Buying the right boiler and having it installed in your house is a major decision. Your new boiler must provide heating and hot water to efficiently meet your needs. Since there are so many options available in the market, it’s easy to be confused. There are so many things you have to consider when choosing a new boiler for your home.
We recommend that you start by defining your current and near-future hot water and heating needs. This may depend on the size of your family, the area of your house, and the geographical location of your property. Then there are concerns about energy efficiency and renewable energy options, all while ensuring you save money where you can. Lost? Let’s make buying a new boiler simple for you.
Types of boilers
The best way to start is by understanding the types of boilers available. There are three major types of boilers out there. They include conventional boilers, combi boilers, and system boilers. Let’s explain them briefly to understand their differences.
Conventional boilers
A conventional boiler is one where water is heated and stored in a tank until it is needed. Once all the heated water is used up you will have to wait until the boiler heats fresh water. This kind of boiler is usually used in large houses that have numerous bedrooms. Please note that the tank of a conventional boiler may take up a lot of space so you need to install it in a spacious location.
Combi boilers
These are also called combination boilers and are quite popular in the UK. These boilers don’t require a hot water tank and provide hot water directly from the mains. Since these boilers provide you with hot water at the same pressure as your water supply, you don’t need a pump to supply water across your house. If you are living in a property with limited space such as an apartment, this can be the boiler of choice for you.
If you have a small house with 2-bedrooms and you want to use a combi boiler for ease, you can go for a storage combi. These unique boilers work just like a regular combi boiler, but they come complete with a storage tank.
System boilers
System boilers directly supply heated water to a storage cylinder and attached radiators in your house. It is similar to a combi boiler because the main components are stored in one unit which makes installation easier. These boilers are perfect for residential properties with more than one bathroom. If you are uncomfortable with a storage combi-boiler, a system boiler will be the right one for you.
Which boiler should you choose for your home?
We now have a good understanding of the available types of boilers so it’s time to move on to deciding the perfect boiler for your house. Here are the factors you need to consider to zero in on the right boiler.
Available Space
The size of your property is a major factor in deciding the right boiler for your home. If you are living in a property with limited space, you can go for a combi boiler. If you are living in a large house and have space for a storage tank you can go for a conventional boiler. Similarly, if you have a 3-bed apartment and no space for a storage tank, a system boiler will meet your needs.
Existing System
The existing system is another important factor that you should consider while buying a new boiler because it will directly impact your costs. Sometimes our needs change and we think that another type of boiler would suit us better. You need to consider your options before you make the final decision. If you have the means to install a new system in your house, you can choose any boiler. It is usually recommended that you retain the previous system from the perspective of practicality and costs.
Hot Water Requirements
You also need to consider your requirements when you think about buying a new boiler. If you have a large family and need a lot of hot water then a conventional boiler will be the best choice for you. Similarly, if you are living in a one-bedroom apartment then a combi boiler may work best for you.
How often should I service my boiler.
Take a look here to find out more about servicing your boiler
Conclusion
Buying a new boiler is a major decision and it can cost you a lot if you get the wrong boiler installed in your house. Remember the three types of boilers (conventional, combi, and system) and their uses/capacities, and then consider your requirements before buying a new boiler.
