There are instances wherein it is already becoming more expensive to maintain your existing boiler compared to getting a new one. However, before you go ahead and buy a replacement for your boiler, you must have a good idea of what to look for because getting a new one can prove to be overwhelming with all the options available in the market.
In line with this, below are some of the things that you need to keep in mind in getting a new boiler.
The Type of Boiler
One of the primary things that you need to consider in getting a new boiler for your home is the type of boiler that you should get. Some of the most common boiler types include the combi, system, and heat only boilers, with which you will be able to effortlessly obtain boiler quotes online. However, you may find that their overall cost and payment method may slightly vary depending on the specific type. Before digging deeper into the amount of money you have to shell out, below are some of the advantages and drawbacks of each type.
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Combi Boilers
Combi boilers only heat the water used, which in effect, minimizes heat loss and fuel waste. This type of boiler also tends to save space because of the absence of a water tank, making them perfect for households with limited space. However, if you use two or more taps simultaneously, the flow of hot water may be limited. Likewise, it may also take a while for the water to heat up.
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System Boilers
System boilers are perfect if you have high hot water demand because you have a large household. This type of boiler is also capable of maintaining high water pressure because it provides water directly from the main pipe. That’s why you need to hire a boiler service and make yearly services to make sure that it runs perfectly. The great news is that system boilers are also compatible with solar thermal systems, making them compatible with energy-efficient homes. However, these boilers tend to take a lot of space because they come with a water tank, and the amount of hot water that you can use is dependent on the size of the tank that you install.
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Heat Only Boilers
Heat only boilers work perfectly even if the main pressure is low or even if multiple taps are being used simultaneously. This type of boiler is also easy to maintain because its design is quite simple. However, heat only boilers tend to provide low pressure for both showers and taps, and these are also unsuitable for small properties. The reason behind this is that a heat-only boiler needs space for both a hot and a cold water tank.
Fuel Used
Aside from the type of boiler stated above, you also need to consider the fuel that a boiler utilizes. Generally, you will be able to find gas, oil, LPG, or electric-powered boilers. Gas-fueled boilers are the most commonly used type of boilers in several households, but this entails the need for the services of a Gas Safe registered engineer upon installation. Oil-fueled boilers on the other hand are suitable for properties without a reliable gas source. While the latter is more efficient compared to gas-fueled boilers, they are relatively slower in providing hot water.
LPG boilers are cheaper compared to oil-fueled boilers, but these require separate external storage. Like with a gas-fueled boiler, LPG boilers also need to be installed by Gas Safe registered engineers. Conversely, electric-powered boilers tend to be the most compact boiler available, and these even run more quietly too compared to the rest of the other types of boilers. However, when used in larger households, these can prove to be inefficient in immediately providing hot water.
Size
With a good idea of the different types of boiler, you will be able to decide better on which size of the boiler is perfect for your household. Make sure to consider the heating and hot water capabilities of the boiler, as well as its physical size to ensure that it will fit the space that you have allocated for it. The perfect size of the boiler depends on your specific household such as the number of bathrooms that you have, as well as the number of people living in your house.
Efficiency
A boiler’s efficiency is typically associated with its power rating. For instance, if you have a large home, then you need a boiler with a higher power rating to efficiently supply your heat and hot water needs. Subsequently, if you have a smaller home, a boiler with a lower power rating may prove to be sufficient in meeting your needs. You also need to think about plans and renovations because in case you are planning to expand your space, then it is most likely that you will also be increasing your heating demand.
Brand
Boilers come in different brands, and you should go for a trustworthy one. In this case, make sure that you check the awards that the brand has garnered because this is a good sign that they are producing reliable boilers. It is also noteworthy to consider the warranty they offer because this is an indication that they are manufacturing high-quality boilers. This implies that they don’t expect their products to break down in the number of years they have specified, regardless of whether they provide a five or ten-year guarantee.
Before getting a new boiler, it is a good idea that you exert an extra effort to research about the different types, sizes, and power ratings of various boilers. This will help you determine if the boiler that you are considering best fits your home or whether you need another type, a different size, or one that has a lower or a higher power rating. Alongside this, it is also worth it to consider the brand and the prize of the boiler, as well as taking a look into some of the unbiased reviews from engineers and other consumers that obtained the same type of boiler you are looking at. All these are geared towards ensuring that you get the boiler that is appropriate for your home.
