Heating our homes accounts for approximately 60% of what we spend on energy bills, so it makes a great deal of sense to have an energy efficient boiler.
Modern boilers are more efficient for several reasons, but their main advantage is that they are all condensing boilers. All well-maintained boilers burn their fuel very efficiently, but they inevitably lose some heat in the hot gases that escape up the flue. A condensing boiler has a larger heat exchanger, so it recovers more heat, sends cooler gases up the flue and is more efficient. Sometimes the flue gases get so cool that the water vapour in the gas condenses out, hence the name, and even more energy is recovered from the condensing vapour.
Considerations when replacing a boiler
If your boiler is old and it’s time to change, you need to decide what type of boiler is right for you. Before you do much more find out if you could be entitled to financial assistance as subsides or even free replacements are still available if you are receiving certain benefits. Just check on this site to see if you qualify, it’s free and easy to do.
If you have mains gas, a gas boiler is likely to be the cheapest heating option. If you don’t have a gas supply to your home, it might be worth considering a form of low carbon heating such as a heat pump or biomass. With the renewable heat incentive these may be cheaper overall. Alternatively, you may want to get a gas connection to your home. The company that owns and operates the gas network in your area may be able to help with the cost of getting a new connection, and it may even be fully funded.
Can we help?
When changing your boiler there are many things to consider and getting expert help is essential. As a starting point check on this site to see if you are entitled to any financial assistance with your new boiler, if you met a certain criteria you may be able to replace it free of charge.