The expert claimed that now is the time to check becuase it will cost you even more this winter
UK households could be losing hundreds of pounds every year due to an outdated piece of equipment found in millions of homes. With wintry weather starting to send temperatures tumbling, most will be switching it on and potentially wasting cash.
According to the latest Ofgem update, the UK’s energy price cap will increase to £1,755 per year for a typical household from October 1 to December 31, 2025. This represents a 2% rise, or approximately £35 per year, compared to the previous quarter’s cap of £1,720.
To prepare, heating experts are urging homeowners to check the efficiency rating of their boilers before winter costs spike. Adam Knight, a lead engineer at BOXT, suggests that replacing an old boiler with a modern A-rated one could cut your annual energy bill by over £500, without having to think about changing your use of heating or hot water, reports the Daily Record.
This could also help you dodge the impending price cap without needing to switch energy suppliers. Adam said: “Heating and hot water account for more than half of your annual energy bill. If your boiler’s over eight years old, it’s likely not running at full efficiency.
“Most people don’t realise how much their boiler is quietly costing them. If you live in a detached property and your boiler is rated G, you could be burning through an extra £569 a year, which is a third of the cost of a new boiler installation at BOXT, whose prices start at £1,690. That’s money that could be going towards groceries or paying off your mortgage.”
New analysis by boiler experts BOXT reveals just how much typical homeowners could save on energy by upgrading to an A-rated boiler. If you live in one of these five common UK property types, below is what you could save every year according to BOXT.
The savings shown are based on data from Ofgem for typical energy consumption and energy usage rates. The amount you’d stand to pocket depends on your property type:
- Detached – £569
- Semi-detached – £361
- Bungalow – £315
- Mid-terrace – £295
- Flat – £131
The energy efficiency of your boiler is simply the percentage of fuel it actually uses to heat your home. So, if your boiler is 88 per cent efficient, that means 88 per cent of the energy goes into warming your radiators and water, while the remaining 12 per cent is lost through the flue or used to power the system itself.
Boilers are rated from A to G for efficiency. An A-rated boiler is the most efficient (typically 90% or above), while a G-rated one can be as low as 70 per cent, meaning nearly a third of the energy you’re paying for is wasted. To check your boiler’s energy rating:
- Look for a sticker or label on the boiler unit itself. Newer models should show it clearly on the energy label
- Check the user manual or installation documents
- Search the model number online to find official specifications
Adam said: “Knowing your rating is the first step to understanding how much energy and money your current system is wasting, and whether it’s time for an upgrade.” Whilst the price of a new boiler may appear intimidating, soaring energy costs mean the money you’ll save on your energy bills will go a long way towards covering expenses, and you’ll recoup your investment through energy savings quicker than you might expect.
According to Which?, the average price of a new gas combi boiler including installation is £2,597. If you live in a detached property and upgrade from a boiler with a grade G efficiency rating, you could recoup the cost of your new A-rated boiler in just over four and a half years.