You might be wondering, “which boiler should I choose?” or “which boiler would be best for my property?”. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which boiler would be best.
If you’re looking around for a new boiler, you might feel a little bit overwhelmed at the sheer amount of choice currently on offer. Boilers come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s entirely up to you to find a model that suits your property, the water pressure in your area and the number of bathrooms in your home.
To help you make a decision, our expert Plumbers in Bolton have put together a quick guide to the most common types of boilers in the UK, including combi boilers, system boilers and conventional boilers. Whichever one you choose, it’s important to understand that it must be a condensing boiler.
UK law stipulates that every new boiler installed in the country now has to be a condensing boiler because of their excellent energy efficiency ratings. Condensing boilers have large heat exchangers, which ensure over 90% energy efficiency that will help save your money and reduce your carbon footprint.
So… which boiler should I choose?
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are very common and are often the most convenient and cost-efficient for most domestic properties. This is because they let homeowners control their hot water and central heating all in one place, as well as getting rid of the need for a water tank or cylinder that could consume space in your property. Combi boilers also have many other benefits, which you should consider:
- You won’t have to wait for the water to heat up
- Water is delivered from the mains
- There’s a low risk of pipes freezing
- Absolutely no loft space is required for installation
- Excellent choice for smaller homes where space is limited
- Responsive to tap usage
But, with that being said, there are some potential disadvantages too, which include:
- It might not work with your type of shower
- Combi boilers don’t allow you to run multiple appliances at once
- It might not be an efficient choice for larger homes with more than one bathroom
- Combi boilers tend not to work great in areas with low water pressure
If you live in a larger property, in an area where water pressure is quite low, a combi boiler probably won’t be the best choice for you.
System Boilers
System boilers are an excellent choice for homes with more than one bathroom, because they offer a constant supply of hot water. They do require the installation of a cylinder that will take up a bit of space. They don’t, however, come with a water tank, meaning that installation is quite easy and quick. Some advantages may include:
- System boilers are very economical
- They’re also very energy efficient and compatible with solar thermal systems
- They don’t really take up too much space
A system boiler won’t be a great choice for you if you don’t have the space for a cylinder. They also require quite a lot of insulation to prevent losing heat, and you might need to wait for the water to reheat if you use a large amount.
Conventional Boilers
Conventional boilers are made up of a cylinder and a water storage tank, which isn’t a great option for people with smaller properties. However, they’re beneficial for homeowners that might need large amounts of water on a daily basis. Some other advantages of conventional boilers include:
- They can supply water to more than one bathroom at once
- They’re energy efficient and compatible with solar thermal systems
- They work quite well in areas with a lower water pressure
You should be wary of conventional boilers, though, if you’re low on space and often need hot water instantly, because conventional boilers need time to warm up the cylinder and are not responsive to taps in the same way combi boilers are.
Next Steps
Once you’ve found your new boiler, you need to find a plumbing company to install it for you. This cannot be done yourself unless you have the necessary qualifications; attempting to install a boiler yourself is dangerous and can be fatal.
Give us a call to get started 01204693333.
If you’re still asking yourself “which boiler should I choose?” after reading this guide, please get in touch and we’d be more than happy to help.