Boiler Efficiency Ratings – SEDBUK

Something should all we aware of today, from both the news and the advertising campaigns running on national television, is how we should all be more energy efficient.

Energy efficiency is vital in the modern world, not just for lowering the rising living costs we are confronted with in our day to day life, with gas and oil prices rising every day, but also to reduce the impact we all have on the environment.

Luckily, the energy efficiency of central heating boilers has improved drastically in recent times, with improvements being made constantly, and an updated boiler in your home could not just make a huge difference in your carbon footprint, but also on your heating bills.

Boiler efficiency rating explained

The government has introduced a new system where all new boilers installed in homes must meet energy efficiency guidelines called the ‘SEDBUK’ rating – ‘Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK’. This means each and every new boiler fitted in the UK must have a strict level of energy efficiency.

SEDBUK is calculated by the results of the average efficiency achieved in a typical domestic condition annually, factoring in reasonable assumption and variations in the area and usage of the item, in this case a boiler. Tests are made on the boilers efficiency with the usual climate, pattern of use, control and any other influences you would expect in an average household in the UK.

You can check every individual boiler’s energy efficiency rating through the SEDBUK scheme by checking the SEDBUK scale – this is ‘A’ to ‘G’ scale that gives a boiler an efficiency band from ‘A’ to ‘G’ – with ‘A’ being the most efficient.

On the scale, the bands A and B are awarded to boilers that have been classed as highly efficient, while the bands C to G are classed as only standard efficiency. Ever since the SEDBUK rating has been established, all persons that desire to install a standard efficiency boiler with rating bands C to G have to apply to their council for permission to do so, that may or may not be granted.

Some councils, companies and suppliers are currently running schemes that encourage the consumer to purchase the most energy efficient boiler possible for their needs, especially if it boiler replacement a much older boiler already installed. If you are over 60, own your own home or are on benefits, you are even more likely you receive help in upgrading your old boiler. The Energy Saving Trust also have a help and advice line that offers the public useful information about energy efficiency and also offers information about replacing a boiler for an energy efficient boiler replacement and what grants and offers could be available to you.

Savings for installing an energy efficient boiler

While the initial cost of installing a new energy efficient boiler in the home may seem large, the savings possible in comparison to traditional boilers on your heating bill can help you save, on average, around £190 to £240 a year. When comparing this to the average lifespan of a boiler (around 15 years) this can make a huge difference to your bills in this time.