It is a big decision to install a new boiler. With so many options, how can you choose the right boiler for your home? It is important to consider your heating and hot water requirements before making this purchase. Consider how much hot water your family uses, the size of your home, the fuel available to you, and what type of boilers you can install.
Other factors, such as energy efficiency or renewable energy options, may be important to consider. This guide will help you choose the right boiler for you.
What are the differences between boilers?
Before we go into the details of choosing a boiler that suits your heating needs and your home’s size, it is important to understand the types of boilers available.
Conventional boilers
A boiler can heat water and then store it in a hot tank. The hot water tank will keep it warm for hours until you need it. You will need to wait until more hot water is heated up and the tank can be refilled.
These systems work well in larger homes with multiple bathrooms and radiators. However, the tank can take up considerable space. The cupboard that houses the tank can be used as an airing cupboard by many people.
Combi-boilers
The most widely used boiler in the UK is the combi boiler. Combi boilers provide hot water on demand directly from the mains, without needing to be connected to storage tanks. A combi boiler supplies hot water at mains pressure and allows you to use your shower without the need of an additional pump.
The boiler’s components can all be contained in one unit, so there is no need to have a separate hot-water tank. This makes them ideal for small properties.
A storage combi boiler is for homes that have more space. These boilers work just like a combi boiler but have a hot-water tank that is similar to a traditional system. This allows for excess hot water to be stored and then used later.
Boilers for system boilers
System boilers supply hot water directly to the storage cylinder and radiators of your home. This system is similar to a combi boiler. The main components are contained in one unit which makes installation and maintenance much easier. These boilers are great for homes with multiple bathrooms or properties that need more hot water than a combi.
The right boiler type
After you’ve learned about the main types of replacement boiler, it is time to think about which one you will like best, based on your current system and how much space there is.
Space Available
Your home’s space could determine the type of boiler you need. A lot of smaller homes don’t have enough storage space to accommodate a separate hot-water tank. A combi boiler is a better option than a standalone boiler.
System in place
You should consider whether you want to keep the system that is already in place at your home. It is usually best to keep the same system for cost and convenience, but there are times when it may be more practical to change to a different system. Older homes are more likely to have the best system, while newer buildings will often have it. Be aware that different systems may require different amounts space, so they might not be the best fit for you.
Hot water
Your hot water consumption will determine the type of boiler you choose. A combi boiler may not be suitable if there is a high demand for hot water at multiple outlets simultaneously. However, this will depend on the space available.
The right size boiler
After you have decided on the type of boiler that you want, it is important to choose one that can handle the heating and hot-water needs of your home. A two-bedroom terraced house, for example, will require a smaller boiler than one that can heat a five-bedroom detached home.
Hot water demand
When deciding on the size boiler to purchase, one of the most important considerations is how much hotwater you are likely or will use in the future. Your needs will increase if you have young children.
A 24-30 kW boiler is recommended for most households that have a single shower and bath. It is possible to select a larger boiler of 30-35 kW if there is an additional bathroom.
A system boiler that stores hotwater in a storage tank may be better suited for bathrooms with multiple bathrooms. A system boiler heats hot water and stores it in a storage cylinder. This can be adjusted to your heating needs.
Property size
Your boiler will likely be the primary source of heating in your home. It is important to select a large boiler to produce enough heat to heat your entire home. The heat output of a domestic boiler is usually measured in terms. It typically ranges between 5 and 35 kW.
You should not choose a system or conventional boiler that is too large for your home. For example, a boiler with a capacity of 15 radiators can be installed in a house that only has one. This will lead to a higher energy bill as well as a wasteful use of gas and electricity.
A combi boiler’s size is determined usually by its hot water demand. Before making a recommendation or fitting, a qualified heating contractor will evaluate this information.
Heat loss
If most of the heat generated by your boiler or heating system is leaving your home, it’s not worth having one. This is not only a wasteful of energy, but it could also lead to unexpectedly high bills from your energy supplier.
It is possible to calculate how much heat your home is losing using a formula. This calculation takes into consideration the size of your room, the number and quality of insulation, as well as the number and location of radiators. A professional can calculate the heat loss from your home on the coldest days of the year. This information can be used to determine the best boiler size.
To compensate for heat loss, you shouldn’t make your boiler too big. It was not uncommon to select a boiler that was more than 30% larger than necessary in the past. Technology has made it obsolete. This will result in wasted energy and leave you with no money.
Are you looking to replace your gas boiler
Selecting the right type of fuel
Many homes have gas and electricity mains connections, so it is easy to run appliances using these fuels. A gas boiler may not be an option for people who live in rural areas or have limited access to natural gas. You should also consider oil boilers.
Green energy options may be something you are interested in. However, they will also have an impact on the choice of your heating system and boiler.
Mains gas
Mains gas is the most popular fuel in the UK, with most UK homes already connected to it. Gas boilers are reliable and non-renewable.
Oil
The most popular alternative for properties not connected to the gas network is oil. It is used by approximately 4.3 million households in the UK. Oil boilers, unlike gas combi-boilers are non-condensing, and may need more space. They also offer lower hot water flows rates.
Alternative energy and biomass
Consider biomass and other sources of alternative energy. A biomass system is a good option if you have the storage space and can burn fuels that need a flue. These boilers can be powered by renewable fuels, which is a more environmentally-friendly option.
They are typically powered by wood pellets or chips, and can also help save you money on your energy bills. Air source heat pumps, ground heat pumps, and fuel cell technology are becoming more popular options for energy for your boiler. These technologies are compatible with modern boilers.
Future energy sources
It is also worth considering whether your boiler was designed to be compatible with future energy sources. Advanced gas boilers can now be used with solar energy. Oil systems can also be run partially on bio-oil, making them more sustainable and future-proof.
Which boiler is the best for me?
We’ve now covered the different types of boilers, their fuel and how to choose the right size boiler for your home. You can find more examples depending on which type of home you have below.
What boiler is best for a semi-detached three-bed?
Semi-detached homes tend to retain heat more effectively than detached houses. Because your house is attached to your neighbour’s house on one side, there are less external walls through heat loss. The heat from the neighbour’s house will insulate your home, decreasing heat loss.
A storage combi boiler is recommended for a semi-detached house with three bedrooms and one bathroom. These systems can heat water on demand but also include a tank to store hot water. You don’t need to have a separate, bulky storage tank which could take up valuable space.
Which boiler is best for a house with four bedrooms?
A conventional boiler is the best option for a four-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms and families that want to share a shower. They can easily supply large homes with many radiators.
What boiler is best for a 3-bed terraced house with three bedrooms?
A compact combi boiler is recommended for a three-bedroom terraced home. It can be fitted into standard kitchen units or similar cabinets elsewhere in the house. This is a great option if you don’t have much storage space in your home.
