Three types of boiler and their pros and cons

Boilers are responsible for providing a home with heat and hot water on demand. They are most commonly fuelled by natural gas, although pellet and wood options are also possible. With rising energy costs and the increasing need to be more energy efficient, the choice of boiler you have installed in your home is arguably the most important appliance decision.According to USwitch, boilers are classified in accordance with their working pressure and temperature, type of fuel used, size, capacity, and whether they produce water vapour through condensing.

Types of boiler

Combination boilers generate both heat and hot water from a single unit. By connecting to the mains cold water, they can heat water on demand. These are money-saving, ensure that heat and water are available immediately and are easily maintained and serviced. They are not compatible with solar panels and can be costly to install.

A conventional boiler provides heat only, with water being pumped to a separate storage tank. Conventional boilers have limited water capacity, can be bulky, and are expensive systems to install. However, they are well suited to larger, older homes which may have lower water pressure and more radiators.

System boilers need a hot water cylinder, but not a separate water tank. They are similar to a conventional boiler, with the added benefit of pumps and valves being integrated into the system. System boilers are space-saving as the individual components are built in. However, they can be unreliable with lower water pressure.

Further information

For useful information and advice on boilers in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas, visit an expert such as www.hprservicesltd.com/cheltenham-boilers/boiler-repair-cheltenham. Most companies will offer free no obligation quotes, as well as advice on efficiency and how to maintain your boiler and system.

Boilers should always be installed by a Gas Safe engineer, who will be able to carry out the necessary checks and paperwork to ensure that the appliance is safe. Boilers can be a costly purchase and you should always ensure that you have researched types and installers thoroughly before undertaking any work.