What is a boiler?
A boiler in its simplest form was a metal box surrounded by a fire, used to heat the water inside it. Nowadays, boilers are automatic devices used in homes all over the world to heat the households water. The temperature at which a boiler heats to is set by a thermostat, and when the water reaches that temperature, the boiler turns itself off. Fuels that can be used to heat a boiler are electricity, gas, oil and solid fuels, including coal, wood and straw. Around 92% of boiler installations are gas, and the rest use oil. Only a small number of electric and solid fuel boilers are now installed.
Modern boilers can now be operating at over 90% efficiency, compared to older boilers which may only be operating at 50-60% efficiency. Because the older boilers waste so much fuel, current UK regulations no longer permit them to be installed, and a boiler of 86% efficiency or more must now be installed.
Which type of boiler do I need?
There are two types of boiler you could choose from, and both have advantages and disadvantage. Carry on reading to find out the differences and help you decide which one is best for your home. If you are still unsure, get in contact with Marble Plumbing who will be able to advise you further.
Combination Boilers
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these systems. Combination boilers, also known as combi boilers account for more than 60% of UK sales, but they are not right for everyone.
The advantages of a combi boiler are that is it easier and cheaper to install, it only heats the water as and when it is required, it doesn’t take up a lot of space as it doesn’t need a storage cylinder or cistern in the roof space, and finally it provides water for the central heating.
Some disadvantages of a combi boiler are that you could have a poor flow rate from the taps where the pipe size to the house is inadequate, there isn’t a backup supply of hot water if the power or water supply is turned off, and finally that when the boiler is being used to heat the water for domestic hot water there is no operation for central heating purposes.
Where there are only a few occupants in the house who are prepared to wait a minute or two longer to run a bath, and space is an issue a combination boiler might be a better option.
Regular Boilers
Advantages of having a regular boiler and hot water supply are generally the opposite of the problems of a combination boiler. They are that the water flow out from the taps will be good, and the central heating is separate from the hot water so both can be used at the same time, and finally there will be a limited backup supply of hot water if the power supply or mains is turned off.
There are also disadvantages of the storage system, and these are that there is more pipework required for installation therefore it is more expensive, and more room is required for the storage cylinder and the cold water cistern and finally, when the cold storage cistern is not located high enough, poor pressures will be experienced from outlet points.
Where lots of occupants inhabit the house, and there is a greater demand for hot water it could be a better option to go for the regular boiler and hot water storage cylinder, which will ensure good flow and pressure without disrupting the central heating demand.