Which Boiler Is Right For Me?

Whether you use gas or LPG, choosing a new boiler is a very big decision.

Please read on for a no nonsense description of what the main system types are, how they work, their advantages and what kind of homes they work best in.

If your new boiler is going to be fitted onto your existing central heating system, we may need to review the condition of your existing pipework, valves and radiators as issues with your existing system could cause damage to your new boiler and invalidate any manufacturer’s warranty/guarantee.

Please remember no installation is the same and that’s why our professional heating team will provide you with expert advice and a free quotation.

Please review the following options:

Combi.

A combi (or combination) boiler is a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler contained in a single compact unit. Combi boilers give you unlimited hot water directly from the cold mains when you turn on a tap. With this boiler you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the roof space.

This type of boiler is very cost-effective and energy-efficient as water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a cylinder. An additional benefit is that your hot water is delivered at mains pressure, which means that you can get a powerful shower without the need for a separate pump.

Key benefits of a gas or LPG combi:

• Unlimited mains pressure Hot Water.
• Compact boiler sizes are available. Perfect for smaller properties or fitting within kitchen units.
• No need for a hot water cylinder, frees up cupboard/loft space.
• No cold water storage tank so less risk of loft tank/pipework freezing.
• Less pipework in the home makes installation typically cheaper.

Unvented:

Gas system boilers require a cylinder (usually unvented) for storing hot water, however the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making it quicker and easier to install. In addition, there is no need for a tank in the loft, so it can be an option in a home with little or no loft space or where the space is earmarked for a conversion.

Key benefits of a gas system or oil system boiler:

• Ideal for homes with more than one bathroom/shower.
• Constant supply of hot water to more than one tap/shower at the same time.
• No need for a loft tank, freeing up space and eliminating worries about leaks or frost damage.
• Economical to run.
• Built-in components makes installation quicker and neater.

Regular:

Regular boilers (commonly known as traditional, conventional or heat only boilers) are ideally suited to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder. These boilers also need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder. This type of system will also have a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.

A regular boiler may be the best option for replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it might not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combi boilers.

Key benefits of a gas or LPG regular boiler:

• Can sometimes be the best choice when replacing an existing boiler due to the condition of the current radiators and pipework.
• A good option in areas where water pressure is low
• Can be good for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time
• Can be ideal where there are two or more bathrooms.

For more information on Which Boiler Is Right For Me? talk to Heat Secured