The longer you own your home, the more your investment in a new, energy-efficient boiler will pay off for years to come.
New boilers are labeled with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating so that you can compare the efficiencies of the different models. AFUE measures the percentage of fuel that is converted into usable heating energy. To qualify for the Energy Star® label, a boiler must have an AFUE of at least 85%. Higher efficiency models are available, which can provide additional energy bill savings. Choosing an Energy Star-labeled model can save 10%-25% or more on your heating bill.
Your specific annual savings will be determined by the difference between the AFUE rating of your old boiler and the AFUE rating of your new boiler, any insulation improvements that you make to your home, and the age and size of your home.
A typical price range for purchasing a new boiler with an 80%-85% fuel efficiency rating and having it professionally installed is approximately $8,000-$10,000. For a high-efficiency boiler with a 90% or higher rating, you may need to add approximately $2,000 to the overall cost. Investing in the extra cost of the high-efficiency boiler makes sense in cold climates; in milder climates, an 80%-85% rating is usually sufficient.
1.) Evaluate whether or not your boiler needs to be replaced. It's helpful to have a contractor come to your home to give you professional advice on what changes may need to be made.
2.) Call several companies that install new, energy-efficient boilers to get price comparisons. Ask about any rebates they may be offering.
3.) Schedule a time to have your boiler replaced. Depending upon the complexity of your boiler upgrade, it can take a professional from 2-5 days to replace your boiler.
Get professional advice. It's a good idea to have a contractor come to your home to do a home evaluation and heat-loss calculation. To see a list of contractors with North American Technician Excellence training and Energy Star experience, visit the
North American Technician Excellence Web site.
Types of boilers. There are different types of energy-efficient boilers available, including high-efficiency, premium-efficiency, and Energy Star-rated models. Your contractor can help you determine which model is right for you.
Make sure your home is well-insulated. Before investing in a new boiler, make sure that your home is adequately insulated so that you can make the most of the energy savings resulting from your new boiler. You may be able to get a smaller boiler if your home is well-insulated.
About asbestos. If there is any asbestos on or near your old boiler, it must be removed by a certified asbestos removal contractor before you can have a new boiler installed. The cost of asbestos removal is separate from the cost of a new boiler.