radiators.com/petition
