To find out the boiler’s efficiency, users will first need to find a small sticker with an energy efficiency rating. If they have a modern boiler, they can locate the sticker on the boiler itself or inside the boiler’s information pack.
If the boiler is an older model or they can’t find the sticker, there are a few options available to work out the boiler’s efficiency. Check for a sticker or plate under the boiler where the pipes are, and under the flap at the front where the dials sit. Along with the brand name, users will see the model - usually, this will be a number that refers to the size of the boiler and perhaps some other qualifiers.
Providing useful heating
Once they have the model, visit the Product Characteristics Database online. This features nearly every boiler ever made and enables users to find the boiler and efficiency figure. The figure they are looking for is seasonal efficiency - this gives the fairest reflection of how the boiler performs over the course of a year.
A boiler's energy efficiency is the percentage of the total energy used by the boiler to provide useful heating
What is boiler efficiency? A boiler's energy efficiency is the percentage of the total energy used by the boiler to provide useful heating. For a modern boiler with 94% efficiency, this means 94% of the energy used by the boiler goes to heating the home – with only 6% 'lost'/used to run the machine itself. For an older boiler with 60% efficiency, only 60% of the energy used by the boiler goes to heating the home, meaning a whopping 40% is lost. So gas usage for an inefficient boiler will be much higher when compared to an energy efficient boiler leading to higher bills.
Other domestic appliances
Boilers, like other domestic appliances, have efficiency ratings of A-G [iv]. Modern boilers must be A-rated and show it on their literature. Please note, with some older boilers it can be hard to determine the efficiency rating as they are retrospectively applied.
- A - 90% and above
- B - 86-90%
- C - 82-86%
- D - 78-82%
- E - 74-78%
- F - 70-74%
- G - below 70%
Improving boiler’s efficiency
What is a good boiler efficiency rating? Once they’ve located the boiler’s rating, they’ll want to know what it means. The figure will range from 60% up to 95%, depending on the age and type of boiler. Boilers manufactured recently are going to be in the high 80s or low 90s – making them very efficient boilers (v). If the boiler’s rating is under 85% it’s likely to be a non-condensing boiler and at least 15 years old. If the rating is below 80% the boiler is likely to be an older model.
How can I improve my boiler’s efficiency? Carrying out an annual service and topping up the pressure is one of the best ways to improve the boiler’s efficiency. If they would like some support maintaining the boiler, they’re here to help. At ScottishPower, they have a range of Boiler Care products and services provided by Domestic & General for users to explore, so they can find the best option for the home.
