Which boiler should I choose?
If you’re on the lookout for a new boiler, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed at the sheer amount of choice on offer. Boilers come in all shapes and sizes and it is up to you to find a model that suits the type and size of your property, the water pressure in your area, and the number of bathrooms and showers in your home.
To help you make a decision, we’ve put together a guide to the most common boiler varieties in the UK, including combi boilers, system boilers, and conventional boilers. Whichever boiler you choose, however, it is important to understand that it must be a condensing boiler. UK law stipulates that every new boiler installed in the country has to be a condensing model thanks to their excellent energy efficiency ratings. Indeed, condensing boilers feature large heat exchangers which ensure over 90% energy efficiency and can help you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Combi boilers
Combi boilers are very common and are often the most cost-effective and convenient solution for domestic residences. This is because they allow homeowners to control both their hot water and central heating in one place, as well as eliminating the need for a water tank or cylinder that could end up consuming precious space in the property. Combi boilers also have a range of other benefits you should consider including:
– No need to wait for the water to heat up when you need hot water or central heating
– Water is delivered straight from the mains
– Low risk of pipes freezing during winter
– No loft space is required for installation
– Excellent for small homes where space is at a premium
– Responsive to tap usage
As with all types of boiler, however, there are some potential disadvantages including:
– It may not work with your particular type of shower
– Combi boilers do not allow users to run multiple appliances at the same time
– It may not be an efficient choice for people with larger homes and a number of bathrooms
– Combi boilers tend not to work well in areas with low water pressure.
If you live in a big home in an area where water pressure is low, therefore, a combi boiler is probably not for you.
System boilers
System boilers are great for homes with more than one bathroom as they offer a constant supply of hot water. They require the installation of a storage cylinder that will take up a little space in the home. They do not, however, come with a water tank, meaning that installation is relatively easy and quick. Other advantages include:
– System boilers are very economical
– They are energy efficient and compatible with solar thermal systems
– They do not take up too much space so can be installed in small homes
A system boiler may not be for you, however, if you do not have the space for a cylinder. They also require plenty of insulation to prevent heat loss and you may need to wait for the water to reheat if you use large amounts of hot water.
Conventional boilers
A conventional boiler is made up of a water storage tank and a cylinder – not a great option for people with small homes. They are, however, beneficial for homeowners who require large amounts of hot water on a daily basis. Other advantages include:
– Conventional boilers can supply water to a number of bathrooms at once
– They are energy efficient and compatible with solar thermal systems
– They work well in areas with low water pressure.
You should be wary of conventional boilers, however, if you are low on space and often require hot water on demand. This is because conventional boilers often need time to warm up the cylinder and are not responsive to taps in the same way that combi boilers are.
Next steps: Installing your boiler
Once you have found the right boiler, you will need to arrange for it to be installed. This is where we come in. Get in touch with Pulse Plumbing & Heating today for all of your plumbing needs.
