Summary: A guide to choosing the best boiler for a new home after moving house. This considers several points: the new home’s current heating system, the cost of maintenance and repair, being realistic about your needs, and whether the boiler can keep up with your requirements.
A boiler is one of the most important components in the running of your home, which is why giving it your full consideration when buying one is so important. The boiler you choose not only has to be large enough to provide you with hot water and ensure that you don’t run out, but it also needs to be compatible with your heating system. If you’re moving house, here are some top tips to help you find a new boiler.
Know your current heating system
There are so many different boilers available today, and the right heating system for you will depend on the size of your home, the number of people living in it, and the type of fuel you use. If you are using a boiler-less system, then you need to know how much space you will need for the tank. If you have a boiler-based system, then you will need to know how many hot water zones there are in your home. You also need to know what kind of fuel is being used.
Consider the cost of maintenance and repair
Boiler installation costs depend on many factors, including:
• The size of your home and its location
• The volume of water needed
• What kind of fuel is being used
• What kind of energy source is available in your area
You should also consider any additional maintenance costs before making a purchase decision. While not a legal requirement, the recommended guidance is that your boiler is serviced at least once a year, and in some cases, the manufacturer may require this as part of your warranty.
Be realistic about your needs
This may seem like common sense advice, but it can’t be stressed enough: Be realistic about what kind of heating system will work best for your needs. If you need a large amount of hot water for showers and laundry, don’t go with an electric-powered system that doesn’t provide much hot water without running up your electric bill. Similarly, if your house cannot accommodate radiant heat or forced air, don’t buy a system designed for those purposes unless they are already installed in your home before construction begins.
Does the boiler keep up with demand?
Boilers are rated by their BTU capacity — how many British thermal units can be produced from one pound of fuel — so you want one that produces enough BTUs for the size and number of radiators in your home. The best way to assess this is by consulting an experienced plumber or heating contractor who knows how much heat different homes need. If you’re installing a new system yourself, one way to get an estimate is by using an online calculator like Energy Star’s Home Energy Saver site.
When it comes to moving house, it’s important to carefully consider which boiler is right for you.
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