It can be difficult to choose the right boiler for your home. There are many types and options of boiler that you can choose from, making it difficult to decide which one is best for your home.
If you choose the right boiler, it will last for at least fifteen years and provide your heating and hot-water needs throughout the year.
What matters when buying a boiler for your home?
The ideal boiler for your home will depend on its heating and hot water requirements. It is important to choose the right boiler that meets your needs, and not waste your money.
There are many factors to take into consideration when answering the question "What size boiler do you need?". Luckily, we have provided this guide to help you.
If you don’t have the patience some boiler installation companies such as Boiler Central have an online boiler size calculator so you can get the right boiler for your home in minutes.
It is important to select the right size boiler for your house
We are not referring to the boiler's physical dimensions when we talk about its size. We are talking about the output in Kilowatts (kW), which is the unit used to measure the amount of heat produced by the boiler. You don't want to waste money or energy by choosing the wrong size boiler for your home.
The rule of thumb is that the more heat or hot water you need, the greater the output. However, other factors can also affect the size you choose:
How many radiators in your home?
The number of radiators within your property is a major factor in choosing the right size boiler. A small home such as an apartment or flat will require a smaller boiler to heat the home and provide hot water. You will also be able to save money on energy.
A small or medium boiler, such as 24-30 kW, should suffice for a three- or four-bedroom house with approximately ten radiators.
Larger houses with more radiators and en-suite bathrooms will typically need a larger boiler, usually 30-35 kW.
A large combi boiler 35-42kW may be required for large houses with many radiators. Or, it might be worth switching to a system boiler which could be more appropriate in size.
Size, layout, and demand for property
A larger property will require a bigger boiler in order to heat it more efficiently. It also ensures that the water pressure throughout the building is maintained without any wasted energy.
Your house's number of bathrooms, as well the frequency you use your showers and baths, will all impact the size of the boiler that you require. A larger boiler will be required if there are more people in your home.
Heat loss from your home
In the past, the size of your home was a major factor in determining the right size boiler. A heating engineer can now calculate the heat loss of your house to help you choose the best size boiler.
When calculating heat loss, a variety of factors must be considered. These include floor area, radiator count, type and number of windows, insulation, and any other factors that could cause heat to escape from your home. This calculation will determine how much heat your home will lose on coldest days of the year. You can then choose the best size boiler for you.
Type of fuel your home uses
You can also determine the size of your boiler by the fuel you have available. Boilers for different fuels may vary in efficiency.
The most efficient boilers in the UK are gas boilers. However, houses without mains gas connections often use LPG (liquefied petroleum gases) systems.
Modern boilers can also be used to heat future energy sources such as solar panels. This should be considered when choosing the right size boiler.
Before you decide on the size of your boiler, it is important to consider what type of boiler would best suit your home. There are many types of boilers available. Each type has its own benefits and efficiency. This will depend on the space available and your current boiler system.
We have listed the main types of boilers below, but you can also check our guide to see a detailed explanation of the types of boilers you can purchase for your home.
Best types of boilers for homes
Combi Boilers
Combination boilers are the most popular type of boiler in UK homes. Also known as combi boilers or hot water heaters, they heat hot water only when it is needed. No hot water is stored.
Combination boilers combine a central heating boiler and a water heater in one system. They heat water as soon as you need it. Combi boilers only have one outlet, so they can be used to heat or hot water. This boiler might not work well if you have multiple water outlets.
Conventional Boilers
Conventional boilers are also known as 'Standard, 'Traditional, or 'Regular'. They heat water using hot and cold water storage tanks. Conventional boilers heat water using fuel such as oil or gas. The water is then heated up and transported to the hot tank by a pump.
This hot water flows from your taps to your shower or heating system when the water or heating is turned on. Conventional boilers are a good choice for replacing your heating system. They are often found in older homes.
System Boilers
A system boiler is ideal for homes that have higher hot water demands or larger properties. It heats water from the mains, and then takes it back to your home in a storage container. System boilers can be used to heat hot water from 2 or more outlets simultaneously.
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