But, while much of the talk revolves around renewable energy resources, it is also possible to cut down on fuel bills simply by installing the most up-to-date fossil fuel boilers. And while a new boiler would be an addition to practically any home, it is practically an imperative that people with older boilers (more than 15 years) switch to a modern, high-performance system in order to cut down on energy wastage. Modern units are far more efficient than could even have been dreamt of a decade ago, and Cork-based Firebird Group of engineering products companies offers a range of modern oil boilers which should significantly reduce fuel bills for years to come.

All Firebird boilers are fully insulated and acoustically designed for ultra quiet operation. They are easy to install and service with front access on all models; but, perhaps most importantly, they are all designed and manufactured to exceed the European Energy Efficiency Directive. With models to suit almost any possible application and an output range from 50,000 to 310,000 Btu/h, Firebird is ideally positioned to provide the perfect solution to any heating requirement . . .

even when space is at a premium.

Customers can choose from a wide range of Firebird boilers, including the "Popular", which is suitable for boiler house applications; the "Super Q" and "Firebird S" (white), which are for kitchens and utility rooms; and the external Heatpac, which has its own weatherproof housing and flue.

But for the ultimate in efficiency, people can choose a condensing boiler. These work by utilising the latent energy from the steam of the combustion gases into the central heating system hot water circuit . . . and, in doing so, they give householders even greater savings on the cost of heating, while also addressing their environmental responsibilities through utilising less oil to achieve optimum temperature in the home.

Firebird has applied this condensing technology to its oil boilers, creating its revolutionary "Enviromax" system. It has been estimated that these "Enviromax" condensing boilers can save customers up to 25% every year on the costs of their home heating bills . . . which is a considerable saving in today's climate, and will more than pay for the cost of installation in just a few years.

All Firebird boilers are Oftec approved, offer a five year manufacturers' warranty on the boiler shell and a two year warranty on the burner and thermostat.

Firebird boilers are available in all leading heating and plumbing merchants and builders providers in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain.