In Denmark there are rules to ensure that both existing and new boilers and heating installations are as energy efficient as possible.
Statutory inspection of boilers and heating installations
With regard to existing installations, a statutory inspection of boilers and heating installations focuses on how energy efficient the installation is. The rules concerning this statutory inspection of boilers and heating installations are based on the EU Building Directive.
The following apply:
- All oil-fired boilers is to be measured annually by a technical expert. If the measurement exceeds certain values, the technical expert provides advice on how to improve the boiler.
- Inefficient oil-fired boiler and heating systems must have performed an energy audit of a technical expert. At this audit, the technical expert inspects the entire installation, i.e. boiler, container, pipes, pumps and automation. The inspection results in a report that sums up where savings can be made and may include suggestions for converting to another form of heating.
Rules for new installations
There are energy requirements for all new installations of oil-fired, gas-fired and solid fuel boilers both in new buildings and existing buildings. The rules are explained in the building regulations. New oil-fired boilers must have a partial-load or full-load energy efficiency of at least 91 per cent and therefore cannot have an energy label greater than C. New natural gas boilers must be condensing.