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What are the benefits of an ‘energy efficient’ boiler?

If you have an ‘energy efficient’ boiler, this simply means that you get the most warmth out of the fuel (for example, oil, gas) you buy.

If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it’s probably not as efficient as it could be. Replacing your old boiler for an A rated condensing one with a full set of controls can save you about £200 a year.

A new boiler will also cut your carbon emissions, which means that your heating is greener and better for the environment.

The right boiler for your home

All new gas and oil boilers for central heating in the UK must now, by law, be condensing boilers. These boilers use far less energy than the old, non-condensing ones. With an old boiler you waste £40 out of every £100 you spend on fuel because almost half of the heat escapes. A new condensing boiler only loses £15 out of every £100.

Boiler energy ratings

Boilers are rated from A to G, depending on how energy efficient they are, with A being the best. If you buy an A-rated boiler, you’ll save the most money and energy.

• Find the right boiler for your home: Energy Saving Trust Opens new window

What kind of boiler do you have now?

You can tell if you already have a condensing boiler by looking at the outside pipe that runs from the boiler through the wall. This pipe is called a flue. If the end of the flue is made of plastic and lets out steam, then you’re likely to have a condensing boiler.

If the flue cover is made of metal and no steam is coming out, your boiler is most likely a non-condensing one. These old boilers produce very hot exhaust gases that you can’t see and that would melt a plastic lid.

Find a boiler installer

When you buy a boiler, your first step should be to get at least three quotes from boiler installers. Most boiler installers also sell boilers but check first.

To find an installer, contact an organisation that registers boiler installers (see ‘More useful links’). They’ll be able to recommend someone.

To make sure the installer has a reliable business, you might want to start off by asking these questions:

• do they have a local office?
  
• have they been in business for several years?
  
• do they have any customer references?

You should always use a registered installer to make sure the work is done in line with safety laws.

If you want to have a gas boiler installed, an installer registered with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) should do the work.

The Energy Saving Trust advises that you should have oil boilers fitted by an installer from one of these government schemes:

• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors
  
• Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation (BESCA)
  
• National Association for Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
  
• National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)
  
• Oil Firing Technical Association

More useful links

• Gas Safe Register website Opens new window

• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Opens new window

• BESCA Group Opens new window

• NAPIT Group Opens new window

• NICEIC Group Opens new window

• Oil Firing Technical Association Opens new window