Having an efficient, effective boiler will keep you warm, your water hot, and choosing the right boiler can even cut your energy bills. There are three main types of boiler and choosing the right one for your home can be an important financial decision.
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If you’re considering replacing your boiler the number of options available can make it confusing to choose the right one. But taking the time to pick the right boiler for your home and usage is well worth it.
Your boiler choice will depend on your property and your usage. Your area’s water pressure might also be a factor; you don’t want a weak shower!
All new central heating boilers fitted in the UK must now be condensing boilers.
Condensing boilers are easy to fit and are highly efficient. They can cut your carbon footprint by nearly two tonnes and save you up to £275 a year in utility bills.
If you are having a new boiler fitted it’s important to choose the right one for your home.
Combination, or combi boilers are very common. They combine the hot water cylinder and cold water tank of a traditional boiler into one unit. This means they are compact and easy to store making them ideal for smaller homes.
Combi boilers also require less structural change to pipes than other types of boiler so getting one installed is generally cheaper.
A combi boiler can also be more economical than a conventional boiler because they produce heat on demand so they don’t use up energy when its not needed.
System, or sealed-system boilers use cylinder storage. They are usually stored in an airing cupboard meaning it can be difficult to find the space to fit one.
System boilers are ideal for larger homes with multiple bathrooms so if your household has multiple occupants and needs a constant supply of hot water from multiple taps then you might want to consider a system boiler.
If you live in an area with low water pressure then a system boiler can be ideal. They’re pressurised so they will put a stop to weak showers.
Open vent boilers are also known as traditional, regular or conventional boilers. They provide central heating through a storage cylinder housed in an airing cupboard and water tanks in your loft.
Conventional boilers have a high water flow rate so are ideal for powerful showers! However, they can take up a lot of room in your loft space and you will have to wait for the water to heat up again if your hot water runs out.
It’s normal to stick with the boiler you inherit with your new home, but investing in a newer, fuel-efficient boiler that is suitable for your home can shave hundreds off your energy bills.
A new boiler will typically set you back between £2,000 and £3,000 including installation fees. However, you can get a free boiler through the Energy Company Obligation if you meet certain criteria. You have to be on a low income or receive certain benefits and have an inefficient boiler to qualify for the scheme.
Repairs on your boiler can cost up to £300 but you can maximise your boiler’s lifespan by having it serviced regularly. You might want to compare boiler breakdown and repair insurance cover to find the right protection for your boiler.
There are a number of smaller changes you can make to keep your current boiler running efficiently: