Understanding Secondary Heating

Image Credit: Heather (2014) CC BY 2.0

Secondary heating is an essential part of an accurate EPC assessment. While it plays a supporting role compared to the main heating system, it must be correctly identified, classified, and recorded. 

This guide explains what secondary heating is (and isn’t), how it relates to RdSAP10 and how to apply the relevant conventions.

Secondary heating is any fixed heating appliance not forming part of the main heating system but capable of heating a habitable room.

Include if fixed emitter present regardless of whether main system(s) heat all rooms. If more than one secondary: select the device that heats greatest number of habitable rooms (Convention 5.01)

A decorative fire even if broken or condemned should be considered too. (Convention 4.03)

• Fixed and functional

• Typically local (1 room)

• Used to supplement the main heating

• Common in living rooms

If the system is fixed and in a habitable room (living room, bedroom, study), record it.

Contrary to previous assumptions, Convention 5.01 confirms that a fixed heater in a non-habitable room (e.g. bathroom, hallway, utility) should still be recorded as a secondary heating system.

"A fixed heater in non-habitable rooms is still counted as a secondary heater. 
(Convention 5.01)

Electric focal point fires are included even if not wired by fixed spur (Convention 5.01).

Where a solid fuel or oil range cooker (no boiler) is present treat as a closed room heater (Convention 5.01).

Secondary heating systems require a fuel type to be entered. 

Options can include the following examples:

• Electricity

• Mains gas

• LPG

• Solid fuel (wood logs, mineral fuel)

If unsure:

• Use evidence from the appliance

• Discuss with occupant

• Default to most likely fuel for the appliance type

Note: If there is only room heaters in the home, this should be recorded as a main heating system, not secondary. (Convention 4.09).

• Go to Secondary Heating section

• Select system type (manual entry > room heater type)

• Add fuel type

• Add supporting notes and photo evidence

Only one secondary heating should be recorded "If the same choose cheapest fuel – if same fuel select the device with the lowest efficiency" (Convention 5.01).

An open fire is to be considered in the heating assessment if a fire-place is capable of supporting an
open fire (that includes having a grate suitable for holding fuel), even if no fuel is present (Convention 5.02).

If it can burn only one fuel, specify that fuel (includes exempted appliances burning wood in Smoke
Control Areas). 

Otherwise: 

Smoke control area: Open fire – smokeless fuel; closed heater – anthracite 

Not smoke control area: Open fire – dual fuel; closed heater – wood logs if capable otherwise anthracite

A useful tool to find Smoke Control Areas by Address can be found here:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/sca/