Other Factors That Can Make A Difference

In addition to the energy efficiency level and the size and the type of boiler you select (such as hot water or steam, fueled by gas or oil), there are several other options that affect the overall operation you can expect. Here are some factors to keep in mind when you are selecting the best fit for your home:

• Consider condensing boilers, which are very high efficiency and are a good choice for homes in colder climates. These work by recovering some of the heat that is wasted in a conventional boiler.
• Learn about the latest control options, including programmable thermostats, which will help reduce heat loss when the system is off or when the weather is warm. Programmable thermostats can be set to lower or raise the temperature throughout the day, depending on your family’s needs.
• Look for a boiler that is especially efficient with electricity usage. This will help keep your costs down.
• Check out combination boilers that are a water heater and heating unit in one. This can be a cost-effective choice.

You should also know that the latest crop of energy efficient boilers feature some important improvements that also lead to such increased efficiency. These include: electric ignition, so your pilot light doesn’t need to burn continuously; combustion technologies that produce more heat with a limited amount of fuel; sealed combustion, which is a safer technique to fuel the boiler using outside air; high-efficiency pumps that help move heated water more quickly through your boiler and heat your home in a more efficient time span; and induced draft fan or vent dampers that reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your chimney.

Getting More For Your Money

The cost of purchasing a new energy efficient boiler can vary a great deal, depending on where you live, the size and kind of boiler you select and the level of efficiency you desire.

The general range for a new energy efficient boiler, including installation, is from $3,000 to $7,000, but in some cases can be even higher. (Without installation, energy efficient boilers range from about $2,000 to $5,000.)

To determine if a new energy efficient boiler is a cost-effective option for you, you should calculate how long it will take you to recoup your initial investment in this item. You need to look at what you will spend on the equipment and the installation, as well as how much your fuel usage will decrease as a result of getting a higher-efficiency product.

Generally, the higher the energy efficiency of a boiler, the more expensive it is, but also the more you can expect to save on your heating bill. The most energy efficient boilers that pass strict guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy are given an Energy Star rating. You can use the chart below to help you compare what you are spending now to run your existing boiler to what it would cost to run an Energy Star–rated boiler or comparable product.