How to choose the best new boiler

Articles

The government's announcement earlier in the month of the launch of a new boiler scrappage scheme - which will work in a similar way to the car scrappage scheme - may have prompted more homeowners to consider whether it is time to upgrade their heating.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, it is worthwhile upgrading to a new boiler when the current heating appliance reaches 15 years old in order to ensure households are benefiting from the most efficient device.

In order to be eligible for the boiler scrappage scheme, properties need to still be reliant on a G-rated boiler to power their central heating. Such homes can then apply for a voucher worth £400 from the trust to put towards the cost of a new more efficient boiler, such as a condensing boiler.

But even consumers who do not qualify for the campaign could find it beneficial to upgrade to a newer boiler, the Daily Mail asserts.

Changing an old boiler for a new condensing boiler and heating controls could see people reducing their yearly energy bills by over £200, the article assets, meaning the new appliance could ultimately pay for itself over the years.

Carbon emissions can also be cut and the news source advises consumers to get at least three quotes when they are considering what to buy. A SEDBUK A-rated boiler with the Energy Savings Recommended logo is likely to be one of the most efficient, it adds.

But what type of boiler should consumers choose?

According to This Is Money, the majority of new boilers on the market today are of the condensing variety and this is the type which should be chosen if people wish to qualify for the scrappage scheme.

The Daily Mail states with an A-rated condensing boiler, only £10 in every £100 of a bill is wasted heat, while for older gas boilers, the cost of wasted heat is closer to £40. This Is Money notes one of the most common types of condensing boiler is the combination boiler, which heats both central heating and water from one unit. Due to this, the Daily Mail states they can be great for smaller properties as they are space-savers.

Meanwhile, heat-only boilers power radiators, while hot water needs to come from a separate system, which could be beneficial for larger houses needing larger quantities of hot water.

In terms of brands, This Is Money cites a recent survey by Which? that revealed Vaillant and Worcester Bosch are both the most dependable brands on the market, with customer satisfactions scores of 83 per cent. Meanwhile, Potterton also performed well, with a 73 per cent vote of satisfaction.

Overall, Baxi's Duo-tec Combi 28 HE was named the best overall combi-boiler, being praised for its energy efficiency and with consumers told it is user-friendly and ideal for smaller flats and houses.

"There are several different ways to a new boiler installed. If you have an idea of which boiler or brand you want, the best option is to contact the manufacturer directly and they'll give you a list of local installers for their products," This Is Money states.

When it comes to having the new appliance fitted, Britons should keep in mind they will need to contact a member of Gas Safe Register, who may also be able to give further recommendations on heating appliances which could suit the home.

And consumers may also wish to consider investing in a biomass boiler, ground source heat pump or solar panels to boost their current heating system further still, while also saving money and lowering carbon emissions.

Such news could prove useful for Britons who want to take advantage of the boiler scrappage scheme or simply upgrade their central heating before the winter is out.