Choosing the Right Boiler for you

Choosing the right boiler for your home can be a bit of a daunting task for most, as it involves both a substantial financial investment and the need to ensure long-term energy efficiency to provide you with plenty of hot water and heating.

However, this potentially complicated process presents home owners with an opportunity to save money in the future by opting for more efficient heating than what they may currently have in their home.

When it’s time to consider a boiler replacement, several factors come into play, usually the following:

• The type of boiler you currently have in your home
• Whether you plan to switch to a different type of boiler – gas or electric?
• The boiler’s location (is it in your kitchen?) and whether there is the possibility of relocating
• How much can you afford (Hint, a cheap boiler in the long run is a false economy if it is continually breaking down and parts are hard to replace)
• Boiler guarantees and ongoing maintenance and support

Most (but not all) of these factors will affect how long it takes to install your boiler, which for most homeowners requires between 1-3 days. You do need to be prepared to have your heating and hot water off at times during a new boiler installation.

Exploring the various types of domestic boilers

Let’s delve into the different types of boilers you can choose from:

Combination (aka Combi) Boiler:

These are the most popular boilers found in UK homes. Combi boilers provide both heating and hot water from a single unit, saving space and instantly heating the water you need. They offer a number of benefits including:

• Saving Space – by combining heating and hot water functions in a single unit, eliminating the need for separate cylinders or water tanks. This is better for new build, homes with limited space compared to older bigger homes.
• Instant Hot Water – there’s nothing better than instant hot water, no worrying about having to remember to leave the boiler on or waiting for a storage cylinder to heat up, or (even worse) running out of hot water during a shower!
  
  
• Greater Energy Efficiency – Combi boilers are known for their high energy efficiency. By heating water on demand, there’s no energy wasted in having to keep water in a tank to a minimum temperature. This efficiency can significantly lower your home energy bills.
  
  
• Easier to Install – if you’re looking for a fast installation then having a combi boiler fitted typically takes a lot less time as your fitter doesn’t have to fit cylinders or tanks, which also helps save you money.

What are the downsides to combi boilers?

Some people complain that they offer lower water pressure but that’s typically when multiple hot water outlets are running at the same time. However, combi boiler technology has come a long way from its early days, and we rarely find it a problem for homeowners.

One thing to note, combi boilers do not work with power showers, so if you have one (or want one) then a combi would not be for you.

Conventional (Regular Boilers):

Also commonly known as regular boilers, these consist of a boiler, hot water storage cylinder, and a cold-water storage tank. Conventional boilers tend to offer the following as benefits:

• Greater Water Pressure – They work well for much larger properties than the average UK sized home, offering a better flow rate and overall water pressure. The separate hot water cylinder in a conventional boiler system allows for a larger volume of stored hot water, resulting in improved water pressure.
• Power Shower Compatible – Power showers require a separate hot water supply from your hot water cylinder, which only regular conventional boilers can provide. This allows for a powerful and invigorating showering experience which if you prefer makes a conventional boiler your only option.
  
  
• Hot Water Backup – With a conventional boiler and a hot water cylinder, you have access to your hot water supply in case of a boiler breakdown or power outage when compared to a combi. This means you won’t be left without heating or hot water during such periods.

Any downsides to a Conventional Boiler?

The downside is that you may find running a Conventional Boiler could cost you more in comparison to a Combi boiler. Plus, you have to adjust your hot water settings to ensure you have hot water available for when you wake up (or get home).

System Boilers

Similar to conventional boilers, system boilers provide hot water on demand and heat water for radiators. They are ideal for properties with high hot water demands and require less space than conventional boilers.

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers are eco-conscious and modern alternatives to traditional boilers. They boast high efficiency (up to 99-100%) since no heat is lost through burning gas or oil. They are especially useful for homes without access to a gas supply, freeing up space by eliminating the need for a tank. Electric boilers are compact, convenient, flexible in terms of placement, quieter, easier to maintain, and safer as they eliminate the risk of gas or carbon monoxide leaks.

We work with a range of reputable brands such as Glow Worm, Worcester, Vaillant, Ideal, EHC & Baxi, ensuring we can find the perfect home boiler for your needs.

Now that you’re familiar with the different boiler types available, what’s your next question?

How much will my new boiler cost?

Choosing a low cost boiler is a very tempting option for some to save cash, but it can often turn out to be a false economy in the long run. Here’s several reasons why when it comes to buying a home boiler you do get what you pay for:

Poor Quality and Reliability – Cheap boilers are typically manufactured using lower-quality components and materials. This can lead to a shorter lifespan and a higher likelihood of breakdowns and repairs. Investing in a boiler from a reputable and reliable manufacturer may initially cost more, but it ensures greater durability and reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, making your investment go that much further.

Inefficient Performance – Cheap to buy boilers usually lack the energy efficiency features found in higher-quality models. They may have lower efficiency ratings and consume more fuel to generate the same amount of heat. This results in higher energy bills for the homeowner and wasted energy over time. A more efficient boiler, although it comes with a higher initial cost, can significantly reduce your energy consumption and help save you money on heating bills in the long term.

Limited Warranty: Cheap boilers often come with limited or shorter warranty periods. This means that if any issues arise after the warranty has expired you may not be adequately covered for repairs or replacements. In contrast, reputable boiler manufacturers offer longer (and more comprehensive) warranty periods, providing greater peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses.

Lack of Additional Features – Low-cost boilers can also lack essential features such as smart controls, advanced thermostats or compatibility with renewable energy systems. These features can enhance comfort, control, and energy efficiency in your home. Investing in a quality boiler ensures you have access to the latest technological advancements that can improve your overall heating experience.

Safety Concerns – Cheap boilers may present some safety concerns as they may not stringently meet the same safety standards as higher-quality models. This offers additional risks compromising the safety of your home and its occupants.

In Conclusion

At Heat Care UK, we prioritise quality and customer satisfaction when it comes to ensuring they choose the right boiler.

Our boiler installation prices – starting from £2250 including VAT are competitive and reflect the value and reliability we offer. We can also offer 0% Boiler Finance to help fund the purchase so that you can spread the cost and get the benefits of your new boiler immediately.

With over 26 years of experience, our expert engineers ensure a professional installation, providing you with peace of mind and a properly functioning heating system.

Don’t compromise on quality and efficiency when it comes to your boiler. Contact Heat Care UK today on 0800 041 8614 (or via email at boilers@heatcare.co.uk) for more information or to receive a free competitive quote.

Our dedicated boiler installation team is ready to assist you at a moment’s notice.