Frequently Asked Questions About Boiler Installation
Have questions about boiler systems? Find answers to common questions about boiler installation, costs, and finding qualified installers.
What type of boiler is best?
The best type of boiler for your home or business depends on several things, including your available space, fuel preferences, and budget. Here are some of the most common types of boilers:
Combi boilers: Combination boilers provide both heating and hot water on demand , eliminating the need for a separate water tank. . They are compact, efficient, and well-suited for smaller homes or apartments.
Condensing boilers: Condensing boilers are highly efficient . They recycle heat from waste gases, improving energy efficiency. Because of increased efficiency, condensing units can help lower your carbon footprint and reduce heating costs.
System boilers: System boilers heat your central heating system directly and store hot water separately. They are a good option for homes requiring a higher volume of hot water.
Regular boilers: Regular boilers, also known as conventional or traditional boilers, are the most traditional type of boiler, and they generally require the most space. They are a reliable option for continuous hot water throughout a home.
A professional can help you choose the best system.
How do I bleed my radiators?
If your radiators have cold spots or are not heating up efficiently, they may need to be bled to remove trapped air. Here's how to bleed your radiators: :1. Turn off your central heating system and allow the radiators to cool down completely. 2. Locate the bleed valve on the radiator. A special key is often needed.3. Place a radiator key if you don't have a radiator key on the bleed valve and carefully turn. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes..4. Hold a cloth or container under the valve to catch any water that may leak out. .5. Continue turning the key until water begins to flow steadily.6. Tighten the valve clockwise .7. Repeat this process for all the radiators in your home.8. Once you have bled all the radiators, turn your central heating back on and check the pressure gauge on your boiler. . Confirm that your system pressure is in the normal range for optimal boiler performance. If not, consult with a professional HVAC technician. Adjust the pressure if needed. If you are unsure how to do this, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer. Bleeding radiators can help improve their efficiency and your heating system overall.
What is a boiler’s AFUE rating?
The AFUE rating measures how efficiently a boiler converts fuel to heat over a year. It's expressed as a percentage. For example, higher AFUE ratings indicate higher efficiency, resulting in less wasted fuel and money. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the boiler and the less fuel you'll need to heat your home, resulting in cost savings.. Prioritize energy efficiency when choosing a boiler to reduce costs and your carbon footprint.
What is a condensing boiler?
A condensing boiler is a very efficient boiler. They recapture and reuse exhaust heat. Condensing boilers increase efficiency and lower heating costs. They're better for the environment as well.
What type of boiler is best?
The best type of boiler for your home or business depends on several key factors , including your budget, the size of your property, your hot water demands, and the availability of fuel types in your area. . Here are some of the most common types of boilers:
Combi boilers: Combination boilers provide both heating and hot water on demand , eliminating the need for a separate water tank. . They are compact, efficient, and well-suited for smaller homes or apartments.
Condensing boilers: Condensing boilers are one of the most efficient types of boiler. They extract more heat from the fuel by condensing the water vapor in the exhaust gases, thus saving energy. Because of increased efficiency, condensing units can help lower your carbon footprint and reduce heating costs.
System boilers: System boilers heat your central heating system directly and store domestic hot water in a separate cylinder. . They are a good option for homes requiring a higher volume of hot water.
Regular boilers: Regular boilers, also known as conventional or traditional boilers, require a separate hot water cylinder, a cold water storage tank, and an expansion tank. They are suitable for larger properties with high hot water requirements and existing pipework.
Consult with a qualified heating engineer to discuss which boiler type is most appropriate for your specific requirements.
How do I bleed my radiators?
If your radiators have cold spots or are not heating up efficiently, they may need to be bled to remove trapped air. This straightforward process can help improve your heating:1. Turn off your central heating system and wait for radiators to cool.2. Locate the bleed valve on the radiator. A special key is often needed.3. Place a radiator key or a flat-head screwdriver on the bleed valve and carefully turn. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes..4. Hold a cloth or container under the valve to catch any water that may drip.5. Continue turning the key until water begins to flow steadily.6. Tighten the valve securely.7. Repeat this process for all the radiators in your home.8. Once you have bled all the radiators, turn your central heating system on and monitor boiler pressure. Confirm that your system pressure is in the normal range for optimal boiler performance. If not, consult with a professional HVAC technician. Adjust the pressure if needed. If you are unsure how to do this, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer. Bleeding radiators can help improve their efficiency and your heating system overall.
What is a boiler’s AFUE rating?
The AFUE rating measures how efficiently a boiler converts fuel to heat over a year. It's expressed as a percentage. For example, higher AFUE ratings indicate higher efficiency, resulting in less wasted fuel and money. The minimum AFUE for new boilers is typically 80%, but higher-efficiency models are available with AFUE ratings exceeding 95%. Prioritize energy efficiency when choosing a boiler to reduce costs and your carbon footprint.
What is a condensing boiler?
A condensing boiler is a very efficient boiler. They recapture and reuse exhaust heat. This recovered heat is used to preheat the cold water returning to the boiler, reducing the amount of energy required to raise the water temperature for your heating and hot water. . They're better for the environment as well.