What is an eco-friendly boiler?

With the UK government intent on reducing carbon emissions, it’s likely that eco-friendly boilers will begin to replace gas boilers in the coming years. As eco-friendly boilers don’t release emissions into the atmosphere, they go about providing heating and hot water for homes efficiently, while still protecting the environment.

Boilers that aren’t very efficient, waste energy throughout the heating process. As a result, inefficient boilers must either work harder or run for longer, to provide homes with sufficient heating. A direct consequence of this is the release of more carbon emissions. While eco-friendly boilers are expensive to buy outright, their high rates of efficiency will save you money in the long run.

Aside from energy efficiency, boilers are rated depending on how much carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide they release, when providing your home with heating and hot water. A boiler with a low rating is considered greener, than one with a high rating.

Unlike, heating systems that operate with fossil fuels, eco-friendly boilers make use of renewable energy sources. Fortunately, renewable energy sources can either be replenished or don’t run out. This contrasts with non-renewable energy sources, like gas and coal, which take a long time to form. Plus, once these resources have been drained, they can be very difficult and costly to renew.

Eco-friendly boilers use sources that are carbon neutral. This means that the carbon from the source of energy is the same as the carbon being emitted from the boiler. For example, boilers that are fuelled by wood pellets are carbon-neutral, because the carbon absorbed during the woods’ formation, is equal to the amount that is released by the boiler.

Modern central heating systems come with control features that improve their efficiency. A weather compensation feature comes with indoor and outdoor air sensors, thermostats, a controller and a mixing valve. Essentially, this allows for the boiler’s operation to be adjusted depending on internal and external temperatures, helping to reduce fluctuations in performance. For example, when the temperature drops outside, the air sensors communicate with the indoor ones, while the controller then prompts the boiler to release more heat.

A load compensation feature works in a similar way, but with more of an indoor focus. Therefore, the sensors detect when a room is cold, and the temperature going to the radiators increases.

Smart thermostats are another method of heating control, which makes central heating systems more eco-friendly. This innovative technology means that homeowners can control their heating, through the internet. In some cases, smart thermostats can be controlled in real-time, while others can be programmed in such a way that, means your boiler can be scheduled to turn on and off at certain times. Highly advanced smart thermostats can work with GPS technology and motion detectors, allowing them to heat up rooms individually. No matter the level of technology involved, the purpose of a smart thermostat is to ensure your boiler operates more efficiently.