If you’re considering a new boiler, you might be surprised to learn that technology in heating systems has advanced greatly. Choosing the right boiler, therefore, is more important than ever. Improvements in the controls also mean boilers are not only cheaper and more efficient but easier than ever to operate. All new boilers these days are condensing boilers which are also more efficient than past boilers in that they recover latent heat caught in waste gas. So, how to choose a new one?
Firstly, find out what system you already have. If you have tanks in the loft and a cylinder, this indicates a conventional system. If you don’t have a tank and the hot water being turned on fires up the boiler, then you have a combi boiler. Buying a new boiler is one of the most expensive appliances you can purchase for your home, so it’s crucial to make the right choice. A Boiler Installation Forest Of Dean company can help you decide which system is best for you and your family home environment.
Combi or System?
Combi boilers are the most popular in the UK due to their compact size and ease of installation. They supply ample hot water and heated radiators on demand, whenever you need it. They are the ideal solution for smaller homes as they don’t require a container for water storage. Larger properties will benefit from a system boiler or anywhere that needs to be running water from more than one tap at the same time.
System boilers are ideal for homes with larger demands and installation is cheap, tidy and neat too. The flow rates are good, delivered at mains pressure and hot water is instant. Overuse can result in running out of hot water though and can be more prone to pressure loss than regular boilers.
Combis operate as a sealed system, giving hot water to the taps and central heating system. The heating takes place directly from the mains so there is no requirement for a water tank. This water is delivered at mains pressure, so you get a good strong shower, if not quite a power shower. Best for smaller homes with only one main bathroom.
Conventional boilers are used for homes with an open-vented system. Similar to system boilers, they rely on the need for water storage and a hot water cylinder. This type of boiler works best if you’re looking for that refreshing ‘power shower’. However, they are more expensive to install, require more parts and take up more space. Low pressure can be an issue as well if the cistern is not located high enough.
Buying the most efficient boiler you can is really important, and you should aim for 90% efficiency. Ideally, you’ll want one that comes with a five-year warranty. However, a boiler is only as good as the system it serves and over time a central heating system accumulates grime and sludge. Before installing a brand-new boiler, it might be worth cleaning the system and running some anti-furring treatment through the radiators.
