Every time we switch on a light or turn up the thermostat, or even cook a meal we use energy. Whatever kind of fuel we use, whether we burn it directly or indirectly when electricity is generated, we are releasing Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
CO2 is one of the main gases that contributes to global warming, which is now scientifically recognised as a real threat to today's climate. This doesn't just mean warmer summers and milder winters: global climate is responsible for there being more floods, storms and droughts around the world than ever before.
Over a quarter of the CO2 produced in the UK comes from the fuel we use in our homes. By insulating our homes, controlling the way we use our heating and using other appliances sensibly we can have a major impact on the amount of energy and CO2 used. (And with another quarter of British energy used by motor cars, we can also help reduce the risks from global climate change by avoiding unnecessary car trips, using public transport, cycling or walking whenever possible.)
The average household can cut at least £100 a year off their fuel bills without losing either warmth or comfort by simply using energy efficiently and effectively, and at the same time make a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions.
It's not just your boiler that's wasting your money. In fact to really out rule the criminal behaviour in your house you should be thinking about your complete heating system. Installing a boiler is a big step. To get the most out of your new high efficiency boiler think about combining it with new heating controls.
When heating controls are installed, heating systems can react to changes in temperature, provide different levels of heat in different rooms, and switch hot water on and off at whatever times are specified by the homeowner.
The cost of installing a full heating controls package will pay for itself in less than five years. And of course, anyone with efficient central heating really will be more comfortable - with a nice warm house and plenty of hot water when they want it. The more control there is, the greater both the energy and financial savings - as much as 17% off a heating bill. When combining heating controls and a new high efficiency condensing boiler, ask your installer whether they are Energy Efficiency Recommended. If they are then this is a sign that you are getting some of the most energy efficient products on the market.
The great British winter. We all like to make sure we are warm enough at home, but have you looked at your boiler lately? Boilers often fit into the 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it' category, but if your boiler is 15 or more years old, it could do the dirty on you and break down - not what you want in the middle of winter!
Getting rid of your 'old lag' of a boiler and replacing it with a nice high efficiency one could save you a third off your annual fuel bill. Make sure that you ask your installer for an Energy Efficiency Recommended model. There are masses to choose from and you can be sure that you get one of the most efficient boilers on the market.
It gets better. If you also install the right heating controls, you could save up to 40 per cent off your fuel bill - that's about £140 off the average bill. Think what you could spend that on instead!
If you looking to replace your existing gas or oil central heating boiler, you should consider buying a Condensing Boiler. Although these typically cost £100-£300 more to buy and install than a conventional modern boiler, they should save this extra cost in as little as 4 years.
A condensing boiler is a high efficiency modern boiler that incorporates an extra heat exchanger so that the hot exhaust gases lose much of their energy to pre-heat the water in the boiler system. When working at peak efficiency, the water vapour produced in the combustion process condenses back into liquid form releasing the latent heat of vaporisation -this energy is lost to the environment using a normal boiler.
YES! Although not many homes in Britain have condensing boilers, over half the new boilers in the Netherlands have been of this type for a number of years. The National Energy Foundation carried out extensive monitoring work on new homes built in Milton Keynes in the late 1980s, and is was found that operating efficiencies of 95% or better could be obtained in normal use.