Ofgem has announced that energy bills are rising again this Winter. Shopping around for a new energy provider is a great way to save money, but it can only make so much difference if your central heating system is outdated and inefficient. 

Heating bills account for 53% of all household energy bills – with this in mind, an efficient boiler should be top priority. 

If you think it’s the right time to invest in a new boiler, read on as we explore everything you need to know about swapping your boiler. 

What are the benefits of a new boiler?

Modern boilers tend to be condensing boilers – they have a large heat exchanger which stops gas from escaping up the flue pipe. This is a modern innovation that makes them more efficient than older boilers.

What fuel type do I have?

Most homes are connected to the gas mains, or had a connection in the past. Gas prices in the UK are the cheapest per kWh, compared to Economy 7, oil, LPG, and coal.

Some properties are not connected to the gas mains. In this case, you could look into getting paid to install low carbon heating through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

What type of boiler do I need?

The type of boiler you need depends on your household size, energy consumption, and behaviours. 

The two main types of boiler are regular, and combination; also known as a ‘combi’ boiler. 

Regular boilers store hot water in a cylinder. This means it has a higher capacity for producing hot water than a combi boiler, but thermal energy is lost from the cylinder itself. This can lead to compounding heat loss over time, which – depending on your household – could make a combi boiler more efficient for you.

Combi boilers don’t have cylinders – they heat and release hot water on demand. This means they have a smaller capacity for hot water, but can produce it quickly. Combi boilers can be an excellent choice for one-or-two person households in smaller properties, such as flats, as they also take up less space and can simply be mounted on the wall. 

Can I improve my heating system without getting a new boiler?

If you’re looking for ways to introduce efficiency to your existing heating system, consider the following:

• Install a timer, room thermostat, and thermostatic radiator valves. Generally considered to be the most effective combination, these three heating controls will keep your home at the right temperature without wasting thermal energy.
• Top up your water cylinder insulation to a minimum of 80mm. Many older hot water cylinders have inadequate or damaged insulation. You could save up to £20 a year on your bills by increasing the quality and thickness of your insulation, which prevents heat loss from the cylinder. 
• Install a corrosion inhibitor in your old hot water cylinder. Older systems can be prone to corrosion deposits, which create sludge and scale – eventually this needs clearing out, but over time it prevents the system working effectively. 

Who can install a new boiler?

Get at least three quotes from different installers. At Harvey Heating Ltd, our boiler swaps and installation prices are guaranteed to be the best price for a 5-star level of quality and efficiency.

For gas and LPG boilers, the installer must be Gas Safe registered. Oil boiler installers must be registered with OFTEC. All of our engineers are Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, for your peace of mind.

What happens when Harvey Heating comes to install my new boiler?

We will make sure that your system complies with current building regulations, and provide you with safety check documentation to prove this. We’ll also recommend when you should book your next service – boilers should be serviced every 12 months to keep them running efficiently and safely. 

Pencil in your boiler swap today with Harvey Heating Ltd. Call 01748 812963 or use our contact form to book an appointment.

Sources: energysavingstrust.org.uk, ofgem.co.uk