Low energy efficient boilers are directly proportional to higher energy consumption and increased energy costs. An efficient boiler can help you reduce the energy consumption and utility bills. This will not only help households avoid the risk of fuel poverty but also produce less carbon emissions, contributing positively to green energy initiatives.
Getting an efficient boiler installed can significantly reduce the energy consumption and utility costs associated with the heating system. Since 2022, the UK has been one of the most affected by energy poverty, leading to UK residents paying significantly higher energy bills.
This article explores how an efficient boiler can transform your energy consumption and help you save on energy costs. If you are receiving benefits from UK government and your boiler is older than 2005 you mus be eligible for free boiler grant. Check your eco4 eligibility today!
How Do Energy-Efficient Boilers Work?
The latest boilers available in the UK are condensing and using advanced technology to heat homes while reducing heat wastage, lowering carbon emissions and producing more energy in less fuel. Simply put, the efficient boiler reduces heat loss during the combustion and distribution process. These boilers use advanced technologies such as condensing heat exchangers, are insulated, and have advanced control systems for energy-efficient performance.
The modern condensing boilers achieve AFUE ratings of 90 to 98% to minimize the heat loss. As compared to traditional boilers, which have a typical AFUE rating of 60-75%.
Benefits of an Efficient Boiler
Efficient boilers have various advantages over conventional non-condensing boilers which makes them a preferred choice for efficiency-conscious houses. Below described are the most effective benefits of an efficient boiler:
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Energy Savings: Condensing boilers save up to £300 annually on energy costs as they are up to 90-98% energy efficient and reduce energy wastage.
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Cost Reduction: Efficient/condensing boilers reduce energy consumption which significantly reduces the costs associated with heating bills saving up to £300/annum. Plus, the condensing boilers have low maintenance costs as they can work smoothly with annual servicing, you do not need additional costs for frequent professional visits as required for old boilers.
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Increased Property Value: If your home has an energy-efficient heating system installed, its reselling or renting value can be increased up to 14% in most cases.
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Environmental Impact: Condensing boilers reduce energy wastage by condensing the exhaust heat, which ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, they do not release exhaust gases directly into the atmosphere, they reuse them for heating purposes and cool them down before releasing them into the air. This reduces the climate impact and improves the air quality in the house and in the atmosphere.
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Improved Performance and Reliability: Due to the quality of the heating system, insulated boilers, and advanced technologies used, efficient boilers provide improved overall performance. Advanced boilers are known for consistent heating and making the homes comfortable. They do not over or underheat, which keeps the temperature moderate. Efficient boilers also have a longer lifespan which makes them a reliable choice for heating requirements.
How to Choose the Right Boiler for Your Heating Needs?
While all advanced boilers are energy efficient and reduce heating costs for your household, choosing the right boiler can further improve your energy savings. Below are the factors you need to consider when choosing efficient boilers for your home:
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Type of Efficient Boiler
Before you finalise a boiler for your home, it’s necessary to consider the type of boiler you want. You can make this choice by comparing the features of all and analysing your heating requirements.
Here are some efficient boilers and why they can be best suited for your requirements:
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Combi Boilers: also known as combination boilers are compact and do not have a heating tank which makes them suitable for households with limited space available. It also combines central heating and hot water into one unit, ensuring a smooth process. However, they might come with a limited capacity to heat the water (limited taps)
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System Boilers: system boilers have a separate water heating cylinder to provide constant heating and hot water. This can be a preferred choice for houses with higher heating needs. They are still more space-efficient than conventional boilers as no additional tank is required for cold water.
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Boiler Size
Another factor you need to consider before making a choice is the size of the boiler. The size of a boiler is usually measured in Kws. The larger the amount of Kws it can generate, the more it will be considered suitable for larger homes. Approximately, small flats have a typical 24-27 KW boiler requirement. While larger homes may require up to 35 KW boilers to meet the heating requirements.
The number of bathrooms, current heating infrastructure and insulation level of the property also help determine the size of the boiler required to heat your home. A professional assessment can help you determine this.
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Fuel Type
The type of fuel your boiler uses to provide heating and hot water to your home will also determine the efficiency of a boiler. The cost of fuel burnt for heating purposes plays a crucial role in determining the energy costs. However, natural gas is the most common and cost-effective fuel used in the UK for boilers.
Additional Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption
Here are some additional measures which can determine the efficiency of your heating systems:
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Insulation of your Home: No matter how energy efficient your boiler is, if your home lacks insulation levels, all the heating will be wasted and your boiler will not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in higher energy consumption and costs. So, you should maintain a higher insulation in your home to make your heating systems more energy efficient.
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Smart Thermostats: Advanced technologies and smart thermostats can help smart management of heating systems. This can lead to less wastage of energy and your system will generate only the required amount of heating and hot water.
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Energy Audits: Keeping your heating systems up to date and taking professional assessments can help you maintain an energy-efficient heating system.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up the discussion, efficient boilers can transform the whole scenario of your energy consumption. Energy-efficient boilers use advanced technologies and condensation features to save significantly on energy costs. They can reduce energy costs and save up to £300 annually on energy bills.
This article explores the ways efficient boilers can change energy consumption. We have discussed the benefits of advanced boilers and what factors you should consider while selecting the boiler for your house energy requirements.