FAQ – frequently asked questions
Can I fit a boiler in a bathroom?
Any new boiler installation must comply with current IEE regulations and can be installed within zones in the bathroom dependant on the individual boiler IPX rating.
How can changing to a high efficiency condensing boiler benefit me?
When you change your old boiler for a condensing boiler, you can:
- Save money on your heating bills
- Have a more energy efficient home
- Play your part in helping tackle climate change
- Reduce your carbon footprint
What is a condensing boiler?
A condensing boiler is a high efficiency modern boiler that incorporates either a larger heat exchanger or even a second heat exchanger. It produces lower flue gas temperatures, lower flue gas emissions, and reduced fuel consumption. By recovering and using heat that would otherwise be lost up the flue condensing boilers are over 90% efficient, which means they use over 90% of the produced fuel to heat the home. Whereas a standard efficiency boiler, those over 10 years old, are usually only around 60 – 70% efficient meaning that for every pound you put in, up to 30 pence is wasted – making condensing boilers extremely economical. You could even repay the initial installation costs in fuel savings.
What is pluming?
There are times when a white plume or discharge can be seen coming from the flue terminal on a condensing boiler. This is due to the flue, gases being cooler than in a non-condensing boiler. Whereas, in a non-condensing boiler flue gases are hotter and they cool down further away from the terminal and dissipate differently.
The flue gases of a condensing boiler exhaust at around 55°C and cool quicker in the atmosphere and in certain outside temperatures cause a plume similar to your breath on a cold morning.
How do I get a Green Deal?
A Green Deal Assessor will visit and complete a Green Deal Advice Report on your home. The survey will rate your home’s energy efficiency, assess how the people living there use it and make recommendations. Once you have obtained quotations from a Green Deal accredited installer for the recommended measures you can take these quotes to a Green Deal provider to build a green deal plan.
Independent and impartial advice about the Green Deal can be obtained by calling the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or visiting their website at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Or if you live in Scotland by calling Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or visiting their website at: www.greenerscotland.org
Why should I make my property more energy efficient?
A more energy efficient home uses less energy, therefore saving money on energy bills. You will also be helping to reduce carbon emissions and doing your bit for the environment.
What products can I have through the Green Deal?
There are a range of products available through the Green Deal, including:
Products that keep the heat in, such as external and internal wall insulation, draught proofing and double glazing.
Products that help you heat your home more efficiently, such as efficient boilers, heating controls and underfloor heating.
Products to help you generate your own energy, such as solar panels and air source heat pumps.
City Technical can support you in the following measures – Central Heating Systems and Boilers, Heating Controls and Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation.
Products that keep the heat in, such as external and internal wall insulation, draught proofing and double glazing.
Products that help you heat your home more efficiently, such as efficient boilers, heating controls and underfloor heating.
Products to help you generate your own energy, such as solar panels and air source heat pumps.
City Technical can support you in the following measures – Central Heating Systems and Boilers, Heating Controls and Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation.
How do the repayments work if I take out a green deal plan?
The Green Deal Finance plan has a fixed rate of interest for the term of loan and is repaid through your electricity bill. If you move property then you must provide an energy performance certificate which shows what improvements have been made and how much the new bill payer will have to repay.
Who lends the money?
Your Green Deal Plan lender will be your Green Deal Provider.