The ultimate guide to choosing the right boiler for Your Home
ARE YOU CONSIDERING INSTALLING A NEW BOILER?
It is very easy to get overwhelmed with options. Don’t worry. Boiler group have you covered! In this guide we will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the correct boiler for your home. We are here to help you to understand the different types of boilers and many other factors like Energy Efficiency, Budget, Location of Installation and much more. So, let’s get started!
Types of Boilers:
Boilers come in various types, sizes, makes and models.
You have the Combi boiler, System boiler and Regular Boiler. Combi boilers are known for there space saving design and to provide incredibly fast hot water on demand. System boilers are known to be used on larger properties with multiple bathrooms. Regular boilers (Conventional Boilers or Heat Only) are typically used in the older properties with separate hot water storage tanks. We will explore the pros and cons of each type, their applications and which one will suit your home best!
| Combi Boiler | System Boiler | Regular Boiler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro's | Space Saving | Hot water Storage | Hot water Storage |
| Hot Water on demand | High hot water flow rate | Suitable for larger properties | |
| Energy Efficient | Suitable for larger properties | No reliance on mains water pressure | |
| Fast hot water delivery | No reliance on mains water pressure | Can work with existing systems. | |
| Easy installation | Energy efficient | Flexibility on heating controls | |
| Suitable for small households | Easy installation | ||
| Con's | Limited hot water flow rate | Space requirement | Outdated |
| Not suitable for large households | Hot water storage limitations | Space requirements | |
| Reliant on mains water pressure | Heat losses | Heat losses | |
| No back up hot water supply | Installation complexity | Installation complexity | |
| Not suitable for properties with multiple bathrooms | Potential for heat up time. | Delay on hot water supply | |
| Maintenance requirements | Maintenance requirements | ||
| Energy efficiency |
How to choose the right boiler:
Size always matters. You will need to determine the size of your property and the heating requirements needed. A professional load calculation can help you determine the correct boiler size needed, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. Energy efficiency ratings are also an important consideration especially in the current life situation. It is always best to find yourself a boiler with a high energy efficiency rating this will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact. Fuel type, budget and any specific requirements or preferences you may have will also play a huge role in your decision making.
Power of the boiler:
First of all you may need a qualified engineers help with this.
How to calculate heat demand or heat loss in your property. This can be done by considering the insulation levels of your walls, roof, windows, and floors. A qualified heating engineer can perform a heat loss calculation using a industry standard method or you can use online heat loss calculators to get an estimate
Consider your hot water demand when sizing the boiler, if you have multiple bathrooms or high hot water demand, you will need a higher kW Rating to meet the hot water requirements of the household.
The climate in your region also plays a role in determining the boiler size. Colder climates may require larger kW boilers to compensate for the increased heat demand during winter months.
Consider the boilers efficiency of the boiler when sizing it, Higher efficiency boilers may require lower kW ratings compared to lower efficiency boilers, as they produce more heat with less energy consumption.
Check the Manufacturers recommendations for the specific boiler model you are considering. Most manufacturers provide guidance on the recommended kW rating for their boilers based on various factors.
Call a qualified gas safe engineer and seek help to resolve your issue.
Budget Considerations:
The cost of a boiler is limited to the initial purchase price, installation, maintenance, and operational expenses. These should all be considered when budgeting for a new boiler. We will break down the different costs associated with a boiler installation and provide tips on how to budget effectively. We will also discuss financing options that may be available to help you manage the cost of a brand-new boiler.
Boiler cost – Can vary depending on the many factors including the type of boiler, Brand, Size (kW), features Installation costs and geographic location.
Boiler Unit cost- The boiler itself varies depending on the boiler you choose. Combi boilers tend to be more affordable option followed by system boilers then regular boilers. Prices per boiler can range from £500 – £5000 or more.
Installation Cost – The Installation cost boiler is a big factor to consider. This will involve labour charges for removing the old boiler (if needed). Installing the new boiler, connecting the pipes, connecting the electrics ensuring proper ventilation and compliance with building regulations. The installation cost can vary depending on the installation, the complexity, location of fitting, Time, and labour rates in the area. On average boiler installation costs can range from £200 – £5000.
Components- Depending on your specific installation requirements, you may need additional components such as flues, expansion vessels, pipework, tanks, cylinders, pumps, motorised valves, wiring, smart controllers and much more this can all add to the overall cost.
Maintenance – The ongoing maintenance and operating costs of the boiler, including yearly servicing, energy bills and repairs.
Warranty – All boilers come with manufacturers warranty, this can affect the overall cost. Warranties which are longer can cost more or the boiler manufacturer may give you an option to upgrade you warranty a few years for an additional cost.
Boiler Finance: If you choose to finance the boiler there could be additional rates, fees or monthly payments that may get added to your finance agreement depending on the finance option you choose.
Location of installation:
It is very important you check you have the space to install the boiler you are installing.
A combi boiler is a very easy installation, it will fit in a kitchen cupboard.
A system boiler is an easy installation but will need room for it to be fitted and also a hot water storage tank upstairs.
A regular boiler is a much more complexed system to install. It needs room for a boiler, a hot water storage tank upstairs and cold-water tank and hot water tank in the highest point of your house (normally attic/loft).
All three of these types of boilers all need a flue which also has to be thought about if it can go out and external wall horizontally or if it has the room to go vertical on an internal wall or loft space.
Choosing a Reputable Boiler Installer:
First things first make sure they are gas qualified engineers. This is crucial to ensure it’s a safe, legal and reliable installation.
Best ways to check the installer is reputable:
- Credentials: Make sure they are qualified to do the job needed
- Reviews: Have a look online to check there a running company and are getting some Reviews. (Not all companies are bad because they don’t have a 5-star rating so please keep that in mind).
- Places to check: Google, Facebook, Instagram, Yell, Trustpilot and many more.
- Pictures: Have a look on the websites and social media and see what they are posting if the boiler looks like a toilet don’t go with them
- Conversation: Always give them a call to check if they are polite and get a feel for who would be installing the boiler.
- Locals: Ask around see if your neighbour has a good plumber
- US: We can happily help you find an Installer as well. We can get you free quotations of three different companies and one from ourselves.
Maintenance and aftercare:
Regular Maintenance is essential. Boiler servicing is once every year this will make sure your boiler is clean and working also it keeps your boiler manufacturer warranty valid. This will keep your boiler running efficiently and safely for another year. Your boiler needs to be well taken care off this involves servicing, inspections and cleaning this will help prolong the lifespan of your new boiler and could prevent costly repairs. There are also companies who provide a homecare plan which the company will cover you for the year for a monthly cost.
Service Cost (depending on area)
One of boiler service £70 – £120
Conclusion
Choosing the right boiler for your home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. By understanding the different types of Boilers, Sizes, Energy Efficiency Ratings, Budgets, Boiler Installers, and other Features. You can make an informed decision to meet your heating needs and budget requirements. Remember to prioritise Energy Efficiency Ratings, Safety and professionalism to perform outstanding performance and comfort in your home.
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More Help & Advice :
If you would like some further help and advice. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated staff members, they will give you the best advice they possibly can to help.
