Which Boiler?
Selecting Your New Boiler
If you’re in the market for a new boiler to replace your current one or to upgrade your entire heating system, deciding on the right choice can seem like a daunting task. With numerous factors to consider and a wide range of options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the decision-making process.
But fear not! Here at MLT Plumbing & Heating, we’re here to simplify the process for you. Our experts are ready to assist you in selecting the perfect boiler for your home and specific needs. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each type, ensuring you make an informed decision.
What you should consider
Boiler Types
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The number of occupants in your household –
This factor is crucial. If you select a boiler that's too small, it won’t be able to cope with your heating and hot water demands. Conversely, an oversized boiler will produce more energy than necessary, leading to increased energy bills and a larger carbon footprint. -
Your available space –
When living in a compact property or where storage space is limited, careful consideration of the boiler system is essential. -
The size of your home –
The new boiler you choose must effectively match your home's requirements. Larger properties with multiple levels and bathrooms require larger and more powerful boilers compared to smaller dwellings like one-bedroom apartments. -
Your existing system –
Consider whether to retain the current system. While maintaining the same boiler system is often preferable for cost and practicality, a complete overhaul may require relocation of the boiler or sacrificing storage space for additional components like storage tanks.
Combi Boilers
The combi boiler reigns supreme as one of the most sought-after options across the UK. Renowned for its ability to efficiently provide both central heating and instant hot water from a single, space-saving unit, it stands as a beacon of convenience in the realm of home heating.
By harnessing the mains water supply and heating it on demand whenever a tap is opened, this ingenious boiler type does away with the need for a bulky storage cylinder. Whether fuelled by gas, oil, or LPG, combi boilers offer an efficient solution suitable for most homes, especially those with limited space.
At MDR Heating & Plumbing, we specialise in the seamless installation of combi boilers, offering a range of sizes and outputs meticulously tailored to meet the unique heating requirements of diverse property types.
System Boilers
System boilers represent an optimal solution for residences facing higher-than-average hot water demands, such as large family homes, student accommodations, or properties with multiple bathrooms. Unlike conventional boilers, system boilers efficiently deliver heat directly to your radiators while storing hot water in a cylinder, ensuring it’s readily available when needed.
Designed to provide a constant hot water supply to multiple taps simultaneously, system boilers cater to households with simultaneous hot water needs, allowing for uninterrupted use of various water outlets. Moreover, their space-saving design eliminates the need for a separate cold-water storage tank, making them an ideal choice for those seeking efficiency without compromising on space.
Regular Boilers
Traditional boilers, often found in older residences or properties with conventional heating setups, offer a timeless heating solution.
This type of boiler relies on a cold-water storage tank, typically situated in the loft, to supply water from the mains. The water then travels into the boiler, where it undergoes heating using a heat exchange mechanism. Subsequently, the heated water is transferred into a hot water cylinder, commonly located in an airing cupboard, where it is stored until required for heating, bathing, or taps.
Given the space required for both the cold-water storage and hot water cylinder, traditional boilers are better suited to larger properties or those with ample space available. They are capable of meeting high demands for heating and hot water, and many models are compatible with solar or thermal panels.
FAQs
Choosing the right boiler type depends on various factors, including your home’s size, hot water demand, and available space. Combi boilers are ideal for smaller homes with limited space, while system boilers are suitable for larger properties with higher hot water demand. Regular boilers are typically found in older homes with traditional heating setups. Our experts can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable option for you.
Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains and do not require a separate hot water cylinder or cold-water tank, making them space-efficient. System boilers have a built-in hot water cylinder but still require a separate cold-water tank. Regular boilers, also known as traditional or heat-only boilers, rely on both a hot water cylinder and a cold-water storage tank.
Combi boilers are highly efficient as they heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a hot water cylinder and reducing heat loss. System boilers are also efficient, but they require space for a hot water cylinder. Regular boilers may be less efficient due to heat loss from the hot water cylinder and cold-water tank.
Yes, it is possible to upgrade from a regular boiler to a combi boiler or system boiler, depending on your home’s heating and hot water requirements. Our experienced engineers can assess your existing system and recommend the best option for your needs.
Combi boilers offer space-saving benefits and provide hot water on demand, but they may struggle to meet high hot water demands simultaneously. System boilers are suitable for properties with higher hot water demand but require space for a hot water cylinder. Regular boilers are compatible with existing heating systems but require space for both a hot water cylinder and a cold-water tank. Our team can discuss these factors in more detail to help you make an informed decision.
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