Installing a new boiler is a major decision, and with so many options available, how do you know which boiler is the best one for your home? Before making this decision, it’s important to think about your current and future heating and hot water needs. You should consider how much hot water you and your family use, the size of your property, the fuel that is available to you, your existing system and the types of boiler you can have installed. You may also want to consider other factors such as energy efficiency and options for renewable energy use. Keep reading for a handy guide that can help you decide which boiler is right for you.
Before we get into the specifics of how to choose a boiler based on your heating needs and the size of your home, it’s important to know what types of boiler there are to choose from.
- Conventional Boilers
A conventional boiler is able to heat water up and store it in a hot water tank, keeping it warm for hours until it is needed. Once the stored hot water runs out, you will need to wait for more to be heated and the tank to be refilled. These systems are better for larger homes that have multiple bathrooms and lots of radiators, however the tank can take up a considerable amount of space. Many people use the cupboard where the tank is stored as an airing cupboard.
- Combi-boilers
Combination boilers, commonly known as combi boilers, work by providing on-demand hot water directly from the mains without having to be connected to a storage tank. As a combi boiler provides hot water at mains pressure, it allows you to use a shower without the need for an additional shower pump. All of the components are contained within one unit and there is no need for a separate hot water tank, making these boilers ideal for properties with limited space.
- System boilers
System boilers work by directly supplying hot water to a storage cylinder and the radiators in your home. Similar to a combi boiler, the main components of this system are stored in one unit, making installation and servicing simpler. These types of boiler are ideal for properties with more than one bathroom or those that require more hot water than a combi can provide.
Choosing the Right Type of Boiler
Now that you’ve been introduced to the three main types of boiler available, you should have a think about which one will be most beneficial for you, depending on your existing system and how much space you have to house it. As well as providing your hot water, your boiler will probably be the main source of heating for your property. This means that it is essential to choose a boiler that is large enough to provide sufficient heat output to supply your entire property. Domestic boiler size is measured in terms of heat output, which typically ranges from 5 to 35 kW.
You shouldn’t oversize your boiler to compensate for heat loss. In the past, it was common practice to choose an oversized boiler that was as much as 30 percent bigger than required. However, with advances in technology, this is no longer necessary and will only result in wasted energy, leaving you out of pocket.
Choosing the Right Fuel Type
Most homes are connected to the electricity and gas mains supply, so running appliances with these fuels isn’t difficult. However, for those in more rural locations or without access to gas, a gas boiler isn’t necessarily an option. Oil boilers should be considered too. You may even want to look into green energy sources; however, these will have an impact on your choice of heating system and boiler, too.
You may also wish to consider whether your boiler is designed with future energy sources in mind. Some advanced gas boilers are now made to be compatible with solar energy, whilst oil systems can be equipped to be partially run on bio-oil mixes, helping to make them future proof and more ecological.
If you need more information about boiler installation and maintenance, you should turn to expert companies like Beato Fuel Corp. Click here to visit their website today!