04 Jan Replacing Your Boiler What You Need to Consider
Replacing Your Boiler: What You Need to Consider
If your boiler is making strange sounds or you’ve noticed an unusual smell, now may be the time to replace it. However, before you go about doing this, there are numerous factors you must take into account first.
Here, we will examine the critical factors involved in the boiler replacement process. This will help you determine how to pick a new boiler that is right for your property and satisfies your needs.
Property Size
How big your home is has a direct link to what kind of boiler is right for your property. System boilers and conventional boilers use a cylinder, which makes them more suitable for bigger properties, whereas a combi boiler is directly connected to the mains. This means it does not need a cylinder or tank, which makes it a suitable option for smaller homes. As well as the size of your home, you need to pay attention to how big your boiler is. A larger boiler is naturally not advised for a small property, while smaller boilers may not be the right fit for a larger home.
There is also the option of installing a ground source heat pump that transfers heat from the ground outside your property to heat your underfloor heating or radiators. Invictus Mechanical has a guide on the pros and cons of a ground source heat pump, as well as how ground source heat pumps work. The company can install heat pumps, as well as other types of heating. Note that you will need to have a lot of space for the pipes to be installed.
Number of Bathrooms
If your property has more than one bathroom or you’re considering adding another, it’s wise to look into getting a conventional or system boiler. These kinds of boilers enable you to run hot water in a number of bathrooms at the same time, whereas a combi boiler cannot run two showers or baths simultaneously. This is because they only heat cold water on demand.
For large families, the most feasible choice may be a traditional boiler. This is because the amount of hot water available is only restricted by how big your hot water cylinder is.
Brand
If you’re thinking of replacing your boiler, you must take notice of the different brands available. This is because they will vary in terms of their energy efficiency levels, which is a key factor that can have a significant impact on how much you pay for electricity and gas each month.
Your boilers’ energy efficiency levels are measured on a scale from A to G. The most energy-efficient boilers are A-rated. Should your boiler be over 15 years old, you’ll likely have a G-rated one. For every £1 of gas you use, it’s said that you will waste 30p of it. This can add up to over £350 in a year that you may be paying unnecessarily. Make sure that you choose a reputable boiler installation company that will give further advice on the best boiler brands.
Water Pressure in the Area
Depending on where you live in the country, your water pressure may differ. You must take note of the water pressure as some boiler types cannot provide enough pressure on their own. A traditional boiler is suited for homes in areas that have low water pressure.
On the other hand, if you live in an area where the water pressure is good, it’s best to look into installing a combi boiler.
Boiler Flow Rate
Once you have established how big your property is, the kind of boiler you want, and your hot water needs, the next step is to focus on the flow rate. This lets you know how much water can flow through your boiler, as well as the speed it comes out of your tap.
You don’t need to choose a boiler that has the highest flow rate. Instead, you should pay attention to your mains pressure. For instance, if the mains supply to your property can only cope with 10 litres of water each minute, there is no point in purchasing a replacement boiler that has a flow rate of 12 litres each minute.
Type of Property
The kind of property you have is another vital factor that must be taken into consideration before replacing a boiler. If you live in an older property, you may have a traditional boiler system, which in many cases, can be more cost-effective to keep.
The larger your home is, the more radiators you will need. This can put a huge strain on your existing boiler type. Make sure you bear this in mind when picking your next boiler’s kilowattage.
It’s your responsibility to pay attention to your boiler and look for signs of replacement. If your boiler has seen better days and it’s time for it to be changed, the tips above will help you find a suitable replacement for your home.