Energy efficiency and boilers – how you can save money

Earlier this year, both British Gas and Scottish Power announced they were increasing the price of some of their services by 5.5%. This has the potential to affect around 5 million British customers. Despite the problem of rising energy bills continuing to affect Brits, there is some good news. Energy efficiency is rising in boilers. So, for those looking to keep their energy bills as low as possible, now could be a great time to invest in a new boiler.

How energy efficiency saves you money

Since the 2000s, the EU has made it so energy-consuming goods have to be labelled with their efficiency rating – you’ve probably seen them stuck on the front of your white goods. It provides a double benefit: saving the planet and saving you money. This is particularly true when it comes to your boiler.

Heating accounts for 66% of the energy used in UK homes. In general, products that generate heat use the most energy. This includes tumble dryers and electric hobs. But, these appliances are essential in our everyday lives. They aren’t something we can just switch off and go without. So, the solution is to make them as energy efficient as possible, and that’s what manufacturers have been doing.

Boilers are more energy efficient than they have ever been before. This means that for every unit of fuel they consume, more of it is turned into heat. This is how higher efficiency saves you money – you consume less fuel. This reduction in cost is ideal for a number of people.

How energy efficiency is measured

You’re no doubt familiar with the EU’s energy efficiency rating that comes with appliances. At first, appliances like boilers were rated using a scale of A to G. You can still see this rating when you buy a new product, usually plastered on it somewhere. As energy efficiency has improved, this scale has had to change, with A+, A++, and A+++ being added to the range to make room for the appliances that go above and beyond.

Sometimes, there’s a bit of a difference with boilers – they’re rated with a percentage. Since 2010, only boilers that are 88% or more efficient can be installed in homes. This isn’t usually an issue considering many boilers reach the 90s in efficiency these days.

How to become even more energy efficient

The age and type of your boiler will affect how efficient it is. The most efficient boilers on the market are currently modern condensing boilers. These boilers, unlike non-condensing boilers, stop the loss of heat from hot gases via the flue. Instead, they use them to heat water. Replacing an old G-rated non-condensing boiler with a condensing one could save you £310 per year.

Technological advancements in heating are also helping many people keep costs down. Several companies, like Worcester Bosch, offer smart heating controls. They allow you to manage your heating from your phone, tablet, or computer. Some of these controls actively learn from your past usage and adjust your boiler to be the most efficient. If you’re not home and your heating comes on, you can turn it off at the click of a button.

You can create an elaborate schedule for your heating, and adjust the temperature in individual rooms, rather than wasting heat on the whole house. This increases your boiler efficiency and saves you money. It’s something to keep in mind as winter approaches and the heating is turned on more.

But, if you’re not ready to purchase a new boiler just yet, our advice is to get your existing boiler serviced. Older boilers and broken ones aren’t energy efficient. By fixing any problems, and finding ways to improve your existing boiler, engineers can ensure your boiler is as efficient as possible. It can stop your bills going through the roof.

If you need a boiler check-up, fitting, or advice on energy efficiency on your property, get in touch with GOS Heating today on 01772 734 966.