Boiler Types
If you’re looking for a new boiler and wondering what type of boiler is most appropriate for your needs then read on for some independent advice on boiler types. The following article will ensure that you are aware of all your options and the facts pertaining to each boiler to ensure you are knowledgeable of the choices available to you.
Nowadays boilers will tend to be condensing boilers this means that they are much more energy efficient because they use hot waste gases to heat water making them much more efficient than traditional boilers. There are three types of boiler that are available which are gas condensing boilers, system boilers or oil boilers.
The first type of boiler available is a gas condensing boiler. With the gas condensing boiler you can either purchase a combination boiler or a conventional heat-only boiler.
The combination boiler is the main and most popular boiler that is used throughout homes in the UK. You will often here to it referred to as the ‘combi’ boiler. This boiler ensures that you can have radiator heat and hot water on demand in your home. There are a variety of different makes on the market but they all essentially do the same thing which is to take cold water and heat it up as and when you require it. Other advantages include that it reduces the need for you to have a hot water storage tank. There are some downsides such as there will be a time delay from when you start running the tap until you get hot water and the flow rate of water can depend on how quickly the boiler is able to heat up the water.
A conventional heat-only boiler will just provide you heat for the radiators. This type of boiler will be directly connected to a separate hot water storage system including a hot and cold water cistern. These types of boilers can take up a lot more space than a combi boiler but have the advantage of being able to provide hot water to several places at once. This makes this type of boiler more appropriate for large houses.
The second type of boiler is the system boiler. This boiler will directly heat your heating system as well as producing hot water for your cylinder. This type of boiler is like a conventional boiler as it works by storing hot water however, it differs by having the main components of the heating and water system built into the boiler meaning that it is more energy efficient. It also allows the hot water to be pumped from the system through the heating system ensuring quicker and more economical running costs. The disadvantages of this system boiler is that it can be expensive not only to install but to repair as well as still relying on your having space for a hot water storage tank in your airing cupboard.
The third type of boiler available is an oil boiler. This type of boiler is traditionally found in houses in rural locations that are not near a mains gas supply. Instead of using gas to supply the boiler, oil is used instead. Usually your house will need the oil supply delivered where you will store it in a tank for use. Oil is considered much more fuel efficient than gas so it is expected that you will get a good return on your investment. However, the boilers do take up a lot of room compared to gas condensing boilers.
Article by Sarah Wain, 21st October 2011. Content correct at the date of publication.
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