Green Issues

Funding has allowed a pensioner couple from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, to install a high-efficiency back boiler unit and save 34.8% on their winter gas bill.

The funding allowed Fuel Poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) to install a new Baxi Bermuda BBU HE in the couple’s home. The boiler has been monitored to evaluate its effectiveness with hopes of extending the scheme to other fuel-poor households.

The couple were chosen for the trial as they were struggling with fuel bills of over £1,500 a year. They were classed as being in Fuel Poverty, where 10% of the household income is spent on energy costs. The existing back boiler unit was over 25 years old and less than 60% efficient, contributing significantly to the high costs.

Gas prices have risen by over 114% since 2003, leading to calls for old, inefficient boilers to be replaced wherever possible with new, high-efficiency models. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a modern Band A boiler will use up to a third less fuel than an old Band G boiler to provide the same amount of heat.

Adam Jones, NEA technical officer, explained: “Prior to the installation, the couple’s gas winter fuel bill for December to April 2008-09 was £337.15. After their new Baxi Bermuda BBU HE was installed, the bill for the same period in 2009-10, including an extra 3 weeks in April was less than £220, a saving of nearly £118, even after the coldest winter in 30 years.

“We produced a SAP rating for the home pre and post installation to identify how the running costs and carbon savings would be improved. The initial SAP reading was 54, which rose to 69 after the new boiler was installed”

For more information visit www.baxibermuda.com