Buying a new boiler can be a daunting prospect with many different things to consider. Luckily our team of experts at Warmable has put together a comprehensive guide of the various factors to take into account when buying a new boiler – from how much to spend to the size of boiler best suited for your home.
What Type of Boiler Do I Need?
One of the most important factors when buying a new boiler is choosing the right type. There are various different boiler types on the market so we’re going to break it down for you here.
Combi boilers
Combination, or combi, boilers are the most common boiler type in the UK. They act as an all-in-one system for both hot water and central heating. Unlike other boiler types, there is no need for a separate cylinder to preheat hot water. Instead, the combi boiler delivers hot water to the tap or the radiator as soon as it is switched on. These boilers are ideal for smaller properties – such as a two-bed house or three-bed house with one bathroom. They are space efficient, as well as cost efficient. However, as they don’t store any hot water, they do have their limits when it comes to heating larger properties and fulfilling a higher demand for heat and hot water.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers come under many different names: traditional, heat-only or conventional. You would choose a regular boiler if you have a home which already has a traditional heating and hot water system in place. This boiler relies on a separate hot water cylinder as well as a cold storage tank in the loft. For larger homes, such as ones which have two or more bathrooms, regular boilers can be a good way to accommodate lots of hot water being used at the same time.
System Boilers
System boilers are great for catering to large hot water demands, so are suitable for larger properties with more bathrooms. Although they need a cylinder for storing hot water, the main components for heating and hot water are built into the boiler itself. And, unlike the regular boilers, they don’t require a separate cold water tank in the loft. As a result, they tend to be quick and easy to install.
What Size Boiler Should I Get?
When we talk about boiler size, we are talking about the capacity of the boiler which is measured in kW (kilowatts). To choose your boiler size, you should take into account the heating and hot water demands of your home. This tends to be impacted by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and radiators in the house. For example you will need a different boiler for a small home or flat than you would to meet the heating demands of a large house.
These graphs are a useful way to work out more or less the boiler size you need.
Combi boilers
| Bedrooms | Radiators | Bathrooms | Recommended boiler size (kW) |
| 1-2 | 0-10 | 1 | 24-27 |
| 3-4 | 10+ | 2-3 | 28-34 |
| 4+ | 20+ | 3+ | 23-43 |
System and Regular Boilers
| Bedrooms | Radiators | Bathrooms | Recommended boiler size (kW) |
| 1-2 | 0-10 | 1 | 9-18 |
| 3-4 | 10+ | 2-3 | 18-26 |
| 4+ | 20+ | 3+ | 27-40 |
How Much Do I Need to Spend on a New Boiler?
The cost of a new boiler can range drastically, from anywhere between £500 and £3000 depending on the size, type and brand. On top of that, you also need to consider the installation costs (between £1,000-£1,500). Don’t know where to start? Get a quote with Warmable today and we can get you the best deals for boiler installation in your area.
Which Brand is the Best for a New Boiler?
There is so much choice when it comes to choosing a boiler brand. This will be impacted by the other factors mentioned in this article e.g. how much you want to spend, the type of boiler you need to buy and the boiler size. When comparing brands, think about reliability and durability. The average price of a boiler repair costs around £196 according to Which – the more reliable your boiler, the less you will have to pay to maintain it in the long term. Our experts at Warmable cut out the hard work for you – we compare the different boilers on the market taking into account all the different factors so you don’t have to. Get a quote today!
We’ve also prepared a list of the best combi boilers.
Closing Thoughts
There’s many factors to consider when buying a new boiler: type, price, size, warranty, brand… Why not let us make it easier for you? At Warmable, we work with over 1,000 Gas Safe Registered Engineers across the UK. Get in touch today and we can arrange a free initial visit – no fees or obligations – or a boiler installation wherever you are within 24-48 hours. We offer fixed prices across the whole of the UK market so you get a true and transparent rate.
