Expert advice on how to find the best condensing boiler for your home. From choosing the right size to the ideal type, we'll help you buy a boiler that won't let you down.
A new boiler is likely to be one of the most expensive home purchases you will make. It is therefore important to choose the right boiler from the right company at the right price.
The key is to replace an old non-condensing boiler with a modern system – a condensing boiler which can improve efficiency by more than 30%, saving a significant amount on your annual heating bill.
What kind of boiler do you need?
Below we explain the key parameters to consider when buying a boiler to help you choose the best type for your home.
The two different boiler types to choose from are:
Combi boiler – Ideal for small apartments.
These boilers are available in various sizes and power.
If you live in a small house, you won't need a beast boiler to heat it.
The thermal power of a boiler is measured in kw. Less than 27kw is considered a small boiler, 28-34kw medium sized and over 34kw a large boiler. Always consult your engineer for the correct boiler size.
Combi boilers are ideal for smaller houses with only one bathroom. However, they do not offer a good supply of hot water to more than one source at the same time.
But if you have decided to install a combi boiler, but you are almost certain that it may sometimes be necessary for the shower to work simultaneously with another device, then you could consider installing an electric shower.
Boiler heating system – Ideal if you have the space.
Boilers come in different sizes or power outputs.
If you live in a four-room house, you won't want a pellet stove powering your heating. As we said always consult your engineer about the correct size of your boiler and let them know about any changes that will be made in the future – such as a loft conversion or extension.
Boiler heating systems can heat and store several liters of hot water in containers (boilers) and then supply it to more than one tap at a time. This means you may run out of hot water if you haven't programmed the boiler to get hot enough for your needs.
The size of the water storage tank depends on the space you have, but usually they are placed either in an attic, in a closet or in a basement. If you don't have space in your home for all of these, you can't go for this boiler solution for your heating.
Heating systems are ideal for large homes and large families that require plenty of hot water from more than one source at the same time.
Why is boiler efficiency important?
If you have gas central heating, your boiler will account for around 60% of your home's CO2 emissions. This makes boiler selection a key priority if you want to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.
Boiler performance is an integral part of independent boiler assessments. You can filter boiler reviews by efficiency rating, but the reality is that there isn't much disparity when it comes to modern condensing boilers – most will be around 90% efficient.
Replacing a common non-condensing boiler with a modern condensing boiler can improve efficiency by up to a third and save you a significant amount on your energy bills. But the key to getting the most efficient new boiler is choosing the right type of boiler and the size of your home.