Jump To:
Picking the right type of boiler depends on your hot water usage and household size. If your home has multiple bathrooms with high simultaneous hot water demand, a system boiler or a conventional boiler might be a better match than a combi boiler. If you have limited space and moderate hot water needs, a combi boiler would be a great fit.
What Are The Different Types of Boiler?
Understanding the main boiler types will simplify your decision-making:
Combi Boiler: The most popular type in the UK, combi boilers provide instant hot water and heat directly from the mains. It’s space-saving and efficient.
System Boiler: This type comes with a hot water cylinder, storing hot water for immediate use. It’s ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms and busy households.
Conventional Boiler (Regular or Heat-Only Boiler): If you already have a hot water cylinder and cold water tank, a conventional boiler is an easy replacement. Ideal for larger homes.
Condensing Boilers: The Energy-Efficient Choice
Almost all modern boilers are condensing boilers. They extract extra heat from waste gases, resulting in higher efficiency and saving you money on energy bills.
What’s The Best Boiler Brand?
There isn’t a “one size fits all” answer when it comes to the best boiler brand. Popular, reliable boiler brands in the UK include:
- Worcester Bosch
- Ideal
- Viessmann
- Baxi
- Vaillant
Shop around and compare before zeroing in on a brand for your home.
How Much Does a New Boiler Cost?
The cost of a new boiler depends on brand, boiler type, and installation expenses. Expect to pay from £1,800 to £4,000 on average.
What Size Boiler Is Best For My House?
An undersized boiler will struggle to keep your home warm, while an oversized one wastes energy. A general guideline is 24- 27kW boiler for smaller homes, 28-34kW for medium-sized houses and 35kW+ for larger properties. However, consulting a heating engineer for a precise calculation is best.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Boiler
- Size of your home: Larger homes may need more powerful boilers
- Hot water demand: Multiple bathrooms? Consider a system or conventional boiler.
- Budget: Boilers vary in cost, features, efficiency and brand.
- Space: Combi boilers are the most compact.
- Energy efficiency: Look for boilers with high ErP ratings.
Boiler Installation – Finding the Right Installer
Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for boiler installation. Ask for quotes, check reviews, and ensure they provide a warranty.
How Can I Find The Best Boiler For My Home?
- Assess your needs: Hot water usage, home size, and budget.
- Seek professional advice: Talk to a heating engineer.
- Research: Compare types, brands, and energy efficiency.
- Get multiple quotes: For both supply and installation.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right boiler is key to home comfort and energy savings.
- Combi boilers are great for smaller homes; system or conventional boilers suit larger homes with high hot water usage.
- Opt for condensing boilers for energy efficiency.
- Always use a qualified installer for boiler installation.
- Consider your current heating system when choosing a new boiler.
