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How to choose your boiler?

How to choose your boiler?

Drop in temperatures announced... It's time to turn your boiler back on! Pellets, wood, oil, gas, electric:what is the most economical and ecological solution for heating your cozy little nest?

How does it work?

The purpose of the boiler is to provide heat to a home by heating water with a fuel (pellets, wood, gas, electricity, fuel oil). This water then circulates through the ducts to distribute the heat in the desired areas, through the heating devices. The boiler is also used to produce domestic hot water, in particular for the use of the shower, the washing machine, the dishwasher, the washbasin.

Boiler:time to choose

Your uncle Edgar extols the merits of the pellet boiler and your friend Alice swears by the condensing boiler. How to choose the most economical, ecological and suitable boiler for your home? It is important to make the right choice, especially since it is a significant financial investment. Count between 2,500 euros and 8,000 euros[1] to replace your boiler. We take stock to find your way among the different types of boilers.

The oil-fired boiler

34% of households heat with an oil boiler. It is recommended for heating large volumes. Fuel oil is a fossil fuel. This type of heating works with an independent tank. So there needs to be a place to store it. The oil boiler must be checked every year. The tank is also filled once a year. Note that it is advisable to fill the tank in August, before the start of the heating season. The oil boiler is often used for replacement, but rarely in a new home.

Advantages:

  • A significant heating capacity;
  • Easy supply everywhere in France;
  • Gentle, even heat
  • Possible coupling with a heat pump (PAC) or a solar water heater (CES).

Cons:

  • Cumbersome installation
  • High purchase cost;
  • A fossil fuel that contributes to global warming;
  • Installation prohibited from 2022.

Price:between 7,000 and 10,000 euros, material and installation included.

The Electric Boiler

It is easy to use and requires virtually no maintenance. It does not burn any fuel, which makes it a clean heating system. There are different types of electric boilers:wall-mounted, floor-standing, ionic, low temperature, etc. It is recommended for large volumes, and is mainly found in new homes.

Advantages:

  • Easy Setup
  • Very low maintenance;
  • Burns no fuel;
  • Compatible with underfloor heating
  • Low purchase cost
  • Performance close to 100%.

Cons:

  • It is the most expensive energy for heating;
  • High power consumption;
  • Non-renewable energy, as it comes from nuclear or coal exploitation.

Price:between 1,000 and 6,000 euros

Good to know:

Prefer a boiler eligible for the Energy Transition Tax CreditHave you heard of the CITE? If you plan to change your boiler, be aware that the Government provides you with the Energy Transition Tax Credit in partnership with ADEME, the Environment and Energy Management Agency. The objective is to promote green energy heating systems. This tax credit allows you to benefit from a 30% reduction.

The Gas Boiler

It is a rather economical solution compared to fuel oil or electricity. Gas boilers are known to be robust and are recommended for large heating needs.

Advantages:

  • Easy Setup
  • Inexpensive maintenance;
  • Gentle, even heat
  • Energy cheaper than oil or electricity;
  • Fast and powerful heating.

Cons:

  • Boilers cost more to buy than electric ones;
  • Bulky storage.

Price:between 4,000 and 7,000 euros

The wood and pellet boiler

It can be used as a main heater or as a backup heater. Wood and pellets are cheaper than gas or oil. For wood, you will have to replenish it manually, while the pellet boiler allows you to program and heat in your absence, for example.

Advantages:

  • Small and easy to use;
  • Renewable Energy
  • Eco-friendly fuel
  • Excellent thermal efficiency
  • Eligible for the energy transition tax credit (CITE).

Cons:

  • Storage of bulky wood or pellets;
  • High purchase price.

Price:count on average a budget of 765 euros[2] per month (a cubic meter of wood costs 65 euros). On the other hand, the purchase price of a wood boiler is quite high. It takes about 6,000 euros. The pellet boiler, on the other hand, costs between 10,000 and 20,000 euros.

New boiler, hello savings!

If you want to turn to a "cleaner" solution, the wood or pellet boiler is undoubtedly the option to choose. Wood is also the cheapest energy. Good news, this type of renewable energy installation is eligible for the tax credit.

Note, however, that there are other economical boilers:

The condensing boiler

It produces energy using several fuels:gas, wood or oil. This boiler heats the home and produces domestic hot water. This new generation of boiler uses condensation fumes instead of evacuating them. This heats up the heat transfer liquid and improves efficiency by 105%.

Advantages:

  • Eligible for the energy transition tax credit (CITE);
  • Higher efficiency than other boilers;
  • 30% savings on bills[3];
  • Uses clean, renewable energy;
  • Little noisy.

Cons:

  • High purchase price.

Price:count between 4,000 and 10,000 euros depending on the models and the energy used.

The thermodynamic boiler

This boiler combines two technologies:the condensing boiler and the heat pump. It offers 200% efficiency.

Advantages:

  • Uses renewable energy;
  • Accessible purchase price
  • Eligible for the energy transition tax credit (CITE);
  • Uses clean, renewable energy.

Cons:

  • Also runs on electricity;
  • Can be noisy.

Price:Allow a budget of 1,500 euros to 4,000 euros.

Boiler:regular maintenance for a longer life

The maintenance of your boiler is essential to ensure its proper functioning and prolong its life. This annual maintenance must be done by a certified professional. Be careful, if this maintenance has not been carried out, you will not be covered by the insurance in the event of a fire breaking out in your home. Also remember to check its energy performance; your boiler should be checked every year. Servicing your boiler goes like this:

  • Checking and cleaning the various elements of the boiler;
  • Measurement of carbon monoxide in the air;
  • Optimizing settings;
  • Change of parts if necessary.

Be protected even at home

If the house is a good place to live, you are not always safe from a domestic accident. To deal with this kind of situation, it is important to have solid mutual insurance to understand your needs and cover your costs.

The choice of your boiler is not trivial, because it has consequences on your annual budget. Do not hesitate to contact a professional to find out the best solution for your home

[1] https://www.capital.fr/immobilier/quelle-chaudiere-choisir-1317993

[2] https://www.travaux.com/chauffage/articles/top-3-des-chaudieres-les-plus-economiques

[3] https://selectra.info/energie/guides/comparatifs/chaudiere-gaz-electrique-fioul-bois