Old boiler vs new: how much could you actually save on energy bills? The answer depends on your current boiler, your home and how you use your heating, so we won’t give you a made-up figure that might not apply to your household.
What we can explain is why replacing an older, inefficient boiler could reduce the amount of gas you use for heating and hot water, and what you need to consider when working out whether replacement makes sense for your home.
Why Older Boilers Can Be Less Efficient
Older, non-condensing boilers can be considerably less efficient than modern condensing models. More of the heat produced during combustion escapes through the flue rather than being transferred into your heating system.
Modern condensing boilers are designed to recover more heat from their flue gases. When operating under the right conditions, water vapour in those gases condenses and releases additional heat that can be transferred into the heating system.
This allows a greater proportion of the energy in the gas you pay for to be used to heat your home.
How Much More Efficient Are Modern Boilers?
Modern boilers are designed to meet much higher efficiency standards than many older boilers, but comparing an old boiler with a new one isn’t as simple as looking at age alone.
The efficiency of your existing boiler depends on its type, model, condition and how it is being operated. The performance of a new boiler can also be affected by the heating system, controls and temperatures at which it runs.
This means the potential improvement can be substantial when replacing a very old, inefficient boiler, but much smaller when replacing a relatively modern and efficient one.
Why We Don’t Quote a Fixed Savings Figure
There isn’t one savings figure that applies to every household.
Your potential savings can be influenced by:
- Your existing boiler, including its age, type, condition and efficiency.
- Your property, including its size, insulation and overall heat loss.
- Your heating controls, including your thermostat, programmer and radiator controls.
- How you use your heating, including the temperatures you choose and how long the heating is on.
- Your hot water usage, which can vary considerably between households.
- Energy prices, since the amount you save in pounds will also depend on what you pay for your gas.
Two homes replacing similar boilers could therefore see different results.
Rather than promising that a new boiler will knock a particular amount off your annual bill, we’d rather look at your existing setup and explain what an upgrade could realistically offer.
Could Heating Controls Make a Difference Too?
The boiler itself is only one part of an efficient heating system.
Suitable heating controls can help you manage when and where you use heat, while correctly setting up the boiler and heating system can help a modern condensing boiler operate efficiently.
That means replacing an old boiler can also be an opportunity to look at the wider heating system rather than concentrating solely on the efficiency figure printed on the boiler.
Other Signs Your Old Boiler May Be Costing You Money
Energy efficiency isn’t the only financial consideration with an ageing boiler.
Frequent breakdowns and repair bills can add to the cost of keeping an older appliance running. Parts may also become harder to source as some boilers get older.
If your boiler is becoming unreliable, you can talk to us about boiler servicing and repairs as well as replacement. A new boiler isn’t automatically the right answer simply because your existing one is getting older.
Getting a Realistic Picture for Your Home
As accredited Worcester Bosch and Vaillant Advance installers, we can talk you through your existing heating setup and the new boiler installation options suitable for your property.
The important thing is to compare what you already have with what a replacement could offer, rather than basing the decision on a generic savings claim.
If the upfront cost of replacement is a consideration, our finance page explains the payment options available.
Energy-Efficient Boiler Installations Across Renfrewshire
We install modern boilers for homeowners, landlords and small businesses across Renfrewshire, including Paisley, Johnstone, Renfrew and Erskine.
We’ll look at your property and existing heating system before recommending what would be suitable, so you can make a decision based on your own home rather than a headline savings figure.
Talk to Us About Your Options
If you’d like to know whether replacing your current boiler could make a worthwhile difference, get in touch to arrange a free survey.
We’ll look at your existing setup, discuss the options available and provide a quote based on your property, without making unrealistic promises about what you’ll save.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more efficient is a new boiler than an old one?
It depends on the boiler you’re replacing. A modern condensing boiler can be considerably more efficient than an older non-condensing model, but the difference will be smaller if your existing boiler is already relatively modern and efficient.
Can I get an exact figure for how much I’d save with a new boiler?
It’s difficult to guarantee an exact saving because energy use depends on your existing boiler, property, heating controls, energy prices and how you use your heating and hot water. Your actual bills can also change from year to year.
Is a new boiler worth it just for energy savings?
Not necessarily. If your existing boiler is relatively efficient, reliable and economical to maintain, replacement purely to reduce energy bills may not always make financial sense. If it is old, inefficient and increasingly expensive to repair, replacement may be more attractive. It needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis.