Are Boilers Energy Efficient?
If you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient, then your boiler should be a priority as it is one of the largest contributors to your overall energy usage. If you’re thinking about upgrading or replacing your boiler, one of the questions you may be asking yourself is “are boilers energy efficient?”. Let’s find out .
Assessing The Efficiency Of Boilers
When asking the question “are boilers energy efficient” we’re referring to the energy required by the boiler to perform its function, and how much of that energy is wasted. Your boiler powers your heating meaning that it contributes to over half of your energy bill. In some cases, a boiler can contribute to as much as 60% of an annual household energy bill. This means that you could be losing a lot of money if your boiler is not working efficiently.
The question of “are boilers energy efficient” ultimately depends on the age and make of the boiler. Older boilers will unfortunately always be less efficient than modern boilers. This means that more energy is wasted when the boiler is in use. This is because modern boilers benefit from ‘condensing’ properties. Boilers that run on a ‘condensing’ mode are able to recover heat that would otherwise be wasted, whilst allowing the boiler to run at lower temperatures.
Whilst modern boilers provide a more efficient option than older ones, they are still not the most efficient method for heating your home. When discussing the question of “are boilers energy efficient” it’s important to emphasise that whilst modern boilers may be greener and less expensive to run, they are still not the most effective method for heating your home.
Are There More Efficient Options For Your Home?
One of the main reasons that boilers are inefficient is because they are required to operate at high temperatures which uses lots of energy. Air to water heat pumps on the other hand can operate at low temperatures without wasting energy, making them a much more efficient option for the home. An air to water heat pump works by transforming energy from the outside air into usable heat via a refrigeration process and vapour compression cycle. Whilst some traditional boilers need to function at temperatures as high as 80°C, air to water heat pumps can extract heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -15 °C. So when thinking about “are boilers energy efficient”, it’s important to consider that there are more efficient methods for heating your home than traditional or modern boiler systems.
Air To Water Heat Pumps At Pipelife Eco
At Pipelife Eco we have split heat pumps and monobloc heat pumps to suit different properties. These are:
Hitachi Yutaki-S Split Combi Heat Pump
The Yutaki S heat pump consists of an exterior inverter unit that is connected to an interior hydraulic unit. The exterior unit absorbs heat from the outside (at temperatures as low as -20 °C), and transfers it to the water cycle via the interior hydraulic unit. A versatile option for the home, this split heat pump is ideal for supplying the likes of underfloor heating, radiators and fan coil units.
Midea M Thermal Mono-Bloc Heat Pump
Another option for replacing a traditional oil/ gas boiler or for working alongside them, this Monobloc heat pump provides heating, cooling and domestic hot water. A compact, single unit is installed on the outside of the property and the heat pump is connected to the indoor heating system using two insulated pipes and the electronic connection cables under the ground.
To discuss the energy efficient options that are available for your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.