Home Heating Guide and Advice
If you're looking for more information on boiler installation or home heating, we've put together a guide with some frequently asked questions and useful information.
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Gas boilers and central heating
A gas boiler is a heating system that uses natural gas to heat a home or business. Gas boilers are often used in central heating systems, which distribute the heat throughout a building using a system of pipes and radiators
In a central heating system, a gas boiler is typically located in a central location, such as utility room or kitchen. The heat produced by the gas boiler is distributed throughout the property using a system of pipes and radiators. These release heat into the rooms, warming the space.
There are several advantages to using a gas boiler for central heating. Typically they are more energy efficient than other types of heating, meaning they can help to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. They are also relatively low maintenance and can be easily adjusted to meet the heating needs of a home.
It's important to have a gas boiler professionally installed and to follow all safety guidelines. This includes choosing a qualified and Gas Safe engineer/company. This means they have all of the necessary training and qualifications to be able to safely install and maintain gas appliances.
Regular maintenance, through services, is also important to ensure that the gas boiler continues to operate efficiently and safely.
What is a combi boiler?
'Combi' boilers or combined boilers, heat both water and central heating all within one unit. This eliminates the need for a hot water storage cylinder or cold water storage tank in your loft. Combi boilers work by heating water directly from the main water supply.
The benefits of a combi boiler:
- Combi boilers are more compact and generally take up less space
- Ideal for smaller homes with less bathrooms
- Eliminates the need for a hot water cylinder / cold water tank
- No pipework in the loft means there will be no freezing pipes
- Typically a cheaper installation cost with less pipework required
Image credit: Worcester Bosch
What is a system boiler?
System boilers differ from combi boilers as they use a cylinder to store hot water. The main hot water and heating components are built into the boiler. They structure of a system boiler also means that there is no need for a tank in the loft space. They are also solar-compatible which means they could be a more environmentally friendly option.
The benefits of a system boiler:
- Ideal for smaller homes with multiple bathrooms
- Eliminates the need for a cold water tank
- No pipework in the loft means there is more space as well as no risk of freezing pipes
- Constant supply of hot water to multiple taps
- Compatible with solar water heating systems
Image credit: Worcester Bosch
What is a regular boiler?
Regular, Conventional, Traditional or heat only boilers are best suited to properties with existing traditional heating and hot water system.
Regular boilers require both a hot water cylinder and cold water tank in the loft. This cold water tank, feeds the hot water cylinder at the same time as maintaining a consistent water level for the central heating system.
If a property has low water pressure, a conventional boiler set up is most likely the best solution. It is also highly suited for homes which feature older style radiator systems. This is due to the higher water pressure that other boiler models deliver.
The benefits of a regular boiler:
- Ideal for homes with a lot of bathrooms where hot water is used at the same time
- Good for low water pressure areas
- Well suited to homes with older radiator systems
- Compatible with solar water heating
Image credit: Worcester Bosch
How do I choose an installer for a new boiler?
When choosing an installer for your new boiler install, it's important to make sure they are Gas Safe registered.
'GasSafe' or the Gas Registration Scheme is owned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It exists to protect the public from unsafe gas work by introducing a standard for registed businesses to show that they are competent and safe to work with gas. This shows customers that they are working legally as it is recognised by law that all gas businesses must be on the Gas Safe Register.
If you are unsure on a company or individuals gas safety status, you can check online or ask them to see their Gas Safe ID card.
As well as gas safety compliance, it is also important you look into any installers/companies you are working with. This includes:
- Checking their contact information - is it legitimate?
- Has anyone you know had work completed by them - searching reviews give a great overview of a company
- Do they have a website or examples of their work - A trustworthy installer will most likely have examples of their work, this also means you can check the quality of workmanship.
- Get multiple quotes - it is worth getting multiple quotes and estimates for any job, remember you shouldn't feel pressured to make any decisions 'on the spot'.
- Ask about CP12 certificates - This is a report which outlines the appliances tested in an annual gas safety check (e.g. Fire, Gas cooker, boiler) and must detail any advisory work suggested or defects.
Image credit: Gas Safe Register
What boilers do you install?
Leon York Heating specialise in the installation of Worcester Bosch boilers.
We have a selection of our most popular models available to view at our showroom office located at 7 Ayston Road, LE3 2GA.
Do you offer boiler services?
Leon York Heating offer boiler services across Leicestershire.
CURRENTLY WE ARE ONLY OFFERING BOILER SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR BOILERS INSTALLED BY US.
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