Does Installing A New Boiler Save Money
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Boiler efficiency, Fuel savings, Payback period, Boiler types, Condensing boilers
- Posted date:
- 26-06-2023

Does installing a new boiler save money? PPP Plumbing Services provide boiler installation in Norwich and Norfolk. Find out how much money you could save with a new boiler and why new boilers are so much more efficient.
How much money could I save with a new boiler?
Rising energy costs in the UK necessitate an efficient boiler. An ageing, G-rated boiler can push up your heating bills, while an A-rated condensing boiler, like a Worcester Bosch, could slash 20-30% off your annual energy costs. Several factors, such as your property's size, current energy tariff, and insulation, further influence these costs.
Boiler efficiency ratings consider the appliance's age, type, and model, with A-rated boilers being over 90% efficient and G-rated ones about 65% efficient. An A+++ condensing boiler could result in savings of up to 30%* on your annual heating bills while using 20-30% less electricity than non-condensing boilers.
Choosing the correct boiler type is key. Combi boilers, efficient for smaller homes, heat water on demand. Conventional boilers, connected to a hot water cylinder, cater to larger homes' higher water demands.
System boilers provide a balance between combi and conventional types, and condensing boilers use waste gas to improve efficiency. Though a new boiler requires an initial investment, the long-term savings and reliability make it a prudent decision.
What are my potential fuel savings with a new boiler?
Contemplating fuel savings with a new boiler involves various factors, including the age and efficiency of your existing heating system. Annual UK energy bills typically sit between £750 and £1,000.
A new A-rated condensing boiler can boost efficiency by 14% to 34%, provided it's set up correctly. However, the replacement of a boiler that's slightly over 10 years old might not yield substantial savings, especially if it's reliable with low maintenance costs.
Contrarily, a 20+-year-old boiler, likely being highly inefficient, could be replaced with a modern boiler for yearly savings of up to £340, given a proper setup.
To estimate potential savings:
1. Consider your previous heating bill, say £800.
2. Assume your existing boiler's efficiency is based on its age, perhaps 75%.
3. Project the efficiency of your new boiler, likely a 10% improvement.
4. Determine the efficiency gain (new efficiency minus old efficiency).
5. Multiply your annual fuel bill by the improvement percentage to get the saving (£800 x 0.10 = £80 per annum).
The 'payback' period or the time to recover the cost of a new boiler through savings varies with the installation cost, usually £1,400 to £4,000. For instance, a £2,500 new boiler saving £40 annually wouldn't be cost-effective. Thus, weigh these factors carefully before upgrading your boiler.

What is the ‘payback’ period for a new boiler
The 'payback' period refers to the length of time it will take for the savings made on your energy and maintenance bills to cover the initial cost of your new boiler.
The installation cost for a new boiler can vary significantly. A straightforward swap for a heat-only boiler could be as low as £1,400, while a premium-quality combi boiler may reach up to £4,000. Generally, the majority of new boiler installations tend to cost between £2,000 and £3,000.
The key to understanding the 'payback' period is to consider the annual energy savings that the new boiler would bring. For instance, if a new boiler costs £2,500 and only saves you £40 per year on your energy bills, it will take over 60 years for the boiler to pay for itself through savings, which exceeds the typical lifespan of a boiler.
Therefore, in such a scenario, the boiler would not recoup its value within its functional lifetime. It's crucial to make these calculations before deciding on a boiler replacement, ensuring the investment will provide a reasonable 'payback' period and prove cost-effective over time.

Boiler Efficiency
Boiler efficiency is calculated as a percentage, with efficiency ratings from A to G assigned based on various factors such as age, type, and model. A-rated boilers are highly efficient, operating at 90% efficiency or higher, whilst G-rated boilers typically hover around 65%.
Among the types of boilers, condensing boilers are an excellent choice for efficiency. Rated as A or higher, these boilers could save you up to 30% on your annual energy bills. Moreover, they use about 20-30% less electricity than non-condensing boilers, assisting in reducing your carbon footprint.
Choosing the right boiler for your home is vital for balancing cost-efficiency and heating demands.
Combi boilers heat water on demand and offer good energy efficiency, making them a cost-effective choice for smaller homes. However, they may not be as efficient for larger homes and families without a hot water cylinder.
Conventional boilers, on the other hand, connect to a hot water cylinder, making them ideal for larger homes where substantial amounts of hot water may be required simultaneously.
System boilers represent a compromise between a combi and conventional boilers, providing efficiency without compromising on water supply.
Finally, condensing boilers are highly energy-efficient as they repurpose waste gas, using less energy than non-condensing boilers without sacrificing functionality. Therefore, understanding the efficiency ratings and types of boilers can help you make an informed decision about the best option for your home.

What is boiler efficiency?
Boiler efficiency can significantly impact the overall energy costs for your home. Rated on a scale from A to G, boiler efficiency represents the proportion of energy consumed by a boiler that is utilised for heating.
For instance, a boiler with an A rating operates at an efficiency level of 90% and above, which implies that more than 90% of the energy it consumes goes into heating your home. A G-rated boiler, on the other hand, operates below 70% efficiency, meaning a substantial portion of the energy it consumes is wasted.
Modern boilers are required to have an A rating, making them highly energy-efficient. However, determining the efficiency of older boilers can be challenging, as efficiency ratings are often retrospectively applied and may not be reflected in their literature.
Understanding the efficiency of your boiler is essential to manage energy consumption and costs. It's important to note that a high-efficiency boiler does more than just save money.
By utilising more of the energy it consumes, it also reduces the demand for natural resources and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future. If your boiler is G-rated or has a low-efficiency rating, it might be worth considering a replacement with a high-efficiency model, like a new A-rated boiler or a Worcester Bosch, to maximise your energy savings.
In summary, boiler efficiency is a crucial factor in heating your home and managing energy costs and upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency boiler could result in substantial savings.

Why are new boilers so much more efficient?
Modern boilers are more efficient thanks to their 'condensing' nature. They recycle heat that would typically escape via the flue, using it to preheat the heating system. This process, facilitated by a second heat exchanger, allows the boiler to operate at lower temperatures, enhancing its efficiency.
However, it's key to note that these boilers aren't automatically A-rated. They often come with factory settings, generally at around 80°C, a temperature where condensation rarely occurs. By ensuring your boiler operates at lower temperatures, you can tap into its condensing potential, making it significantly more efficient.
Norfolk Heating Services
If you require boiler installation in Norfolk, please contact our engineers today. We offer Gas Safe installations and repairs at affordable prices.