Sep 17

Is Your Boiler Outdated? How Government Grants Can Help You Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

Disclaimer - Please note that Stillorgan Gas does not provide any grants for boilers; this content is intended for informational purposes only.

Is your heating system costing you more than it should? If you're noticing huge increases in electricity bills, erratic heating or your boiler is more than a decade old, it's probably time to upgrade. Many homeowners overlook the impact an old boiler has on both their wallet and the environment. Older boilers typically run less efficiently, consume more energy and increase monthly costs. Not only do they struggle to keep your home warm during the colder months, but they also contribute significantly to your home's carbon footprint.

Switching to a modern, energy-efficient boiler can help solve these problems. Upgrading your boiler can reduce your heating costs by up to 30%, providing better performance, greater comfort and fewer breakdowns. Beyond the financial benefits, a more efficient boiler helps reduce carbon emissions, making your home greener and more environmentally friendly. In today’s energy-conscious world, upgrading isn’t just about cost savings – it’s also about doing your part to protect the planet.

At Stillorgan Gas, we understand that the initial cost of a new boiler can seem overwhelming. That’s why we wanted to highlight a solution that is often overlooked: government grants. Through grants available from organizations such as SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), homeowners can cover a large portion of the costs associated with upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler. These grants make upgrading much more accessible and affordable.

In this blog, we’ll show you the benefits of upgrading your boiler, the types of grants available, and how to take advantage of these financial incentives to improve your home heating system – without spending a lot of money.

How to Know If Your Boiler Is Outdated

An old boiler can be a huge cause of inefficiency and frustration in your home, but how do you know when it’s time to upgrade? There are a few key signs to look out for that indicate your boiler has outlived its potential.

First thing to be considered is the age of the boiler. Boilers typically last around 10 to 15 years, but after 10 years, many boilers start to lose efficiency. If your boiler is more than a decade old, it’s probably outdated and costing you more in energy bills than it should be.

Another obvious sign is frequent breakdowns. If you find yourself constantly having to heating plumber in for repairs, it may be more cost-effective to change your boiler in the long run. These recurring problems not only lead to costly repair bills, but also cause inconvenient disruptions to your heating system, especially in the colder months.

High energy bills are another sign that your boiler is working inefficiently. As boilers get older, they use more energy to produce the same amount of heat, increasing your heating costs. If your bills are constantly rising without any change, this could be due to an inefficient system.

You should also look out for strange noises such as banging, rattling or whistling. These sounds can indicate internal problems that are common in older boilers. Also, if your system takes a long time to heat up or provides uneven heating throughout your home, it is probably underperforming.

Finally, check your boiler’s energy rating. Older models typically have lower efficiency ratings than modern systems. A lower energy rating means your boiler is wasting energy, increasing both your bills and your carbon footprint.

Upgrading to an energy-efficient model will solve these problems, leading to better performance, reliability and savings in the long term.

The Benefits of Upgrading to an Energy-Efficient Boiler

Upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler brings a number of significant benefits that can improve both your comfort and finances. One of the most immediate benefits is lower energy bills. Modern boilers are designed to provide the same or better heat output while using less fuel. In fact, upgrading from an older, new boiler can reduce your heating costs by up to 30%. For example, a home using an older boiler may spend around €1,500 annually on heating, while a new energy-efficient model can reduce that figure by around €1,050.

Increased comfort and performance is another key benefit. New boilers are equipped with advanced technology that allows for more precise temperature control and faster heat distribution. This means your home heats up more quickly and evenly, keeping it more comfortable throughout the day. There’s no more waiting endlessly for radiators to heat up or dealing with cold spots in certain rooms.

From an environmental perspective, energy-efficient boilers are much friendlier to the environment. They also emit fewer carbon emissions than older models, helping to reduce your home's carbon footprint. For those concerned about sustainability, switching to a modern boiler is a step toward a greener, more environmentally conscious home.

Additionally, upgrading your boiler can increase your home's Building Energy Rating (BER). A higher BER indicates that your property is more energy-efficient, which can increase its market value. Homes with better BERs are more attractive to buyers and often qualify for additional financial incentives, such as lower mortgage rates or further government grants and tax benefits aimed at promoting energy efficiency.

By upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler, you not only save on your heating bills and increase home comfort but also contribute to a cleaner environment and increase the value of your property.

How Government Grants Can Help You Upgrade

Government grants in Ireland can make upgrading to a new, energy-efficient boiler more affordable. One of the main sources of assistance is the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) boiler grant. Through SEAI's Better Energy Homes scheme, homeowners can receive a grant of up to €700 to help cover the cost of replacing an old boiler with a new, more efficient model. This grant is designed to encourage people to reduce their energy use and make their homes more environmentally friendly.

Other grants are also available for specific groups. For example, low-income households may qualify for additional support under programmes such as the Warmer Homes Scheme, which offers free energy upgrades including boiler replacement. Additionally, there are incentives for those wishing to switch to renewable energy systems such as heat pumps.

To qualify for these grants, homeowners must meet certain eligibility requirements. Generally, grants are available to people whose homes are over 10 years old and whose existing boilers are old or inefficient. Some grants can also be available to homeowners and first-time homebuyers, making it easier for them to upgrade their property.

The types of boilers eligible for these grants vary, but they generally include gas boilers, oil boilers and renewable heating systems such as heat pumps. The aim is to promote energy efficiency, so replacement boilers must meet specific energy standards to be eligible for a grant.

How Much Can You Save with Boiler Grants?

When upgrading to a new boiler, government grants can significantly decrease the cost, making it more affordable for people. In Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants of up to €700 to upgrade to an energy-efficient boiler as part of its Better Energy Home scheme. This financial support helps homeowners cover the cost of replacing an old boiler with a modern, energy-efficient model, ensuring the initial expense is less burdensome. To illustrate the savings, consider the average cost of replacing a boiler, which typically ranges between €2,500 and €4,000 depending on the model and installation. With a SEAI grant of €700, the out-of-pocket cost for the homeowner is significantly reduced. For example, a replacement costing €3,000 could be reduced to €2,300, making the upgrade much more affordable. In addition to grants, long-term savings from improved energy efficiency add to the financial benefits. A new boiler can reduce heating bills by up to 30%, meaning a family spending €1,500 a year on heating could save up to €450 each year. Over time, these savings can far outweigh the initial cost of the boiler, especially with grant support.

Additional savings can also come through tax relief or other energy-efficiency incentives. For example, homeowners who upgrade their boiler as part of a larger home energy renovation may be eligible for further grants or tax credits, reducing the overall project cost even further.

Combining boiler grants, energy savings and potential tax benefits, upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler becomes a financially smart decision. The initial cost is offset by substantial ongoing savings and government incentives, making it an investment that pays for itself over time.

The Application Process for Boiler Grants

Applying for a boiler grant in Ireland is a straightforward process, and it can save you a lot of money when you upgrade to a more energy-efficient system. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

How to apply:

Check your eligibility: First, visit the SEAI website or contact them to see if your home is eligible for a grant. Generally, your home must be over 10 years old, and your existing boiler must be outdated or inefficient.

Book an energy assessment: You’ll need a BER (Building Energy Rating) assessmentto evaluate the energy efficiency of your house. This is a crucial part of the grant application process, and it provides details about how much energy your home uses.

Gather documents: Gather important information such as details of your existing boiler, an energy assessment, and proof of home ownership. Having these ready makes the application process easier.

Submit your application: Complete the grant application online through the SEAI portal. They’ll guide you through the necessary steps.

Approval and installation timelines:

Once your application is submitted, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for approval. After that, you can schedule the installation of your boiler. Installation usually takes a day or two, depending on complexity.

Conclusion

Upgrading an old boiler is important not only for reducing energy bills, but also for improving the comfort of your home and reducing your carbon footprint. Older boilers use more energy and break down more often, so upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model can save you a lot of money in the long run. Plus, the Irish government offers financial support through grants such as the SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme, which provides up to €700 towards the cost of a new boiler. Other grants are also available for low-income households and those wanting to switch to renewable energy systems.