Boiler Scrappage Guide
Domestic heating accounts for nearly 14% of UK CO2 emissions. Replacing your boiler with a more energy efficient model will cut your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
In most circumstances, new and replacement boilers need to be high efficiency condensing boilers which are environmentally friendly. These boilers have reduced carbon emissions and will save you money on your energy bills. Although these boilers do tend to be more expensive to buy, according to the Energy Saving Trust the money invested will be recovered through significantly lower fuel bills of up to 40% per year.
There are a few different types of condensing boiler on the market and when making your choice you should consider
- The size of your home
- Your central heating and hot water requirements
The choices available are:
- Combi boilers - A space-saving combi boiler is likely to be the right type if you have a small home or live in a flat as it does not require a hot water storage tank or cylinder.
- System boilers - If you live in a larger home but do not have any loft space i.e. a bungalow, then a system boiler is a good option as it only requires a hot water storage tank.
- Regular or Heat Only boilers - In larger homes where hot water demand is higher and there is plenty of storage space.
Combi boilers
A combination (combi) boiler is a highly efficient water heater and central heating boiler combined in a single unit. Water is heated on demand without the need for a storage tank. Combi boilers are very compact and therefore if space is an issue in your home they can be a practical solution. However, although energy efficient, combi boilers are not always the best solution for all homes. As combi boilers heat water from the cold mains supply as and when required and does not take hot water from a storage tank, it will mean that you would not be able to obtain hot water simultaneously from several outlets.
System boilers
A system boiler uses hot water from a storage tank which is often found in the airing cupboard. This is a great solution for bigger properties where a combi boiler is not suitable. You can run several taps simultaneously without affecting the pressure or heat however, you will need to wait for the water to heat up when required and it could run out.
Regular or Heat Only boilers
If space is not an issue, Heat Only boilers are a good option as they will help ensure that there is plenty of hot water available and instant central heating. They work by storing hot water, so a separate storage cylinder, usually placed in an airing cupboard and a storage tank in the loft is required.
Deciding what boiler will be the best investment for you can be confusing, at Nationwide Energy Services we are here to help you become more energy efficient by providing you with the most up-to-date information. We are dedicated to saving you money and our highly trained staff are able to provide the best advice possible.