Boiler systems are highly efficient for any home or building. They not only provide reliable heating systems but can also reduce the cost of bills during colder times, especially if they’re energy-efficient. At the same time, newer models help minimize carbon emissions. Boilers became more sustainable by using renewable energy, such as solar, instead of fossil fuels that damage the environment.
Knowing all this, you may have a picture of what your new boiler should be. But that’s not all! When looking for a new boiler, you need to consider many other aspects that go into heating your house and water, such as its size, warranty, placement and more. The more you research the best option, the longer your boiler will last, and you’ll be able to save up energy and financial resources in the long run. Here’s what you need to know before your boiler purchase
How do you decide it’s time for a new boiler?
Most of the time, people consider changing their old boiler when it stops working definitively. However, that’s not always the case. You should also change it when:
- Your boiler breaks down regularly. This should not happen at all, and you need to have it checked immediately;
- The cost of a repair would exceed getting a new one. If your boiler is quite old, it might need special fixtures that cost too much;
- Bills are inexplicably high. This is a sign that your boiler is not functioning correctly, which can affect energy consumption;
What’s the right type of boiler for you?
After you decide it’s time for a change, you need to analyze the best option of a boiler, depending on your needs, the size of your property and the demand for heating and hot water. Here are some guidelines:
- Combi boilers are perfect for smaller places. They don’t require an additional tank to be installed, and they deliver instant heating and hot water whenever needed. However, your property needs to have a high-water pressure for them to work;
- System boilers are made for buildings with two or more bathrooms. They work by storing the water in a hot water cylinder. Still, at times, you may need to wait for a little for the tank to be filled, which can be a problem if you are in a hurry;
- Regular boilers must be used in larger properties since they also require a feed and expansion tank. This is the oldest type of boiler found in house properties;
But if you own a business and need a boiler ASAP, you can check out boiler rentals and get a temporary boiler that will suit your company’s needs. In times of emergencies, you’ll only need to choose the size of the boiler (depending on the project you need it for), and you’ll have it installed as soon as possible. You could choose anything from a steam boiler rental to an industrial one.
What is your budget?
This is a crucial aspect because the quality of boilers can be linked with higher or lower prices. That’s because better products provide long-lasting benefits, but their cost can depend on several factors, such as the following:
- The manufacturer. Often, more famous companies tend to have better products, but that’s not always the case. Indie businesses or overseas ones might have more qualitative products;
- The type of boiler. Regular boilers can be quite accessible, but they won’t last you long. On the other hand, if you search for other boiler products and compare them, you’ll be able to find a suitable one;
- The output rating. A boiler’s capacity is measured in how many kW it provides. So, for a single person, a 26-kW boiler would suffice, but a large family would need a 32-kW one.
However, consider other aspects too when looking for a boiler. For example, the manufacturing year is essential to know, as well as the difficulty of installation. The rates charged by the installer can also tell you a lot about the quality of the services provided by a particular company.
What warranty do you want?
All companies provide a warranty for their boiler products. However, some are better than others, but this depends on how much time you intend to use the boiler. The average warranty period is ten years, which can be pretty good if you want to change it soon. However, other companies offer up to years of warranty, which can give you peace of mind for a while that regardless of what issue the boiler is facing, it can be fixed without needing to buy a new one.
Where will you place the boiler?
It may seem easy to think of the perfect place to put your boiler, but it’s’ not that simple. If your old boiler used to be installed on a certain wall, that might not have been the best position. That’s because placing a boiler in the right place can significantly affect its activity. For example, gas and oil boilers must be put into an external wall to allow the fuels to be adequately emitted. Luckily, newer boiler models are quite flexible and allow you to choose a good position so as not to occupy too much space and remain unseen in your kitchen or bathroom.
Compare quotes
Finally, the best thing you can do when purchasing a boiler is to compare more than two quotes. This way, you can ensure that you notice better products or services that suit your needs. Comparing quotes also assures you that you weren’t overpriced and got the product at a fair deal. Getting the most competitive price is essential when purchasing a qualitative boiler, even if it’ll pay off in a few years since it’ll lower bill costs.
Final thoughts
If you want to do it right when purchasing your new boiler, you need to do research and be prepared to learn more about these devices. Checking the prices, companies and warranties will put you in a better position when purchasing, leaving you satisfied with your final product choice.