Choosing the right boiler for your home can be a complicated task. A new boiler can work for around 10-15 years, and it’s very important to find one that suits your needs.
Are you going to upgrade and improve your water heating system? Searching for the right boiler for your home? Want to know how much will a new boiler cost UK?
Today, boiler manufacturers offer a large selection of water heaters and boilers with different functions and capabilities. Sometimes it is difficult for an ordinary consumer to figure out what equipment is better to use.
Instantaneous water boilers
Instantaneous water boilers provide hot water “here and now” without preheating and long waiting time.
Due to the passage of the flow through the heating element or the gas column, the water gets heated in 20-30 seconds to 40-60 ° C, and electricity is consumed only when the tap is on.
The temperature of instantaneous water boilers is controlled by increasing and decreasing the pressure.
Advantages and disadvantages of flow boilers
These boilers are compact in size and can be installed without specialized equipment and tools. Perfectly fit into the interior. They are cheaper than storage devices. But they have their drawbacks:
- Flow models consume a lot of electricity if used continuously, they are economical only with rare use.
- Low-power water boilers give out a small flow of hot water since the level of heating directly depends on the pressure.
- These models of boilers are sensitive to the initial water temperature. The level of water heating will vary significantly from summer to winter season under equal conditions and pressure, the difference is often up to 15-20°C.
- Flow-through hot water boilers require high-quality electrical wiring if all water points in the house are equipped with these heaters. The power of individual models reaches – 30 kW.
Thanks to these features and design, instantaneous water boilers are optimal for installation at separate points of water intake, suitable as a temporary option when the DHW is turned off in city apartments or for seasonal use in summer cottages.
Storage water boilers
These boilers have a storage tank with a capacity of 50 to 300 liters, where the water gets heated up to 50-90°C within 1-4 hours. The built-in thermostat automatically maintains the set temperature.
Boilers work according to the following principle – when the tap is opened, hot water flows from the boiler. At the same time, its place is occupied by a cold one, which is also heated to a predetermined temperature.
Thus, in the boiler, there is always a supply of hot water sufficient to supply several points of water intake at once.
Pros and cons of storage water boilers
If the task is to provide the entire house with hot water, then you definitely need a storage-type water heater. The devices have a low power of 1-2.5 kW, so they are not demanding electrical wiring. The water heats up gradually – energy costs are economical.
Cons of storage water heaters:
- The overall size and heavy weight of the device – equipment from 70 liters is not advisable to use in apartments, such models take up useful space.
- Noticeable heat loss – hot water gradually cools down. The lower the ambient temperature, the faster the process.
- Water is constantly heated – electricity is consumed even if you do not use hot water.
- When several taps are turned on at the same time, the water temperature will drop sharply – the water heater will not have time to cope with its heating. There may be a shortage of hot water.
If you add up all the pros and cons, it becomes clear why you need a storage boiler, and where and when it is better to use it. This device is optimal for use in-country and private houses that are not connected to a central water supply system.
Small models are suitable for an apartment.
Indirect heating boilers
Boilers of indirect heating will help to solve the problem with a sharp decrease in water temperature with its significant consumption in storage devices. This equipment is similar to typical models and looks like a large cylindrical tank.
However, they fundamentally differ in the method of heating – water for hot water supply is heated from an external source.
Instead of an electric heater, a heat exchanger connected to the heating system is installed inside the tank. The heat carrier coming from the boiler circulates through the coil and heats the water to a predetermined value.
The temperature is regulated by means of thermostatic valves installed on the inlet pipe. The devices are as economical as possible – no additional energy consumption is required for heating water.
Extended capabilities
Some models of boilers can be equipped with additional devices. For example, two heat exchangers – one passes the coolant from the heating boiler, and the second is connected to the solar collector and saves fuel on clear days.
Also, electric heaters are installed in indirect heating boilers. Such models compensate for the shortage of hot water during peak periods and are used at times when the heating system is not working or it is necessary to further increase the temperature.
Indirect heating boilers are installed in apartments, private, and country houses with an autonomous heating system.
How to choose the right boiler?
When choosing a model, be sure to decide what you need a water heater for, and do you plan to use it permanently or seasonally.
Calculate the amount of water consumed and the mode of operation of the device, taking into account the number of water points and needs. First of all, select the type of device – gas or electric:
- Gas boilers are suitable for installation in the presence of a gas supply system in the house – such models are more economical and do not require significant additional costs.
- Electric boilers work from the electrical network 220 (up to 8 kW) or 380 volts (up to 30 kW).
Decide on the manufacturer – it is better to purchase a boiler from a well-known brand. These companies supply high-quality products that have already been tested by many consumers and engineers.
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Read more at BoilerGuide about how to calculate prices for new boilers, repairs, and maintenance.