A proper heating system is what every household needs. Winter always creeps up on us when we least expect it, so fixing or replacing your worn-out heating system is definitely worth considering. In these hard times during the Covid-19 pandemic, when everything is put on hold, especially our summer vacations, using your savings for something as useful as a heating system may be the perfect decision. We might as well think about the long term investment instead.
Apart from installing a new heating system, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about the efficiency and environmental benefits that the new boiler models offer. Changing your old boiler in your heating system for a new one can reduce your utility bills significantly. According to the Energy Saving Trust, if you replace your old model with an A-rated boiler and set of heating controls, you can save about £340 and 1,500kg of carbon monoxide a year. Being aware of climate change, it is about time that all of us contribute as much as we can in reducing the release of carbon monoxide, so let’s start here. In the following paragraphs, we will look through the most popular boiler types for heating systems, and hopefully, this will help you choose the one that suits your situation the best.
Combi Boiler
These boilers get their name from the word ‘combination’ because they are both high-efficiency water heaters and a central heating boiler in an individual compact unit. They work in a way that by turning a shower or the hot water tap on, you will instantly get hot water coming directly from the mains. With combi boilers, there is no requirement for a separate water cylinder or a tank. With over 70% of households in the UK using combi boilers, they are the most used and preferred type of boilers in the country. Also, a lot of people choose this type of boiler over others because they’re pretty affordable. Still, have in mind that if you want to supply hot water throughout a larger home, you will require a combi boiler with a bigger kilowatt capacity than a normal one. The boiler installation cost varies depending on the boiler capacity and other variables. It would be for the best if you take your time and consult with professionals in the industry to know all options.
Conventional Boiler
These types are amongst the most used types of boilers as well. Not only are they the cheapest option, but they also are perhaps the best choice for large homes. They are not as practical as combi boilers nor are they more environmentally friendly and they also come with two water cylinders – one for heating the water and the other for storing it. This may be a reason why people would choose the first one, but still, it depends on how much money you plan to invest in your heating system and what is the best fit for your needs.
Electric Boiler
As these types of boilers don’t rely on fossil fuels such as gas or oil to bring the heat to your home, electric boilers are highly popular amongst users because they are extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly. They don’t produce exhaust fumes that carry away valuable heat and power into the atmosphere. Another great thing about electric boilers is that they don’t need the main gas or fuel supply, making them perfect for rural users. Electric boilers installation costs are lower, and they work quietly and are very space-efficient too. Speaking of electric boilers, you should know that electricity, which is primarily fueled by coal, gas, and oil power plants, partially negates the green appeal. Also, the cost of electricity is higher than natural gas and oils, and these boilers may not have a big enough tank for more significant properties.
Biomass Boiler
People are starting to think about the planet, and the influence every household has when it comes to emitting gases from our heating systems is enormous. These types of boilers are gaining more popularity because they are extremely environmentally friendly. When you compare biomass boilers to other models, you will see that they are energy-efficient and can help you save up to 30-50% of your energy bills. They work by burning a few types of wood to produce the required energy for heating water. Some households choose a different kind of boiler over a biomass one because they are one of the most expensive solutions installment-wise. Also, they require a bulky water tank to function in full capacity.
Condensing Boiler
As a cheaper option available on the market, people often opt for installing condensing boilers in their heating systems. They aren’t too expensive, and the good thing about them is that they are efficient enough to noticeably reduce your heating bill in the long term. These types are fulled by either gas or oil, and the water is being stored in a water cylinder. Just like with the biomass boilers, have in mind that you will require a bulky water tank for the boiler to work in full capacity. Condensing boilers work by utilizing two separate heat exchangers: one to heat the water before it goes out to the radiators, and another to reheat water returning from the piping in the house. The result from this process is vastly increased energy efficiency over its non-condensing counterparts.
Final Thoughts
Given the pros and cons we listed, this article should help you choose the proper boiler for your home. It depends on what you need and how much money you plan to invest in changing your heating system or installing a new one. There are many options on the market and many professionals who can help you make the right choice and help you with the installation in a professional manner.