To save on energy bills, 56% of UK residents have reduced their central heating usage by at least three hours a day in December 2022, according to Uswitch.com. With winter approaching, which regions will benefit from warmer homes and lower energy bills due to more efficient boilers?
As part of their boiler statistics report, Uswitch.com investigated energy performance certificates (EPC) for regions across Great Britain. Based on the performance and costs of hot water and heating systems, they created an index score to reveal the local authorities with the most efficient boilers on a scale from zero to ten.
| Table 1: The top five local authorities with the most energy-efficient boilers |
High energy efficiency
City-based local authorities score the highest for boiler efficiency, taking the top five ranks. Homes within the City of London have the most energy-efficient boilers, scoring 9.87 out of 10. When it comes to costs, residents of the City of London are lucky to pay the cheapest annual prices for hot water (£99.71) and annual heating (£375.65) in Great Britain.
But 65% of Greater London residents are open to a more sustainable alternative to boilers
Given the City of London’s densely populated residences, and high energy efficiency of enclosed end-terraces (7.86/10) and enclosed mid-terraces (7.86/10), homes in the local authority benefit greatly from the proximity. But 65% of Greater London residents are open to a more sustainable alternative to boilers, with air source heat pumps being the most popular choice (41%).
Newer-Built properties
Glasgow City (9.72/10) follows in second place. In comparison, another Scottish local authority, Edinburgh City received almost a third less than Glasgow City in the overall boiler score (6.89/10). However, the property type also impacts a boiler’s efficiency, with flats (8/10) being the most insulating, and maisonettes following in second (6/10).
Interestingly, all local authorities in Great Britain average a heating efficiency EPC rating of 3.99 or 4 out of 5. This is likely due to the varied property age that affects heating efficiency. Newer-built properties from 2007 and 2011 are the most energy-efficient, scoring 8.85/10. In comparison, properties built between 1967 and 1975 are 82.7% less efficient (1.53/10).
| Table 2: Top five local authorities with the least energy-efficient boilers |
Least efficient boilers
Located in Scotland, residents of Eilean Siar have the least efficient boilers, scoring just 0.04 out of 10
Located in Scotland, residents of Eilean Siar have the least efficient boilers, scoring just 0.04 out of 10. Likely due to its seaside location on the Isle of Lewis, Eilean Siar scores below the average (5/10). Despite low annual costs for hot water (£154.72), Eilean Siar has the highest heating costs in Great Britain, close to £1,017.75 a year.
Additionally, over half of homeowners are unaware they are eligible for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme which incentivizes them to invest in more energy-efficient boilers. Northern Ireland is the most unaware of all regions – 85% of its residents didn’t know they are eligible for the upgrade scheme.
Energy-Efficient boilers
Ben Gallizzi, boiler expert at Uswitch.com, provides top tips to improve boiler efficiency in your location: “Having an energy-efficient boiler not only improves general comfort during the colder months, but it also goes a long way to save on costs and drastically improves your sustainability efforts.”
- Set a timer for your boiler – To maximise heating efficiency, set a time for your boiler to go on each day. This way the heating is only on when there is someone in the home to use it, cutting down on unnecessary money spent heating your home.
- Invest in insulation – Having suitable insulation means a greater upfront cost but will likely save you money in the long run as the boiler has to operate for less time to achieve the same temperature.
- Take up the boiler upgrade initiative – Make the most of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offered by the government. As many as 56% of people in the UK are not aware of the scheme, but a newer boiler can be much more efficient compared to its older alternatives.
- Schedule a boiler check-up – Regularly getting engineers to check on your boiler will ensure that it is running smoothly and most efficiently to heat your home. Almost a quarter of homeowners in the UK plan to schedule a boiler check-up in order to save on energy bills this winter.
- Bleed your radiators – To further improve the efficiency of your boiler, take the time to bleed your radiators. This eliminates any air pockets in the system, and more than a third of homeowners plan to do this to save on bills this winter.
- Choose the right boiler – Having a boiler that is compatible with the type of property you live in will also improve the overall heating efficiency of your home. To choose the right boiler, consider the size of your property, the number of residents, available fuel, and your existing system.”