A frequently asked question is, ‘Is a boiler replacement necessary?’ Many homeowners assume that paying for repairs is better than buying a new boiler. With more information, you might be able to know whether a new boiler is right for you. This article looks at the different types of boilers and why homeowners choose them. If you need further information specific to your home and your heating requirements, we are happy to help.
Back boilers are boilers fitted behind a gas fire within a room. Back boilers were popular because they were neat and out of view. Old back boilers can be less than 70% efficient, which means that for every £1 spent on gas, 70p generates usable heat, and 30p is lost. New boilers at 90% efficiency provide a 90p and 10p comparison.
Conventional central heating boilers are also known as traditional boilers. These boiler systems circulate hot water around the central heating system and have a separate circuit to heat a hot water tank. If you have a warm airing cupboard around your hot water tank, you will likely have conventional central heating.
Combination boilers or combi boilers are the typical boiler types in recent years. A combi boiler system requires little space as it supplies hot water directly to the taps and radiators without a hot water tank.
Condensing boilers use condensing technology to optimise the gas or oil burned. In non-condensing boiler systems, gasses are released into the atmosphere. When heated gases are released, their warm potential is lost. In a condensing boiler, the hot gasses are recycled back through a heat exchanger so that these boilers provide efficiency.
System boilers store large amounts of hot water in a hot water cylinder for a constant supply of hot water day and night. System boilers are also known as sealed systems. They are designed for larger family homes where many people use hot water simultaneously and don’t want separate electric showers for example.
Boiler repair or boiler replacement?
Whatever boiler you use, maintain it for many years of happy service. Your boiler will remain in good condition if it’s serviced regularly. But you should consider a replacement if the maintenance costs are too high or the boiler is inefficient.
Choose a boiler replacement over boiler repair when the cost of repairing becomes too expensive. When a boiler is repaired, it’s an indication that the life span is now short. If your boiler is old, then you run the risk of boiler breakdowns happening more frequently.
Many homeowners ignore boiler replacement options until the whole unit breaks down. As many people don’t service their boilers regularly, they only check the condition and efficiency of the boiler when it stops functioning.
If you have neglected your boiler, and it suddenly breaks, you could consider a boiler repair first. If your boiler continues to fail, you have more time to decide on the best value boiler on the market.
Sometimes it is difficult to find spare parts for older boilers, so the repair expense is high. In addition, failing to repair your boiler for a long time can cause wear and reduced performance.
Talk to our boiler experts about your home and heating needs so that you can choose the best boiler for you. Rest assured, you will receive a full explanation about your brand-new boiler system, how to use your new thermostat, radiator valves, immersion backup and other heating system parts. When you decide a boiler replacement is necessary, our engineers will remove your old boiler. While they fit changes to your system and clean reusable components – such as existing radiators – that are fully fit for purpose.
Upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler could shave money off your heating bills. New installed boilers come with manufacturer guarantees, which give you some indication of their expected lifespan. Your experienced gas engineer will have the know-how you need to help you find the best boiler at the right price for you. Looking for a new boiler in London? Contact Plumb London today.
