Gas and oil central-heating boilers Advice to householders
Worcester boilers Potterton Boilers Central heating boilers and radiators


 


Gas and oil central-heating boilers Advice to householders


From 1 April 2005, we are raising the energy performance standard for new and replacement gas-fired hot-water central-heating boilers. From that date, in normal circumstances 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.


Why is this change being made?

You have probably heard about climate change caused by the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide
being released into the atmosphere. Around 16% of the carbon dioxide that the UK produces comes from
the gas and oil boilers that we use to heat our homes. We are raising performance standards because
condensing boilers are more efficient, just as reliable, less costly to run and they produce less carbon dioxide.

What is a condensing boiler?

Condensing boilers are more efficient than ordinary boilers and so produce less carbon dioxide while still meeting heating needs. They reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue, compared with ordinary boilers. Condensing boilers convert 86% or more of the fuel they use into useful heat and many carry the ‘Energy Efficiency Recommended’ logo. Older types of ordinary boilers may convert as
little as 60% of the fuel to useful heat.

Do I have to change my boiler now?

No. The new standards apply only if you decide to change your existing hot-water central-heating boiler or if you decide to change to one of these boilers from another form of heating system.

Are condensing boilers more expensive than normal boilers?

They may be more expensive to install, but you will:

save money on your heating bills; and help to tackle climate change.


Do I have to have a condensing boiler?

No. You should have a condensing boiler fitted if it is reasonable to do so, but the law recognises that non-condensing boilers are acceptable if it would be too difficult to install a condensing
boiler in your home. Your installer will tell you whether your circumstances are too difficult.

How will installers decide whether my circumstances are too difficult?

They will use the assessment procedure given in the Building Regulations Approved Document L1,
which you can see in libraries or on our website (www.odpm.gov.uk).

If I need a new boiler, what should I do?

Choose a qualified central-heating installer who understands the new standards and can advise you on the type of boiler you should have fitted.

What if I have already ordered a non-condensing gas boiler before 1 April 2005?

You will still be able to have it installed as long as installation is completed by 30 June 2005.

Choosing an installer

For gas-fired boilers, the installers you employ must be CORGI registered as a safety requirement, and they should also be capable of installing condensing boilers. (CORGI is the Council for Registered Gas Installers.)

For oil-fired boilers, you can employ an OFTEC-registered installer, or some other reputable installer who
is capable of installing condensing boilers. OFTEC is the Oil Firing Technical Association and their
members are approved to certify that their work meets building regulations. If you employ an installer who is not registered with OFTEC, you will need to tell your local authority’s building control department before the installation work starts.


How do I know if my installer is capable of fitting condensing boilers?

In all cases, check that your installer has recent qualifications in energy efficiency. If your installer is CORGI or OFTEC registered, those organisations can confirm this. If not, you will need to ask your installer if they hold a Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating or an equivalent
qualification.


Declaration form

If your installer advises you that it would be unreasonable to install a condensing boiler in your home, they should give you a declaration form for you to keep. CORGI installers will issue these forms from 1 April 2005. OFTEC installers will also issue them, even though oil-fired boilers do not have to meet the new energy-efficiency standards until 1 April 2007.

Completion certificates

If your boiler is installed by a CORGI-registered or OFTEC-registered installer, you will get a building regulations compliance certificate from CORGI or OFTEC after the work has been completed (to show that the work meets building regulations standards). CORGI or OFTEC will also tell the local authority that you have had a new or replacement boiler fitted.

If your boiler is being installed by someone who is not registered with OFTEC, you will need to tell the local authority before the work starts. The local authority is then responsible for checking that the work has been carried out to the necessary standards. If it has been, the local authority will give you a
completion certificate.

You should keep these certificates as you may need them when you sellyour home.

Published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. ©Crown copyright 2005. Printed in the UK, April 2005 on material containing 75% post-consumer waste and 25% ECF pulp. Product code: 04BD03012
For more information, visit our website: www.odpm.gov.uk/br/cfp-partl



What is a combi boiler?

The high efficiency condensing combi or combination boiler is an ingenious space-saving idea, and an increasingly popular choice in UK homes. In fact, combis now account for well over half of all the new domestic potterton boilers installed in Britain every year.

The major difference between a combi and any other type of worcester boiler is that a combi eliminates the need to store hot water -- so no hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard. It is both a high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler, combined (hence the name) within one compact unit which usually sits in the kitchen or utility room, or sometimes in the airing cupboard. The space savings result from the fact there is no hot water storage cylinder, cold water storage cistern or other familiar components of a regular (conventional) heating system.

The further benefits of this are a significant saving on hot water costs, and the fact that hot water is delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering* without the need for a pump. Another combi benefit is that it can generally save you money on installation time and costs -- no tanks in the roof space means less pipe work and a shorter installation time.

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

Buy central heating boilers

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

 


Potterton boilers   Potterton boiler   Worcester boiler   Central heating radiator
Mortgage advice   Secured personal loans   Buy to let   Pet insurance   FREE articles 
Income insurance protection   Loan insurance protection   Mortgage repayment insurance   central heating