Last updated: 26th June, 2024
Advice
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As an online boiler installation company, we are committed to helping our customers save money on their energy bills while keeping their homes comfortable.
With the summer season in full swing, it's the perfect time to share valuable energy-saving tips, including the benefits of upgrading to a new boiler.
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By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your energy consumption, lower your carbon footprint, and enjoy significant savings.
Take control of your cooling costs by optimising your thermostat settings. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you're away from home or during the night when temperatures are naturally cooler.
Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that allows you to create customised schedules and control your cooling system remotely.
Harness the power of natural breezes by opening windows and doors during the early morning and late evening when temperatures are lower.
This natural ventilation helps cool down your home without relying heavily on air conditioning. Just remember to close them once the outdoor temperatures rise to prevent warm air from entering.
Consider upgrading your outdated air conditioning system to a new, energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, as they cool your home effectively while consuming less energy, resulting in substantial cost savings over time.
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system is crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Clean or replace air filters monthly to ensure proper airflow and reduce strain on the system.
Schedule annual professional maintenance to check for refrigerant leaks, clean coils, and address any potential issues that could lead to decreased efficiency.
Utilise ceiling fans and portable fans to create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without significantly lowering the temperature. By using fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system, you can raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees, resulting in energy savings.
Reduce heat gain from the outside by closing curtains, blinds, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block out sunlight and reduce heat transmission.
Use reflective window films or shades to further decrease heat gain. Additionally, minimise the use of heat-generating appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers during peak heat hours.
Swap out traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs. These bulbs produce less heat and consume significantly less energy. Turn off lights when not in use to further reduce energy waste.
Maximise natural shade around your home to reduce heat gain. Plant trees strategically around your property to provide shade and cool your home naturally. Install awnings, pergolas, or patio covers to shade windows and outdoor living spaces.
Proper insulation and sealing are essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy waste. Insulate walls, attics, and crawl spaces to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork to enhance energy efficiency.
Consider upgrading your boiler to maximise energy savings, even during the summer months. New boilers are designed for maximum efficiency, providing consistent heat while reducing energy waste. They operate at higher efficiency levels, resulting in significant cost savings on your heating bills throughout the year.
Naturally, the newer a central heating system, the more efficient it is due to engineering and design progression. Outdated or failing systems could be the reason for your shock when seeing your monthly energy bills.
Most UK boilers are running at 80% energy efficiency with some antiquated models operating at 60% or less! These sub optimal levels of output are as avoidable as they are shocking.
Age of Boiler | Efficiency Percentage | Efficiency Rating (ErP) |
0+ Years | 90% + | A |
10+ Years | 85% + | B/C |
15+ Years | 80% + | C/D |
20+ Years | 70% + | E/F |
25+ Years | 60% + | G |
The direct correlation between a boiler’s age and its efficiency is clear to see in the newer systems’ ErP, so it may be worth upgrading your model to an energy efficient boiler.
A high level boiler shouldn't be looked at as an expense, but as mentioned above, an investment that will save you money in the long run.
New boilers are designed to last longer than older models. This means you won't need to replace your boiler as often, which can save you money in the long run.
If you choose a cheaper ‘budget’ appliance to save on initial costs the chances are you could end up paying more in maintenance and repair fees due to inadequate design and poor performance.
Vaillant boilers come with advanced controls that allow you to set your heating and hot water schedules to suit your needs. This means you can heat your home and hot water only when you need it, rather than wasting energy on heating an empty house or hot water tank.
New boilers are often better insulated than older models, which can help prevent heat loss and improve overall efficiency.
A smart thermostat is a device that connects your boiler and heating system to the internet, allowing you to control your heating remotely from your mobile phone or laptop.
So long as you have internet access, you can control the temperature, turn your boiler on and off and schedule it to come on when you like- all from wherever you are.
Smart thermostats can come with dial or button features and are very straightforward in terms of use, for advanced settings instructions will be in the user manual or manufacturer website.
They are also capable of learning your routine and controlling your heating around it.
It's worth noting that all our best combi boilers are compatible with smart thermostats.
Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.
Effectively, new boiler cost can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer.
Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.
Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).
Installation Type | Price (inc VAT) | |
Combi to combi swap | £1,845 | |
System to combi conversion | £2,499 | |
New boiler install | £2,899 | |
Back boiler to a combi | £3,299 | |
System to system | £1,945 |
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings (A++ or higher).
2. Use LED Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use at least 75% less energy.
3. Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation in walls, lofts, and around windows and doors keeps heat in, reducing heating and cooling needs.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat: Set your heating and cooling more efficiently, ensuring energy isn't wasted when you're asleep or not at home.
5. Use Smart Power Strips: Reduce "phantom loads" by using smart power strips that cut power when devices are not in use.
6. Limit Water Heating: Turn down your water heater to 120°F (49°C) and consider low-flow fixtures for showers and taps.
7. Air Seal Your Home: Find and seal leaks with weather stripping and caulking to prevent loss of heated or cooled air.
1. Use Fans Instead of AC: Ceiling or floor fans consume less energy compared to air conditioning.
2. Close Blinds and Curtains: This simple act can block direct sunlight, significantly reducing indoor heat.
3. Adjust Thermostat: Set your air conditioning to the highest comfortable temperature to minimize energy use.
4. Avoid Heat Generation During the Day: Cook outside, use microwaves, or prepare cold meals to keep your home cooler.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Incandescent bulbs generate heat, so switching to LEDs can keep temperatures down.
6. Seal Leaks: Ensure windows and doors are sealed properly to keep cool air in.
7. Regular AC Maintenance: Clean or replace filters and ensure your AC unit is running efficiently.
In addition to the methods listed for reducing power consumption in summer, keeping hydrated and wearing lightweight clothing can help you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Also, strategically planting trees or shrubs can provide natural shade and cool your home over the long term.
1. Draught-Proof Your Home: Sealing gaps around doors and windows can significantly reduce heat loss.
2. Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves: These allow you to control the heat in individual rooms.
3. Upgrade Your Boiler: If your boiler is old, a new, more efficient model can save on your heating bill.
4. Use Timers on Your Central Heating: Program your heating to turn on only when needed.
5. Layer Up: Wearing warmer clothes indoors means you can set the thermostat lower.
It's a common misconception that it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day, but this isn't typically the case. It's generally more cost-effective to heat your home only when needed. Programmable thermostats and smart heating systems can optimize heating schedules for efficiency and comfort, reducing unnecessary energy use.
The cost of running central heating for an hour depends on the type of fuel used, the efficiency of the heating system, and current energy prices. For a gas central heating system in the UK, the cost can range from approximately 4 to 6 pence per kWh. Assuming an average boiler uses around 18kWh when running, the cost would be roughly 72p to £1.08 per hour. This is a rough estimation and will vary with the specifics of your heating system and energy tariff.
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