Energy Efficient Boilers in Essex & Hertfordshire

A boiler is considered energy efficient when it converts a high percentage of fuel into usable heating and hot water with minimal waste. The most efficient modern systems use condensing technology, which captures and reuses heat from exhaust gases — heat that would be lost in older models. Boilers with a 90% efficiency rating or higher are considered excellent performers.

At Rothwells Heating, we install only highly rated boiler systems with strong SEDBUK ratings (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK). These ratings give you a reliable indicator of year-round energy performance. Paired with smart controls and thermostats, efficient systems allow homeowners to reduce their energy costs while maintaining home comfort.

We’ll help you compare models based on their energy efficiency rating, brand reputation, and suitability for your home’s hot water demands, ensuring the right solution is installed to maximise performance and reduce your carbon footprint.

There are three main types of domestic boiler systems, each suited to different property types and hot water usage:

• System boilers are ideal for larger homes with high hot water demands. They require a hot water cylinder for storage but provide steady pressure and can serve multiple taps at once.
• Efficient combi boilers heat water directly from the mains, offering hot water on demand without the need for a cylinder. They are compact, space-saving, and suitable for smaller households.
• Regular boilers (or conventional boilers) use both a hot water cylinder and a cold-water tank, making them best for homes with traditional heating systems and lots of radiators.

Choosing the right type depends on your space, lifestyle, and number of occupants. At Rothwells Heating, our expert engineers will guide you in selecting the right system based on energy performance, boiler brands, and installation requirements.

Condensing technology is a key reason why modern boilers installed today are significantly more efficient than older systems. Traditional boilers release exhaust gases through the flue, wasting energy. Condensing boilers, however, use a heat exchanger to capture and reuse this heat, improving thermal efficiency and helping the boiler reach 90%+ efficient ratings.

This process reduces both energy costs and environmental impact. By reusing waste heat, a condensing boiler consumes less fuel, producing fewer emissions and helping to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Most modern efficient combi boilers, system boilers, and regular boilers now use condensing technology as standard. At Rothwells Heating, we only fit systems that meet or exceed current energy efficiency rating standards. Whether you're replacing an oil boiler or an outdated gas system, condensing models are now the norm - and for good reason.

Efficient combi boilers are a great fit for small to medium-sized homes with moderate hot water demands, especially when there’s only one bathroom in use at a time. They provide hot water on demand directly from the mains, eliminating the need for a hot water cylinder, which makes them compact and easy to install.

However, if your household has multiple bathrooms or frequent simultaneous usage (e.g. showers and taps running at the same time), a system boiler may be more appropriate. System boilers store hot water and provide consistent pressure, making them better suited for high-demand situations.

At Rothwells Heating, we assess your usage habits, plumbing system, and available space before recommending the right type of boiler. If you're unsure whether a combi will meet your needs, we’ll help you explore the best options based on efficiency, flow rate, and practicality - without compromising your comfort.

The SEDBUK rating (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) provides a standard measure of how energy efficient a boiler is across a full heating season. Ratings are given as a percentage, with higher numbers indicating better efficiency. For example, a 90 efficient boiler means 90% of the fuel used is converted into usable heat, with only 10% lost.

When choosing from top boiler brands, aim for an A-rated boiler — typically 90% or higher. Most new condensing boilers (whether combi, system, or regular) now meet this standard. Older boilers, by contrast, may fall below 70% efficiency, leading to higher energy costs and emissions.

Rothwells Heating helps customers find the most suitable boiler with the highest efficiency possible for their budget. Whether you're upgrading an oil boiler or switching to a gas heat pump alternative, we’ll explain your options using the SEDBUK rating and help you select the system that provides long-term savings.

A heat pump can be more efficient than a traditional domestic boiler under the right conditions. Heat pumps work by transferring ambient heat from the air or ground into your home, using electricity. They’re often praised for their environmental benefits and low carbon footprint, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.

However, energy efficient boilers — especially condensing combi or system boilers — still offer excellent performance, especially in colder climates or homes with limited space for a heat pump system. Boilers also generally provide hotter water and may be better suited to homes with high hot water demands.

The choice between a boiler and a heat pump depends on property size, insulation, budget, and how much space you have. Rothwells Heating can advise on both options, helping you compare installation costs, running efficiency, and long-term savings. In many cases, a new high-rated boiler remains the most cost-effective upgrade for domestic heating.