If you want to spend your money in a valuable investment for your home, it is best that you find a suitable condensing boiler. Base your decision on the essential factors such as the efficacy, quality, durability, and capacity to provide you relevant savings. Another important consideration is its environmental friendly factor.

A condensing boiler captures much more usable heat from its fuel than a non-condensing boiler. Its high operating efficiency is made possible by the design of the boiler's larger - or sometimes dual - heat exchanger.

There are two types of condensing boiler: regular and combination. Regular condensing boilers heat your hot water through a hot water cylinder. Combination condensing boilers give you instant hot water without the need for a cylinder.

Please bear in mind that not all home heating systems will be compatible with a combination boiler. A qualified installer will tell you which type of condensing boiler, regular or combination, is most suitable for your home.

Is your boiler energy efficient?

- If it's 10-15 years old then it probably isn't. Replacing your old boiler with a new condensing boiler can save you around a third on your heating bills straight away.

- Around 60% of CO 2 emissions from your home are down to your boiler. With an efficient new boiler you could save up to 875kg of CO 2 and ?170 a year.

- Add in a full set of heating controls as well as a new boiler, and you could increase the total savings to around ?275 and 1.4 tonnes of CO 2 a year.

- Condensing boilers can be easily fitted to most new and old heating systems, ask your installer for more details.

Once your home is fully insulated your first step when buying a new boiler should be to get at least three quotes. One of the best ways to find a reliable installer is to ask around - and get a personal recommendation from a trusted friend or relative. To make sure you're complying with Gas Safety Regulations, you should always use a registered, qualified installer.