The advantages of installing a space-saving Combi Boiler

Combination boilers have become one of the most popular choices for new boiler installations in the UK. There are many reasons for this, with their big advantages being their space-saving benefits, efficiency and temperature reliability. If you’re thinking of installing a combi boiler, here are some reasons why they are a good choice:

Space-saving
Combi boilers are different from other boilers in that they do not need a hot water cylinder or a cold water tank; hot water is heated on demand, and cold water is taken directly from the mains supply. This means that you save the airing cupboard space taken up by a hot water cylinder and gain extra loft space by removing the cold water tank – perfect, therefore, for small homes, flats, or for those converting their attic space into a useable room!

Efficient and cost-effective
Combination boilers are highly efficient both as a water heater and as a central heating unit. This means that your heating bills will be less than when using another type of boiler. Even installation and service costs are lower – as less pipe work is needed when there is no tank in the loft, installation is quicker and cheaper, and parts and engineers are readily available to service combination boilers, keeping servicing costs low.

Temperature reliability
What’s more, a combi boiler offers protection from sudden water temperature changes when using the shower as most are thermostatically controlled, often with a thermostat control coming as standard.

Check the suitability of a combination boiler for your home with us; if a combi boiler is suitable, you could be reaping their benefits very shortly!

Winter Boiler Issues: the Top Three Problems

The last thing you need when it’s cold outside is for your boiler to suddenly stop working! A lack of heating and hot water can throw even the most organised of households into chaos. Here’s a guide to the top boiler problems which can occur during the winter months.

1. No heating or hot water
If your heating suddenly shuts down, don’t panic! It’s a very common problem. A fault with a part of your boiler’s mechanism could be the problem, or possibly your thermostat. Either way it’s easily fixed with a call to your supplier.

2. Frozen pipes
In cold weather, the water in your heating system can freeze causing burst pipes, blockages and leaks if left unchecked. There are several ways you can stop this from happening, including insulating your pipes and making sure you have a regular boiler service.

3. Radiators not heating up
There’s nothing worse than a lukewarm radiator when it’s freezing outside! If you’re sitting at home with your coat on, it could be because hot water isn’t reaching your radiators due to a blockage. If your pipes are old, they might be starting to fall apart on the inside, causing a build-up of sludge. A power flush can help sort this out and get your heating system working properly again.

If you want your winter to be a warm one, regular boiler servicing is a good idea and it’ll save you on expensive repairs later on. Only a Gas Safe Registered engineer can perform work on your boiler, so be sure to remember this when you call.

Do You Need A New Boiler?

If your boiler is around ten years old, it could be time to replace it. Older boilers are less efficient, use more fuel and produce less heat than newer, condensing boilers. Despite the initial cost, by buying a new boiler, you could be saving yourself a significant amount on your heating bills. According to Boilers.org.uk, an old boiler costs the average household around £634 a year compared to a new energy-efficient boiler which costs a household only £401. There are also plenty of grants and special offers available if you feel you can’t afford the full cost of a new boiler so it’s worth checking out if you qualify.

All boilers fitted in the UK have to be classed as energy-efficient. This means they provide the maximum amount of power on minimum fuel. By purchasing an energy-efficient boiler, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also helping to save the environment, too.

A combination (or combi) boiler is a popular choice for many households, as they can provide the hot water for your whole house without needing a separate tank. However, if you have a large house and often need to run more than one shower or bath at the same time, a system boiler is a better option. These come with storage cylinders that can hold a large amount of water at any one time. The system boilers have largely replaced the old open vent or heating only boilers as they take up far less space.

Boiler insurance is a good idea, even with the purchase of a new boiler. Central heating repairs can be expensive and, without insurance, you could be left with no hot water or heating until your boiler can be fixed.

The best thing you can do is speak to a trusted, Gas Safe registered London plumber to find out the best type of boiler for your property.