Debate on Old Boilers Hots Up
New boilers are more energy efficient, but the initial cost of replacing the old ones is off-putting, says specialist heating contractor PH Jones Ltd. People are finding the increasing costs of energy bills a problem, and many repair their existing heating system rather than replace it with a more energy efficient system.
Home owners with old boilers have to decide whether to repair or replace – and the replacement of old boilers could have a positive impact on the forthcoming Carbon Emissions Reduction Target – known as CERT. This is the name for the obligation on energy suppliers previously referred to as the Energy Efficiency Commitment 2008-11, or EEC3. Electricity and gas suppliers are required to achieve targets for the promotion of improvements in domestic energy efficiency: i.e. a reduction of carbon emissions in the household sector.
Following a consultation in 2007, the Government proposes doubling the level of activity of the target from 2005-08, continuing to focus on low-income consumers.
Energy saving light bulbs, insulation etc can all help to reduce emissions, but with an estimated 4 million old boilers in use, the efficiencies which could be created from upgrading the boilers would have a significantly greater impact on reaching the target. The ideal outcome of this would be for a subsidy to be available to home owners, helping them to afford an energy efficient boiler system which would be also help reduce carbon emissions. However, a source of funding has not been forthcoming.
The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and British Gas have suggested to DEFRA - The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that by giving an incentive, more people would be encouraged to switch to a better system. However, DEFRA is reluctant, claiming householders would eventually upgrade without assistance.
One solution has been proffered; linking grants with energy performance certificates (EPCs). The evaluation of a boiler’s efficiency would highlight the savings a new boiler could bring and motivate people into making the change. However, DEFRA has made no announcements, and is likely to look towards energy suppliers for ideas.
PH Jones Ltd is committed to the advancement of energy efficiency and has over 8 years experience providing and installing energy efficient central heating systems in homes across England and Wales and is involved in a number of initiatives including contracting to Eaga plc for the provision of grant based energy efficient systems for properties in England and Wales.
Director, Chris Jones commented: “Our long term strategy is to ensure that our customers benefit from the advancement in renewable technologies and are reliably informed of the benefits of renewable energies. Keeping abreast with all the latest product development and working closely with manufacturers we are able to provide home owners with a range of bespoke energy efficient and renewable solutions.”
If you have an enquiry related to this news story, please complete the online enquiry form.
