Understanding your boilers energy efficiency ratings

In light of this week’s launch of the government’s Boiler Scrappage Scheme, we thought it useful to write an article about understanding your boilers energy efficiency ratings.

Boiler efficiency ratings have never been so important, not only because they determine a boiler’s effectiveness, but also if it’s time to upgrade to a better model, your boiler’s energy efficiency rating is a main criteria for the £400 discount available from the Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

When considering efficiency ratings, the best place start is the Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK (SEDBUK) boiler efficiency range. Its purpose is to provide an accurate and impartial comparison of how well boilers work in relation to the energy they use. All types of boilers regardless of their make or model should come with a SEDBUK rating.

To keep things simple, SEDBUK has seven ratings bands A – G. With A being the highest efficiency and G being the lowest. To review the bands in more detail, view our SEDBUK boiler efficiency ratings page.

These days nearly all new boilers must be high efficiency because they omit less carbon, and convert more of the fuel they burn into heat for your radiators and hot water. This saves money and helps the environment.

It is recommended that any boiler with a G-Rating or energy efficiency rating below 70% should be replaced with a superior one. So how can you find out how yours fairs?

This can be done easily and requires no time at all. Simply make a note of your boiler’s make and model and find out how efficient it is using our SEDBUK Efficiency Table.

If your boiler is older than ten years or below the recommended 70% efficiency rating, it is worth considering a replacement. Not only will a new one save you money on your energy bills, it will also reduce your carbon footprint.

Replacing a boiler is costly, however as mentioned you could be eligible for the government’s Boiler Scrappage Scheme where a £400 rebate is available to help households upgrade to an A-Rated boiler.

To find out more about the scheme, visit the energy advisory website energysavingtrust.org.uk. Our article Boiler Scrappage Scheme – What you need to know will also give you a good insight.

Sources:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-improvements-and-products/Heating-and-hot-water/Boiler-scrappage-scheme
http://www.sedbuk.com/