Old vs New Boilers: How Much Energy Can You Save?

As energy bills continue to rise across the UK, many households are looking for practical and cost-effective ways to reduce their energy consumption. One of the most impactful upgrades a homeowner can make is replacing an old boiler with a modern, energy-efficient model. Through the ECO4 scheme, qualifying households can even access funding to cover part or all of the replacement cost.

But how much energy can you actually save by upgrading your back boiler? We will analyze it step by step. In this blog, we will guide you through the potential energy savings and other advantages of upgrading to a new boiler.

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With prices going up, let’s bring your bills down. One of the biggest energy savings you can make is by upgrading your boiler. Swapping out your back boiler for the most energy-efficient boiler available in the UK can enhance your efficiency, decrease your bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. If you upgrade from an old G-rated boiler, you could save up to £840* on your bills. The new boiler efficiency comparison to an old boiler demonstrates up to a 20–30% improvement in energy efficiency.

Find out what Government Grants you can receive & how much you can save.

How much could I save?

What does Boiler Efficiency mean?

Boilers are responsible for a large portion of a home’s heating costs. Over time, older boilers lose efficiency due to wear and outdated technology. This old vs new boiler efficiency gap can make a big difference to your energy bills. Older boilers typically operate at 60–70% efficiency, meaning up to 40% of the energy you pay for is wasted. In contrast, modern condensing boilers can achieve 90–95% efficiency, converting almost all the fuel into usable heat.

This efficiency difference directly impacts both your energy costs and your home’s carbon footprint, making an upgrade to a newer boiler a smart long-term investment.

The ratings are as follows:

A rating of 90% or higher
● B grade = 86–90%
● The C rating range is 82 to 86%
● D-rating: 78–82%
● Rating E – 74% to 78%
● F-Rating – 70-74%
● G-rating – below 70%

What type of boiler should I choose?

It is crucial for maintaining low costs and satisfying the needs of your home that you find a suitable boiler for your property. So you can enjoy cost savings with new a combi boiler through heat1.

  • Combi boiler – a combi boiler is a single system that provides instant hot water and generates all the heat and hot water for your home. Combi boilers are the best energy-efficient boiler option in the uk.
  • Heat-only boiler – typically found in larger properties, heat-only boilers can be used on both open vented and sealed heating systems, and are used alongside a hot water cylinder.  Heat only boiler is also known as regular boiler.
  • System boiler – this sealed system integrates a boiler and a hot water tank, making it ideal for larger homes with multiple bathrooms or high hot water demands.

How much reduce energy bills with new boiler?

Indeed, getting a new boiler can be a bit of an investment, typically ranging from £2,000 to £5,000. The UK government grant can help you reduce your electric bills by meeting certain criteria, you could qualify for a free boiler replacement and enjoy energy savings. It’s a wonderful initiative to help you save on energy costs. Uk homeowners who claim certain government benefits can save £3k for the free boiler installation. You should stop worrying about the buying hassle. 

All you have to do is give it a try by applying for the government grant scheme. The condensing boiler energy efficiency can save you around £350 a year on your energy bills. The best part is, it’s a lifetime savings every year. When you compare the cost of a new boiler with the savings, it’s like putting money back in your pocket year after year.

ECO4 Boiler Eligibility Criteria

If you or someone in your household receives any of the benefits listed below, you may be instantly eligible to   upgrade you boiler under the ECO4 scheme:

  • Universal Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – Income-Based
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – Income-Based
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
  • Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
  • You have your own residence.
  • You might be eligible if your home has a low EPC rating of D or inadequate insulation. 
  • Eligible for a free replacement if your boiler is older than 15-20 years, not efficient, or has frequent breakdowns.
  • There should be a gas meter in your house, or you should be willing to have one put in.

How Much Energy Can a New Boiler Save?

When it comes to boiler efficiency improvement tips, one of the simplest and most effective steps is to schedule regular boiler servicing. This helps your system run as efficiently as possible and extends its lifespan — keeping your energy bills low and delaying the need for a replacement.

With an annual service plan, you can spread the cost of maintenance, and we’ll handle everything for you. So once your new boiler is installed, you can simply sit back and relax, knowing we’ve got you covered. Heat1 helps you get a free replacement through the ECO4 grant. Upgrading can also reduce carbon emissions by up to 1.5 tonnes per year, depending on fuel type and usage.

The Boiler Replacement Process under ECO4

If you’re on ECO4, here’s what to do if your boiler is struggling and you’re facing high energy bills:

  • Get in touch with the heat1 Installer

We will organize a complimentary property survey if you qualify. A qualified engineers from our team will come to your home to assess your current boiler and identify what is required for the upgrade.

  • Verify Eligibility for Boiler Replacement

If you think you meet the criteria for an ECO4 grant that covers costs entirely, just complete our online form in 60 seconds, verify your eligibility for replacement under the ECO4 scheme, and ask for a quote for a new high-efficiency boiler.

  • Approval & Scheduling

After free home survey and eligibility criteria confirmation, a date will be scheduled for installation.

How efficient is a 10-year-old boiler? 

A boiler that’s around 10 years old is often far less efficient than a modern A-rated boiler. Over time, parts wear out, technology becomes outdated, and the system has to work harder to heat your home. Most back boilers operate at around 70–80% efficiency, meaning a big chunk of the energy you pay for is wasted. The older your boiler heating system is, the less efficient it becomes and the more energy it wastes. So while your 10-year-old boiler might still be running, it’s probably costing you more than you think. Upgrading to a modern condensing boiler could cut your energy bill and help you save more money in your pocket every month. Thanks to Its heating-on-demand function, a new boiler can lower your energy expenses by up to 30%. Among the most significant expenses for homeowners are energy bills. The possible reduction in your energy costs is an immediate advantage to take into account when weighing up the replacement of your old boiler.

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Final Thoughts: An Energy-Efficient Upgrade worth Making

Replace your old boiler with a modern, efficient model under the ECO4 can save you hundreds of pounds every year while making your home greener and warmer. Don’t wait for your boiler to break down — act now and secure your grant funding before it’s gone. At heat1.co.uk we provide expert advice, professional installation, and access to the latest energy-efficient boiler models. Don’t wait – consider upgrading to a new boiler today and start enjoying the benefits of a more energy efficient heating system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, new boiler grants offer substantial energy savings and improved performance, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking long-term efficiency and comfort.

Normal duration is 1-2 days, which covers the removal of the old boiler and the installation of the new one.

The UK government provides complete funding for the ECO4 scheme, making it entirely free for qualifying households. No repayments or concealed charges will be incurred.

It is quite simple and direct to apply: all you need to do is verify your eligibility via heat1 in just 60 sec, and if you meet the criteria, they will assist you with the subsequent steps.

A-rated condensing boilers are currently among the most efficient and cost-effective for most UK homes. A combi boiler helps to reduce your energy bills.

Free Boiler Scheme

Qualified engineer installing a modern Worcester boiler in a kitchen, enhancing energy efficiency as part of the ECO4 scheme.

Homeowners on benefits with a 15 year+ boiler can claim a Free boiler grant.

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