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In today’s current climate, efficiency is a significant topic. We all want to live in the most efficient way possible, whether that’s in terms of saving money or living in a more sustainable way.
Energy efficiency, when talking about boilers, refers to a number of key factors that we will discuss in this article.
Gas boilers: what does energy-efficient mean?
Essentially, a boiler’s energy efficiency means the amount of energy it takes for the boiler to run and provide you with heating and/or hot water.
Boiler efficiency is typically rated on an A - G scale as shown below:
- A - 90% and above
- B - 86-90%
- C - 82-86%
- D - 78-82%
- E - 74-78%
- F - 70-74%
- G - below 70%
Most modern boilers run at 90%+ efficiency. All modern boilers need to be at 92% or above, with around 8% lost out of the flue.
The rating of your boiler determines its overall efficiency, but what does an energy-efficient boiler mean for you, and how can it impact you?
An efficient gas boiler saves you money
We rely on our boilers to consistently provide us with heating and hot water, which often takes a lot of energy, particularly in the colder months.
Whether you have a boiler that’s 95% efficient or 75% efficient, you always pay for 100% of the energy that you use which includes the energy that is wasted, too. This means that the more efficient your boiler is, the less financial loss you will experience.
Ultimately, the more efficient your boiler, the cheaper your gas bills will be over the winter. This is, of course, highly significant now as we are currently experiencing a steep rise in energy prices.
Related read: 20 top tips to save money on gas and heating bills in 2022
An efficient gas boiler makes heating effortless
Gas boilers that aren’t energy efficient can cost you. But when we talk about energy efficiency, we’re not just speaking about money.
Energy-efficient gas boilers make heating effortless by utilising as much energy as possible to deliver heating and hot water to your homes. They can effectively meet the demands of your heating needs, whilst also ensuring as little energy as possible is lost. Appliances like the ATAG Economiser combi boiler capture residual gas left in the flue pipes and use it to preheat your mains water, making them a highly efficient solution.
If your gas boiler isn’t meeting the demands of your household, you may need to invest in a new model. This can, of course, be a significant investment and it can be tough to know where to start. For some professional guidance on choosing a new boiler, take a look at our article, 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a New Boiler, or reach out to one of our experts here.
An efficient gas boiler reduces the need for repairs
Repairing a boiler can, over time, be more costly than simply investing in a newer, more energy-efficient boiler. Not to mention that you will likely be unable to access heating and hot water whilst your boiler is being repaired (however, many households have an immersion heater as a backup).
When you invest in an energy-efficient gas boiler, the likelihood of needing to spend time and money getting it repaired is substantially reduced. Modern, energy-efficient boilers are more reliable than old or outdated models. If your boiler is costing you more than it should and is experiencing breakdowns leading you to pay out for repairs consistently, it might be time to consider upgrading your current boiler.
Discover everything you need to know about energy-efficient gas boilers with our free guide.
An efficient gas boiler is good for the environment
The efficiency of your gas boiler can greatly impact your carbon footprint. Modern gas boilers are more efficient than older models as they use less energy to provide you with heating and hot water. Non-condensing boilers waste a lot of energy which results in carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere, whereas condensing boilers are highly sustainable – using a higher percentage of the energy that they produce, resulting in less waste and fewer emissions.
To ensure you waste or lose as little energy as possible, investigate the efficiency of your boiler. You can do this by checking the efficiency rating on the side of your boiler or by contacting your provider.
Related read: The Most Efficient Boiler: Gas vs. Electric
Which type of energy-efficient boiler is right for you?
The type of boiler that is most energy-efficient for you personally, will depend on a number of factors such as the size of your home and your heating and hot water demands.
Combi boilers, like the ATAG combi boiler and the Economiser, are one of the most efficient boilers currently available on the market. They’re compact models that supply households with hot water directly from the mains, meaning they don’t require a storage cylinder.
System boilers are fitted with an unvented hot cylinder which provides an increased capacity of hot water. They’re ideal for larger homes or those with a high demand for heating and hot water. They take around 30 minutes to heat the cylinder, require high water pressure to function at maximum capacity and are compatible with solar panels, enabling you to generate additional power for the cylinder.
Regular boilers, also known as conventional boilers, typically require more space to house the feed and expansion tank. They’re well-suited to properties with older radiator systems as they don’t require high water pressure to function effectively. With simple-to-use controls and extensive flue solutions, you can cite the boiler almost anywhere in your home.
If you’re unsure which model is right for you, take our quiz to find your perfect boiler. We’ll provide a recommendation and quote based on the specification of your home.
The brand you choose to partner with can also be a deciding factor when it comes to efficiency. At ATAG, our boilers are one of the most efficient boilers in Europe, offering up to 98% efficiency when installed with a One Zone controller and Weather Compensation, which is almost the same as electric boilers.
Our boilers come with a standard warranty of 10 years which can be increased to 12 or 14 years with a complete care pack which contains everything you need to protect your system, as well as a smart controller. All of our boilers use high-quality stainless-steel heat exchangers for maximum efficiency and durability as standard and offer a lifetime guarantee on the heat exchanger.
If you'd like to find out more about energy efficiency, then click here.
If you’re interested in finding your local ATAG-selected installer, get in touch with us here and one of our local ATAG-selected partners will contact you. Alternatively, click here to speak to one of our professional team members with any questions or queries you may have.