With gas prices continuing to rise and soaring energy bills for UK households, many of you will rightly be looking at ways to reduce your energy spend each month. One of the easiest methods for reducing the amount of energy you consume is by increasing the efficiency of your gas-using appliances, particularly your boiler.
While you might not have paid much attention to boiler ratings before, the grading of your boiler can have a significant impact on how much gas you consume each month. So let’s quickly run through the boiler rating system, explain why it matters, and consider what you can do to improve the efficiency of your current boiler.
How Are Boilers Rated for Efficiency?
UK boilers are rated for efficiency using the Energy-related Products Directive (or ErP for short). It ranks boilers from A+++ to G, with G being the least efficient. ErP ratings can be broken down into the following efficiency percentages:
- A – 90% and above
- B – 86% – 90%
- C – 82% – 86%
- D – 78% – 82%
- E – 74% – 78%
- F – 70% – 74%
- G – Below 70%
As alluded to above, new boilers are increasingly being rated A+, A++, and A+++, which are so efficient they have outgrown the original scale. The most expensive boilers on the market today are 100% efficient, which is an incredible feat of engineering.
Why Do Boiler Ratings Matter?
Essentially, a higher-rate boiler allows you to squeeze more heat per unit of energy you purchase, stretching your money further. If you were to compare an A-rated boiler with a B or C-rated model, you would notice a marked increase in energy consumption to get the same output, driving up costs.
Therefore, investing in a new energy-efficient boiler is one of the best ways to save money on your household bills and lead a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly life.
Should I Replace My Boiler?
While you might not want to deal with the expense of installing a new boiler, it can still be an excellent idea that actually ends up saving you money in the long run. While you might be tempted to follow the mantra “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”, that doesn’t ring true for boiler replacements, especially for older, more-inefficient models.
The cost of using and maintaining an old, inefficient boiler will often far outweigh the savings delivered by incredibly efficient boilers that can deliver close to 100% efficiency. At a time when gas prices are hitting all-time highs, now is the time to ensure you have the most efficient boiler you can afford.
That said, if you already have an A-rated boiler, you could instead look at preventative measures that maintain efficiency such as regular boiler services or power flushes, to keep your energy costs down.
Receive Expert Boiler Installation Services and Advice from Wirral Plumbers
At Wirral Plumbers, we’ve been helping homeowners in the North West protect themselves from the enormous gas price increases by providing energy-saving advice and installing new, more energy-efficient boilers. We are accredited with all major boiler brands, and our engineers are all Gas Safe Registered.
If you would like to receive a free, no-obligation quote for a new boiler installation or would like more information regarding making your home more energy-efficient, please call us on 0758 0395 493. Our team will talk you through your options and help you to ensure you are making the right choices for your wallet and the environment.
