After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of 3 different boilers, it is time to choose the fuel type. The options you will have been following:
1- Gas
Due to its affordability, gas is the most popular and widely used fuel for heating boilers. According to UK boiler statistics, in 2023, around 23 million homes in the UK have a gas boiler. However, the UK government has implemented regulatory policies to limit gas usage to reduce environmental carbon dioxide emissions.
You can easily access gas by speaking to your local gas network provider. Additionally, modern gas boilers are much more energy-efficient than older models, with some reaching up to 90% efficiency. Therefore, switching to a more up-to-date system may be the best option for your needs.
2- Oil
Oil is another common fuel, though not as popular as gas. It is also relatively inexpensive and a great alternative if you are not connected to a gas grid network. However, before choosing oil as a fuel type, you should consider that you will need an external storage tank to fill it with oil, and when it runs out, you will need to get it refilled, which can take some time.
Additionally, oil has a higher intensity of releasing CO2 into the environment. Nevertheless, if you are considering oil as your fuel type for heating and hot water, you can rest assured that 865,940 households already use oil to heat their homes.
3- LPG
LPG is a more expensive fuel option than gas and oil but emits around 12% fewer CO2 emissions. It is an efficient choice, as it requires less storage space, and its maintenance costs are cheaper than oil. Despite its higher cost, there are fewer qualified engineers available for LPG.
However, if you are not connected to a gas network and oil is your only option, then LPG is worth considering.
4- Electric
Electricity is a fuel type gaining considerable popularity due to its lower carbon dioxide emissions. It is more expensive than oil and gas but has fewer maintenance costs and is safer to operate. If you have solar panels, electricity is the best fuel option, as you can offset a significant portion of the cost.
Therefore, electricity is the best option if you are willing to bear the hefty price tag to reduce your carbon footprint.
5- Biomass
Biomass fuels are an effective and cost-efficient fuel type for boilers that can generate renewable energy while reducing emissions. Biomass fuels are
derived from organic materials, including wood, agricultural waste, and other by-products of forestry or farming industries. These biomass fuels can be burned in a boiler to produce heat energy used in many industrial applications such as food processing, paper production, and even small-scale power generation. Burning biomass creates fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traditional fossil fuels like coal and natural gas due to the lower carbon content of organic materials used as fuel sources.
Additionally, fuel supply for biomass is abundant and relatively low cost due to the availability of forests, farms, and agricultural waste. The sustainability of biomass utilization makes it very attractive among those looking for solutions to reduce environmental impact while still being cost-effective in the long run.
Other factors to consider:
Now you know the type of boilers that are available as well as the fuel type, but still, there are a few factors to consider before buying a boiler:
Energy Prices:
Knowing the current and future energy prices is essential, as the UK government has implemented the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) to protect customers from rising gas and electricity costs by capping the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy used.
However, it is vital to remember that energy prices may still increase in 2023, regardless of how much energy you conserve. Selecting a boiler with a high-efficiency rating is recommended to ensure you are saving on your energy bills.
Budget:
When budgeting for a new boiler, it is important to consider the potential long-term savings associated with installing a high-efficiency boiler. Though investing in an efficient model may have a higher initial cost, the return on investment can be significant over time due to reduced energy and maintenance costs. Consider including additional costs such as installation, insulation, and venting materials when pricing different units.
Additionally, research local incentives or rebates that may reduce total investment, including those from the local utility or government agencies.
With proper planning and research, one can purchase the right equipment to fit their current needs while minimizing overall costs over time.
Usage and Household size:
Your usage is critical, as the three different types of boilers mentioned above will be practical depending on your use. To make it simple, if you have a small household with one or two bathrooms and two to four people requiring hot water and heating, then a Combi Boiler is the ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you have a new central heating system in a new home with three to four bathrooms and five to seven people requiring hot water and heating, then a System or Regular Boiler is the best option.
Warranty Period
When purchasing a boiler, it is crucial to assess the quality of the warranty period offered by the specific model. Look for warranties that are comprehensive and offer protection from defects and malfunctions in both parts and labour over the lifetime of the warranty period. Generally, warranties can vary from 1-5 years, depending on product type and manufacturer.
Boilers usually have long periods of coverage due to their high cost of repairs or replacement if something goes wrong. More expensive models may come with a more extended warranty, providing peace of mind. It is essential to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand all allowable exclusions, as well as what service or repair costs will need to be paid by you should something go wrong.
Cost of the Boiler
The cost of a boiler can vary depending on the type and size required. Generally, boilers are priced according to their energy efficiency rating, ranging from 90-95% for high-efficiency models to lower ratings for standard models. In addition, factors such as fuel type (natural gas, oil, or electric), BTU output and model features may affect boiler cost.
Professional installation is recommended for best results, which can add anywhere from £500-£2,000 to the total cost depending on complexity and other geographic factors. Be sure to consult with a professional to determine the boiler cost and any additional installation costs that may be incurred.
