How to Make Gas Boiler More Efficient in 9 Steps

An efficient gas boiler uses minimal energy to produce maximum heat output while maintaining consistent performance. Efficient gas boiler properties include advanced temperature regulation, reduced fuel consumption, and low carbon emissions. You can achieve high efficiency of the boiler through optimised heat exchangers, smart controls, and regular system maintenance, ensuring the boiler runs at peak performance for both residential and commercial spaces.

An efficient boiler lowers energy bills, reduces carbon footprint, and extends the system’s lifespan; it also ensures consistent heating and hot water without unnecessary energy waste. An efficient boiler system enhances operational performance, minimises downtime, and meets sustainability targets. 

You can follow these top steps to improve your boiler efficiency.

• Service and Clean the Boiler Annually: Proper maintenance keeps the boiler running smoothly and prevents sludge buildup.
• Bleed Radiators: Release trapped air from the boiler to ensure proper heat distribution.
• Check Boiler Pressure: Maintain the correct pressure of the boiler for efficient heating.
• Insulate Pipes: Reduce heat loss to improve energy efficiency.
• Lower Temperature Settings: Save energy while maintaining comfort.

To improve your boiler’s efficiency and ensure optimal performance, follow these top steps, which are explained in detail below.

1. Schedule an Annual Service

Scheduling an annual service ensures your gas boiler operates efficiently and reliably throughout the year. Scheduling an annual service involves contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer who will carry out a thorough inspection, clean debris, and ensure all parts are functioning correctly. 

Regular servicing enhances your boiler efficiency by removing debris, preventing sludge buildup, and fine-tuning components to reduce energy waste, improve fuel combustion, and ensure consistent heating output. 

Servicing your residential boiler in late summer is the best way to keep your heating system running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need it most. For commercial boilers, scheduling maintenance during quieter months helps improve operational efficiency and ensures minimal disruption to your business activities. The best method to perform an annual boiler service in Ealing is hiring a Gas Safe registered engineer who guarantees safety, ensures compliance with legal standards, and uses specialised tools for proper maintenance.

2. Clean Your Boiler and Consider a System Cleanse

Cleaning your boiler and performing a system cleanse keeps it running smoothly by removing sludge, limescale, and debris that build up over time. Cleaning your boiler and performing a system cleanse involves removing internal debris, descaling components, and flushing the system thoroughly to restore smooth operation.

A clean boiler improves heat transfer, allowing the system to work efficiently without consuming excess energy. Removing sludge and debris ensures proper water flow, reduces strain on components, and enhances fuel efficiency.

Scheduling annual boiler cleaning ensures your residential heating system runs efficiently and avoids unnecessary heat loss. For commercial systems, performing a full system cleanse every 1-2 years is essential to handle heavy usage demands and maintain consistent performance. The best method to clean your boiler and perform a system cleanse is hiring an expert heating engineer who uses tools like magnetic filters and chemicals to safely remove debris without damaging the system.

3. Bleed Your Radiators

Bleeding radiators remove trapped air, improving heat distribution throughout your property, as trapped air blocks hot water flow, making radiators inefficient and increasing energy use. Heating professionals use a radiator key to slowly open the bleed valve until air escapes and water appears, then securely close the valve afterwards.

Bleeding radiators improve your boiler’s efficiency by ensuring even heat distribution, reducing energy strain, and maintaining consistent heating across all rooms. Bleeding your radiators keeps your home warm and comfortable while helping your boiler work more effectively.

Bleed residential radiators before winter to maximise heating performance and keep your home warm. For commercial systems, bleed radiators monthly to maintain consistent performance and avoid energy inefficiency. The best method to bleed radiators is for homeowners to do it themselves using basic tools while hiring an expert is ideal for large commercial systems to ensure thorough air removal and optimal performance.

4. Check and Top Up the Pressure

Checking and maintaining proper boiler pressure ensures it operates efficiently because the low pressure reduces heating efficiency, while high pressure strains the system. To check and top up the pressure, monitor the residential boiler’s gauge to ensure it reads between 1.8 and 2 bar, and carefully use the filling loop to increase the pressure if it is low.

Correct pressure enables your boiler to circulate water effectively, maintaining consistent heating without energy loss or system strain.

Service residential boilers in late summer to ensure reliable heating during colder months. Schedule maintenance for commercial boilers during off-peak times to improve efficiency and minimise disruptions. The best method to perform boiler pressure is to do it yourself but call a professional if the pressure frequently drops because this indicates a potential leak.

5. Flush the System with a Powerflush

Power flushing the system clears out sludge, rust, and debris, restoring your boiler’s efficiency and performance. To flush the system with a Powerflush, hire a professional who uses high-pressure equipment and chemical solutions to thoroughly clean the system without damaging its components.

A Powerflush improves your boiler’s efficiency by removing blockages, sludge, and debris, which enhances water flow, improves heat distribution, reduces energy waste, and ensures the system runs smoothly with less strain.

Schedule a Powerflush for residential boilers every 3-5 years to maintain optimal efficiency and ensure smooth operation. Perform Powerflushing for commercial boilers every 3-4 years to handle heavy system usage and sustain performance. The best method to perform Powerflushing is to hire a qualified expert who uses specialised equipment and expertise to clean the system thoroughly without causing any damage.

6. Insulate Pipes and Cylinder

Insulating pipes and cylinders reduce heat loss, ensuring energy-efficient heating and hot water supply. To insulate pipes and the cylinder, wrap exposed pipes and the hot water cylinder with insulation sleeves or foam lagging to retain heat and improve efficiency.

Pipe insulation makes your boiler efficient by reducing energy loss, allowing your boiler to heat water faster and use less fuel.

For residential boilers, insulate pipes and cylinders in cold spaces like basements or attics to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency. For commercial boilers, use high-quality insulation materials for extensive pipe networks to ensure consistent performance and energy savings. The best method to insulate pipes is to do it yourself using materials like foam lagging, insulation sleeves, or pipe wrap tape, but for complex systems, consulting a professional ensures complete and effective coverage.

7. Lower the Temperature Setting

Lowering the boiler’s temperature setting reduces energy consumption without compromising comfort. To adjust the boiler temperature setting, locate the control on your boiler’s interface and set the heating temperature between 55-65°C for comfort and efficiency. For hot water, adjust it to 50-60°C using the dial or digital panel, ensuring the settings match your household’s needs.

Lowering the temperature increases your boiler efficiency by minimising fuel consumption while maintaining effective heating and reducing energy bills.

Set the temperature between 55-60°C for hot water in residential boilers to ensure efficiency and comfort. Use smart controls in commercial boilers to achieve precise temperature adjustments and optimise energy use. The best method to adjust boiler settings is for homeowners to handle it themselves, but for advanced controls in commercial systems, hiring an expert ensures accurate adjustments and optimal performance.

8. Run the Heating in Summer

Running the heating in summer prevents parts like the pump and valves from seizing. To run the heating in summer, turn it on for 10-15 minutes once a month to prevent internal components like the pump and valves from seizing.

Running the heating in summer makes your boiler efficient by keeping internal components lubricated, preventing wear, and maintaining smooth operation year-round.

Run heating monthly during off-seasons in residential boilers to maintain efficiency and prevent component issues. Integrate heating runs into routine maintenance schedules for commercial boilers to ensure consistent performance and system reliability. The best method to run the heating in summer is to perform it yourself, as this is a simple step that homeowners and businesses can easily do regularly.

9. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Boiler

Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient boiler reduces fuel consumption and improves performance. To upgrade to an energy-efficient boiler, replace old models with modern condensing boilers that achieve over 90% efficiency, ensuring reduced energy consumption and improved performance.

Energy-efficient boilers use advanced technology to maximise heat output while reducing energy waste and operating costs.

Investing in an A-rated condensing boiler for residential properties ensures long-term savings and improved energy efficiency. Upgrading to high-capacity, energy-efficient systems for commercial boilers meets business demands while reducing operational costs. The best method for upgrading or installing a boiler is hiring a professional, as they ensure proper fitting, thorough system testing, and compliance with safety regulations. 

How to Check the Efficiency of a Boiler

Ensuring your boiler operates efficiently is essential for reducing energy costs and maintaining reliable performance. Follow these steps to assess your boiler’s efficiency and identify potential improvements.

1. Check the Boiler’s Age
   Determine the age of your boiler, as older models are less efficient compared to modern condensing boilers.
2. Inspect the Boiler’s Energy Rating
   Review the boiler’s energy efficiency label. A-rated boilers are highly efficient, with ratings over 90%.
3. Monitor Fuel Consumption
   Compare your energy bills over time. Higher fuel consumption without increased usage may indicate reduced efficiency.
4. Check the Flue Gas Temperature
   Use a flue gas analyser to measure the temperature and ensure minimal heat is lost through the exhaust.
5. Examine Radiator Heat Distribution
   Feel your radiators to check for cold spots, which indicate blockages or trapped air, reducing system efficiency.
6. Listen for Unusual Noises
   Pay attention to unusual sounds like banging or gurgling, which may signal inefficiency or internal issues.
7. Conduct a System Test
   Hire a professional to perform a combustion efficiency test, measuring how effectively fuel is converted into heat.
8. Inspect for Leaks
   Look for any water or gas leaks around the boiler or pipework, as these can significantly lower efficiency.

What is the Importance of an Efficient Boiler for a Property?

An efficient boiler is important for a property because it reduces energy consumption by up to 30%, lowers utility bills, and minimises carbon emissions, supporting environmental goals. An efficient boiler also adds value to the property, reduces the risk of breakdowns by as much as 50%, and aligns with sustainability goals that are increasingly important to homeowners and businesses.

What are Some of the Best Energy-Efficient Boilers in the UK?

Some of the best energy-efficient boilers in the UK include the Viessmann Vitodens 100-W with a 98% efficiency rating, Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000, and Vaillant ecoTEC Plus with 94% efficiency. The Baxi 800 Heat and ATAG iC Economiser Plus 35 also provide reliable efficiency, while Glow-worm Boilers offer compact, high-efficiency models. Modern A-rated boilers save up to £522 annually and are cost-effective compared to oil or electric systems.

What is the Best Way to Use a Boiler to Save Energy?

The best way to use a boiler to save energy is by setting the temperature to 55-60°C for hot water and scheduling regular maintenance, including annual servicing and radiator bleeding. Insulating pipes and cylinders reduces heat loss while using smart controls that optimise heating schedules. Upgrading to an A-rated boiler further enhances energy efficiency and ensures long-term savings.

When should we prioritise boiler repair over efficiency upgrades?

Prioritise boiler repair when the system shows signs of leaks, unusual noises, or inconsistent heating that impact its functionality. Addressing these issues promptly ensures safety and restores the boiler’s performance without needing an immediate upgrade. Consider efficiency upgrades if the boiler remains outdated or inefficient despite regular repair and maintenance, as modern systems provide better long-term energy savings.