Do you know choosing the right boiler for your home defines how efficient your home is? If your home is large with multiple rooms but you’re using a combi boiler, it may not heat well. You may also run out of hot water. If your boiler is too small, it will have a hard time keeping your home warm. As a result, it will frustrate you and you might end up using more energy. On the other hand, if your boiler is too big, it can waste energy, and you’ll end up spending more money than necessary.
So to heat your home properly and save money, it’s critically important to choose the right boiler as per your home shape and size. Boilers do not come cheap. Changing the boiler can be scary. Buying a boiler, fitting costs, repairs, and even TRVs.
The old boiler not only keeps your home cold, and pockets empty. It has an environmental cost. To minimize this cost, te government launched an ECO scheme. It also has a new boiler scheme that covers all costs of replacing your old boiler. No matter the size, shape, and family members, you can get one for free.
Keeping your budget aside, feel free to learn more about choosing the right sized boiler.
Understanding the boiler size
First, selecting the right boiler size means figuring out the heat you need to keep your home warm in colder months. Secondly, it gives you an idea of how much hot water you need. Now, factors such as your household’s size, insulation, the number of rooms and bathrooms, hot water requirements, and total number of residents should be taken into account.
So thoroughly examine these factors before making a decision. Consult a professional to guide you on the perfect boiler size and heating solution that fits your particular needs.
What’s your property size?
The size of your home is equally important for placing a boiler in it. Undeniably, bigger homes usually need more heating power to keep a pleasant temperature. On the flip side, smaller properties lose less heat and might need smaller boilers.
So before buying a boiler, assess your property size, its shape and location. Moreover, you can consult a skilled engineer to evaluate your property size. Whether it is a big house, small cottage, semi-detached home, bungalow or a flat, confirm the size.
Is your home well-insulated?
Undeniably, the quality of insulation in your home affects how much heat it holds. It determines the size of the boiler you require. So if your home is well-insulated, it loses less heat. Moreover, it will allow you to efficiently heat your home with a smaller boiler. On the other hand, if your home has poor insulation, you might need a larger boiler to compensate for the increased heat loss.
So before installing a new boiler, it is advisable to insulate your home very well.
What are your hot water demands?
In addition to keeping your home warm, your boiler usually provides hot water too. Look into factors such as the number of people in your house, the number of bathrooms, and your lifestyle to establish the needed hot water output. By doing so, you’ll be able to opt for a boiler that meets both your hot water and heating needs.
So keep these factors in due consideration how much is your demand for hot water? Consequently, you’ll be able to choose the right size of boiler for your family’s needs.
What’s your heat load?
Heat load means the total heat energy you need to keep your indoor temperature just right. Now many things contribute to heat load, like how many rooms you have, the windows, and doors, and how well your home holds onto heat.
So before purchasing a boiler, you should look at your heat load closely. What’s more, think about sun exposure, how you use each room, and of course thermal bridging. Without a doubt, all these things help you to figure out the heat precisely. In case, you don’t have any idea about heat load, consult an electrician.
Avoid oversizing
While it might seem like a good idea to install a larger boiler, it can cause several problems. Oversized boilers tend to turn on and off more often. If they’re old, they may reduce energy efficiency. Moreover, you may not enjoy the desired temperature because of an older and in-efficient boiler. They often lead to inefficient combustion and higher emissions.
So if you want to save money on your heating costs, avoid oversizing and opt for the perfect boiler size.
What combi boiler size is right for my home?
Since combi boilers are extremely popular across the UK, most of homes use them. But, like other types of boilers, choosing the correct size for your combi boiler is important, too. Don’t buy the one that’s too small or too big. You just need the right size to meet your household requirements.
Here’s a breakdown:
- If you have 1 or 2 bathrooms, 0-10 radiators, and 1-2 bedrooms, a boiler size of 24-27kW is recommended.
- For 2-3 bathrooms, 10 or more radiators, and 3-4 bedrooms, consider a boiler size of 28-34kW.
- If you have 3 or more bathrooms, 20 or more radiators, and 4 or more bedrooms, a boiler size of 35-43kW is recommended.
This will ensure you get the right-sized combi boiler for your home’s specific needs.
