If you need to update your home’s heating system and decide to get a new energy-efficient boiler, the next step is to understand the updated boiler options. But with all the innovations in the heating market, it can be hard to know where to start!

You'll want to ensure you get the right boiler because it costs much money. So, doing a lot of research on your new heating system can really pay off. If you pick the right new boiler, you can get a reliable system that costs less to run and is easier to use.

Our guides help you determine how an efficient new boiler can save you energy and discuss everything you need to know before choosing a boiler with the most efficient potential.

 Choosing the right boiler can be hard because it depends on your lifestyle and requirements, how much heat and hot water you need, and what you want most from your heating system.

Rest assured, we pride ourselves on providing the perfect grants for free boilers to fit your needs and budget. Our expert engineer will ask you what you hope to achieve with your heating system and will conduct heat loss calculations to determine what size boiler you need.

You might also like to learn the best options or types of boilers in our guide below.

What Are The Different Types of Boilers?

There are three main types of condensing boilers. These are:

• Combination (combi) boilers

• Conventional heat-only boilers

• System boilers

What Is A Condensing Boiler?

A condensing boiler saves energy and gets heat back from waste gases.

All new boilers and boilers that are being replaced must be condensing boilers by law. A new condensing boiler with an A rating is up to 94% efficient, while an old boiler that doesn't have an A rating is only 70% efficient.

Look at the flue to determine if the boiler condenses. The flue is the pipe that takes the boiler's waste heat outside. With a non-condensing boiler, the flue is made of metal, and no steam comes out of it when the boiler is on. It might be better for your central heating if you get a condensing boiler instead of a gas boiler. Not only should this lower your energy costs, but it should also help the environment and use less energy.

What Are The Combi Boilers?

There's no need for an outside water tank because the combi boiler provides heat and hot water directly from the boiler.

A combi boiler can be the right choice for people who live in small homes.

There is less wasted energy because you only use heat and hot water when needed. Combi boiler is the best choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

A combi boiler is easier to set up and shouldn't cost as much as other types of boilers.

Combination boilers don't work as well in bigger homes or places where the water pressure is low. 

What Are Conventional Boilers?

Conventional boilers take up more space than a combi boiler, so they might not be an option in smaller homes.

These boilers have two tanks:

• A hot water tank (stored in an airing cupboard)

• A cold water tank ( in the loft)

A conventional boiler might suit you if:

• You’ve multiple bathrooms

• You require hot water from more than one tap at a time

The drawback is that it can be a bit more expensive to install as there’s more equipment involved. And if you want to jump in a hot bath immediately, tough luck. You may have to wait for the water tank to heat up first.

These drawbacks have led to a fall in the popularity of conventional boilers in favour of the combi. 

What Is A System Boiler?

There is no cold-water tank in a sealed system boiler, but they work the same way as heat-only boilers.

If you have a loft conversion and feel like you don't have enough room, this function might come in handy. If you live somewhere with low water flow, these boilers can help.

System boilers are often a good choice for larger homes because they let you run hot water from more than one tap simultaneously.

They can be pricey, though. It also needs room for the hot water tank, like a regular boiler. 

What Boiler Do I Have?

Take a look at your boiler to find out what type it is.

When you look at a combi boiler, you can see copper lines coming from the bottom. There shouldn't be a hot or cold water tank, and five copper wires should go out of the boiler.

Conventional boilers have a hot water cylinder, a cold water storage tank, and an outside pump. They are suitable for large homes.

 If you live in a bigger house with more than one bathroom, you most likely have a system boiler. If you want to be sure, count the copper lines that come out of your boiler. A sealed system boiler should have three of them. There are also no cold water tanks or pumps outside.

What Boiler Do I Need?

Your selection of boiler comes down to several facts, including:

• Your home’s size and the number of bathrooms

• Quantity of hot water you use

• Number of members in your house

• The fuel sources available to you (if you don't have access to gas, for example)

Before deciding what type of boiler to install, it's worth talking to an expert engineer.

Can I Apply For A Grant to Help Pay For A New Boiler?

Some government schemes are available that can help you lessen the cost of a replacement boiler.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government-supported energy scheme that works with energy suppliers to lower energy costs.

Whether it depends on your eligibility:

• Homeowners or private tenants

• Households with low incomes who receive any of the specific benefits, including:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Housing Benefit

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Income Support (IS)

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)

  • Working Tax Credit (WTC)

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • Universal Credit (UC)

  • Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)

  • Child Benefit*

• Properties with an EPC rating of lower D, E, F, & G.

• The present boiler must be non-condensing (i.e., installed before 2005)

Learn more about the ECO plan from your energy provider or this Ofgem guide. 

Can I Get A Free Boiler?

The government's goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. One way to do this is to examine how we heat our homes.

Let’s Wrap Up!

In conclusion, choosing the right boiler for your home is a big choice that needs a lot of thought. It's easy to get confused about efficiency, size, heat sources, and safety features. We understand how important it is to choose the right boiler for your needs. Our team of skilled experts can help you through the process and give you personalised advice based on your specific needs. Because we only offer the best goods and service, you can be sure that your boiler installation or replacement will be done carefully and accurately. Choose us for all your boiler needs, and don't settle for less than the best.