From large period townhouses to quaint cottages, no home is the same. Yet, we can all agree that we want a warm shower in the morning to wake us up, a hot cup of tea, and cosy heated home in the depths of winter. This is where our dependence on hour homes central heating system comes in. However, every home has different needs – whether that is structurally or if you have a large family, what is the best central heating for you? After all, you don’t want to be paying lots of extra money, especially if there is a central heating system that is better suited to your home.
Furthermore, what about the environment? It is no secret that we all need to be more environmentally conscious these days. This blog will explore the vast central heating systems, though will mainly focus on the two main contenders in British homes – electric or gas boilers. For example, you may want a central heating system that has as little maintenance as possible because you have a busy lifestyle, or you may want a central heating system that is more cost effective simply because you have a large family. Either way, this blog post will hopefully enlighten you on the different ways that you can heat your home.
Different kinds of central heating systems and what homes they are suited to
Below, we have compiled together the four main central heating systems that dominate our homes in the UK. These include electric, gas, renewable and oil. All of these systems have their various pros and cons, as well as being suited to homes of different sizes.
Electric
Electric central heating systems are commonplace among new builds, small homes and flats. This is because they need less components. Furthermore, they boast a 100% energy efficient rating – meaning that the money you spend will guarantee a warm cosy home for winter.
Gas
Gas central heating is one of the most popular central heating systems in homes around the UK, simply because it is more cost effective than electric heating systems. Furthermore, it provides a continuous supply of gas heating to your home. Many people shun gas due to the fact that it is less environmentally friendly than its electric and renewable energy counterparts. However, if you have moved into a home with a gas boiler – it would be much easier to keep it running rather than create harder work for yourself by getting a completely new system installed. With this in mind, a condensing gas boiler may be more suited. Simply because, they produce considerably less C02.
Renewable
Developments in technology and environmental science have seen a rise in different renewable energy options for heating your home. These include solar energy, heat pump energy, wind turbines and more. However, your home may require certain features that would mean that these would be put in place. For example, for solar panels, you may need a south-facing roof, and for wind turbines, you need a sufficient amount of land and space to erect one. In addition, you may need to install a central heating system as well as relying on renewables, when there is little sunlight and wind.
Oil
Many people choose to heat their home with heating oil as they can track their usage, store it in their home and buy their heating oil in bulk. However, there are many complications that come with this as heating oil can be a target for theft, and there are certain regulations that need to be strictly adhered to if you want to keep your heating oil tank inside because of pollution and its flammable nature.
Now that you have chosen my central heating source, what boiler should you get
Due to modern advancements in domestic engineering, there are a wealth of different boilers you can choose from. Below, we have put together the three most common types of boilers that you can have in your home.
Combi boiler systems are an increasingly popular choice for homes simply because they are one of the most energy-efficient choices on the market. They are built on the premise that they heat your water when you need it, and you can easily control your home heating through a thermostat.
Combi boiler systems are the perfect fit for smaller homes, so your space can easily become a cosy hub in winter. Furthermore, with combi boiler systems, the installation is cheaper as there is less need for pipework.
The only downside is that their general flow can be quite low, therefore you can’t be washing up in one room, and have two people showering at the same time. This is why they are best suited to homes with couples and small families.
Mains Pressure Heating Systems
Mains pressure heating systems are ideal for homes with high-pressure systems, as well as having space for a storage tank. They operate through water being drawn from the cold water mains and being stored in the tank until it is required. The act of forcing the water from the mains, in turn, pushes the heated water into the central heating system.
Many homes will have regular or conventional boilers installed in their homes already as they are common in older properties. These require an expansion tank that needs a lot of space. Water moves around your home using gravity, therefore this type of boiler is great for homes that live in low-pressure areas.
Should I get a new central heating system? How much will boiler installation cost?
If you have your mind set on installing a more efficient central heating system, then you need to be aware of the cost that it could be – you can’t just simply swap out one boiler for another. Getting a new central heating system means changing a variety of pipes, water tanks, controls and more. However, don’t let this put you off as having a more environmentally friendly cost effective heating system can alter your home life – and you won’t certainly look back. If you are wondering about getting a new boiler – keep the following things in mind:
● Age – boilers have a relatively long lifespan, yet you should look to getting your boiler replaced after 10-15 years.
● High Repair Cost – if you are constantly burning a hole in your pocket with boiler repair every few weeks or months then perhaps look at getting a new boiler.
● Low efficiency – Like spending lots of money on repairs, your boiler could be costing you lots of extra money simply because it has low efficiency. Upgrading to a more modern contraption can save you a pretty penny in future bills.
Before you go about getting a new central heating system put in place, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. For example, getting a new central heating system could cause some disruption to your home so it may not be wise to get it done if you have an important event going on like your child’s exams or if you have a big work deadline coming up. With this in mind, try to schedule your installation date in a time of year that you know will be less stressful. Furthermore, make sure you do your research and choose a company that suits you. Don’t be afraid to talk to multiple companies and receive multiple quotes, then take a step back and evaluate which best price and service will suit your needs. It can always be tempting to go for the cheapest service, but this may mean that the quality of your central heating installation is affected as the company could cut corners.
Many boiler installation costs will vary depending on the size of home that you live in – therefore it’s simply not a one size fits all. Furthermore, as there are so many different brands and sizes of boilers on the market these days prices can vary significantly. In addition, boiler installation quotes will include the supply costs, installation and labour costs – therefore make sure you ask for a breakdown of these as labour costs could rise if the installation takes longer than expected.
West London Gas: Heating Engineers and Gas Boilers in West London
Priding ourselves on being a local heating engineer for West London, we provide personable service that is tailored to your homes needs. From central heating, gas pipes, boilers, plumbing and much more, we will make sure any issue is swiftly solved so you don’t have to worry.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog on the varying types of central heating, and we hope it has enlightened you on what you should get for your home. Contact us today to find out more.