Understanding Condensing Boilers
It's simple,
at today's high fuel prices an inefficient boiler will be costing you £££'s more to run and a regularly serviced boiler will operate more efficiently and therefore use less energy.
The older your boiler is, the more inefficient it is likely to be. If it is 15 years or older, you should seriously consider changing it.
Understanding Condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers achieve a standard efficiency of up to 110 percent and are at the leading edge of heating technology in terms of energy efficiency.
Just like traditional boilers, condensing boilers are dependent on the outside temperature but additionally use the condensation heat contained in the flue gas.
While the flue gases of low temperature boilers escape through the chimney unused at temperatures of 150 to 200°C, condensing boilers cool the flue gases to a temperature at which the water vapour in the flue gas condenses. The heat released in this process is used for heating.
How often should I get my boiler serviced?
It's important to have your gas or oil fired boiler serviced once a year (or more often depending on some manufacturers requirements). The flue will need checking to make sure it's clear, and the engineer will also check that the boiler is running safely and efficiently.
Failure to service your boiler every year will make it less efficient which will mean you shall be using more fuel which costs more money! More worringly, it could break down just as the cold weather comes leaving you and your family vunreable
Heating and hot water account for over half the cost of the average fuel bill and, unless your home is newly built, your heating system is unlikely to be running as efficiently as it could.
Some basic facts to help reduce your energy bills
- Replacing an old boiler could save you over a fifth on your fuel bills – and up to 32% if you opt for a condensing boiler
- By upgrading heating controls you will improve the efficiency of any central heating system, and cut your energy wastage and costs by up to 17%. Fit the right heating controls as well as a condensing boiler and you could bump the savings up to 40%
- Hot water pipes lose heat right the way along, so insulate them wherever you can. Insulating hot water pipes can save up to £5 a year on your fuel bills
- Reducing your heating thermostat by 1°C when you are too warm can cut up to 10% off bills.
- Water needn’t be heated to a scalding temperature. Setting the thermostat at 60° C or 140° F is usually quite adequate.