Internal services

Also see:
6.8

8.1.10Space heating systems

Where space heating is provided, it shall be in accordance with the relevant codes and standards, and ensure safe operation.

Where appropriate, space heating systems should comply with the following:

BS 5410‘Code of practice for oil firing’.
BS 6798Specification for selection, installation, inspection, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of gas‑fired boilers of rated input not exceeding 70 kW net
BS 8303‘Installation of domestic heating and cooking appliances burning solid mineral fuels’.
BS EN 12828‘Heating systems in buildings. Design for water-based heating systems’.
BS EN 14336Heating systems in buildings. Installation and commissioning of water based heating systems.
BSRIA guide BG 4/2011‘Underfloor heating and cooling’.
CIBSEDomestic heating design guide.
CIBSE guide AEnvironmental design.
TGN 8.2/01Technical guidance heat pump design and specification.

Space heating appliances, including all components and controls, should be of a type approved by the relevant authority, including:

  • Solid fuel – Solid Fuel Association, Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme
  • Electricity – British Electrotechnical Approvals Board
  • Oil – OFTEC.

The provision of whole home or central heating is discretionary. Where provided, it should be designed in accordance with Table 7 and 7.1 recognised standards, and:

  • the number of air changes per hour from kitchens and bathrooms should account for any mechanical ventilation
  • where rooms contain open flued appliances, the rate of air change used for the design should be increased in accordance with BS EN 12831
  • room ventilation rates should be in accordance with recognised standards and guidance e.g. CIBSE domestic heating design guide or other approved by NHBC
  • design temperatures should be verified by calculations and not by performance tests
  • the main living room should have a heating appliance or a heat output as part of a whole home heating system
  • temperature calculations should be based on external temperature in line with Table 7.1
  • the heating designs must include allowances where applicable for thermal bridging
  • the design may need to use elevated temperatures to take into account frail,elderly or the infirm.

Table 7: Room temperatures, new build insulated current standards

RoomTemp °CRoomTemp °CRoomTemp °C
Lounge/sitting room21Cloakroom/WC21Internal room or corridor21
Living room21Toilet21Bedroom/study21
Breakfast room21Utility room21Landing21
Dining room21Study
21Bathroom22
Kitchen21Games room21Shower room22
Family/breakfast room21Bedroom21Dressing room21
Hall21Bedroom with en suite21Storeroom21

Table 7.1: Outdoor design temperatures

RegionLatitudeOutdoor design temperature °CGround reference temperature (winter mean °C)
Scotland & Isles56-60°N-5+5.5
Northern England & Northern Ireland54-56°N-4+6.0
Midlands, Wales and ROI52-54°N-3+6.5
London, SW England51-52°N-2+7.0
Southern England50-51°N-1+7.5