James Elston
Published May 15, 2024
When you decide to upgrade your boiler, you can look forward to improved energy efficiency for your home and/or business. In addition to reduced energy bills, you’ll also enjoy better temperature control and peace of mind.
However, choosing the right boiler for your property can be stressful. There are so many different types out there! That’s where Eco Happy steps in. As central heating experts in Featherstone and beyond, we can help you choose the perfect boiler for your home or business!
It’s also very important that boiler installations and fittings are conducted by certified professionals. Improper boiler installations can lead to unnecessarily high running costs and a variety of potential safety issues.
Eco Happy’s Gas Safe and heating engineers are trusted experts in boiler installation in Featherstone. Over the years, we have helped thousands of homeowners and businesses lower their energy costs by providing professional boiler installations alongside expert advice.
What Type of Boiler Do You Need?
​​Purchasing a new boiler for your property is a significant investment, so you need to make the right choice. Here are the factors to consider when deciding which type of boiler you will need:
- The size and layout of your property
- Your property’s insulation features.
- Your typical hot water requirements.
- Your budget.
- Whether or not your property is connected to the gas grid.
- Environmental considerations (some boilers have a far greater environmental impact than others).
- Your water system pressure.
Here are the most popular types of boilers and their suitability for various properties.
Conventional boiler
Conventional boilers, also known as regular boilers, are found in approximately 23 million homes and businesses across the UK. A major reason for their popularity is their ability to keep up with high hot water demands, as several taps and showers can receive hot water at the same time.
Conventional boiler systems are typically made up of a hot water storage tank and a cold water cylinder. These boilers are fuelled by oil, natural gas, or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). These gases can be dangerous, so expert Gas Safe boiler installation is required for a safe connection to your heating system.
Despite their popularity, conventional boilers are being phased out because of their environmental impact due to high carbon emissions. Climate experts advised that all gas boilers in the UK should be banned by 2033 to reduce the nation’s contribution to climate change. Considering this fact, a conventional boiler may not be the best long-term choice.
Combi boiler
Around 80% of boilers sold in the UK are combi boilers, which can be run on gas or electricity. These boilers combine water heating and central heating in a single unit. Water is drawn from the mains supply so hot water can be provided on demand.
Combi boilers are compact, energy-efficient, and easy to install. The only drawback of this heating solution is that it struggles to provide hot water to multiple taps at the same time. Therefore, combi boilers are a great choice for small office spaces, apartments, and houses with just one bathroom.
Electric boiler
An electric boiler refers to any type of boiler that runs on electricity. There are a few different types available, including electric combi boilers, conventional electric boilers, and electric system boilers. Heating solutions that run on electricity typically have lower installation costs and reduced maintenance needs when compared to gas alternatives.
Electric boilers are a great choice for homes and businesses that do not have a mains gas connection. These boilers also don’t produce any on-site carbon emissions, making them an eco-friendly choice. If you are interested in reducing your environmental impact even further, you could always connect your electric boiler to a solar panel system.
System boiler
If your house or commercial property has more than one bathroom, you may be interested in investing in a system boiler. These boilers have built-in pumps and expansion vessels which save valuable space and make them easy to install and maintain.
One of the main advantages that system boilers offer is that they provide constant hot water to several different taps/showers at the same time. System boilers are also compatible with solar panels and heating controls (which allow you to heat water in advance).
Because system boilers are directly connected to the mains water supply, there is no need for a cold water tank. Although, a hot water tank is necessary for storing hot water. The fuel source for system boilers is typically gas or oil.
Biomass boiler
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint and become more energy efficient? A biomass boiler could be a great choice. Biomass boilers use organic matter, such as wood chips and logs, for fuel. These resources are significantly cheaper than fossil fuels like gas or oil.
The only downside to biomass boilers is their installation cost, which could easily cost you upwards of £10,000! The good news is that the UK Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of £5,000 to homeowners and businesses looking to invest in a biomass boiler.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a New Boiler in Featherstone?
When it comes to boiler installation, there are a few factors that determine the overall cost These include:
- The type of boiler you want to have installed.
- The type of boiler you currently have.
- Whether or not your pipes require upgrading.
- The size of your home or commercial building.
- If you need to relocate your boiler to another room.
- Whether or not your radiators require upgrading.
Because of the various contributing factors, it’s difficult to provide the exact costs involved. Below are the estimated costs for residential properties and commercial businesses.
New Boiler Costs for Residential Homes
1-Bedroom house
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £600 – £2,500 | £1,800 – £3,500 | £2,650 |
| Combi | £600 – £2,500 | £1,600 – £3,500 | £2,550 |
| Electric | £550 – £2,500 | £1,450 – £3,500 | £2,475 |
| System | £600 – £2,500 | £1,800 – £3,400 | £2,600 |
| Biomass | £4,000 – £8,000 | £6,000 – £10,000 | £8,000 |
2-Bedroom house
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
| Conventional | £600 – £2,800 | £2,000 – £4,000 | £3,000 |
| Combi | £600 – £2,500 | £1,700 – £4,000 | £2,850 |
| Electric | £600 – £2,600 | £1,600 – £3,9000 | £2,750 |
| System | £600 – £3,000 | £1,800 – £4,000 | £2,900 |
| Biomass | £5,000 – £10,000 | £8,000 – £12,000 | £10,000 |
3-4 Bedroom house
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £1,500 – £3,700 | £2,700 – £4,900 | £3,800 |
| Combi (not suitable for large homes) | £1,400 – £3,000 | £2,600 – £4,500 | £3,550 |
| Electric | £1,400 – £3,300 | £2,500 – £4,500 | £3,500 |
| System | £1,500 – £3,700 | £2,600 – £4,700 | £3,650 |
| Biomass | £7,000 – £14,000 | £10,000 – £18,000 | £14,000 |
5 Bedrooms or more
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £1,600 – £4,500 | £2,900 – over £5,000 | £3,950 |
| Combi (not suitable for large homes} | £1,500 – £3,500 | £2,600 – over £4,500 | £3,550 |
| Electric | £1,550 – £3,500 | £2,500 – over £4,500 | £3,500 |
| System | £1,600 – £4,300 | £3,000 – over £5,000 | £4,000 |
| Biomass | £8,000 – £15,000 | £10,000 – over £20,000 | £15,000 |
New Boiler Costs for Commercial Businesses
Small businesses
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £600 – £2,700 | £1,800 – £4,000 | £2,900 |
| Combi | £600 – £2,000 | £1,700 – £3,300 | £2,500 |
| Electric | £550 – £1,750 | £1,600 – £3,200 | £2,400 |
| System | £600 – £2,900 | £600 – £3,500 | £2,050 |
| Biomass | £5,000 – £10,000 | £10,000 – £16,000 | £13,000 |
Medium-sized businesses
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £1,400 – £5,000 | £3,200 – £7,000 | £5,100 |
| Combi | £1,200 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £6,000 | £4,500 |
| Electric | £1,400 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £6,500 | £4,750 |
| System | £1,300 – £5,000 | £3,300 – £7,000 | £5,150 |
| Biomass | £6,000 – £12,000 | £11,000 – £20,000 | £15,500 |
Large businesses
| Type of Boiler | Cost excluding installation | Cost with installation | Average cost with installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | £5,000 to over £10,000 | £12,500 to over £20,000 | Varies |
| Combi (not suitable for large businesses) | £5,000 to over £10,000 | £12,500 to over £20,000 | Varies |
| Electric (not suited for large businesses) | £5,000 to over £10,000 | £12,500 to over £20,000 | Varies |
| System | £5,000 to over £10,000 | £12,500 to over £20,000 | Varies |
| Biomass | £15,000 to over £30,000 | £20,000 to over £40,000 | Varies |
What Size Boiler Do You Need?
Boilers come in a range of different sizes and it’s important to choose the right size for your specific needs. When it comes to power output, your choices range from under 10 kW to well over 70 kW. A few factors to take into consideration when choosing your boiler size include:
- The type of boiler (combi boilers typically require higher outputs).
- The size of your building and the number of rooms.
- Your building’s insulation levels.
- The number of radiators in your building.
- Your hot water and heating requirements.
While it is difficult to determine the exact size that is required for each scenario, we have provided estimates.
What size boiler do residential homes need?
| Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Radiators | Boiler size | Type of boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1-6 | 9 kW – 18 kW (24 kW for combi) | Combi, system, conventional, electric |
| 2 | 1 | 5-10 | 18 kW – 27 kW (30 kW for combi) | Combi, conventional, electric, system |
| 3-4 | 2-3 | 10-16 | 30 kW – 35 kW | System, conventional, biomass |
| 5 and more | 4 or more | 15 to over 20 | 35 kW – 45 kW | System, conventional, biomass |
What size boiler do commercial businesses need?
Commercial heating requirements are different for each business and will depend on the size of the property, the number of rooms, and the type of business. For example, hotels will require much larger boilers than corporate offices.
| Size | Hot water points | Radiators | Boiler size | Type of boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 | 1-9 | 12 kW – 24 kW (30 kW for combi) | Combi, conventional, electric, system |
| Medium | 3 or more | 10 – 20 | 35 kW – 45 kW | Conventional, system, biomass |
| Large | Multiple | Over 20 | 55 kW to over 100 kW | Conventional, system, biomass |
What Are the Best Boiler Brands?
With so many boiler brands out there, knowing which one to choose can be tough. Below are some of the best brands in the UK, based on consumer reviews and the expertise of gas and heating engineers.
- Ideal: Founded in 1906, Ideal has over a century of industry experience behind them. Ideal’s manufacturing plant in Hull produces high-quality boilers that are known for being extremely reliable.
- Viessmann: Viessmann, based in Germany, is a leading boiler brand that is inspired by the future of heating solutions. Their smart boilers are known for their innovative features, including zone heating and special sensors.
- Worcester Bosch: Established in the UK in 1962, Worcester Bosch has garnered a trustworthy reputation over the years. This award-winning company offers extended warranties, which is a sure sign of the high quality of their boilers.
- Valliant: Not only is Valliant over 150 years old, but the German company is one of the biggest boiler manufacturers in all of Europe. They consistently receive excellent reviews and ratings on various platforms, including Trustpilot.
- Alpha: Whether you’re looking for a compact combi boiler or a large commercial system boiler, Alpha Heating Innovation offers it all. With over 50 years of experience, a reliable reputation, and competitive pricing, Alpha is a popular choice.
When Should You Install a New Boiler?
If you are spending upwards of £300 a year on boiler repairs, you may want to think about getting a new boiler. Here are a few signs that it’s time for a replacement:
- Your current boiler is older than 10 years and has not been looked after properly.
- You receive exorbitant heating bills each month.
- You’ve noticed that your boiler makes strange noises, like high-pitched whistling or grinding.
- You feel as though you are constantly spending money on boiler repair services, including fault finding and leaks.
- It takes a long time for your hot water and radiators to heat up properly.
While some of the above problems are fixable, if your boiler issues persist, you need to invest in a new boiler. Older boilers have low-efficiency ratings, so upgrading to a more modern boiler could save you hundreds of pounds when it comes to your energy bills.
When is the best time of year to install a new boiler?
The best time of year to invest in a new boiler is during the warm, summer months. This way, you’ll be properly prepared for winter well ahead of time. Boiler engineers are usually not as busy during the summer months and you could also benefit from more competitive pricing.
Why Choose Eco Happy?
We understand that many companies offer boiler installation in Featherstone, but when you choose Eco Happy, you won’t be disappointed. Our expert engineers prioritise customer satisfaction at all times and have many years of experience behind them.
Gas Safe registered
If a gas boiler is installed incorrectly, you run the risk of a gas fire or a carbon monoxide leak. If you decide to invest in a gas boiler, the installation needs to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Here at Eco Happy, our gas engineers are Gas Safe registered and safety is always our top priority.
Professional and reliable
We have been in the industry long enough to garner a professional and reliable reputation in Featherstone and beyond. Our experienced team treats each project with the professionalism that it deserves. You can trust us to arrive on time and execute your boiler installation with efficiency and attention to detail.
Great customer service
Eco Happy prides itself on always providing great customer service. Our friendly engineers are more than happy to provide expert advice and discuss various boiler options with you. At the end of the day, we want you to have a positive experience with us and be satisfied with the end results.
Installation of all boiler types
From compact combi boilers to large commercial system boilers, our team has experience with installing all types of boilers. We can help you choose the ideal boiler based on your specific needs and install it according to industry safety regulations and guidelines.
Get Your New Boiler Installation Quote Today
Are you ready to invest in a new boiler? The gas and heating engineers at Eco Happy would love to provide you with a free quote! All you need to do is fill out the simple form on our website and wait for us to get in touch. If you have any questions regarding your old boiler or need advice for a new one, please feel free to contact us.
FAQs
How often do I need to service my boiler?
Most heating specialists advise you should schedule an annual boiler service if you want to extend the lifespan of your boiler. Boiler services will also pick up on any potential issues before they become major problems through effective fault-finding techniques.
How do I know if I should buy a new boiler or repair my current boiler?
If your current boiler is over 10 years old and has been giving you issues regularly, it is probably best to replace it. However, if your boiler is still relatively new, you should first try boiler repair services.
What do I do with my old boiler?
The simplest way to get rid of your old boiler is to ask the installer to take it away with them. If this isn’t possible, you need to get in touch with a local authority and enquire about the safe disposal of your old boiler.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.