A new boiler can be a significant decision. There are so many options. How do you decide which one is right for you? You need to assess your heating and hot-water needs before you make this important decision. It is important to consider the amount of hot water that you use and how big your property is. Also, what fuel you have available and what types of boilers are possible.
It is also worth considering other factors like energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. We’ve created this quick guide to help you decide on the best boiler for your needs.
What are the various types of boilers available?
Before we can get into the details about how to choose the right boiler for you based on your heating requirements and the size of the home, it is important that you know the different types of boilers.
Conventional boilers
A conventional boiler heats water up and stores it in a hot-water tank. It keeps it warm for hours until it’s needed. After the hot water has run out, it will be necessary to heat more water and refill the tank.
These systems are more suitable for homes with many bathrooms and radiators. Many people use the cabinet where the tank is kept as an airing closet.
Combi-boilers
Combi boilers are the most common type of replacement boiler in the UK. These boilers supply hot water immediately from the mains and do not require storage tanks. Combi boilers provide hot water at mains pressure. This allows you to shower without the use of a separate shower pump.
These boilers are ideal for homes with small spaces as all of their components are contained in one unit.
Storage combis are a type boiler that can be used in homes that have more space. They function like a combi boiler with a hot water tank. However, they can be used to store excess hot water for later.
Boiler system
System boilers provide hot water by directly connecting to a storage tank and the radiators within your home. The main components of the system, similar to a combi, are housed in one unit. This makes it easier to install and maintain. These boilers are perfect for properties with multiple bathrooms, or those who require hotter water than a combi.
Selecting the right boiler
You should now be familiar with the three major types of boilers available. Now you can think about which one is best for you based on your system and the space it takes up.
Space available
The type of boiler that you choose could depend on the space in your home. Smaller properties may not have the space for a separate hot water tank. You may not have enough space to house a boiler. A combination boiler, which has both a hot water tank and cold water tank, would be a better choice.
Current system
It is important that you consider whether you would like to keep the existing system in your home. While it is generally best to keep the system in place for practicality and cost, there may be times when you can switch to a better system. This is especially true for older homes, as the optimal system will be in place for newer constructions. Different systems will require different amounts of space so that they are always compatible.
Hot water
The hot water use will also influence the type of boiler that you choose. The type of boiler you choose will also depend on how much hot water you use. A system boiler or a conventional boiler with a hot water tank may be more appropriate than a combi boiler.
Choose the right size boiler
It is crucial to choose the right type of boiler for your home. A smaller boiler will be needed for a house with two bedrooms than a detached house with five bedrooms.
Hot water demand
The first thing to consider when choosing the size of your boiler, is how much hotwater will you use or expect to use in future. You will need more hot water if your family is young.
A 24-30kW boiler is usually recommended for households with one bath and one shower. A larger boiler with a 30-35 kW rating is recommended for households that have an additional bathroom.
However, if you have multiple bathrooms, a system boiler which stores hot water in an cylinder might be more appropriate. A system boiler heats the hot water before it is stored in a cylinder. It can also be sized to meet your home’s heating requirements.
Dimensions of the property
Your boiler will provide hot water and heat for your property. A large enough boiler should be able to provide sufficient heat output for your entire property. A domestic boiler’s size is determined by its heat output. This typically ranges from 5 to 25 kW.
A system and conventional boiler should be chosen that fits your home. This will result in higher energy bills and waste of gas or electricity.
The size of a combi boiler is often determined by how hot water you use. A qualified heating installer can assess this for your before making any recommendations and fitting the boiler.
Heat loss
It doesn’t make sense to have a heating system and boiler that produce most of the heat outside your home. This is not only wasteful but could lead to unexpectedly high energy bills.
A calculation can be used for calculating how much heat your house is losing. It considers the area of the room as well as the number of radiators, windows, doors, and insulation. An expert can determine how much heat your home will lose on coldest days and help you choose the right size boiler.
Your boiler should not be too large to compensate for heat losses. In the past it was common to get a boiler that was 30 percent larger than needed. With technological advances, this is no longer a good idea. It will waste energy and leave you short of cash.
Do you need to replace your existing gas boiler?
Choose the right fuel type
Most homes are connected to both the gas and electricity mains supply so running appliances with these fuels shouldn’t be a problem. Gas boilers are not an option for those who live in remote areas or don’t have access to natural gas. Oil boilers are also worth considering.
You might also want to consider green energy sources. But, this will impact your decision on heating system or boiler.
Mains gas
Mains gas is the most widely used fuel type in the UK. Most UK homes are already connected. A gas boiler is the most reliable source of non-renewable fuel. It is also considered the cleanest.
Oil
An estimated 4.3 million UK homes use oil as an alternative to gas. Oil boilers are not condensing and require less space than gas combi-boilers. They also have a lower hot-water flow rate.
Alternative energy, biomass, and other sources
You should also consider alternative energy sources such as biomass. A biomass system may be a viable option for you if you have enough storage space and the ability to burn fuels without a flue. These boilers can also be used to heat renewable fuels.
These boilers are usually powered by wood pellets, logs, or chips. They can save money and help the environment. There are many other options to get energy for your boiler, including ground source heat pump technology, air source heat pump technology and fuel cell technology. They are all becoming more compatible with modern boilers.
Future energy sources
Also, you might want to think about whether your boiler has been designed with future energy sources. Many advanced gas boilers can now run on solar energy. Some oil systems can also run on biooil. This makes them more environmentally friendly and future-proof.
Which boiler is right for my home?
We have now gone over the types of boilers and the fuel they use. And how to choose a size that is right for you. Below are some examples that correspond to the type of house you live in.
What is the best boiler to heat a three-bed semi?
Semi-detached properties tend to retain their heat better that detached homes. Because there are fewer walls that heat can escape, your house is attached on one side to the neighbour. Your neighbour’s heat will heat your house and help reduce heat loss.
We recommend that you install a storage combination boiler for a three-bedroom semi with a main bathroom. These systems heat water as needed, but they also have an integrated tank that can store hot water. This eliminates the need for a bulky storage container that can take up valuable space.
What boiler is the best for a four-bedroom home?
A conventional boiler might be the best option if you have four bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. They are able to meet the needs of large households with lots of radiators.
What boiler would be the best for a three-bedroom terraced house?
We recommend a compact combi boiler for a 3-bedroom terraced house. It will fit into a standard kitchen cabinet or another similar space. If you don’t have much storage space, it’s ideal.