When replacing your boiler, there are a number of things you need to consider. Not only do you need to make sure you’re choosing a trusted and reliable brand, but it is also essential that the boiler itself is the correct size and capacity for your home – ensuring you’ll never run out of the hot water and heating you need. As one of the most expensive household purchases you’ll make, and with so many factors and options to consider, this can be a stressful and overwhelming task.
If you’re looking to invest in a new boiler but aren’t sure where to begin, in this quick guide we’ll take a look at some of the most important things to think about before buying a new boiler, helping you to choose a model that’s just right for you.
What boiler fuel does your home use?
First and foremost, choosing the right type of fuel is an ideal starting point. The significant majority of UK homes are connected to the national gas network, with a 2021 survey by the UK Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy finding that 77% of respondents had a gas boiler. For homes not connected to the gas grid, there are various options for heating your property, including oil boilers, LPG boilers, and alternative renewable heating systems. You may choose to remain with the existing fuel type currently installed in your property, but it might also be a strategic time to consider the options available to you. For example, switching from oil to LPG can be a more eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat your home.
What size and type of boiler do you need?
When choosing a boiler, you should take into account the size of your property, the number of people in your household, and the level of demand for heating and hot water. For larger homes and households, you may need a bigger or more powerful boiler to heat the entirety of your property efficiently, whilst maintaining the right water pressure for multiple people to run taps, have baths and enjoy a hot shower at the same time.
Whilst options do differ depending on the fuel type you choose, the three main boiler types are as follows:
- Standard or conventional: Able to produce large amounts of hot water for multiple bathrooms at the same time, conventional boilers are perfect for larger families with loft space. Conventional boilers need to be warmed up in advance or on a schedule, and require a separate hot water cylinder and cold water tank typically installed into your loft.
- Combi or combination: Suitable for smaller households with modest heating and hot water demands, combi boilers deliver heating and hot water on demand without a tank or cylinder.
- System: Much like a conventional boiler, system boilers are suitable for multiple bathrooms and a higher demand for heating and simultaneous hot water usage. However, by having more components built-in, a system boiler eliminates the need for a cold water tank.
Which boiler brand should you trust?
Whilst there are a wide range of boiler brands in the market, it’s important to check reviews, read feedback, and get a professional opinion on the right boiler brand for you. At NCS, our first inclination would be to recommend choosing Worcester Bosch, voted Which best boiler 12 years running. However, we are also approved installers of other brands, such as Vaillant, Potterton, Baxi, Ideal, Glow Worm and Grant boilers. As result, we are able to recommend the brand which represents the best of the best for budgets of all sizes, demonstrating a strong track record in reliability, value for money, and great warranties to protect you for the years to come.
How much should I spend?
When it comes to costing up your new boiler, it’s always important to take a long-term approach to your investment. Much like other big purchases, cheap isn’t necessary better, and low-priced boilers can often lead to more frequent repairs further down the line, or issues with safety and durability. Investing in a high-quality boiler can help you to make long-term savings, from reduced running costs to enhanced warranties and guarantees, and a longer lifespan.
It’s a lot to consider…
With over 20 years of experience in all aspects of gas, oil and LPG boiler installation and servicing, we never make you do the hard work when it comes to choosing the right boiler. Use our Instant Boiler Quote tool today, and we’ll help you to find the boiler most suited to your home, with a free, online, no-obligation estimate.
