It’s no secret that keeping your home warm and your water hot isn’t exactly cheap. And with energy prices on the rise, it’s important to find ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce those energy bills. One of the smartest investments you can make is upgrading to more energy-efficient heating options. But how do you know when it’s time to take the plunge? Let’s break it down.
What Does Energy Efficiency Really Mean?
When we talk about energy efficiency, we’re basically referring to the ability of your boiler or central heating system to do its job while using the smallest amount of energy possible. Less energy equals less money spent which is better for your bank balance and for the environment, too.
What Are the Signs that It’s Time to Upgrade?
Your boiler or heating system might still be working, but if it’s cold or inefficient, it could cost a lot of money. There are a few key, tell-tale signs that it might be time to consider boiler replacement or upgrading to a heat pump.
Your energy bills are going through the roof.
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills keep creeping up despite you not using your heating or hot water any more than usual, your appliances could be to blame. Older systems, especially those over 10 years old, tend to lose their efficiency, which means they can use more energy to achieve the same results. A newer, energy-efficient heating option could save you a lot.
You’ve got a low EPC rating.
Your EPC rating (Energy Performance Certificate) gives you a general idea of how energy-efficient your home is. If your rating is low, it means that your home is using more energy than it should. Switching to newer heating options can boost your EPC rating and help you reduce your energy bills in the long run.
You’re experiencing consistent breakdowns.
Frequent repairs are a surefire sign that your heating system is on its last legs. Not only are these repairs annoying, but they can also cost you dearly. If you find yourself calling the repair team more often than you’d like, it might be time to upgrade to something more reliable and energy-efficient.
You’ve adapted your home in some way.
If you’ve extended your home with new rooms or knocked through to make it more open-plan, your heating system might be struggling to handle the load. A system that’s too small for your home or for larger rooms will have to work harder, and that means it’ll cost more to run. This means it might be time for an upgrade.
Should I Upgrade My Boiler or Get an Air Source Heat Pump?
These are the two main options we recommend if your heating is struggling with energy efficiency. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s important to figure out which choice is best for you. Both a boiler upgrade and a heat pump can lower your energy bills, improve comfort, reduce the environmental impact of your home, and increase its property value.
Energy efficient boilers.
Modern boilers are much more efficient than older models and might come with built-in smart technology that allows you to control your heating remotely. Some models even allow you to program your heating schedule, which can help you save energy by only heating your home when you need it. Typically, a new boiler would mean a lower upfront cost than a heat pump, making it more accessible. That said, it’s also less future-proof, less eco-friendly, and gives you less consistent energy bills.
Air source heat pumps.
Air-source heat pumps are another great option for improving your home’s energy efficiency. These systems extract heat from the air outside and use it to heat your home, making them far more energy-efficient than traditional boilers. They’re especially popular for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, as they use renewable energy from the air to provide heating and hot water. Air source heat pumps are often more expensive than boilers to install – though the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help mitigate this – but they are cheaper and greener to run than gas boilers.
Want to Reduce Your Energy Bills with Energy Efficient Heating?
When it’s time to replace your boiler or upgrade to an energy-efficient heat pump, you’ll want to work with experts who can provide guidance and quality installation. At ECS Plumbing and Heating, we specialise in replacing old boilers and installing air-source heat pumps to help you reduce your energy bills. We offer flexible options and a high standard of service so that you can be confident your home is heated efficiently and reliably.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs or explore our range of boiler replacement and air source heat pump options.
FAQs
How much can I save by upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler?
It depends on how old and efficient your current system is. On average, you could see savings of between £200 and £300 a year by upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient boiler. Any savings will obviously vary based on how large and well-insulated your home is, as well as how much you use your central heating.
How long does an air source heat pump last?
Usually, they last between 15 and 20 years. With proper maintenance, they can last even longer than that.
Can I get an air source heat pump if I don’t have room for a boiler?
Yes! Air source heat pumps can be installed in most homes, even if you don’t have the space for a traditional boiler. They’re compact and can be installed outside your home, which makes them a great choice for properties with limited space.
Further Reading
- Is Underfloor Heating Worth It?
- 10 Reasons You Should Upgrade Your Fuse Box
- Are Heat Pumps Worth It?
- What Causes Low Water Pressure and How to Fix It
