For most people heating your home and water supply is a big monthly cost. However, most homeowners are literally throwing money away by not installing a more energy efficient heating system. Not only can a more energy efficient boiler help you save money on your bills it is also kinder to the environment.
As of April 2005 all new boilers must be high energy efficiency condensing boilers, unless it is too expensive or difficult to do so. A qualified heating installer will use a Building Regulations Approved Document L1 to help evaluate whether you can install a condensing gas boiler, which you can normally pick up from your local library.
It is always advisable to use a qualified Gas Safe boiler engineer when installing a new heating system. If you install a new gas boiler and heating system you must also ensure it meets with minimum energy efficiency regulations especially if you are a landlord or property developer.
The energy efficiency of boilers has improved greatly over the last couple of decades. An average boiler installed in the 1990s was 20% more efficient than one installed in the 1970s. Changing from a low G-rated traditional boiler to an A-rated condensing boiler could reduce a households CO2 emissions by over a tonne a year. Actually in the UK alone up to 16% of the carbon dioxide produced is from gas and oil boilers.
If you have not replaced your gas boiler for quite a few years you probably own a G-rated boiler, which in some cases only converts around 60% of the gas into heat for your home. A condensing gas boiler reduces the amount of energy lost through the flue and can be over 90% efficient resulting in greater efficiency and less money wasted. Installing an A-rated condensing boiler can save the average household over £100 a year in heating costs. They are also relatively easy to install and can replace most wall hung and floor standing gas boilers. You can also buy combination condensing boilers which provide immediate hot water and heat through the pipes. They are often smaller units and are ideal for small properties with only one bathroom as you cannot run hot water through multiple taps or showers at the same time.
Installing digital heating controls with a high energy efficient condensing gas boiler can allow you to more accurately set the temperature, control your energy use and as a result reduce your utility bills. You can even buy a system which can control the temperature in each room. You will also find new heating systems will heat your house much more quickly and efficiently than many older systems. Installing new heating controls can help you save a further £90 a year on top of your savings from installing a condensing gas boiler.
If you need to buy a new boiler you can call British Gas they will send a qualified Gas Safe engineer to visit your home give you a free assessment and provide advice on the best heating system for your needs.
