Boilers

There are four main types of modern boilers using gas, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or oil:
 

• Condensing boiler:  A condensing boiler typically converts 88% of fuel into heat. In a conventional boiler much of the heat produced is either lost to the surrounding air or disappears up the flue. Condensing boilers extract the heat from the products of combustion using a second heat exchanger
• Conventional (Non-condensing) boiler: Next to a condensing boiler, a high-efficiency, fan assisted boiler is the next best thing, running at about 72% average seasonal efficiency
• Combi (Combination) boiler: It will both heat your home and provide instantaneous hot water, without needing a hot water tank
• Condensing Combi boiler: High Efficiency boiler that will heat your home and provide instantaneous hot water, without needing a hot water tank

If your boiler is 15 years old or more, replacing it with a new condensing boiler, with appropriate heat output for your property size, will save you around a third on your heating bills.

Boilers are given an energy efficiency rating from A – G. To compare the efficiency of boilers, use the database at www.sedbuk.com, or ask your installer.

From the 1st April 2005, the performance standard for new and replacement gas-fired hot-water central heating boilers was raised. When you plan to install a new boiler or replace an existing one, you will need a condensing boiler to meet the higher standards for energy efficiency.

Similar standards applying to oil-fired hot-water central heating boilers will come into effect on 1 April 2007.
 

Condensing boilers

Condensing potterton boilers are not new, they have been around for many years and users report very significant reductions in fuel costs. This is possible, because the condensing type of worcester bosch boiler has a much more effective 'heat exchanger' allowing more heat to be removed from the flue products.

One of the most significant effects of this is the 'pluming', sometimes mistaken for 'steam' coming out of the flue terminal. This effect is brought about by water droplets held in suspension in the flue products and although non-hazardous, it may be a nuisance if seen constantly passing across windows. This pluming will be evident for most of the time the condensing boiler is operating, so care is needed in positioning the terminal.

Although condensing boilers have a somewhat higher capital cost than non-condensing boilers, for larger dwellings (with three or more bedrooms) they usually prove to be cost effective within several years.

Typically, a condensing potterton gas boiler might have a seasonal efficiency of around 88% compared to non-condensing boiler of about 75%, and an older type boiler at between 55% -60%.

Condensing worcester boilers are as easy to install as any non-condensing boiler, but can only be fitted to 'fully pumped' systems. During it's operation, condensate forms and, although no more acidic than rain fall, a permanent pipe must be run to a drain.

Condensing boilers are available as a wall mounted or floor standing version.

Combination Boilers (Worcester Bosch combi boilers, Potterton combi boiler)

Most wet central heating systems use a boiler to heat a copper cylinder in the airing cupboard to provide stored domestic hot water. A combination boiler (usually referred to as a 'combi' ) provides a means of generating instant hot water for the taps from within the unit and combines this with central heating.

By using a 'combi' neither a hot water cylinder, nor it's feed tank, are required. Consequently, hot water running costs will be reduced very slightly since there are no standing losses from the cylinder or combination boiler pipework. Although a continuous flow of hot water is constantly available from a combination boiler, the flow rate is not likely to be as good as with a traditional storage cylinder, particularly in Winter.

In dwellings (often larger type) where a number of draw-off points (taps, showers etc) are likely to be used at the same time manufacturers advice should be sought as to the combi's suitability. Showers fitted to a combination boiler must be a 'mains pressure' type.

Because the combination potterton boiler is fed directly with mains cold water, it is vital to establish that the minimum water pressure, specified by the manufacturer, is available otherwise the hot water performance will suffer.

Combination boilers are by far the most popular worcester boiler type, accounting for over 50% of all new boiler sales within the UK.

A combi (instantaneous) boiler is the most widely used type of combination boiler and directly heats incoming mains cold water to supply hot water to taps, showers and other draw off points.

A combi (instantaneous condensing) combination boiler operates in principle as an 'instantaneous' type but at somewhat higher efficiencies

 

Radiators (central heating radiators, radiator covers, towel radiators, designer radiators)

Radiator 'heat emitters' can come in all shapes, sizes and forms. The most common central heating radiator is the steel panel type radiator and they are available in a very wide range of sizes and styles intended to match as closely as possible individual room needs.

Aluminium radiators are becoming increasingly popular, whilst the use of cast iron radiators is also on the increase where the intention is to blend with existing traditional decoration. Towel radiators are most often used in bathrooms and WC's where the towel radiator can be used to store towels as well as heat  the room as a bathroom radiator. Designer radiators are more money but designer radiators can make a design statement and be a feature in a room. You may decide to cover up a radiator with a radiator cover, this may be because the radiator is old or unsightly. Radiator covers come in many designs to suit your room decor and most radiator covers are made from mdf. Some radiator covers can be painted in your own colour scheme.

Radiators need to be matched to the room size and also how the room will be used to ensure the correct temperature can be maintained. How the house is insulated, including double glazing, can alter how efficient the radiators are at warming a house.

Worcester Bosch boilers Potterton Boilers Central heating boilers and radiators