Which Boiler is the Best?

Which Boiler is the Best?

A new boiler is going to be one of the most expensive home purchases you make in a year – possibly over several years – so it is important to make the best choice first time.

This is especially the case if you have an old non-condensing boiler. Quoted figures vary but you should be able to save at least £250 a year (and almost 2 tonnes of Co2) by upgrading. If you are unsure whether you have a non-condensing boiler, check the flue where it exits your home. If it is metal and produces no steam, it will be non-condensing.

Understanding Different Types of Boiler

All modern boilers are of the condensing variety (it is a legal requirement), so the choice comes down to the boiler type (combi, conventional (heat only) or system); boiler size and boiler brand.

The most commonly installed boiler type is the combination (combi) boiler. This is most suitable for small homes with good mains pressure throughout since water from the mains is heated directly by the boiler on demand. Combi boilers are the most efficient of the three types since they only heat the water as and when it is called for.

A combination boiler is not suitable for large houses with lots of bathrooms. In this case, a conventional or heat only boiler is better. These boilers require a lot more space with a cold water storage tank in the loft or attic and a hot water storage cylinder. A conventional boiler is commonly seen in older, larger homes.

The third type is the system boiler which includes the components for heating the water within. This means a system boiler needs less space than a conventional boiler. However, it is unable to produce hot water on demand which means the water can take a while to warm up and can run out while it is still needed.

Determining What Size Boiler you Need

So which boiler is the best size for your home? The answer will depend on several factors including the size and layout of your home, the number of occupants and how many bathrooms you have.

Size can mean two things when it comes to boilers: power output and physical size. Clearly, the larger the space you have to heat, the more powerful boiler you will need but you should also bear in mind any future plans for extension as you want to make sure your new boiler will cope with any changes.

There are several online tools available which prompt you to enter details about your home to find the specific boiler that will meet your needs. However, speaking to an experienced heating engineer is one of the best ways to lgather information as they will have in-depth knowledge of the pros and cons of different types and brands.

Brands: Which Boiler is the Best?

Although all modern A-rated boilers are energy efficient, some are more reliable than others. An eye-opening study on the Which? site illustrates the difference between the most and least reliable brands. Whereas only 19% of new reliable brand boiler owners had experienced a fault in the first four years, that number increased to 78% for new unreliable brand owners.

One of the most reliable brands on the market are Worcester Bosch and Moreheat are able to offer some great prices and finance deals on Worcester Bosch. Have a look at the pricing page for more information or call us on 01803 605509 (Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm) or 07792 722232 (out of hours).

You will need to book a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to fit your new boiler so it makes sense to speak to one at the beginning of the process as they have the knowhow and experience to point you in the right direction.