Which Boiler to Choose: What Are Your Options?

Whether you are replacing an existing boiler or are setting up a brand new heating system from scratch, it’s not always so easy to know what to look for. That’s why so many of us rely on local experts to help us decide which boiler to choose!

More often than not, you will likely come across combi boilers as the main option with regard to the types on offer. However, even knowing which combi boiler to choose can be tricky. What’s more, a gas boiler may actually be a better fit for your property.

There are plenty of points to consider, and while a professional boiler installer will help you line up the perfect fit, it pays to know what to expect in advance. Let’s take a quick look at the types of boilers on offer, and which might be of most benefit to you in the long run.

Types of boiler available

When it comes to picking the right boiler, you’ll normally find that there are three main types to choose from. All good installers and heating engineers will normally give you a choice from the three standards, with costs, availability and practicality for your home being the main factors in play

First of all, you’ll probably come across a combi boiler. These boilers tend to be the most cost-effective, the most energy-efficient, and overall the easiest to use day in day out. They take water directly from your inlet, meaning there’s no need to set up a big, bulky water tank to heat up separately. That means hot water when you need it, with very little space.

However, some properties are too large for your average combi boiler, and may even have specific needs that a combi simply can’t reach. Therefore, it may be worth considering a system boiler instead. System boilers cover larger houses and will normally only need a quick water hookup from inside a tank in your airing cupboard or similar.

These also tend to be great choices if you have low water pressure. However, they are time-consuming and can be a pain to maintain.

Thirdly, think about installing a heat only boiler. These systems are sometimes called open vent, and tend to have similar setups to system boilers. However, they are nowhere near as frequently installed these days.

What you’ll need to consider

Chances are, you’re going to need a combi boiler if you have a three to four bedroomed home and a healthy level of water pressure. That’s likely to work well for you regardless, as it’s more efficient than the average setup, and you won’t spend as much in the long run on the smartest of combis.

Knowing which combi boiler to choose, of course, is an issue of a different kind. As mentioned, a professional engineer will help narrow down your choices based on your circumstances and the brands available to you. However, there are still a few things you can keep in mind before you speak with an engineer or installer, so you can prepare yourself and your budget in the meantime:

How many people live at home?

The more people live in your home, the greater the need there will be for heat and warmth. Therefore, it makes sense to look for a boiler that will easily cope with the demand. In some cases, you may need a modern system boiler to heat up bigger homes and to help keep larger families cosy. 

How old are the fittings in your home?

It stands to reason that a property built in the past 25 years will likely have the setup ready to welcome a modern combi boiler. However, this isn’t always the case. The type of boiler that fits your needs may be dictated to you by the way your pipework is set up and the age of the property itself. As such, it makes sense to know a little bit about how everything connects up.

If you end up needing something as simple as a gas boiler – and are unsure which gas boiler to choose – the best engineers will still help you find the ideal fit.

What’s your budget?

Of course, before looking into which new boiler to choose, it really does make sense to look at options within your financial wheelhouse. By having a clear idea on budget before you speak to an engineer, you’ll be able to let them know the boundaries under which they can work to.

This may restrict you in terms of some of the bigger brands, so do consider the long-term savings. A combi boiler’s upfront costs will likely pay off in the months to come, when your bills roll out cheaper than you might expect. What’s more, a top rated boiler from a reputable brand is likely to last you for more than a decade, providing you look after it carefully enough.

How is your home heated?

Ultimately, there may not be much need for a complex or top-end combi boiler or heating system if, for example, your home is already well-heated and protected by impressive insulation and storage heaters. However, you’re still going to need hot water, in which case, it really does pay to consider the best options for your money – it’s an investment.

Conclusion

Knowing which new boiler to choose doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, you can set the ball rolling from a budget perspective by using our online quote tool. Simply fill out a few details, and we will get started looking for boiler engineers and installers in your area who can help you.

Be sure to have a few details to hand before you set up anything with an engineer – and you will no doubt find it easier than expected to line up that perfect, cost-effective boiler for the years and decades to come. Make a point to invest in a solid, reliable boiler that won’t let you down.

Friday, April 8th, 2022 in Blog, Choosing a boiler