Why should I install a new boiler?
|
One of the most common questions asked by homeowners living in an old house with a boiler that is beyond repair is to know if it makes sense to replace it. The answer, as usual, may depend on your circumstances but it can be the right decision. For one thing, replacing an old boiler will certainly give you peace of mind as it means that you know that your heating and hot water is up to the job. It will be more fuel-efficient than an old boiler, which can mean significant savings on your bills, particularly if you live in a large home. It's also likely to be greener and lower carbon and this could save you money on your energy bills. If you have a condensing boiler, for example, this will be particularly beneficial as it is estimated to use up to 30% less fuel than an older model. Why do you need a boiler? A boiler in a home performs the same function as in a car. It produces heat and in some cases hot water so that we can live in comfort, day and night. On average, homeowners use around four times more energy for heating than for lighting and appliances combined. It is all too easy to take our heating systems for granted but if you're still using an old and inefficient boiler, it's time to think about replacing your old heating system before the arrival of colder weather. Types of boiler There are three different types of boiler you can choose from when looking to replace an old boiler. They are oil, condensing and combination (oil or gas). When considering your options, it's important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each type before making a decision. Oil-fired boilers are the least popular, however, they can be a great option if you already have an oil tank installed. They run on home heating oil and not ideal for new builds with a mains gas supply is available. Condensing boilers generally cost more than other types of boilers but also offer the biggest savings in fuel bills. They tend to be the best option if you are using renewable energy sources like solar panels, heat pumps or wood burners. Combination (also known as 'combi') boilers offer the functionality of both condensing and standard boilers in one unit. The benefits of this type include reduced installation times and lower fuel expenses. Combination boilers are generally slightly more expensive than condensing boilers but much cheaper to run. The fuel types required for a combination boiler tend to vary from region to region, so it’s important to check what kind of heating oil or gas the area uses. In general, if you have a large household and will need to use your boiler constantly, it’s probably worth investing in a new combi. What are the benefits of a new boiler? A new boiler will be more fuel-efficient than an old one (particularly if you have a condensing boiler), which could save you money. If you live in a large home, your bills will also be lower as new boilers can service multiple bathrooms and showers. As well as being more cost-effective, a new boiler may also be more environmentally friendly than an older model. If you have a condensing boiler, for example, this will be particularly beneficial as it is estimated to use up to 30% less fuel than an older model. This can save you hundreds of pounds per year on your overall energy bills and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions you produce as well as other harmful gases. If your boiler is more than 12 years old, you will also need to make sure that it is serviced every year by a registered Gas Safe engineer. Failure to do this may invalidate your boiler insurance, leaving you exposed in the event of an accident. With a new boiler, you may have fewer servicing requirements depending on the use. A major advantage of getting a new boiler installed is that it will allow you to make savings on your fuel bills. As boiler prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years, you could save yourself up to 25% on your annual heating costs by having a new energy-efficient model installed instead of an old one. For larger homes with three or more bathrooms, this can equate to over £150 per annum. Is getting a new boiler worth it? A new boiler is well worth the invested time, money and resources. It will provide you with a much more efficient heating system for your home, will lower your fuel bills and may even reduce your insurance premium if your insurer offers this as an incentive. The only resistance might be obtaining finance to make the purchase, but there are several options including financing up to 10 years. You'll save on your energy bills. Although it's difficult to estimate exactly how much your energy bills will decrease after purchasing a new boiler because there are many factors involved, including:
This makes it hard to give an exact figure, but homes fitted with new gas boilers can save up to 30% on their annual energy bills. Oil and LPG users will see a sharp decrease in costs too. The exact amount will vary depending upon the boiler model, energy supplier and how you use your heating system. It will improve the condition of your home. Whether you're looking to sell your property, or perhaps just want it to feel more comfortable to live in, installing a new boiler is one of the most effective ways of making improvements quickly and easily. If you have an older boiler that isn't performing as well as it once did, you could be wasting energy and money as a result. There may also be something wrong with the eco-rating of your current boiler – because boilers heat up water to such a high temperature, any defect can create a major loss of efficiency. You'll make a positive impact on the environment. Replacing an old boiler with a new, energy-efficient boiler will save you money on your bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. In fact, just changing to a new heating system from an old one can save up to £350 per year. It's well worth doing if you're looking to decrease your monthly outgoings and boost the value of your home. Is it worth getting a new gas boiler? Modern gas boilers are more energy-efficient than older models, particularly because the newer ones come with a number of feature options. For example, most new boilers have a condensing mode, which helps to make them more efficient by reducing how much heat is released through their chimneys. Most new boilers also have an eco-boost mode, which is primarily used when heating water in your system. This function uses a small amount of energy to get the boiler going and then gradually increases it over time so that you have more hot water when you need it. In terms of replacing a gas boiler with a new condensing model, the average household could save up to £165 per year. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this is a £642 saving over a 10-year period. In terms of cost, a recent survey revealed that the national average price for a new gas condensing combi boiler installation is £1,085 – which could be offset by just one winter's energy bill savings. What to consider before installing a new boiler? There are many things that you need to consider before you get the process underway. First, check your current central heating system can support a new boiler. If it's antiquated, there might be other problems associated with updating to a modern condensing model, so be sure to check this out first. Also, note the size of the house. If it is a small house with one bathroom and at most two bedrooms, then you probably don't need the same type of boiler as someone who lives in a large family home. The amount of people per household is also important. The larger the number of occupants, the greater their combined water usage – so they'll require more hot water on a regular basis. If you live in a tiny home with just yourself, then you'll probably need a different boiler from the average homeowner who has perhaps three or four people living with them. The age of your home is also important, as older properties are likely to have inefficient boilers which will not be able to supply hot water at an economic price for the entire household. It's also important to consider your energy usage habits when making this decision, especially if you have a larger family or are thinking of having children in the future. A combi boiler will save you more money over time compared to installing a new traditional gas boiler. You'll need to think about where your home is located, as areas that have a larger number of appliances running at the same time – such as heaters – will require a more powerful boiler to provide adequate hot water. You'll also need to consider how much space you have for your new boiler and whether it will be possible to install one within your home. Some people may choose to speak to a professional installer to help with the process. How much does a new boiler cost? A new condensing gas boiler could cost anything from £500 to £2000, depending on the make and model. However, with lower running costs and cheaper installation, they can still be an attractive option for those who want to start saving money. A new boiler can also be a good way to add value to your property when you want to sell. |
|