One of the ways that you can find the boiler efficiency rating if your boiler doesn’t come with a sticker is by checking the model number.

You need to check under the boiler to the place where all the pipes come out. Under the flat which is present at the front, you will find the dials. It typically has a small sticker that indicates the model.

The model number contains the name of the brand and a number. For instance, the model number of a Worcester Bosch is Worcester Bosch’s Greenstar 24i.

Once you find the rating, you need to check the PCDC database to find the rating. And that’s it! You will easily find energy efficiency. Although it is a lengthy process, it is ideal for all those boilers that do not come with a rating.

Are New Boilers More Efficient Than Older Ones?

The new advanced boilers are also known as condensing boilers because they can easily recover heat dissipated earlier through the flue. It usually happens when the unit needs to preheat the heating system. This process usually happens using the second heat exchanger.

However, keep in mind that these boilers are not A-rated right when they come out of the box. The heat that escaped through the flue condenses, and the second heat exchanger recaptures it.

This process requires the unit to run at a shallow temperature so the heat can become water vapours.

Hence, the lower the temperature, the efficiency of the unit increases. However, the problem with most older models is that people do not change their factory settings, and the temperature isn’t low enough to condense the heat. Hence, most of the heat is lost through the flue.

What Keeps A New Boiler From Being Energy Efficient?

Modern boilers must operate at lower temperatures to maintain their 90%+ efficiency. For example, a boiler operating in “condensing mode” generates heating water at temperatures of 65 degrees Celsius or less. Older systems operated at 80 degrees Celsius.

Despite condensing boilers being around for 15 years, 99% of installers are untrained to set them up properly. Therefore, the majority still operate at 80-degree Celsius.

You won’t get any energy savings from your new boiler if you replace one badly installed condensing boiler with another similarly poorly installed condensing boiler.

Why is this taking place? Due to persistent underinvestment in training, gas engineers lack the necessary training to select and configure condensing gas boilers to operate at higher efficiency. This major industrial flaw costs customers thousands of pounds.

You Need A Competent Boiler Installer Who Knows About Energy Efficiency

Many “smart” controls—those that do not speak the same language as the boiler—are linked with enormous, improperly built boilers in most UK houses.

Despite 15 years of explosive growth in condensing boiler sales, little money is allocated to upgrade installers’ knowledge of this new technology.

Hence, it is very important to find an expert who knows about these controls and can set them to perform at their full potential. So, you need to dig deep and find that one installer in your area that is better than everyone else.

Determine The Efficiency Of The Boiler By Its Age

Since 2005, condensing boilers have been a requirement for each household. Your boiler will be A-rated if it is less than 15 years old.

However, most condensing boilers are still configured to operate like non-condensing boilers, so their efficiency is comparable to that of older boilers. For example:

Finding the Energy Rating of Your Boiler

If your boiler lacks a sticker indicating its efficiency rating, there are alternative methods to determine it. One way is by examining the model number.

Start by checking under the boiler where the pipes emerge. Beneath the front panel, you’ll find dials or controls. Typically, there will be a small sticker on the unit displaying the model number.

The model number usually includes the brand name along with a specific identifier. For instance, a Worcester Bosch boiler might have a model number like “Worcester Bosch’s Greenstar 24i.”

Once you have the model number, you can consult the PCDC (Product Characteristics Database) to find the energy efficiency rating. This method is especially useful for boilers that lack an explicit rating.

Are New Boilers More Efficient Than Older Ones?

Modern boilers, often referred to as condensing boilers, are designed to recover and reuse heat that would otherwise be lost through the flue. This heat recovery process occurs when the boiler preheats the heating system using a secondary heat exchanger.

However, it’s important to note that these boilers are not automatically A-rated straight out of the box. The heat that condenses in the flue is captured and reclaimed by the second heat exchanger.

To enable this process, the boiler operates at a lower temperature, allowing the heat to transform into water vapor. Consequently, the lower the temperature, the higher the unit’s efficiency. Unfortunately, many older boiler models retain their factory settings, which often feature higher temperatures that prevent effective heat condensation, resulting in significant heat loss through the flue.

Factors Affecting Boiler Energy Efficiency

For a modern boiler to achieve its maximum energy efficiency of 90% or more, it must operate at lower temperatures. For example, a boiler operating in “condensing mode” produces heating water at temperatures below 65 degrees Celsius, while older systems operated at temperatures around 80 degrees Celsius.

Despite condensing boilers being available for 15 years, a staggering 99% of installers lack proper training in setting them up correctly. Consequently, most boilers continue to operate at the higher temperature of 80 degrees Celsius.

Simply replacing a poorly installed condensing boiler with another similarly inadequate unit will not yield any energy savings. This issue stems from the persistent underinvestment in training gas engineers, who lack the necessary knowledge to select and configure condensing boilers for optimal efficiency. This systemic flaw costs consumers substantial amounts of money.

Importance of a Competent Boiler Installer

In many UK households, “smart” controls that do not communicate effectively with the boiler are connected to poorly optimized boilers. Despite 15 years of rapid growth in condensing boiler sales, minimal resources have been allocated to improving installers’ understanding of this new technology.

It is crucial to find an experienced installer who is knowledgeable about these controls and can configure them to operate at their full potential. It may require some research and effort to locate the most competent installer in your area.

Determining Boiler Efficiency Based on Age

Since 2005, it has been mandatory for households to have condensing boilers installed. If your boiler is less than 15 years old, it should be A-rated in terms of efficiency.

However, many condensing boilers are still set up to function like non-condensing models, resulting in efficiency levels similar to older boilers. For example: [Provide an example related to boiler efficiency based on age].

By understanding these factors and finding the right installer, you can ensure your boiler operates at its highest efficiency and saves energy in the long run.