We’re excited to share some great news:

The Prefect Irus control system for ‘wet’ radiators has officially been accepted onto the Energy Technology List (ETL) – the Government’s recognised register of energy-efficient products.

This is more than just a box ticked. It’s proof that Irus is delivering real, measurable sustainability benefits while making life easier and more comfortable for residents.

Why ETL matters
Being listed on the ETL is a big endorsement.

To get there, products must meet tough performance standards set by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. For customers, that means confidence: investing in Irus isn’t just environmentally responsible, it’s financially smart too. In fact, ETL-listed products can help unlock tax benefits and long-term cost savings. Operators can use ETL products to qualify for other green finance opportunities, grants, or incentives offered by local authorities, utility companies, or sustainability-linked lenders.

Smarter control, less waste
Traditional wet radiator systems are often inefficient, with heat lost through unnecessary circulation or constant heating. That’s where Irus steps in. By monitoring room conditions such as temperature, occupancy, and humidity, it intelligently controls the flow of hot water into each radiator.

If a room is empty, or a window has been left open, Irus reduces or cuts off the heating. For longer vacant periods, it keeps the system on standby, only activating if room temperature dips so low that there is potential for condensation or frost damage. The result is a warmer, more comfortable environment when it’s needed, and no wasted energy when it’s not.

How it works
Each room has its own control, sending data back to the central Irus Portal through the building’s existing wiring – This minimises the need for extensive, and expensive additional data cabling. The master control unit then instructs the valves on each radiator to adjust in line with actual conditions. It’s clever, efficient, and designed with multi-occupancy accommodation in mind, where energy savings really add up.

0% VAT rate
Irus becomes even more attractive because of the 0% VAT rate introduced by the government in April 2022 for devices considered to be energy efficient technologies. This ensures lower overall costs compared with standard heating solutions.

The following Prefect product groups are currently exempt of VAT*

• Control devices (electric heating controls and wet radiator controls) qualify for zero-rated VAT when supplied and installed in residential properties.
  This includes all Irus Infrastructure, room control devices AND associated installation works.

• If controlling a ‘wet’ system and control devices utilise existing radiators, the whole project will qualify as zero-rated.
  This includes all Irus Infrastructure, room control devices AND associated installation works.

NOT exempt

• Electric panel heaters / Fluid-filled radiators / ’Wet’ radiators

While efficient, these products are classed as heating appliances/sources rather than “energy-saving materials.”

They do not qualify for the zero-rate and are therefore subject to the standard VAT rate.

Grants and Subsidy Eligibility

Some UK Government and local authority grant schemes reference ETL-compliant products as a condition of funding:

• Salix Finance loans (for public sector bodies) use independent verification/approved product lists when assessing eligible technologies. (The ETL is a government-backed scheme featuring independently verified and accredited energy efficient products). While inclusion on the UK Energy Technology List (ETL) is not a mandatory requirement for Salix Finance funding, the use of ETL-listed technologies can support an application by demonstrating that the product’s performance has been independently verified against government-approved energy-efficiency criteria. Salix requires that all proposed technologies have verifiable evidence of energy and carbon savings.

• Many ETL-listed items qualify under Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) or Full Expensing. This gives businesses faster tax relief on investments.

For more information about the Energy Technology List visit The Energy Technology List website.

* The 0% VAT rate for installing energy-saving materials (ESMs) in residential properties in the UK is set to change to a reduced rate of 5% on April 1, 2027.

A milestone for Prefect

For Prefect Controls, this recognition follows the Irus electric heating listing and is a real credit to the team’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. It shows that smart technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, and it puts Prefect at the forefront of energy-efficient heating solutions.

At the end of the day, everyone wins – customers save energy and money, residents enjoy comfortable living spaces, and the planet benefits from reduced carbon emissions. Cleverly simple control of energy.