Ultimate Eco Boiler Guide: Cost, Benefits, Considerations

What is an Eco Boiler?

Eco boilers are different to traditional gas or oil boilers in the sense that they are not only safer (less risk of poisonous carbon monoxide and gas leaks), but they are far better for the environment, too. In the UK, around 80% of households use natural gas to heat their homes. This is higher than most other countries, but the proximity of the North Sea gas reserves have made it accessible and cost-effective. Unfortunately, the impact of using the finite natural gas resources is profound on the environment. 

Whilst cleaner than fossil fuels like coal, it still contributes to smog which is a growing issue in cities and has a negative impact on both the environment and our health. To combat this, the government introduced the Future Homes Standard which means from 2025, gas boilers will be banned in newly built homes. Instead, eco boilers and gas boiler alternatives will be installed. Ground source heat pumps are an example of a boiler alternative, but eco-friendly boilers are likely to be more common for now.

Eco boilers consume less energy and capture more heat than gas boilers, meaning less energy is wasted and therefore less is needed to generate the desired output.

How Do Eco Boilers Work?

Standard gas boilers do a great job of providing heat to our homes, but they are notorious for heat loss. This means when heat is generated, a lot of it is lost due to manufacturing and systematic loopholes that don’t directly combat loss. In turn, the boiler needs to work harder for longer to generate the heat required to heat your home, resulting in higher energy consumption and releasing more polluting natural gas into the atmosphere. 

Eco boilers are designed to heat your home in the same way as a traditional gas boiler, but they are less susceptible to heat loss. They are built to retain heat, meaning less heat is lost and therefore the boiler doesn’t need to be on as long to get to your desired temperature. It also means less harmful gas is released into the environment. 

What Are the Main Advantages of Eco Boilers Over Gas Boilers?

If you are thinking about replacing your boiler for an eco boiler, you’re likely wondering what advantages you’ll receive from doing so. After all, replacing a boiler is a big decision due to the cost and the process involved. So, why should you swap to an eco boiler?

Improved Efficiency 

Due to the fact that more heat is retained, you’ll find that your boiler is able to run at optimal efficiency. If your existing boiler has a high heat loss rate, your bills will be higher to compensate because the boiler needs to work harder for longer to heat your home. When you switch to an eco boiler, you’ll find that your energy bills are reduced over time thanks to the improved efficiency. 

As well as saving money, being efficient also helps to preserve the planet because fewer harmful gases are released, meaning your carbon footprint will also be reduced. 

Cleaner Energy 

Given that gas central heating systems produce carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen oxide into the environment, they are rated not just by the energy they use, but how much carbon emissions they put out, too. The higher the rating, the more harmful the energy it releases is. Eco boilers tend to have a lower rating which means they are greener and produce cleaner energy, as well as less of it. This is what makes them energy efficient. 

Carbon Neutral 

You’ll be aware that the government has a plan to make the UK carbon neutral which is why new builds will need to be equipped with alternatives to gas boilers. This means ideally, the amount of carbon that is produced is offset by the amount that was used. A good example is if you were to use wood pellets as an energy source, the trees where the wood came from would have absorbed carbon throughout their life. The amount of carbon absorbed would be equal to the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere when the pellets are used as an energy source in a boiler or boiler alternative. This means the production of the wood offsets the release of carbon, creating a carbon neutral energy source. 

Many eco boilers aim to be carbon neutral, meaning the amount of carbon that is required to produce the boilers is factored in and minimised so that it offsets the carbon the boilers will produce later down the line. Carbon neutral is not to be confused with net zero carbon emissions as this refers to no carbon being produced during the production or running.

Types of Eco Boilers 

There are a few different types of eco boilers on the market that vary in price. They include: 

Electric boilers

Electricity is increasingly considered a clean energy source when sourced from renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Electric boilers are also a cheaper alternative to some other types of boilers, with prices starting from just £800 depending on the make and model. 

Combi boilers

Combi boilers are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and low price point, with prices from just £1,000 model depending. They still use some fossil fuels, but they’re more efficient than gas and oil boilers. 

Biomass boilers

Biomass boilers burn wood pellets and chips to generate energy. They are carbon neutral, but they’re expensive, with prices for a biomass boiler starting from £9,000+. That being said, you will qualify for the government’s renewable heat incentive scheme if you have a biomass boiler installed, meaning you could recoup some of your money.

The price point of an eco boiler is the main consideration you need to factor in. If your current gas boiler is in good working order and isn’t near the end of its lifespan just yet, it could be better for you to keep it as is and switch to a gas boiler alternative later down the line. As they become more popular, prices for green boiler and hybrid heating systems will reduce, so if you’re not financially in a position to swap just yet, you could benefit from waiting it out.

Installing an Eco Boiler 

At Bbright, we provide and install a range of eco-friendly boilers with high levels of efficiency to help you offset your carbon footprint and keep your energy bills down. Our team is on hand to help you find the right eco boiler for your home, so if you’re unsure what could work best for your household and budget, call us on 01279 888429. Alternatively, get a quote for a new boiler online.