Need a new boiler replacement but unsure on which one you need? With so many different options on the market, choosing the right boiler for your space can be a minefield. Luckily for you, our friendly team here at GreenSmart are here to help you with our handy guide on which boiler is the best fit for your home. Of course, we will always perform a site survey to check the suitability of a boiler for your home.
What are the different types of boilers?
There are a range of different types of boilers for you to choose from. Your choice will be dependent on a range of factors, including your requirements and the size of your property. There are three main types of boiler, which we will discuss below.
Combi-boilers
Combination boilers, also referred to as combi-boilers, are the most popular boiler choice in the UK. They are named combination boilers as they deliver both heating and hot water. They work by supplying instant hot water directly from the mains cold water supply to your taps, eliminating the requirement for a hot water cylinder. With a combi-boiler delivering hot water, you can enjoy a shower without the necessity of an additional shower pump.
These boilers integrate all heating system components into a single unit, removing the need for a separate hot water cylinder and associated loft tank(s). This compact design makes them exceptionally suitable for properties with limited space.
For homes with a bit more room, there is another, slightly bigger type of combi-boiler, known as a storage combi-boiler. These boilers work in a similar way to combi-boilers, but incorporate a hot water tank, similar to conventional systems, which allows hot water to be stored and used later.
Heat-only boilers
A heat-only or regular boiler heats up the heating system water and diverts it between the hot water cylinder coil and the radiators in your heating system. This system utilises a hot water cylinder which stores the hot water that is sent to your taps. This hot water is heated indirectly by the heated heating water that passes through a coil within the cylinder. The two bodies of water never directly come into contact.
These systems are better-suited for larger homes that have multiple bathrooms and lots of radiators as the cylinder can take up a considerable amount of space. A lot of people store the cylinder in a cupboard and use it as an airing cupboard.
System boilers
The third boiler option is the system boiler. System boilers function in a very similar way to heat-only/regular boilers except they have some of the system components included within them like the circulation pump and expansion vessel. System boilers are particularly well-suited for properties with multiple bathrooms or higher hot water demands as they work alongside a hot water cylinder.
How to choose the right boiler for your home
Not all boilers are suitable for every home and it’s important that you choose the right type with a good plumbing and heating service to ensure that your heating and hot water works efficiently and effectively. There are a few different factors that will help you decide which boiler is right for you and we’ve listed them below.
Existing system
A lot of the time, it is cheaper and more practical to upgrade your old boiler to a new one that is the same type. However, there may be a few times or reasons why this wouldn’t be advised, such as in an old property or a home in which will be extended to incorporate a lot more rooms or bathrooms.
Available space
The space that you have available in your home will often be the biggest reason behind your choice of boiler. For example, if you have minimal storage space, it would be unwise to choose a heat-only boiler, as these require a lot more space for the hot water cylinder.
Hot water usage
Your choice of boiler will also depend on your hot water usage. If you anticipate a demand for hot water from various outlets at the same time, a system boiler or heat-only boiler with a hot water cylinder may be more appropriate than a combi boiler.
How to choose the right size of boiler for your home?
Once you have chosen which type of boiler is right for you, you will need to figure out which size boiler you need. Again, this is down to a number of different factors.
Property size
One of the biggest factors when choosing what size boiler you buy is the size of your home. Because your boiler will be your main source of heating for your home, you need to make sure that it is big enough to heat every room.
Domestic boiler size is measured in terms of heat output, which can range up to 70kW. Usually, the size of your boiler is determined by your number of radiators or your hot water demand.
The size of heat-only and system boilers is determined by the amount of radiators you have and your hot water cylinder. You should avoid choosing a boiler that is too big for your home, as it will result in a more expensive energy bill and is a waste of gas and electricity.
For combi-boilers, the boiler size is usually determined by the hot water demand. A qualified heating engineer will assess this for you prior to final recommendation and fitting.
Hot water demand
Another factor that can help you figure out your boiler size is your hot water usage. Typically, for households with one bath and shower, a boiler with a capacity of 24-30 kW is often recommended. If there is an additional en-suite bathroom, opting for a larger 30-35 kW boiler might be advisable.
However, if your home has multiple bathrooms that are likely to be used at the same time, a system or heat-only boiler with a storage cylinder for hot water may be more appropriate.
Heat loss
There is an equation used to determine the amount of heat your property loses, which involves considering factors such as room area, number of radiators, doors and windows, as well as the insulation quality of your home. An expert can perform calculations to estimate the heat loss on the coldest day of the year, enabling them to determine the optimal boiler size for your property.
How GreenSmart can help
Our team of fully qualified heating engineers will be able to answer any questions you may have about which boiler is suitable, as well as replace your boiler. If you decide that you want your boiler to be repaired rather than replaced, we can help you there too! Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
