Energy-Saving Tips When Replacing Your Boiler

Replacing your boiler is a significant investment, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your heating costs. A new, modern boiler is only part of the solution – implementing energy-saving tips during and after the replacement can maximise your savings and help you get the most out of your new heating system.

In this guide, we’ll share essential energy-saving tips when replacing your boiler, ensuring your home stays warm, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient.

1. Choose an Energy-Efficient Boiler

The foundation of energy savings starts with selecting the right boiler. Look for boilers with an A-rating for energy efficiency or above. These boilers operate at over 90% efficiency, meaning they use less fuel to produce heat, reducing your energy bills.

• Condensing boilers are a popular choice, as they capture and reuse heat that would otherwise be wasted.
• Consider the size and type of boiler (e.g., combi, system, or conventional) based on your household’s heating and hot water needs.

Pro Tip: Check for models recommended by the Energy Saving Trust, ensuring high performance and reliability.

2. Ensure Your Home Is Well-Insulated

A new boiler will only be as efficient as the space it’s heating. Heat loss through poorly insulated walls, windows, and roofs can significantly impact your energy consumption. Before or during your boiler replacement, consider:

• Installing loft insulation to prevent heat from escaping through your roof.
• Adding draught excluders to doors and windows.
• Upgrading to double or triple glazing for windows.

Result: A well-insulated home requires less energy to heat, allowing your boiler to work more efficiently.

3. Pair Your Boiler with a Smart Thermostat

Modern boilers are designed to work seamlessly with smart thermostats, giving you greater control over your heating system.

• Set schedules to heat your home only when needed.
• Use remote access via a smartphone app to adjust your heating on the go.
• Monitor energy usage to identify areas for further savings.

Popular smart thermostat options in the UK include Hive, Nest, and Tado.

4. Bleed and Balance Your Radiators

After installing a new boiler, it’s essential to ensure your radiators are working efficiently. Air trapped in the system can prevent heat from being distributed evenly, causing your boiler to work harder.

• Bleeding radiators releases trapped air, ensuring optimal heat output.
• Balancing radiators adjusts the flow of hot water so all rooms receive adequate heating.

Pro Tip: Ask your engineer to check this during installation for maximum efficiency.

5. Upgrade to Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

TRVs are an easy and affordable way to control the temperature in individual rooms. By setting lower temperatures in less frequently used areas, you can reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

• Install TRVs on all radiators for precise temperature control.
• Pair them with your smart thermostat for enhanced energy savings.

6. Consider Renewable Energy Options

When replacing your boiler, it’s worth exploring renewable energy solutions to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

• Hybrid systems combine a boiler with a heat pump, offering greater efficiency and lower emissions.
• Install solar thermal panels to provide hot water and reduce boiler usage.

Government Support: Check if you’re eligible for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) or grants for renewable energy systems to offset the cost.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Once your new boiler is installed, regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running efficiently and safely.

• Book an annual service with a Gas Safe registered engineer to check for potential issues.
• Clean and inspect components like filters and flues to ensure optimal performance.

Pro Tip: Regular servicing can also extend your boiler’s lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

8. Optimise Your Heating Habits

Changing how you use your heating system can lead to significant energy savings. Simple adjustments include:

• Lowering your thermostat by 1°C – this can cut your heating bills by up to 10%.
• Using heating zones to avoid heating rooms you’re not using.
• Turning off radiators in unused spaces rather than heating the entire house.

9. Check Your Water Pressure

A well-functioning boiler requires the correct water pressure to work efficiently. Too low or too high pressure can impact performance and energy use. After installation:

• Learn how to check and adjust your boiler’s pressure.
• Ask your installer to show you how to maintain the system properly.

10. Take Advantage of Boiler Recycling

If your old boiler is still functioning, some companies offer trade-in or recycling programmes. This can help offset the cost of your new boiler while ensuring responsible disposal of your old system.

Bonus: Recycling your old boiler reduces waste, supporting eco-friendly practices.

Conclusion

Replacing your boiler is an excellent opportunity to embrace energy-saving strategies that benefit your home and the environment. By choosing an energy-efficient boiler, improving insulation, and adopting smart heating habits, you can lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Ready to upgrade your boiler? Contact a trusted Gas Safe registered engineer to discuss your options and take the first step towards a warmer, more efficient home.