In order to meet EU emission targets, the UK is required to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. However, UK energy secretary Chris Huhne has admitted that “the current rate of growth of renewable energy in the UK is too slow to meet EU targets for 15% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020.”
If this is the case, homeowners across the UK will need to do what they can to help lower the UK’s carbon emissions. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) says that “carbon dioxide from energy used to heat water in UK homes accounts for 5% of the nation’s total carbon emissions.” This means that boilers should be the starting point for homeowners to begin reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
By performing annual boiler repair or periodic tune-ups, you can prevent faults that may go unnoticed due to a lack of maintenance. Always get a qualified boiler repairman to conduct maintenance checks. You can also carry out your own regular checks to ensure your boiler is functioning optimally.
Check the combustion chamber and whether the burner is working properly. To ensure optimum performance, have a boiler expert measure your boiler’s emissions to accurately gauge its efficiency.
It is recommended that you replace your boiler if it is older than 15 years, as it may no longer be energy efficient. Moreover, an older boiler will increase your energy bills while contributing to the UK’s very large carbon footprint.