If you don’t have the funds to invest in full on renewable energy sources then there is an alternative which can save you money on energy bills as well as allow efforts towards reducing your carbon footprint. Your old boiler, compared to a new A-rated high-efficiency condensing boiler is probably costing you a small fortune to run.
Whether you realise it or not, technology in new boilers is far more advanced today than thirty or even ten years ago. Boilers do not need to have separate hot water tanks and can heat water as you use it. Negating the effects of heat transference through contact with other materials. Let’s find out the benefits of a new boiler and the choice you have.
What Are The Different Types Of Energy Saving Boilers And How Do They Work?
The main differences between modern boilers and old boilers is in the technology, mostly it is the heat exchanger which is much larger than in previous models. This traps more heat and releases cooler gases via the flue, whereas older models lost a larger amount of hot air and gases, seeing them wasted away through the flu. Not only impacting on energy bills but the atmosphere also.
Condensing boilers extrapolate the most amount of heat from vapours created, making the most of your fuel’s energy and lowering utility bills in the proceedings. You could of course opt for a solar thermal system, instead of using a gas supply but you will need to ensure it is compatible and you may need an additional hot water cylinder for storage.
Choosing which energy efficient boiler to install will come down to the eventual usage. If you have a large family and are considered a power user, then a normal boiler may be more beneficial. Though if you have a small household, a combi boiler will pay off in the long term and doesn’t need additional space for hot water cylinder. Remember however, that combi boilers are not compatible with solar thermal set ups.
There is one other new tech on the market and that of Micro Combined Heat & Power (MCHP). These are boilers which still see a gas supply, but they generate electricity at the same time which can be fed into home usage or resold to the National Grid – from which you can earn revenue. Brand new condensing boilers are primarily concerned with offering a more efficient boiler over an aged one.
What Are The Benefits Of An A-Rated High-Efficiency Condensing Boiler ?
The newest technology can only be bettered by the addition of a solar thermal connection, made possible via solar collectors. Of which there is a considerable financial outlay, though government deals and incentives lower the entry to this new market. The benefits of a new boiler, when replacing an aged boiler are:
- New boilers are quieter, almost silent to operate.
- Your energy bills will come down by a large amount thanks to the new tech offering better performance and the ability for greater heat exchange.
- Depending on the type of boiler you install, you could eventually go online with solar thermal. Negating the need for so much bought in energy.
- Not all old boilers had timers or were compatible with thermostats. By timing your heating system for when it’s required and monitoring temperatures constantly, you will further save by lowering bills.
What Are The Costs Of A New Boiler And How Much Can Be Saved Or Earned?
The price range of new boilers is quite wide. They range from £500 to £2500 or more and there will also be a fee for installation. You can claw back some money by selling your old boiler or offering it as part exchange with the retailer. For comparisons you need to compare the energy efficiency of your old boiler against the new. Invariably when upgrading to a 90% efficiency you can save between a £1500 to £150 on bills over the course of a year.
While you are in the market for upgrading your hot water generation, it may be worth while comparing other boiler options, from solar to MCHP. We would advise that you get a survey completed by a certified renewables engineer. They can add up costs and make knowledge available as to the wide range of business who can offer support and government grants for getting sustainable technology online in your own home.
When changing to a new condensing boiler you may reap back your investment within several years. However if replacing a not so aged boiler, this could take considerably longer. If you wish to benefit the most, consider installing other renewables so as to sell electricity to the National grid or receive governments payments for generating your own power.
Is There Much Maintenance With Boilers And Are There Any Other Issues?
Boilers fail from time to time, mainly due to neglect in cleaning and not ensuring a regular annual check up. Your energy supplier tends to provide insurance cover which includes free yearly maintenance checks and a lower cost of replacement parts service. If you decide to go it alone, not only can your boiler experience more serious issues but fixing these problems can prove much more costly too.
There are health and safety issues with regards boilers, make sure the flue is always clear of debris and that it is regularly cleaned. usually just before Winter is about to his is a good time for a good overhaul and check up.
Is An Energy Saving Boiler The Right Renewable For You And Your Home Or Business?
There is no question that a new boiler isn’t only great for lowering you energy bills and reducing gas mains usage, but also for reducing noise levels, pollution and more efficiency around. The only task is to ensure you get the right boiler, condensing, combi and if working with solar collectors ensuring it is compatible. The only negative is upgrading a not so old boiler. The savings will not be as great and recouping investment may take much longer. With saving of between £60 and £300 a year, your certified assessment will detail the pros and cons.