Can having a combi boiler improve your energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is extremely important in UK households today, not only because saving energy will reduce your carbon footprint and therefore the negative impact on the environment, but also in saving you a significant amount of money on your yearly heating bills. With the effects of the coronavirus pandemic still being felt in the economy and price increases across the board affecting everyone, saving money on bills is a top priority for many, and a combi boiler could help you do just that.
Is a combi boiler really more energy efficient?
Combination boilers are designed to heat water on demand with no need for a water storage tank. Their modern manufacture will mean they are generally more energy efficient, but due to them not having a hot water storage cylinder, they will be less suitable for bigger homes and families. Therefore, it is important to consider your water demands within your household as a combi boiler may not be able to cope with higher usage, making it not as energy efficient. However, if you live in a smaller home with only one bathroom and don’t have high demands for water, a combi boiler will be a great way to improve your energy efficiency and save you money on your bills.
How can you make the most of an energy efficient boiler?
Whilst your efficiency will likely improve with the installation of a combi boiler, as long as you meet the criteria that will ensure the boiler can perform at its best, there are other things you can do to ensure you are getting maximum energy efficiency out of your boiler.
Only use your central heating when you need it
With the option to set automatic timers for your boiler to come on at a specific time, it’s easy and very tempting to plan for your heating to come on before you get home. However, this is just energy waste that you don’t need if you’re not there to benefit from the heat being put out. By only having the heating on when you absolutely need it, you can ensure you aren’t wasting energy and money unnecessarily. Whereas you don’t need to worry about turning your hot water off as combi boilers only provide hot water on demand, so it can be kept on all the time without wasting energy.
Ensure your radiators aren’t covered or blocked
This might seem like a small thing but if your radiators are covered or blocked by furniture their heat output can’t effectively reach all areas of the room and home. As a result, you might need to keep your heating on for longer to ensure the whole property is heated which will cost you more money and waste energy that can easily be resolved.
Use a smart thermostat
Boiler and heating technology has come a long way over the years and utilising what is available can help ensure you are being as energy efficient as possible. Thermostats offer more control over your central heating as they can influence the flow temperature of the boiler and make sure it isn’t using more energy than is required. Its smart learning capabilities also allow it to understand your heating habits and encourage you to be more efficient to reduce your bills and carbon footprint.
Stay on top of your boiler services
Annual boiler servicing isn’t very cheap, but it is extremely important to keep on top of it. This is because ultimately you will save money in the long term on potential repairs and check that your boiler is always performing at the highest possible efficiency. As your boiler ages, the efficiency might start to decrease which will mean your bills and carbon emissions will start to creep up, but a regular boiler service will help keep the boiler in good working condition and help to last as long as possible.
Correctly set your boiler controls
Combi boilers have controls that give you the ability to set the temperature of the water in your central heating and domestic water supply. Typically for the majority of units, the recommended temperature for heating is 75C and 60C for hot water. Having more control over your boiler controls and settings will help you discover the settings that give you the maximum energy efficiency for your home and water usage.
Conclusion: Where can I find UK boiler parts?
To answer the main question of this guide, yes, in the right circumstances having a combi boiler can improve your energy efficiency. However, don’t just rely on having the boiler, make the most of other tips that will help you truly maximise your heating efficiency.
If you’re looking for specific combi boiler spare parts, then NBS has got you covered. We are committed to providing high quality and affordable heating spares and parts to help homeowners make effective repairs to their boiler when they experience a problem without breaking the bank. Explore our wide range of boiler parts today.