Is Boiler Replacement Or Repair More Energy Efficient?

The majority of UK homeowners aim to run an energy efficient home. After all, it can save you time, money and improve the environment. The government has started to focus on energy efficiency as well. Building Regulations now include set standards that all hot water and heating systems must meet. A hurting economy and ever-increasing prices adds further pressure. Now, more homeowners than ever are having trouble paying the bills.

Climate change is making energy efficiency even more important. With the number of natural disasters attributed to climate change increasing, the public is beginning to take notice. Homeowners often wonder what they can do to improve the current situation. There are a number of simple adjustments that can be made to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Ensuring that the home has high-efficiency heating and hot water systems is a good first step. The consumer should be aware of the many options available to them.

High efficiency condensing technology can prove extremely worthwhile. When faced with the decision to replace or repair their boiler, consumers are often unsure of what to do. They should be supplied all the facts so that they can make the choice that is best for their home. It is common for the homeowner to depend on the installer to provide guidance. Therefore, the installer plays quite a large part in this whole process.

The high price of boilers and the required installation forces many consumers to choose repair over replacement. This poor decision can lead to future problems. While it is true that repairs lengthen the life of a boiler, they cannot improve its level of efficiency. A faulty appliance will only end up costing more in the end. The price of repair and the cost of running older boilers is often much higher than the cost of complete system replacement.

If costs don't persuade you then, maybe the impact your choice has on the environment will. Homes in the United Kingdom are responsible for 21% of all carbon dioxide produced. Heating and hot water systems make up 80% of that number. Energy efficiency lowers bills in addition to helping the UK attain its goal of decreasing carbon emissions by 2010. Heating and hot water makes up well over half the cost of a typical fuel bill. High efficiency boilers can cut bills by up to 30% and save the typical home 200 a year.

There are a number of UK companies the produce heating and hot water systems of various makes and models. Important features to look for include cast aluminium-silicon heat exchanger, brass waterset, efficient pump, and a concealed system connection that increases system performance. Installation can be made quick and easy with models that contain a centrally located telescopic flue kit with preformed connections and pre-fitted mains electrical lead. Drop-down controls and spacious interiors make servicing the system easy. Radio frequency, RF, controller versions and a variety of warranty plans are available for the consumer.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles on home boilers, home heating, Woolwich plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.