That alien looking box which magically supplies the hot water when you open the tap and feeds your central heating is probably the most important piece of technology in your home.
The question is: How do I decide which boiler to buy.
There are three primary aspects to consider when you investigate your options - the initial cost is not one of these and boilers are probably less expensive than you think.
Read more to find out more about the basic boiler and what boiler should you choose.
The first is how much heating and hot water you will using.
Secondly you should decide where you are able to install the boiler and tanks.
This will of course depend on how much space is available.
Your third decision will be what fuel you intend using or have available - oil, gas or electricity.
The choice of fuel source is relatively easy as you would usually already have either all three or a combination installed in your house.
Three popular types of boilers are available on the market and your choice will depend on the answers to the first two aspects.
Combi boilers (also often referred to as condensing boilers) These are reported to be the best selling.
Economy is the catchphrase, with no cylinder to be heated and no separate hot water tank.
Because they are small they can fit into the smallest of spaces.
You can expect an endless stream of hot water, heated directly from the mains supply.
But be warned, if another tap is tuned on at the same time the supply will be shared and pressure reduced.
Possibly best used in smaller homes and apartments, but perfect where space comes at a premium.
System (or closed/sealed system) boilers.
You will still need a cupboard to hide the hot water storage tank.
When more than one tap is running, the water pressure will be maintained.
Suitable for the water and heating needs of a bigger family, it will also free up usable loft space.
Again use the water too quickly and you will have to wait for the storage tank to refill.
Open vent boilers - Most homes where the heating system has not been replaced in recent years have this product in-situ.
Requiring the most space, two water tanks, usually fitted in the loft and a cylinder for hot water storage in the airing cupboard.
The larger tank feeds cold water into the plumbing system.
A smaller tank feeds the boiler and radiators and works by expanding and feeding.
But when it runs out of hot water is will require time to reheat.
As always, seek advice from reputable installers to ensure that you comply with legal requirements in your area.
We suggest that you list your needs, and with the aid of a professional compare the pros and cons of each product when seeking to answer the question: How do I decide which boiler to buy? There are no fixed rules that resolve individual requirements of each home.
The question is: How do I decide which boiler to buy.
There are three primary aspects to consider when you investigate your options - the initial cost is not one of these and boilers are probably less expensive than you think.
Read more to find out more about the basic boiler and what boiler should you choose.
The first is how much heating and hot water you will using.
Secondly you should decide where you are able to install the boiler and tanks.
This will of course depend on how much space is available.
Your third decision will be what fuel you intend using or have available - oil, gas or electricity.
The choice of fuel source is relatively easy as you would usually already have either all three or a combination installed in your house.
Three popular types of boilers are available on the market and your choice will depend on the answers to the first two aspects.
Combi boilers (also often referred to as condensing boilers) These are reported to be the best selling.
Economy is the catchphrase, with no cylinder to be heated and no separate hot water tank.
Because they are small they can fit into the smallest of spaces.
You can expect an endless stream of hot water, heated directly from the mains supply.
But be warned, if another tap is tuned on at the same time the supply will be shared and pressure reduced.
Possibly best used in smaller homes and apartments, but perfect where space comes at a premium.
System (or closed/sealed system) boilers.
You will still need a cupboard to hide the hot water storage tank.
When more than one tap is running, the water pressure will be maintained.
Suitable for the water and heating needs of a bigger family, it will also free up usable loft space.
Again use the water too quickly and you will have to wait for the storage tank to refill.
Open vent boilers - Most homes where the heating system has not been replaced in recent years have this product in-situ.
Requiring the most space, two water tanks, usually fitted in the loft and a cylinder for hot water storage in the airing cupboard.
The larger tank feeds cold water into the plumbing system.
A smaller tank feeds the boiler and radiators and works by expanding and feeding.
But when it runs out of hot water is will require time to reheat.
As always, seek advice from reputable installers to ensure that you comply with legal requirements in your area.
We suggest that you list your needs, and with the aid of a professional compare the pros and cons of each product when seeking to answer the question: How do I decide which boiler to buy? There are no fixed rules that resolve individual requirements of each home.
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