What Type of Boiler is Right for You?
When you’re looking into getting a new boiler, or replacing an old one, there are a few points to take in consideration in deciding what model is best for you:
- Available space
- Existing systems
- Hot water needs
- Budget
- Installation complexity
Some models of boiler require hot and cold water storage tanks that are located in the attic or next to the boiler. If you have one of these models with the existing infrastructure in place it’s worth considering going with the same style of boiler as before in order to save on installation costs and to reduce installation complexity. And if you’re going to utilize some of the existing equipment it’s worth looking at a condensing model for the higher efficiency.
Boiler Model Types and Options
There are three main styles of boiler for home heating use:
- Traditional/Standard
- System
- Combination (Combi)
These can then be further divided into condensing or non-condensing types. Boilers of the condensing type are a relatively new technology that utilizes an otherwise wasted byproduct of operation to increase efficiency by 10-15%, with some models getting close to 100% efficiency ratings. During operation, steam is created through the chemical reactions taking place when natural gas is combusted. That steam is used to help heat the water in use within the boiler, lowering the overall usage of natural gas, and increasing efficiency.
Standard/Traditional Boilers & System Boilers
Traditional boilers are the most popular type of boiler in the US and what most people are familiar with. These boilers utilize both hot and cold water storage tanks that will either be located in the attic/loft or next to the boiler itself. They are a great option for homes that will have multiple points of hot water use simultaneously as the storage tanks easily handle the large load of simultaneous points of use.
System boilers are much the same as traditional boilers only their hot and cold water storage tanks are located inside the unit itself, which makes for an easier installation and reduced physical footprint.
Combi Boilers
Combination boilers are quickly becoming the most popular option in central heating with boilers. They are highly efficient and do not take up much space at all. Some of them are even wall-mounted units not too much larger than a breaker box. Their high efficiency is gained by only heating water as it is needed. So you don’t have to have storage tanks or worry about programming the boiler to make hot water available during certain times.
Still have questions? Rose heating would love to take your phone call and discuss your options with you, so give us a call today!