What type of boiler do I need?
When it comes to buying a new boiler you want to choose one that fits your needs as it’s not a one size fits all and there are a few things that you will need to consider.
You may have already done some research of your own and found a mind boggling amount of information. You may have come across condensing boilers and non-condensing boilers but what does this mean? Put simply it is the way the boiler is programmed to use fuel when it comes to heating your home.
As of 1st April 2005, all new gas boilers fitted in the UK had to be condensed. The change in regulation means non-condensing boilers are not allowed to be used for new installations. Condensing boilers are mandatory for new installs and must use condensed programming as standard.
This change means that you can guarantee that your boiler is energy efficient and better for the environment. Condensing boilers significantly reduce carbon emissions and could save you up to 1,220kig of carbon a year.
With that said, you will need to choose the type of boiler that fits your needs. In this article we will give you an overview of the three commonly used boilers and also take a look at the pros and cons of each.
The three boilers we will be looking at are:
- Regular (Conventional) Boiler
- Combi Boiler
- System Boiler
SAFETY FIRST
A faulty or poorly maintained gas boiler or heating system poses many risks.
HEALTH RISKS
Gas or carbon monoxide emissions can be toxic, explosive and fatal.
WARMTH & COMFORT
We all need the comfort of warmth in the cold weather, none more so than the elderly, vulnerable or young children.
REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPENSIVE REPAIRS
Minimise the likelihood of faults, a breakdown or emergency call-out costs for boiler or heating system repairs
AVOID BREAKDOWNS
Nobody wants to be caught-out with a boiler breakdown, which can be a real inconvenience in the cold weather when you need it most
SAVE MONEY ON BILLS & REPAIRS
A more efficient and well maintained boiler will save you money on heating bills and repairs
SUSTAINED PERFORMANCE
A well maintained boiler and heating system will perform more efficiently
MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY
Boiler manufacturers warranty’s usually require an annul boiler service to be carried out
LANDLORDS – A LEGAL REQUIREMENT
Landlords are required to have an annual boiler service as part of a Gas Safety Check
WAITING FOR REPAIRS
Winter is the time when heating engineers are at their busiest working on repairs
CARBON MONOXIDE – KNOW THE RISKS.
Not wanting scare you, but more to make you aware of the risks; Carbon Monoxide is real danger to anyone with fuel burning appliance in the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning most commonly occurs in old and/or poorly maintained boilers and heating systems. That does not mean to say a new system is full-proof. A fault can just as easily occur in a new boiler or heating system.
Carbon monoxide is toxic gas produced by burning gas and in a normal system it is vented out of the house. It is known as ‘the silent killer’ simply because it is odourless, tasteless and invisible – so most people don’t realise they are being poisoned.
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE A BOILER SERVICE?
An annual boiler service and gas safety check is considered the best way to help minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, faults or failures in your heating system, but most importantly to keep your household safe. To illustrate the importance of a boiler service and safety check, as a landlord letting a rental property, an annual Landlord’s Gas Safety Check is a legal requirement.
For the vast majority of households an annual boiler service will suffice and serve to keep a good check on the condition of your boiler. It will usually help pre-empt any potential problems before they become a risk or a unexpected fault that can be expensive repair. It is of course important to point out that if you believe there to be a fault, notice a smell of gas or even if you are just concerned, it is important to least speak to, if not get your boiler checked by a qualified Gas Safe Registered heating engineer.
In short, it is so important to have an annual boiler service performed by a skilled Gas Safe Registered heating engineer.
ARRANGING YOUR ANNUAL BOILER SERVICE
Nobody wants to take a risk with gas, or be caught-out with an inconvenient boiler breakdown which can often prove to be expensive. Arranging an annual boiler service makes sense, is quick and easy to do and it gives you great peace of mind.