Since the idea of Part L and self-certification was first mooted, there has been considerable concern expressed about its likely effects on the industry. As time has gone by, though, and we've come to understand the implications of Part L more fully, it's become clear that there are positive elements in this move towards higher levels of professionalism in our industry.
At the heart of Part L is a desire to ensure that the job is done better - and that it's done consistently better by everyone. At the same time, it will at last start to erode the negative image of heating engineers that has built up over the years - where people who have been once bitten by a cowboy are now very much twice shy. As a result, the skills and knowledge of the professional heating engineer will be more widely recognised and appreciated, which has a positive spin-off for everyone but the cowboy operators.
Ironically, all the new rules are really doing is reinforcing principles that are already well established as best practice and are grounded in basic common sense. It isn't some astounding new revelation that it's important to clean a system thoroughly before commissioning. Similarly, adding corrosion inhibitor to provide ongoing protection of the system is a pretty obvious thing to do. So, really, Part L is all about applying common sense and, for the engineers who take a pride in their work, continuing to do what they've been doing for years.
From the customer's point of view, that's really all they want from us. They want a service from a professional that gives them an efficient and reliable heating system - which isn't really too much to ask.
All of which adds up to a system that should provide benefits to all concerned and in a variety of ways. Benefits to the end user, benefits to the environment and, of course, benefits to the installer.
When you think about the implications of not doing the job right it's clear just how beneficial Part L can be.
For example, limescale in a system will not only restrict the flow of water around the system, it will also affect heat transfer in the boiler. Studies have shown that just a 1mm layer of limescale on the surface of a heat exchanger will increase energy costs by 7.5%, while a 12mm layer will raise this figure to 70%.
Similarly, the sludge formed by corrosion can create blockages and will certainly impede the flow of water around the system and put an extra strain on the circulation pump.
This has a direct effect on the customer's fuel bills, as well as on the environment. If an inefficient heating system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, it uses more energy which, in turn, increases carbon dioxide emissions.
With the Kyoto Protocol having come into force recently, it's now even more important to minimise the burning of fossil fuels and this was part of the reasoning behind Part L. By enforcing effective treatment, Part L ensures the system continues to work properly and efficiently.
Of course, corrosion leads to a much wider range of problems than just sludge formation, hence the need to add a corrosion inhibitor once the system has been cleaned. This is particularly important now that more vulnerable metals, such as aluminium, are commonly being used in central heating products.
So these are the benefits to the end user and to the environment. The big advantage to the heating installer is that offering this level of peace of mind to customers is an important part of getting repeat business and referrals.
All of which means the benefits should outweigh the disadvantages and there are steps you can take to make the whole process as easy and cost-effective as possible. For example, climbing up into a loft to add chemicals to an expansion tank adds to the time taken for the job and also increases the risk of accidents. So the ability use an adapter to introduce the chemicals via the radiator, the filling loop of a combi boiler or via the drain cock all helps to get the job done quickly.
Similarly, being able to carry out the system cleaning and apply the inhibitor during the same visit makes better use of your time. This can be done by using a cartridge that contains both a fast cleanser and an inhibitor, so you only need one cartridge for the whole job.
Carrying out the work cost-effectively is also very important. Concentrates in cartridges, for instance, are more convenient but there is no need to pay a premium for them. They cost the same to manufacture as liquids and their pricing should be very similar.
When working on an existing system it can be important to understand the condition of the system by testing the water, so the most appropriate course of action can be taken. On site tests can tell you a lot but there are times when it's useful to send off a sample for more detailed analysis in a laboratory. In the past, the inflated prices of such tests have put many installers off but it is now possible to get a comprehensive test carried out, with full reporting, for as little as £20. Again, this improves the level of service and professionalism you are offering the customer.
When all of the implications are considered from this perspective, it seems clear to me that we should welcome Part L and use it to raise the game for heating engineers. At the same time, there are many benefits to choosing products and services carefully to make life easier and maximise profits while still giving the customer a good service at a competitive price.