Type, size and make are all aspects to consider when buying a new boiler, and your choice will impact how efficiently your heating system works. Selecting the right boiler for the job will save you money year on year, so it’s important to know how they work.

There are three main types of gas boiler to consider, they are:

• Combi (combination)
• Conventional
• System

We will go through the differences between these three boiler types. By the end of this article you’ll have a good understanding of their differences, helping you find the most suitable new boiler system for your home.

Combi boilers

Combi boilers are the most popular type of boiler in the UK, they make up over half of all new boilers being fitted. They were designed to save space in homes, operating as a highly efficient water boiler and a central heating boiler. As an all in one boiler solution the combi boiler removed the need for a separate hot water cylinder, saving space in homes.

Reasons to get a new combi boiler

* Water is heated straight from the mains, so you get hot water on demand. Combi boilers also deliver the water at mains pressure, removing the need for a separate pump or power shower.

* There is no tank in the roof, cutting the costs involved with installation such as materials and cost.

* Saves space because there is no need for a hot water cylinder or pump.

Downsides to a combi boiler

There are a few considerations to make when buying a combi boiler:

* The level of water pressure in your house is dictated by the strength of your mains water pressure. When multiple taps are in use at the same time around the house, the pressure may go down.

* As the water is heated on demand it may take a few seconds to heat up, resulting in waste water.

Conventional boilers

Conventional boilers are generally found in older properties. They are the perfect new boiler for homes where there is a high demand for hot water or in buildings where there are a large number of bathrooms. While offering an effective solution, the hot water cylinder and a cold-water tank that might cause a problem for small homes.

Reasons to choose a conventional boiler:

* Conventional boilers are able to send hot water to multiple rooms in a property without weakening water pressure.

* An immersion heater can be added to the water cylinder. This means if your boiler breaks down, you still have a hot water backup.

Downsides to a conventional boiler:

* You may not get instant hot water because, unlike the combi boiler, water isn’t instantly heated. Instead you’ll need to program your thermostat to preheat the water beforehand. This can be a problem if you use a lot of hot water because you may run out before the tank is refilled.

* Space is also an issue for conventional boilers. Smaller home owners may find that there isn’t enough space in their loft for the hot water cylinder and cold-water tank.

System boilers

A system boiler works on the same principles as a combi boiler, heating water directly from the mains. Where they differ is that the system boiler also has a storage cylinder making it an ideal new boiler choice for households that use high volumes of hot water.

Advantages of installing a system boiler

* System boilers are the ideal choice for households where a lot of hot water is consumed, take for example a B&B or large family house. The stored water in the tank means multiple taps can be used without a drop in pressure

* As system boilers are compact, installation is often quicker and easier to perform than other boiler types. The all-in-one design of the boiler makes it a popular choice for homeowners that have space issues

Downsides to a system boiler

* Although compact, system boilers take up more space than a traditional boiler. This is because there is a hot water tank included in the unit. Overall, you won’t need a cold-water feed tank or cylinder in your roof, which is a key benefit of the system boiler.

* Tank size can be an issue so ensure the tank size you specify is correct for your needs. Retrofitting a replacement tank would be an expensive mistake.

Final thoughts

As with most things, there are always pros and cons with a new boiler purchase. If in doubt why not give us a call, we will be able to advise you on which boiler type is most suitable for your property. Here at boiler geeks we have a wealth of knowledge and experience that could help you prevent making the wrong purchase.

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Why is boiler servicing important?

There are a variety of reasons why it makes sense to book regular boiler services, including the following:

Improved efficiency

Modern condensing boilers are highly efficient, but they won’t continue to perform at their best unless you maintain them properly – and this means getting them serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you don’t get the appliance checked over by an engineer on a regular basis, it may under-perform, leaving you facing higher gas bills.

As well as making sure your boiler is working efficiently, your gas safe registered engineer may make recommendations to help you save more energy. This could include adjusting the settings on your heating system or looking at options to use smart technology for your boiler, such as a nest thermostat or other apps and technologies designed especially for your boiler.

Greater reliability

No one wants to have to deal with the inconvenience of a boiler breakdown, and regular servicing plays an important role in preventing this from happening. Unserviced appliances are at a greater risk of developing problems, and having to arrange an emergency repair can be costly. Scheduling in regular services will help ensure that any potential issues are identified and resolved at an early stage, preventing them from getting worse.

Increased lifespan

By picking up problems quickly, regular servicing can also enhance the lifespan of your boiler. This can save you money over the long term as it means you can wait longer before having to pay out for a new appliance.

Enhanced safety

Failing to arrange boiler services can put your safety at risk. It may mean that serious problems, such as a carbon monoxide leak, go unnoticed – endangering the people in your home or your tennats. During a service, your engineer will look carefully for any such issues, helping you to benefit from greater peace of mind.

Maintaining warranty protection

Regular servicing is required under the terms of most boiler guarantee or extended warranty. This means that if you don’t arrange these checks and you then experience a problem with your appliance, you may find that your protection is no longer valid – leaving you facing the cost of repairs or replacement.

What does a boiler service include?

A boiler service is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and it includes a full inspection of boiler components. Your engineer will remove the casing of the appliance and check everything from the main injector, spark probe and burner to the heat exchanger, electrical connections and controls. They will also look at the seals, pipework and combustion readings, and make sure your appliance is functioning at the right pressure.

Your engineer will replace damaged or worn parts as required and clean components as necessary to help ensure your boiler is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.

When should I arrange a boiler service?

The majority of boiler guarantees and warranties require annual servicing, and this is also recommended in order to keep your appliance in efficient and safe working order. However, you don’t have to leave it a full year between services. If you think something’s wrong with your appliance, it’s a good idea to book Boiler Geeks even if your regular service is not due. There are a number of warning signs that suggest a service may be required. Your boiler not heating your home or providing hot water is a clear giveaway, but other indications include:

• Increased condensation in the room containing the boiler
• Black stains or marks around the appliance
• The flame in your boiler changing from blue to yellow

You should also book a service immediately if you experience the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. These can include confusion, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, stomach pain and difficulty breathing.

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Boiler Geeks can do both together at a cost of £60.00 including vat.

Gas Safety

A gas safety check includes all the tests and checks required to make sure your boiler is safe to use. This means ensuring that the appliance is physically stable, the gas is burning as it should and any chimneys or flues are working correctly. It’s important to be aware that this check doesn’t help to maintain the reliability and performance of your appliance.

Boiler Service

A boiler service in contrast includes all of the safety checks mentioned above, as well as other inspections, checks and cleaning as specified in the boiler manufacturer’s instructions.

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What does a boiler service include?

If your new boiler is due a service, you may be wondering what your service will include. Below, we’ve outlined each aspect of a boiler service and what it means.
It’s important to note that the installer must consult the product manual for any individual servicing requirements outside of the standard items.

Boiler Inspection

The first thing a Gas Safe registered engineer will do is inspect your boiler and the surrounding pipework. The engineer will be checking for any visual problems such as cracks, leaks or corrosion. Then, they will test the boiler and its controls to ensure everything seems to be working okay. They will remove the boiler casing to make sure there aren’t any cracked or damaged parts within the boiler. This should only be done by a suitably qualified engineer – you shouldn’t take the casing off yourself.

Flue and pressure check

Once the engineer has determined that everything looks okay, they’ll begin to check other important aspects that make your boiler run safely and efficiently. They will check that the gas pressure and flow is correct and they’ll also check that the flue is fitted as it should be and that there aren’t any obstructions. This is important as a blocked flue could result in dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, re-entering your home. They will also use a flue gas analyser to make sure the boiler is burning the correct combination of gas and air. If it’s burning too much gas, you could be overpaying on your energy bill.

Cleaning of essential parts

Included in your boiler’s service is the cleaning of certain parts such as the heat exchanger and combustion chamber, the burner assembly and electrodes, and the condensate siphon (if necessary).

Expansion vessel air pressure check

Sealed boiler systems require an expansion vessel for excess water. As water is heated in the system, it expands and this can cause a build up of pressure. This additional water needs a place to go to reduce the system’s pressure. This is the purpose of the expansion vessel. It’s a way to store excess water until the pressure in the system has returned back to normal. However, the air in the expansion vessel can be lost over time and the vessel can become filled with water. In some boilers, this water can be drained manually from a valve at the bottom of the vessel. The engineer will be able to check the pressure of the expansion vessel and will repressurise it if it is too low. They can do this using a foot pump.

Smaller component checks

The engineer will check any electrical connections, pipework, fans and seals.
Even if you have a gas or oil-powered boiler, the appliance will require electricity to power the pump that pushes hot water around the radiators. It is these electrical connections that need to be checked to make sure they’re safe and working properly. The seals need to be checked as they can crack or harden over time. If this is the case, the engineer should be able to change them on site for you at an additional cost. The water and gas pipes need to be examined too. Leaking pipe fittings can be a problem if the seals have cracked or if they were installed incorrectly. The engineer should be able to determine the issue and arrange for it to be fixed. General wear and tear items such as the ignition or burner door seals could be replaced at an additional charge. The engineer should also check that required safety devices, such as the flow switch, are working correctly.

Final safety checks

Finally, the engineer will restart your boiler to check for any working faults, such as funny noises or a faulty display screen. They may also check that your carbon monoxide alarm is working correctly. Before they leave, the engineer will complete any required paperwork if they haven’t done so already. Your boiler should have a complete service history, and the engineer will complete this to make sure your boiler’s warranty stays in place. This could also be a good time to ask the engineer any questions you may have. They may be able to advise you on how you can make your heating system more efficient and additional technologies you could have installed, such as a smart thermostat.

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Which heating system is best for my home?

Deciding it’s time for heating replacement is one thing, but how do you know which system is right for your home? With so many solutions available, it pays to do your research – and you may wish to take expert advice to help you find a system that matches your priorities and the specific heating and hot water needs of your household. Here at Boiler Geeks we can help advise what system will meet your requirements.

Gas condensing boilers

If your property is connected to the gas grid, a gas condensing boiler could be an excellent choice for you. Gas condensing boilers harness the very latest in energy saving technology to help you lower your energy bills and make an active contribution towards protecting the environment. There are three main types of gas condensing boilers. These are combination or ‘combi’ boilers, system boilers and conventional or ‘open vent’ boilers.

Oil condensing boilers

Oil condensing boilers work in a very similar way to gas boilers, but are fed from an on-site external oil storage tank. They are a popular choice in homes that are not connected to the gas grid.

How long will it take to install a new heating system?

The length of time it takes to install your new heating system will depend on a range of factors, including the type of system you choose and how complex the fitting is likely to be. For example, if you’re replacing a boiler on a like-for-like basis in the same location in your home, the installation should take no longer than a day. However, if new pipework is required, you’re having your heating system power flushed or you’re changing the location of your boiler, you can expect fitting to take between one and three days. If you’re having an entirely new type of system installed, installation is also likely to take longer. Contact boiler geeks to book your free quotation, this will ensure that you know what to expect.

How much will it cost to install my new heating system?

As well as paying for the heating system itself, you’ll need to make sure you budget for the installation. There are no set rules when it comes to costs, but generally speaking, the more complex and time consuming the process of installing your new heating is, the more you can expect to pay. Also, having extra features added to your heating system, such as a new thermostat or new radiators, will make installation more expensive. We hope this boiler installation guide has been useful. If you have any questions about the range of heating and hot water solutions available from boiler geeks, don’t hesitate to contact our team on 01202 874656.

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There are 3 main types of boilers. Combination boilers, system boilers, conventional boilers. In this guide I hope that we can help you identify which type of boiler you have and which type of boiler you would like to install in your property.

Combi Boiler

A combi boiler is a single appliance that produces both heating and hot water on demand. This makes them very energy efficient. Combi boilers are designed for small to medium properties. There is no wasted hot water being stored as they only generate hot water when you run a tap. This makes this type of boiler ideal for small to medium properties or households with few people living there.

System Boilers

A system boiler is similar to a conventional boiler. They produce their hot water via an unvented pressurised stainless-steel cylinder. This type of boiler is better suited to medium to large properties. It can deliver a much higher flow rate of water at a greater pressure. You will be able to run several taps at once System boilers also have an immersion heater fitted to the hot water cylinder which is a good back up should your boiler fail.

Conventional / Regular Heat Only Boiler

A conventional system is a tank fed system. Both the cold and hot water are stored in tanks and the heating circuit is tank fed instead of being pressurised. The downside to this type of system is that you are storing tanks of water in you loft and relying on gravity to generate your water pressure. This usually means that the water pressure is not as good as a system boiler or combi boiler unless you have a pump installed.

If you are still unsure which system will best suit your needs then get in contact and one of the Boiler Geeks team will be able to advise you further. Our boiler quotations are free no obligation quotes. Call 01202 874656 or email info@boilergeeks.co.uk. We cover a wide area across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and surrounding areas.

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