Installing a new boiler is one of the most important moves toward making your home more energy efficient and cutting down on heating costs.
Whether you’ve upgraded through the ECO4 free boiler grant or just decided it was time for a change, it’s important to know if your new boiler is doing its job well. But how would you check that?
Concentrating on a few key metrics will help to ensure your boiler runs efficiently and keeps your home warm while your energy bills remain low.
Just think of it as the health check of your heating system: so simple, so easy to monitor, and it gives you that chance to identify any potential issues early on.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most important things to pay attention to after installing a new boiler.
Important Metrics to Measure after Installing a New Boiler
Once a new boiler installation is done, its performance needs to be measured to ensure it puts in the best performance it can.
Newer boilers, such as those afforded through free boiler grants, ensure increased energy efficiency, bills, and reduction in carbon emissions. Once this boiler is installed, some of the key metrics that you should track include the following:
- Energy Efficiency
Your boiler’s energy efficiency will relate to the amount or proportion of fuel turned to heat. Most boilers that come under the ECO4 scheme boast an efficiency level of 94% upwards, meaning very little is going to waste.
For that, take the help of the energy bills received before and after the installation. A substantial drop in your gas usage will depict your boiler working fine. In that case, a high-efficiency condensing boiler uses less gas for the same warmth.
- Heating Performance
Heating performance describes how your boiler heats up your house. Does it take a shorter amount of time for it to achieve a good heat? Are your radiators equally warm? That’s a good sign of a good-performing boiler.
Pay attention to any inconsistencies in the heat provided in rooms. If one has smart thermostatic radiator valves, the temperature tends to be steady and less variable. Modern boilers should be able to heat the home more quickly with less energy.
- Carbon Emission
But the crux of the ECO4 scheme is the reduction in carbon emissions, and your new boiler will be at the center of this. Modern condensing boilers emit a lot less CO2 compared to older boilers, and this will be a major factor in shrinking the carbon footprint of your house.
You can check on this by looking at your boiler’s emissions specification or by asking your installer for details. You might reduce your home’s emissions by as much as 1.7 tonnes per year by moving to a high-efficiency boiler.
- Running Costs
Running costs are a very pragmatic way of measuring your boiler’s performance. A new boiler should help lower your energy bills each month. Modern, energy-efficient models tend to use less fuel just to heat your home and water.
To monitor this, you want to compare your heating expenses before and after the installation. For instance, whereas you were spending £100 a month on gas, with a high-efficiency boiler, you might see this drop to £80 or less.
- Noise Levels
Nobody wants a boiler that sounds like it’s about to take off! Noise levels are a key indicator to look out for post-installation. A modern boiler should be quiet, with only a soft humming sound when it is on.
- Hot Water Supply
A good boiler should be able to give hot water at a steady and predictable rate. You will find with a modern boiler how quickly the hot water comes through, continuously and steadily, even in those busy times when multiple taps or showers are running.
Keep an eye on how long it takes for hot water to flow when you turn on a tap. If the temperature stays steady and doesn’t fluctuate, that’s a great sign.
- Maintenance Needs
Even the best boilers go through periodic check-ups to perform well. The good news? Modern boilers, like those provided through the ECO4 scheme, are built to be low-maintenance.
Pay attention to how often you need to bleed radiators, adjust settings, or call in an engineer. A well-installed boiler should require minimal intervention beyond an annual service.
- Smart Feature Usage
Most modern boilers will boast features such as Wi-Fi controls and programmable thermostats that will further help you in controlling your heating system. These features will let you adjust temperatures, set schedules, and even monitor your energy use right from your phone.
If you had a boiler installed under the ECO4 scheme, you probably also got free smart heating controls and TRVs. These are great for controlling your energy usage.
- Warranty and Life Expectancy
A good boiler is sold with a good warranty that could last for 10 to 15 years or even more if properly maintained. Keep track of this warranty; it’s your safety net for unexpected issues.
- User Experience
How easy is it to use your new boiler? The user experience is all about ease and functionality. An effective design in a boiler would be one having controls that are clear, with an easy-to-read display and straightforward instructions.
Check how quickly the temperature can be changed or a heating schedule set. If smart controls are to be used, ensure the application or interface is user-friendly.
Tips to Take Care of Your New Boiler for the Long Run
- Arrange an annual service with a Gas-Safe engineer to keep your boiler in good condition, safely, and more efficiently.
- Trapped air cuts down on heating efficiency. Bleed your radiators from time to time to make sure they heat up evenly.
- Leave space around your boiler to allow it ample ventilation and to have access to it easily when it is being serviced.
- If your boiler has smart controls, then you should make use of them to set efficient heating schedules that match your routine.
- If you notice your boiler is making strange noises or creating unusual smells, you should call in an engineer immediately to prevent further damage.
- Address minor problems instantly. A small leak and some error code can all build up into a big thing when left unattended.
The Bottom Line
A new boiler is an investment in comfort and efficiency in your home. Some of the most efficient boilers available on the market are free under the ECO4 scheme for qualifying households.
By tracking key metrics like energy efficiency and running costs, and by following simple maintenance tips, you can enjoy lower bills, reduced carbon emissions, and cosy home for years to come.
Awais Shamsi 
Backlinks Hub 
Smith