Investing in a
new, energy-efficient gas boiler can benefit the climate and your pocketbook the longer you own your home. In fact, though it may not be the most glamorous household purchase, an
energy-efficient gas boiler can pay off for years to come.
New gas boilers are labeled with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating so that you can compare the energy efficiencies of the different models, since you can't exactly compare colors or highway MPG. 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 percent. Higher efficiency models are available, and they can help lower your energy bill even more. Choosing an Energy Star boiler can save 25 percent or more on your heating bill—nothing to shiver at!
Your specific annual savings will be determined by three factors: the difference between the AFUE ratings of your old and new boilers, any insulation improvements that you make to your home, and the age and size of your home.
Brace yourself: New boilers with an 80 to 85 percent fuel efficiency rating and professional installation will set you back approximately $8,000-$10,000. For a high-efficiency boiler with a rating of 90 percent or higher, 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, a rating between 80 and 85 percent is usually sufficient to help save energy.
1. Evaluate whether your boiler needs to be replaced. Is it over 20 years old or an oversized boiler system that no longer works well? 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, and ask about any rebates they're offering.
3. Schedule a time for your boiler replacement. Depending upon the complexity of your upgrade, boiler installation can take a professional 2 to 5 days to complete.
Get professional advice. It's a good idea to have a contractor pay you a house call to do a home evaluation and heat-loss calculation before you purchase a new, efficient gas boiler. 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 gas 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. You may be able to get a smaller boiler if your home is adequately insulated. Before investing in a new boiler, make sure that your home is well-insulated so that you can make the most of the energy savings resulting from your shiny new one.
Don't mess with asbestos. If there is any asbestos on or near your old boiler, you’ve got what the witches in MacBeth called "Double, double, boiler trouble." Any asbestos 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.)