How to choose the best boiler
How to choose the best boiler
Identifying the correct boiler can be a complex project. You might start with the expense but also need to think of other considerations, whether you will use one hot tap or many at the same time it is to be considered, the storage space you have ready for heating boiler components and how green the boiler is.
The primary gas boiler types are:-
Stand alone gas back boilers
Back boilers are still seen in some families, being installed in the chimney they were obscured from view, when the coal fire at the front concealing the back boiler. These are now only fitted as a replacement and they have certain drawbacks such as low water pressure, they need a lot of space and you will need to find a place to hide this type of boiler. Notwithstanding this if you already have a back boiler then a straightforward replacement could be your best alternative.
In the past domestic back boilers have not been noted as being very economical, but big advances have been produced over the past 5-10 years, so by changing an elderly back boiler, you could make large savings on your annual heating charges.
Modern Combination gas boilers
Combi central heating boilers have become the best selling gas fired boiler type for gas central heating in the UK. Combi boilers are small enabling them to be squeezed into cupboards and they are cost-effective. Heating water direct from the cold mains removes any wait moment for hot water – as a result you have unlimited hot water.
A combi is also more economic than other forms of boiler. The heat loss profile is reduced as the hot water storage tank in other gas boiler systems is eliminated. Look out for someone turning on all the hot water taps in your home whilst you are running a hot bath as it could temporarily turn cold.
Unvented system heating boilers
system gas fired boilers use a water cylinder to store hot water. You may require to install this in the airing cupboard taking up precious space. Many of the components of the heating and hot water central heating system are built in, which means that installation is quicker, cleaner, simpler and more efficient.
Getting several streams of hot water from diverse taps at the same time is now manageable. internal water pressure is elevated if the tank is installed high in the house.
Open vent central heating boilers
Most families will have a vented boiler fitted. This type of central heating system uses 2 water cylinders, both located in the loft, additional space is also needed for the hot water storage cylinder fitted in the airing cupboard.
The hot water storage tank is supplied by one of the storage tanks in the loft.
Water expands when heated and this is helped by the second tank in the attic. Showers, taps and running baths can be run in any room concurrently, but be aware that if the cylinder should become cold it will take a while to reheat.
