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Boilers heat water, providing either hot water or steam for heating. Steam is distributed via pipes to steam radiators. Hot water can be distributed via baseboard radiators, radiant floor systems or can heat the air via a coil. Steam boilers operate at a higher temperature than water boilers, and are inherently less efficient, but high efficiency boilers of both types are currently available.

ENERGY STAR^® qualified boilers have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 85% or greater. Whether gas or oil, they use about 6% less energy than a standard boiler. Like a furnace, the higher the AFUE of a boiler, the more efficient it is. Also look for a boiler that modulates the heat output and with an outdoor temperature reset to maximize comfort and efficiency. If your boiler is old, worn out, inefficient, or significantly oversized, the simplest solution is to replace it with a modern high efficiency model. Although older boilers had efficiencies in the range of 56%–70%, modern conventional heating systems can achieve efficiencies as high as 97%, converting nearly all the fuel to useful heat for your home. Energy efficiency upgrades and a new high efficiency heating system can often cut your fuel bills and your furnace's pollution output in half.

Proper installation is important. Your new boiler must be installed properly to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. An improperly installed boiler can result in higher energy costs and a less comfortable home.

Flue Closure
If you have installed a high efficiency furnace or boiler and there is no other equipment vented through your chimney, the interior flue should be sealed off to reduce heat loss through the opening in the roof. By closing the flue, you will prevent the escape of warm air from your house—increasing your comfort, and saving energy and money.

FAQs
This page contains a list of consumer questions we hear most often.

Cash-Back Rewards Available
Click on the link above to find out what Rewards are available for the purchase of select heating & cooling equipment. Eligibility for this program is determined by your electric utility service area. Please use the eligibility tool to see if you are eligible.

Find a Participating Contractor
Hundreds of heating and cooling contractors from all over Wisconsin have signed up to participate in the Efficient Heating & Cooling Program. Only participating contractors can offer these rewards, but non-participating contractors can still sign up. To see a list of participating contractors click on the link above.