Buying a new gas boiler is no easy task. Gas boilers are expensive and quite complex.
As a buyer, you need to consider several factors to make the right decision.
Installing a new boiler can be complicated and quite expensive. But Heating Savvy is here to help you with this complete guide for a new boiler.
So, it’s crucial to have all the relevant information before you make your purchase.
If you’re looking to buy a new boiler, here are the things and tips you need to know.
Tip 1: Know Your Current Boiler Type
It’s important to identify your current boiler type among the four main types available. To make sure you get an accurate quote for a replacement.
Combi Boilers:
These are the most common boilers installed in the U.K.
Due to their affordability, ease of installation, and lack of additional water storage tanks.
They heat water on demand from the mains supply, making them energy-efficient.
Heat-Only Boiler:
Also known as regular, conventional, traditional, or vent boilers.
These are the most challenging to replace. As they have both hot and cold water storage tanks.
Most people opt for a combi boiler when replacing a heat-only boiler to reclaim some space in their home.
System Boilers:
These are suitable for homes with a high demand for hot water.
As they have a separate hot water storage tank.
However, they suffer from heat loss from the storage tank, regardless of its insulation.
Understanding your current boiler type is the first step towards making an informed decision about your next new boiler.
Tip 2: What type of boiler? Combi or with a storage tank?
Depending on the constructive type of the boiler, you’ll find combi boilers and boilers with a storage tank.
A combi boiler, which is the usual boiler in most countries, heats the domestic hot water when you need it. And doesn’t require a storage tank. It’s the boiler you see in all flats.
A boiler with a storage tank prepares domestic hot water by heating the coil in a tank.
They take up more space and are generally used in houses or when we have more bathrooms or a large number of people.
They have the advantage of being able to provide a higher hot water flow rate when needed.
New boiler for a flat
If you live in a flat or in a house up to 150 square meters with a single bathroom, a combi boiler is sufficient. For example, this boiler.
New boiler for a house
If you have a larger house, with more than 3-4 people or multiple bathrooms, use a boiler with a storage tank, as it’s a better option.
– Combi (or combination) boilers are the most common type of boiler in the UK.
They provide heat for your radiators and domestic hot water on demand. They’re compact, usually wall-mounted, and don’t require a separate water tank.
– System boilers or boilers with a storage tank require a cylinder for storing hot water.
But the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making it quicker and easier to install.
These are also an ideal choice for homes with more than one bathroom.
Tip 3: How powerful should my boiler be?
When choosing the boiler and its size, you need to consider two things:
- the heating requirement and
- the domestic hot water requirement.
Then you need to check the size of the boiler and choose the installation location. Whether it’s in the kitchen or in another room.
How many kW the boiler will have, depends on things like: the volume of the house, insulation, the number of bathrooms.
How do I calculate the size of boiler needed?
You can ask the plumber to help you. Or you can use the calculator on this website.
The power of the boiler should be appropriate for the size of your home.
A boiler that’s too powerful will use more energy than necessary.
While one that’s not powerful enough won’t provide adequate heat.
This calculator can help you determine the right size.
Tip 4: Grasp the Importance of Boiler Efficiency
Efficiency is a crucial factor that can help you save money in the long run.
While a brand’s reputation can make a good first impression, the real long-term benefit of your boiler is its efficiency in providing heating and hot water.
Consider it in percentages new condensing boilers typically start in the early 90s percentile.
But the higher, the better. With added features like weather compensation and smart thermostat controls, efficiency can be increased to around 92-94% for a new boiler.
This means you could save £6-£8 per £100 annually on your fuel expenditure.
This is something your plumber will discuss with you. Be upfront about your needs, and you might be surprised at the potential long-term savings.
An efficient boiler will use less energy and save you money on your heating bills. It’s also better for the environment.
Tip 5: Choose an efficient boiler
Choose a condensing boiler, as they have good efficiency and you will save on gas.
If you replace an old boiler with a modern condensing one, the good news is that you can save between 15% and 30% on your heating bill.
Don’t think about conventional boilers anymore, they are a thing of the past. Choose only a condensing boiler.
When choosing a boiler, look for high-efficiency models.
These convert more of the fuel they use into heat. Which means they’re more economical to run.
Look for an A-rated boiler that has at least 90% efficiency.
Tip 6: Think About Additional Features to Enhance Efficiency
Many homeowners like to have control over their home’s heating.
When deciding on your new boiler, consider features like weather compensation technology and smart thermostats to maximize your savings.
Weather compensation technology communicates with the outdoor sensor installed on the north-facing wall of your property.
It detects temperature changes outside that could affect heat loss through the building’s fabric.
When informed of these changes, your new boiler adjusts the radiator’s temperature to prevent unnecessary heat loss.
For thermostats, consider choosing one when you select your new boiler.
Smart thermostats from brands like Nest, Tado, and Hive offer money-saving features.
Such as detecting when you leave your property through a connected smartphone app, and turning off the boiler accordingly.
Some boilers offer additional features that can improve efficiency, such as condensing technology or smart controls.
Tip 7: Opt for a Trustworthy Boiler Brand
While it might seem like common sense, many of us tend to choose new products based on their popularity or recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors.
While these opinions can be helpful, it’s equally important to conduct your own research.
Doing your homework can save you from future headaches. And provide you with the assurance that you’ve selected the right boiler for your home.
But how do you go about this?
A great approach is to check out reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Which?
As many plumbers provide honest feedback about the boiler brands they install.
No homeowner wants to deal with a broken boiler, regardless of the season. While a cold shower might be invigorating in the morning, the novelty will wear off quickly!
Prevent this from happening by choosing a boiler brand known for its high-quality products, comprehensive warranties, and exceptional aftercare/service.
Choose a boiler from a reputable manufacturer. Look for brands that are known for their quality, reliability, and customer service.
Tip 8: Don’t choose the lowest price
When looking to buy a new boiler, this is the advice from Heating Savvy: choose the most expensive boiler you can afford.
A cheap boiler means cheap materials, which means a short lifespan. In the long run, you will spend more if you change the boiler often.
While it’s important to consider cost, the cheapest boiler may not be the best value over the long term. Consider factors like efficiency, reliability, and the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Tip 9: Ask the plumber
Ask the plumber, the plumbing company, or the store where you buy the boiler and equipment. And weigh the opinions you receive well.
You can get very good advice and opinions from them to make the best choice for the type and size of the boiler.
What many people don’t know is that plumber might be rewarded for recommending certain boiler brands. And some will only install boilers of a certain brand and that’s it.
It’s important to choose a quality boiler. The better the boiler, the less you will spend in the long run.
Your plumber can provide valuable advice on the best boiler for your needs. They can also help you understand the installation process and any potential costs.
Tip 10: Service for the boiler?
Many homeowners believe that it doesn’t matter who installs the boiler as long as it comes with a warranty. But rest assured that it’s not so.
Before you buy the new boiler, check if you have at least 2-3 service companies in your area. The more, the better.
Often, boiler failures occur due to installation and operation, not because of part failures.
If you call the service for a problem that is not under warranty, you will be good to pay.
Don’t forget to do the annual boiler service every year.
Regular servicing is essential to keep your boiler running efficiently and safely. It’s usually recommended to have your boiler serviced annually.
Final thought
Many people only buy what is cheap. But think that this is the equipment that will give you heat and hot water for the next 10 – 15 years or more.
These were my tips and recommendations that you need to consider before buying a gas boiler.
What boiler do you have?
