Should you Repair or Replace your Boiler?

All UK homeowners should strive toward energy efficiency. It saves time, money and it helps out the environment, and even the government has begun to show an interest. Building Regulations now have set standards that heating and hot water systems must adhere to. Rising prices and a troubled economy add additional pressure to the situation. Homeowners throughout the UK are finding it more and more challenging to pay the bills.

Recent climate changes have brought additional attention to the topic. The number of natural disasters attributed to the changing climate raises the concern of many citizens. Often, homeowners do not know what they can do to improve the current situation. There are a number of slight changes in the home that can produce great results. Energy efficiency can be attained in part by ensuring that your home uses high efficiency heating and hot water systems. There are a number of options available to the homeowner.

High efficiency condensing technology is one option. When a homeowner is faced with the choice of either replacing or repairing their current system, they are often unsure what to do. If they are educated as to the pros and cons of their decision, the choice becomes much easier. Frequently, the homeowner depends on the installer for crucial decision-making advice. The installer is often the final factor in the process.

Boilers are often expensive. When consumers consider this and the additional installation fees, they usually choose to just repair their current boiler instead of investing in a new high efficiency boiler. This can prove to be a costly mistake. Older boilers can be repaired but their level of efficiency can never be improved. A faulty boiler just creates problems and produces unnecessary expenses. The cost of repair and running of older boilers is usually higher that the price of total system replacement.

It is also important to think about the environmental impact your decision will make. UK homes produce 21% of all the carbon dioxide produced in the country. Heating and hot water systems are responsible for 80% of that figure. Efficiency cuts the cost of bills but it also helps the UK reach its goal of decreasing carbon emissions by 20% by the year 2010. Heating and hot water accounts for the majority of the typical fuel bill, if your boiler is over ten years old a replacement would be worth the high initial costs. High efficiency boilers can cut bills by 30% and the average family home can save about 200 yearly.

There are a number of UK companies the produce heating and hot water systems of various makes and models. Important features to look for include cast aluminium-silicon heat exchanger, brass waterset, efficient pump, and a concealed system connection that increases system performance. Installation can be made quick and easy with models that contain a centrally located telescopic flue kit with preformed connections and pre-fitted mains electrical lead. Drop-down controls and spacious interiors make servicing the system easy. Radio frequency, RF, controller versions and a variety of warranty plans are available for the consumer.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, boilers, plumber Hull, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.