The gas boiler is one of the most used appliances during the winter, essential for heating the house and producing domestic hot water.
However, knowing how much it consumes in an hour can make the difference in better managing expenses and reducing the gas bill.
The average consumption of a gas boiler
The consumption of a gas boiler depends on several factors, including:
- Boiler type: traditional or condensing.
- Boiler power: expressed in kilowatts (kW).
- Outside temperature and thermostat settings.
On average:
A traditional boiler consumes approximately 1 m³ of gas per hour for every 10 kW of power, in full operation.
A more efficient condensing boiler consumes approximately 20-30% less , thanks to the recovery of heat from the exhaust fumes.
Practical example:
If your boiler has a power of 24 kW and works at maximum, the consumption will be approximately 2.4 m³ of gas per hour.
How much does this impact the bill?
To estimate the cost, simply multiply the hourly consumption by the average price of gas (expressed in €/m³). For example, if gas costs €1/m³:
Hourly consumption: 2.4 m³ x 1 €/m³ = 2.4 € per hour .
Keep in mind that the boiler does not always work at maximum power, but adjusts itself based on the required temperature.
How to reduce boiler consumption?
Here are some practical tips:
Lower the water temperature:
Set the domestic hot water temperature to around 45-50°C and the radiator temperature to 60°C.
Use a programmable thermostat:
Adjust your heating based on the time of day, avoiding keeping your home too warm when it’s not needed.
Insulate your home well:
Seal doors and windows to prevent heat loss, reducing the workload of the boiler.
Perform regular maintenance:
A clean and well-functioning boiler consumes less gas.
Switch to a condensing boiler:
Although it requires an initial investment, it consumes less gas and offers long-term savings.