You may have seen an efficiency rating on a new boiler or other appliances, but what does it mean? Ratings of boilers will show how much energy a particular boiler uses to operate and how much money you are spending on it.
An energy-efficient boiler will not only contribute to helping the environment, but also save you money over time. Here is a guide to help you better understand boiler efficiency ratings and the advantages of an A-rated boiler in your home.
What Is Boiler Efficiency?
Boiler efficiency will show you how much energy your boiler consumes and how much money per month you spend on it. The higher the rating, the lower its energy consumption and the lower your monthly costs will be.
Older boilers were not manufactured to the standards and regulations we have in place today due to the lack of technology. The older your boiler is, the more likely it is to consume more energy compared to newer models. Investing in a newer, more efficient A-rated boiler can save money in the long run and cut down your greenhouse gas emissions that impact the environment.
Understanding Boiler Ratings
SEDBUK stands for Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler in the UK. There are two types of SEDBUK ratings.
- SEDBUK 2005 uses a letter rating of A to G to show the boiler’s efficiency, with A being the most efficient and G being the least.
- SEDBUK 2009 uses a percentage that shows efficiency. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the boiler is.
ERP stands for Energy-related Products. This rating system replaced old SEDBUK ratings beginning in September 2015.
ErP uses letters A through G to rank the efficiency of a boiler or heating system, A being the highest and G the lowest. Most modern boilers have an A rating, but also have different levels of A ratings that go up to A+++.
You can find your boiler’s efficiency on a sticker on all modern appliances. This sticker can be found on the front, back, or bottom of the boiler.
If your heating system or boiler is older, it may not have a sticker. In this case, you can find your model number, typically on a sticker or plate underneath the boiler, and check its efficiency online in the PCDB database.
If you are unable to find your model number, you can hire a registered boiler specialist to undertake a service that will look inside the boiler and give an idea of the model or assess what type of appliance you have. Non-condensing boilers will typically have a lower efficiency rating, whereas a condensing boiler will have a higher efficiency above 85%.
Choosing An Efficient Boiler
If your boiler is not up to current standards, you may be considering buying a new one and want to know which is the most efficient. When looking at the cost and efficiency while choosing your new boilers, take into consideration:
- The price of the new boilers
- Installation service costs and any additional needed parts
- Yearly running costs
- Annual service costs
Types of Boilers
The size of your boiler is a crucial metric when choosing a boiler for your household. Bigger homes with more than one bathroom and how many people live in the home should be taken into account when deciding what size boiler you need as it must be adequately sized for your home and its space and/or water heating demand.
There are different types of boilers that may have different attributes that work better for your home:
- Gas boilers are a great choice when you need a lot of hot water for a larger household that has a gas supply available.
- Combi boilers come in two types: gas and electric. Both have relatively low running costs and are compact, efficient, and give fast access to hot water.
- Electric boilers have a simpler installation and are suitable for smaller households and flats. Using an electric boiler in a large household can cause their efficiency to drop and raise your energy bill.
Boiler Replacement Professionals Near Birmingham
There will always be pros and cons to each boiler. Replacing an older boiler may be a large investment, but most boilers last for years, especially with regular maintenance. If you are unsure of what boiler would work best for your household, consider reaching out to a certified and trained professional for an inspection to advise you on the ideal boiler that would benefit your home, as well as your wallet.
Simply Eco Ltd is a Green Deal Approved installer and assists consumers in fuel poverty to access government grants and implement energy efficiency improvements in homes. We offer boiler replacements, under-floor insulation and loft insulation installations. We provide excellent customer service, professional workmanship, and we guarantee all materials.
Get in touch today to learn more about eco boilers, insulation, and other types of services we have available.
