Saturday, December 6, 2008

Is Boiler Replacement or Repair More Energy Efficient?

By Tal Potishman

UK homeowners frequently strive to run an energy efficient household. Energy efficiency is proven to save time, money and lend a helping hand to the environment. Even the government is showing concern. Building Regulations now contain set standards to which all heating and hot water systems must comply. The current state of the economy and rising prices provide additional incentive toward efficiency. Homeowners are finding it harder than ever to pay for all their bills.

Climate change is making energy efficiency even more important. With the number of natural disasters attributed to climate change increasing, the public is beginning to take notice. Homeowners often wonder what they can do to improve the current situation. There are a number of simple adjustments that can be made to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Ensuring that the home has high-efficiency heating and hot water systems is a good first step. The consumer should be aware of the many options available to them.

High efficiency condensing technology can prove extremely beneficial. If faced with the choice of either repairing or replacing their boiler, consumers should be armed with all the facts so that they can make an educated decision. Oftentimes, homeowners depend on the installer to help them decide. Thus, the installer is an important contributing factor to the final decision.

Frequently, the high cost of the boiler and its installation, persuade buyers to delay the purchase for a later date. This can prove highly problematic. Repairs can lengthen the life of an inefficient appliance but, it is still inefficient. A poor appliance will end up costing more in the long run. Repairs and the cost of running heavily outweigh the cost of buying a new more efficient boiler.

If costs don't seem to be too persuasive perhaps the following statistics will change your mind. UK households produced 21% of the country's carbon dioxide emission. Hot water and heating systems make up 80% of that emission. Energy efficiency not only lower bills but also helps the UK to reach its goal of decreasing carbon emissions by the year 2010. Heating and hot water contributes to the majority of the average fuel bill. The use of high efficiency boilers can reduce bills by 30% and save the average home 200 per year.

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. - 15478

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