Choosing the right boiler for your flat is crucial for meeting your home’s hot water demand, keeping energy bills manageable and having adequate heating to heat your entire flat. The Warmable team have got you covered – we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best boiler for a flat, including factors to consider, costs and energy efficiency.
What are the Different Types of Boilers for a Flat?
For flats in the UK, there are various options available when it comes to boiler types. Here are the top boiler types to consider:
Combi Boiler
A combination boiler, known as a ‘combi’ boiler, is a single compact unit containing both a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler. Unlike alternative boilers which have separate tanks, combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap giving you nearly instant access. They are the most common type of boiler in the UK and are also one of the most space-efficient options. For flats, their relative high power and small size make it a great option.
Within combi boilers, there are two key types to consider: electric and gas.
Electric boiler
Electric boilers use electricity to heat water for your taps and radiators in an instant. They use electricity from the mains electricity supply, carrying it to the heating element within the boiler. Electric boilers are more energy efficient, tend to have a cheaper installation fee and are more environmentally friendly; however, they are more expensive to run.
Gas boiler
Gas combi boilers work by taking water directly from the mains and heating it as and when needed. When a hot tap or heating is turned on, the boiler will burn gas in the combustion chamber causing hot gas to rise through the pipes and bring heat to the outlets. Gas boilers are generally cheaper to run but require more regular maintenance.
How Much is a New Boiler for a Flat?
New boilers can cost anything from £500 to £3,500 before installation costs. This price will depend on many factors including the boiler type, the model and manufacturer, warranty, property type and your heating requirements. For flats, only a small size boiler is required which will be on the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Boiler in a Flat?
To run a boiler in a UK flat, you can expect to pay from anywhere between £500 to £1,500 depending on multiple factors. Depending on the size of your boiler (measured in kilowatts), frequency of use, and whether it is gas or electricity will all impact how much your boiler running costs will be. According to data from Choose, the cost to run a gas boiler is around 3.8p per kW – the equivalent of around 91p to run a 24kW gas boiler for an hour.
Running a gas boiler in the UK costs around 3.8p per kW
What is the Most Energy Efficient Boiler for a Flat?
The most energy-efficient boiler for a flat or small house is a combi boiler. These boilers are ideal because they are highly efficient, optimise space and heat water on demand.
How Can I Save Money on my Boiler?
There are many ways to save money on your boiler from changing the settings on the flow temperature and turning down the hot water temperature to bleeding your radiators. When it comes to finding the right boiler and getting it installed and serviced, we at Warmable can get you the cheapest quote around. With access to over 1,000 Gas Safe Registered Engineers across the UK, we can arrange a boiler installation within 24 to 48 hours wherever you are based. Or you can arrange an initial visit and consultation with no fees or obligations. We offer fixed prices across the whole of the UK market so you get a true and transparent rate.
Should Your Landlord Pay for a New Boiler?
In the UK, landlords are responsible both for the maintenance and repair of boilers, in accordance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. If a landlord refuses to pay for boiler repairs, tenants can pay for the repairs and give the bill to the landlord to pay.
Closing Thoughts
When choosing a boiler for your flat, make sure you choose the most energy- and space-efficient model to avoid overpaying for your heating costs. Check out our other guides to find out the best boilers to heat a large house or a three-bedroom house. Want to speak to an expert? Our team at Warmable can help you out with your boiler needs – from installation and servicing to free, no-obligation consultations. Contact us today!
