Owing to the various models of different boilers, choosing a new one for your home can be a challenging quest. The task gets more overwhelming when you consider the different varieties of fuels. Keeping in mind the years a new boiler lasts as well as the cost, it’s essential to take time to research a suitable outdoor boiler for your home and your way of living. Details such as your heating and hot water needs, future structural changes in your house, and the type of fuel at your disposal should be noted before installing a new boiler. The factors below will help you gain insight into the right boiler for your home.
Types Of Boilers
Before making a purchase, you must get acquainted with the existing types of boilers and their operations.
Combination (Combi) Boiler: Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains whenever the hot tap is turned. They do not require a hot water tank as all components are a sealed system. Combis are compact and thus are suitable for small homes as they take up less space. They are also easily installed. Combis enable the use of a shower short of an extra shower pump as it supplies hot water at mains pressure. However, a combi boiler provides hot water once at a time. This characteristic makes it ideal for small families with only one bathroom.
System Boiler: This type of boiler has a sealed heating system that provides hot water to the cylinder. Works perfectly for homes with more than a single bathroom. The system boiler is compact as well. Therefore, they are easy to install as the main components are built. System boilers allow several outlets to supply hot water at the same time due to the availability of a hot water cylinder. When used excessively, system boilers run out of hot water and might pose challenges such as loss of pressure.
Conventional (Heat-Only) Boilers: Conventional boilers work by the use of a separate hot water tank, unlike system boilers. This boiler operates using a feed tank as well as a storage tank. Conventional boilers can reserve hot water for long periods due to the open-vented system. Heat-only boilers ensure a consistent flow of hot water without the hindrance of pressure; this boiler is suitable for large homes with enough space to store the tanks. This works perfectly with several bathrooms. They, however, need a lot of installation and are more costly than the others. Failure to set up the cistern at the appropriate elevation might result in low pressure.
What Type is Best for me?
Having gained knowledge of the different types of boilers, the next thing to consider is which type is right for your home. Factors like space will influence your decision greatly. A conventional boiler can not fit in a house with limited space due to the open-vented heating system. Other imposing components include:
Boiler Systems: It is also essential to consider whether to maintain the existing systems or replace them. With respect to costs, it’s advisable to keep the existing system. However, getting a replacement may be the right choice in older houses. If this is the case, rather than spending a lot at once, you should consider boiler finance.
Hot Water Consumption: The amount of hot water used daily should also be considered when selecting the right boiler for your home. Nevertheless, this component is still dependent on available space in your house.
Which Is The Appropriate Boiler Size For My Home?
The right boiler size for your home will be determined by the rate of use daily. Below are crucial factors to keep in mind when choosing the right boiler size.
House Area: You must select a boiler that matches the size of your house, as it will be the main heating source. The size of the boiler usually tallies with the heat output. Therefore, to attain efficient heat output, the boiler should be large enough to suit your house. Oversized boilers result in a waste of gas and expensive electrical bills.
Hot Water Needs: The size of the boiler will depend on the hot water needed in your home. The amount of hot water consumed is determined by the size of your household. The consumption increases with the growth of the family.
Selecting The Right Choice Of Fuel
When choosing a suitable fuel type, considering the buying price is prudent. The supplier will also influence your choice of fuel; some suppliers do not depend on the cost of crude oil to influence their gas prices. It is also crucial that you keep in mind the effects of the fuel on the environment.
Boiler Efficiency
Highly efficient boilers are generally expensive but are definitely worth their money as they save energy expenses. These boilers reduce CO2 outflow to the environment as well.
Keeping in mind these factors, choosing a suitable boiler for your home will be precise and well-informed.
