Combination Boilers

Combi's are the best selling boiler type for gas central heating in Britain. They've been proven steadfast, reliable and tough. Some combis will settle snugly into an average cupboard, if not a cupboard could be built around the boiler after installation.

They are economical to run. And can certainly produce an endless supply of hot water. However there are drawbacks such as the flow may be limited if other taps are running simultaneously. That said, it provides almost instantaneous steaming hot water literally on tap. Whenever you need it. There is no storage cylinder to heat first or to run cold. There will be no cold water storage tank to find space for and no feed and expansion tank needed.

So ask yourself if there is such a great demand for simultaneous hot water around the home. If the washing machine, bath and shower aren't competing for water at the same time, the combi really could be the answer for your home.

 

Condensing Boilers

Around one quarter of Britain's carbon monoxide emissions originate every year from the the energy we use to heat and light our homes. The fossil fuels we burn to convert energy creates thm emissions. Over time the resulting waste gases add to the effect of global warming.

Something as simple as changing an older boiler with a newer one is a big step in the right direction, any boiler over 15 years old is inefficient (approximately 50% efficient), alot more waste is generated by them and thus it is costing more to run. A 'High Efficiency Condensing Boiler' (around 91% efficient) can change this, it will reduce waste vastly in comparison with an old boiler and will also help to bring down your bill.

The initial set-up of the boiler is more expensive. However in the long term it will morethan pay for itself with reduced bills. In some homes savings can be more than one third. The main drawbacks to this boiler is when it comes to the position of the boiler and the flue, this is because there is a large amount of 'Pluming' (steam / water vapour) which comes out of the flue outside, consideration needs to be taken regarding neighbouring properties and boundary lines.

 

Conventional Boilers

A conventional system has two water tanks in the loft, a large cold water storage tank' and small feed and expansion tank'. The cold water storage tank' draws water from the cold water mains to refill.

Water from the storage tank feeds cold water down to the cylinder (normally in the airing cupboard). The central heating boiler will heat the cylinder and converts cold water to hot, this then enables the cylinder to release gallons of hot water to taps throughout the house. The feed and expansion tank' is usually smaller and maintains the correct level of water in the heating system. It also allows for expansion of the water in the radiators and pipework when it gets hot.

A real benefit of this system is that showers, taps and running baths can be drawn in any room at the same time; not all systems can do that. If the cylinder does run out of hot water it will have a fast recovery rate of 25 to 30 minutes (with a new boiler and cylinder).