Guide to choosing a new boiler
Choosing a new boiler for your home can be a daunting task. There are so many options on the market, available in different sizes, kWs and prices – but which one should I choose? Most of us leave it up to our gas safe heating engineer to make the decision, which may not be a bad idea but it’s worth doing your own research and investing some time into learning about the different types of boilers available. That way, you can be sure that you get the right boiler for your home. By choosing the right central heating system, you can end up with a more efficient boiler that is cheaper to run than your existing old boiler. There are obvious implications in selecting the wrong boiler. This can see your heating bills increase and your efficiency drop. So, you want to ensure you are not making an expensive mistake.
The first most important thing, is for you to work out which type of boiler is right for your existing system. We’ve put together some information about the different types of boilers available to help you in choosing a new boiler for you home.
The combination (combi) boiler is one of the more common boilers in UK homes. It allows you to control both your heating and hot water from one boiler, from the mains. This means there is no need for a hot water cylinder or cistern which is great for smaller homes or flats. The advantages of combi boilers are that they are generally much quicker and easier to fit that other types. The the water comes from the mains and so you tend to get a more powerful water pressure. Combi boilers are also a popular choice because they are smaller in size and are efficient for smaller homes. This is great for improving your carbon footprint.
Understandably, when pressure is on the system to perform, it can struggle to provide multiple outlets at the same time. Therefore, for big families and larger homes with multiple bathrooms you would need to ensure that you’re choosing the right size to be able to handle the heating and hot water demands.
A system boiler is one that directly heats your central heating system and hot water for a storage cylinder, whether it’s an
unvented, stainless steel cylinder or a
traditional copper cylinder. Most of the important parts of the hot water and heating system, such as the pump and expansion vessel, are built in on a system boiler. This makes it quick and clean to install. It also means you get a faster response on demand for heating and hot water, plus you don’t need to have a feed and expansion tank in the loft.
Heat only boilers are much rarer in the UK and are generally used for homes with an open vented heating system. They are also known as open vent, conventional boilers, or regular boilers. They heat your central heating and hot water when installed as part of a heating system together with a
hot water storage cylinder, cold water storage tank, and a feed and expansion tank (which is usually stored in the loft above the boiler to provide a good head of water). If the boiler you’re replacing is very old, it is most likely a heat only boiler. One of the other clues is that you’ll have a separate
circulating pump, instead of one inside the boiler.
Which boiler you choose is also defined by the fuel you have access to, whether that is mains gas, LPG, oil, wood or coal. It is important to consider which one would be suitable for your home.
Picking the Right Size Boiler
There are a lot of tools online to help you calculate the size of the boiler you may need. However, it is important to get the correct sized boiler for the size of your home and the usage that is expected of it. If you get a boiler that is too small, it won’t be able to handle the demand put on it. This will lead to inefficient heating and hot water. If you get one that’s too big, you could end up wasting money with expensive bills. These sizes will mean you will need to consider certain factors such as the number of bathrooms you have and possibly the insulation in your home too. You'll also need to factor in how many radiators you have or need to maintain a comfortable and efficient heating system in your home.
If you cut costs and buy a boiler that is on the small side, you might save money upfront. However, the energy efficiency is likely to be compromised. This will have a negative impact on your energy bills and will cost you more in the long term. Picking the right sized, modern boiler will mean that it is energy efficient and in turn, energy saving.
When it comes to the brand of a boiler, you have a lot to choose from. Generally, the most important factor of purchasing a new boiler is the reliability. You canlook into the different brands by looking at reviews and company websites. Luckily, we stock all the major, dependable brands, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. You can find Vaillant, Vokera, Ideal Boilers, Potterton, Baxi, Glow-worm and Worcester Bosch at Mr Central Heating. When picking a new boiler, another thing to consider is the warranty. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties of up to 25 years.
As always, we suggest you consult with a qualified installer before beginning any boiler installation works or upgrades. This guide is intended to help you with the basic knowledge going forward on your boiler purchasing journey.
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