A high-efficiency condensing boiler installation comes at a higher cost, but you could get a return on your investment from long-term savings. Let’s look at how and why a 95% AFUE boiler might be worth the additional cost, and help you to choose the perfect home heating upgrade.
What is the Payback Period of a High-Efficiency Boiler Installation?
We can calculate the payback period by comparing a 95% AFUE boiler to a more affordable 80% model.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how much fuel a boiler can convert into usable heat. Even a fairly efficient 80% AFUE boiler wastes 20% of the fuel.
A 95% AFUE boiler, usually an Energy Star-Certified Boiler, loses only 5% of its fuel to wasted energy.
These numbers matter because installing a 95% AFUE boiler could come with a price premium of around $4,000 compared to lower-rated models.
The payback period is the time it would take for you to generate savings equal to the additional cost. So, let’s say you pay $4,000 extra for the best boiler you can get, you could save between $350 and $500 on an annual heating bill of $2,500.
- The payback period would be 8 to 11 years, generating an average of $450 in savings per year.
Boilers are expected to last for 15 to 20 years, so savings after the payback period help to cover even more of the total installation cost. A boiler won’t quite pay for itself, but it’s definitely worth it to choose something with a higher efficiency rating if you can afford the upfront cost.
Consider That You Might Need a New Chimney Liner
One sometimes overlooked feature of a high-efficiency condensing boiler is how it will require a PVC or polypropylene vent to release corrosive and acidic exhaust gases. Your old masonry or metal chimney won’t work.
New PVC venting adds to the cost of installation. The exact amount will depend on your home and where the boiler is located. Most installations will allow for a vent to come directly out of a sidewall, which is the most affordable option. If your old boiler and vent are in the middle of your basement, then you will need a chimney vent terminating at the roof, which could add significant cost.
What Kind of Heating System Do You Have in Your Home?
The type of heating system can determine whether it’s worth getting a 95% AFUE boiler. A condensing boiler relies on relatively cool return water, so the type of wall and floor radiators you have will make a difference.
- Homes with large, modern radiators or radiant floor heating can return cool water and ensure that a condensing boiler reaches over 90% efficiency.
- If you have older baseboard radiators that require extremely high water temperatures, then the return water will be too hot, and even a condensing boiler might only reach 88% to 90% efficiency.
This is a major consideration when getting a high-efficiency boiler for your home on Long Island. If your heating network uses old radiators, you will be better off with a standard boiler at around 80% efficiency.
Are High-Efficiency Condensing Boilers Safer?
Condensing boilers are technically safer because they use sealed combustion (direct venting). They draw air from outside and eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide drafting into your living spaces. Older and even newer mid-efficiency units use atmospheric combustion, and there is some risk of carbon monoxide leakage.
While both types are safe when well-maintained by a licensed HVAC contractor in Suffolk County, a 95% AFUE boiler will have a safety advantage.
The Bottom Line – Is it Worth Getting a 95% AFUE Condensing Boiler for Home Heating?
It’s worth paying more for a high-efficiency condensing boiler if you can afford the additional cost and you are willing to wait for the savings to pay off. A condensing boiler is safer and better for homes with large modern radiators and radiant floor heating systems.
It’s worth exploring the costs and benefits in detail. You can start by talking to Soundview HVAC today. Book your comfort consultation by calling us at 631-209-1744 or request your appointment online. We will help you find the most affordable and efficient winter heating solution for your unique needs.
