A recent study from Uswitch Boilers has revealed how property type and age can impact boiler efficiency
After a winter of high energy bills, people are increasingly curious about boiler efficiency and how their type of home affects efficiency. Factors such as property age and whether it is detached, mid-terrace, or otherwise can influence the efficiency of a boiler.
Uswitch Boilers completed a study of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) across the UK to understand the impact of property type and age on boiler efficiency. By examining EPC ratings for hot water and main heating systems, properties were assigned a final boiler score and compared based on their age and type.
The study found that homes built between 2003 and 2006 and between 2007 and 2011 were the most efficient. Over half a million households benefit from highly efficient heating, with properties built during this period scoring 8.46 out of 10.
Homes built between 2003 to 2006 showed equal efficiency in both heating and hot water (8.46/10), while homes built from 2007 to 2011 excelled in hot water efficiency (9.23/10) but ranked third in heat efficiency (7.69/10).
Modern houses are not always best for boiler efficiency
Homes constructed after 2012 ranked fifth in terms of efficiency. They had a combined final boiler score of 5.39 out of 10. These homes performed well in heating efficiency with a score of 9.23 out of 10; however, they were the second least efficient in terms of hot water, scoring only 1.54 out of 10.
Homes constructed between 1900 and 1929, a century earlier, achieve an overall boiler efficiency score of 6.16. Surprisingly, even the oldest homes analysed, built before 1900, outperformed properties constructed between 1950 and 1982, as well as between 1991 and 1995.
Terraced housing is the most efficient
Detached properties had the lowest overall boiler score, averaging just 1.43 out of 10, with equally low scores of 1.43 for heating and hot water efficiency. This was 7.14 points lower than enclosed mid-terrace houses, which had the highest score of 8.57 out of 10.
Enclosed end-terrace and enclosed mid-terrace houses had the highest boiler efficiency, scoring 7.14 and 8.57, respectively. These properties feature two rows of terraces built together, resulting in end-row properties having two external walls and mid-row properties having one. With fewer external walls, these homes experience less heat loss.
The availability of enclosed terrace properties is decreasing due to construction restrictions and the conversion of old properties. The combined number of Energy Performance Certificates for both types of enclosed terraces is only 222,596.
End-terrace and mid-terraced homes are the most energy-efficient modern properties. With over six million properties, both age categories receive a final boiler efficiency score of 5.00.
“Certain property qualities can have an impact on your boiler’s efficiency, including factors such as age, type of property, and format of property,” said Uswitch boilers expert Ben Gallizzi.
“However, no matter your home’s age or format, there are steps you can take to maximise your boiler’s potential,” he added.
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