Are you curious about the energy usage of your home’s heating system? Look no further! We’ve gathered some interesting facts and figures about boilers in the UK that will help you understand the importance of having an efficient boiler.
Boilers are an essential part of most homes in the UK, providing central heating and hot water throughout the year. As such, it is important to stay informed about the latest trends and statistics related to boilers, such as the types of boilers most commonly used, the cost of installation and repairs, and the environmental impact of these systems. In this blog, we will explore some of the key stats and trends related to boilers in the UK, as well as discuss the latest developments in the industry, including the shift towards more sustainable, low-carbon heating alternatives. Whether you are a homeowner, installer, or simply curious about the world of boilers, this blog will provide you with valuable insights and information.
Boiler cover facts
In the UK, 23 million homes rely on gas boilers for central heating and hot water (80% of those households use combi gas boilers). While these systems are incredibly efficient, repairs can sometimes be costly, causing unexpected and substantial financial burdens – that’s why it’s crucial to consider a boiler cover plan to safeguard against any unexpected costs in the future.
A boiler cover is a plan that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your boiler if it breaks down. It can also cover the cost of an annual boiler service, as well as any call-out fees and labour costs. With a boiler cover plan in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against unexpected expenses.
The cost of boiler cover plans
The cost of boiler cover varies depending on the level of cover you need. Our Basic plan typically covers the cost of annual boiler service and unlimited breakdown callouts with repairs to your boiler and thermostat – this plan starts at £10.88 per month.
New boiler stats
Did you know boilers account for around 55% of your annual energy bills? That’s a huge chunk of your expenses! Choosing an efficient boiler can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Another interesting fact is that the average lifespan of a boiler is around 15 years. However, if you’re not properly maintaining your boiler, it may not last that long. Regular servicing and cleaning can help extend the life of your boiler and ensure it’s running at peak efficiency.
New boiler installation costs
Generally speaking, boiler installation costs can vary depending on several factors like; the type and size of boiler you have, the type of boiler you want to replace it with, the complexity of the installation, and the location of the property.
A standard boiler installation, which includes a new boiler and basic controls, can cost anywhere from £1,200 to £5,000 (including installation) but, the cost can increase if additional work is needed, such as upgrading the pipework. Here’s a pricepoint guide for boiler types and costs:
Boiler type | Boiler (without installation) | Installation (without boiler) | Total (boiler + installation) |
Combi | £600 – £2,200 | £500 – £1,000 | £1,100 – £3,200 |
System | £650 – £2,700 | £500 – £1,000 | £1,150 – £3,700 |
Regular | £700 – £2,900 | £500 – £1,000 | £1,200 – £3,900 |
As you’ve seen, the type of boiler also plays a role in the cost. A combi boiler, which provides heating and hot water, is typically less expensive to install than a system boiler, which requires additional components such as a hot water cylinder. That’s one of the reasons combi boilers are used by 80% of UK households. Another noteworthy fact is gas central heating is used in 78% of UK homes.
The location of the property can also affect the cost of installation. Boiler installations in London and the Southeast of England tend to be more expensive than in other parts of the country.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and prices can vary widely depending on the specific details of the job. It’s always best to get a quote to get a more accurate idea of the cost of boiler installation – just answer a few questions to see the ideal boiler for your home (and wallet!).
Boiler replacement costs
There are several factors that can influence the cost of a boiler replacement, including; boiler type, size, location, the complexity of the installation process, etc.
As a rough guide, these are the kind of prices you can expect to pay for different boiler installation types from WarmZilla, inclusive of VAT:
- Combi to combi boiler swap – £1,600
- System/Standard boiler to combi conversion – £2,449
- Back boiler to combi conversion – £2,620
- System to system – £2,000
- Standard to standard – £1,849
Tips and tricks to saving money on your heating bills
Heating bills can be a significant expense, especially during the colder winter months. Fortunately, there are several tricks you can use to save money on heating bills. Here are some examples and the estimated amount of money they can save:
- Lowering the thermostat: Turning the thermostat down by just 1°C can save up to 10% (approximately £75 per year), according to the Energy Saving Trust. Nesta suggested that 46% of people have taken this measure to save money on their heating bills in 2022.
- Using draft excluders: Draft excluders can prevent heat from escaping through gaps around windows and doors, potentially saving up around £60 (£50 in NI) a year. According to Nesta, 51% of people closed their curtains as a measure to reduce their heating bills in 2022.
- Insulating the home: Proper insulation can reduce heat loss and save up to £255 per year on energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
- Using a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on the time of day, potentially saving up to £75 per year.
- Turning off radiators in unused rooms: Turning off radiators in rooms that aren’t in use can save up to £75 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
- Using energy-efficient light bulbs: Energy-efficient light bulbs produce less heat than traditional bulbs, reducing the need for heating and potentially saving up to £35 per year.
- Using curtains and blinds: Closing curtains and blinds at night can help insulate the home and prevent heat loss, potentially saving up to £25 per year.
Upgrade your old inefficient boiler
Upgrading an inefficient boiler to an A-rated boiler can result in significant savings on energy bills for UK households. The average annual savings will depend on the type of property and the fuel source used. Here is a breakdown of the estimated annual savings for upgrading to an A-rated boiler in different types of UK properties:
- Detached house: The average annual savings for upgrading from an inefficient boiler to an A-rated boiler in a detached house is around £375.
- Semi-detached house: The average annual savings for upgrading to an A-rated boiler in a semi-detached house is around £305 for a gas boiler.
- Terraced house: The average annual savings for upgrading to an A-rated boiler in a terraced house is around £235 for a gas boiler.
- Flat or apartment: The average annual savings for upgrading to an A-rated boiler in a flat or apartment is around £125 for a gas boiler.
These savings are based on estimates from the Energy Saving Trust and may vary depending on the age and condition of the property, the type of boiler being replaced, and the specific energy usage patterns of the household. However, upgrading to an A-rated boiler can generally be a cost-effective way for households to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
Energy Price Guarantee (EPG)
The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) is a program initiated by the UK Government to help residents cope with the rising prices of gas and electricity. It provides assurance and relief to UK households by capping the maximum unit price for gas and electricity. This means that households will not be charged more than a certain amount for their energy usage, even if the market price goes up. The current EPG rates for households in the UK are 34p per kWh for electricity and 10.3p per kWh for gas. The EPG is designed to help alleviate concerns over rising energy bills and to prevent households from falling into fuel poverty.
However, without efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency, the annual energy bill for a typical household could still reach £2,500.
Boiler market stats you need to know
Are you curious about the state of the boiler market in the UK? Look no further! We’ve gathered some interesting statistics and trends that will give you an insight into this ever-changing industry.
The boiler market in the UK is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% between 2021-2026. This growth can be attributed to various factors, such as rising demand for energy-efficient heating systems, an increase in government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, and advancements in boiler technology.
In terms of market share, the gas-fired boiler segment dominates the market, accounting for over 78% of the total market share. This is due to the widespread availability of natural gas and the efficiency of gas boilers compared to other types of boilers. Electric boilers and oil boilers, on the other hand, make up 10% (5% each) of the percentage of boilers available in the UK, these are usually a popular choice for households that aren’t connected to the gas grid.
Another trend in the UK boiler market is the growing demand for smart boilers. These boilers are equipped with advanced features such as remote control, automated maintenance, and self-diagnostic capabilities, making them more convenient and energy-efficient for homeowners.
Boiler market growth in the UK
The commercial and domestic UK boiler market is projected to grow significantly between 2022 and 2027 due to several factors. Firstly, there is a high demand for clean-heating systems, driven by the increasing investment in eco-friendly renovations in commercial buildings such as offices, healthcare establishments, educational institutions, retail spaces, and lodgings. This trend is expected to continue as more buildings seek to become more environmentally friendly. Secondly, the development of gas infrastructure and stricter emission regulations, supported by government policies, drives the demand for energy-efficient and clean heating systems. Thirdly, the need to replace existing, less efficient systems with more advanced boilers is also contributing to the growth of the market.
However, supply chain issues and delays caused by various factors, such as electricity fluctuations, transport delays, and shortages of materials, could present challenges to the growth of the market.
Low Carbon heating options
The UK has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, and green heating alternatives like hydrogen boilers and heat pumps are being touted as potential solutions to help achieve these targets. However, despite their potential benefits, there are several problems which are currently slowing the widespread adoption of these green heating alternatives in the UK.
- High upfront costs: The installation of hydrogen boilers and heat pumps can be expensive, which may deter homeowners from investing in these systems. While there are government grants and subsidies available to help offset these costs, they may not be enough to encourage mass adoption.
- Limited availability: Green heating alternatives like hydrogen boilers and heat pumps are still relatively new technologies, and there may not be enough installers in the UK to meet the demand for these systems. This could lead to longer wait times for installation and higher prices.
- Lack of infrastructure: The UK’s gas grid is currently set up to deliver natural gas to homes, but it would need significant upgrades to accommodate hydrogen gas. Additionally, heat pumps require a different type of infrastructure and electrical supply than traditional heating systems, which may not be readily available in all areas.
- Limited public awareness: Many homeowners may not be aware of the benefits of green heating alternatives like hydrogen boilers and heat pumps, or they may not understand how these systems work. This lack of awareness could make them hesitant to invest in these technologies.
- Uncertainty about performance: There may be concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of green heating alternatives like hydrogen boilers and heat pumps, particularly in colder climates. Homeowners may be hesitant to invest in these systems if they are not confident that they will work effectively and efficiently.
While hydrogen boilers and heat pumps have the potential to play a significant role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, there are several issues that must be addressed before these green heating alternatives can be widely adopted.
Clean Heat Grant
The Clean Heat Grant is a UK Government scheme aimed at promoting the adoption of low-carbon heating systems in homes and businesses nationwide. Under this scheme, eligible households and small businesses can get financial assistance to help cover the cost of installing energy-efficient heating systems like heat pumps, biomass boilers, and solar thermal systems.
The grant covers up to two-thirds of the installation cost, up to a maximum of £5,000 per household.
To be eligible for the Clean Heat Grant, households and small businesses must meet certain criteria, such as having an existing gas or oil heating system, and must ensure that the new heating system is installed by a certified installer. Read the Clean Heat Grant qualifying criteria here.
The Clean Heat Grant is part of the UK government’s wider plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. By promoting the adoption of energy-efficient heating systems, the scheme aims to help reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
