Your boiler has broken and the heating engineer has said it needs replacing. Deciding what type and size of boiler needed for your home is a huge task. Generally, a new, well looked after boiler can last for up to 15 years. So, once you have made your choice and the boiler has been installed, your heating bills will be cheaper and the new system will be quieter, putting your mind at rest for the near future.
So, what size boiler do I need?
There are many factors which need to be considered when having a new boiler. For example, depending on how much hot water and heating your household requires, will depend on what size boiler needs to be fitted. If the wrong equipment for your size property is installed, it could result in unnecessary money being wasted on energy bills.
What does ‘size’ mean?
When it comes to boilers, ‘size’ does not mean the physical dimensions of the product. The ‘size’ of a boiler is measured in kilowatts (kW). The larger amount of kilowatts produced means the larger amount of energy output in the form of heat. Generally, the bigger the property, the larger amount of kilowatts required to survive the household's needs. Below is a table will give a rough idea of the kilowatt size needed alongside property size:
24-27 (kW): A 1-2 bedroom property with 1 bathroom. 5+ radiators.
28-34 (kW): A 3-4 bedroom property with 2 bathrooms. 10+ radiators.
35-42 (kW): A 4+ bedroom property with 2+ bathrooms. 20+ radiators.
Our heating engineers at BCU Plumbing will be able to guide you to the correct kilowatt output required for your personal needs.
Radiators are important too
As shown in the table above, the number of radiators in your home directly affects the size of the boiler you require. For example, if you live in a small flat, the smallest boiler size will be sufficient to heat your home.
Making sure your old, existing radiators work efficiently will help your new boiler. If you are concerned you can ask our boiler services for a powerflushing of the system. Alongside your new boiler, this is will ensure:
- A cleaner flow of hot water is delivered throughout your system.
- Your energy bills are as energy efficient as possible.
- Any cold spots in your radiators will be eliminated.
Property size and heat loss
A larger, more powerful boiler will be needed in a bigger property to also ensure the correct water pressure is maintained. The same applies for the number of bathrooms and people living in your property. This directly impacts the amount of hot water required. More hot water equals a higher kilowatt boiler.
A heating engineer can calculate the heat loss of your property. A heat loss calculation includes:
- Floor area.
- Number of windows.
- Types of window.
- Number of radiators.
- Insulation.
The heat loss calculation is designed to work out the total amount of heat lost on the coldest day of winter, enabling the most optimum size of boiler to be purchased and installed.
Fuel Type
The size boiler your property requires will depend on the type of fuel available in your area. Fuel types include:
- Gas boilers offers the greatest level of efficiency.
- Oil fired boiler
- LPG (liquified petroleum gas.)
Use of solar panels or other future energy sources will need to be taken into consideration too.
The 3 Types of boiler
Conventional Boilers
- Suitable for larger homes.
- Suitable for homes with many radiators and taps - where hot water is used at the same time.
- Requires a cold water storage tank, in addition to a hot water tank.
- The best type of boiler if a direct replacement for the existing heating system is required.
System boilers
- Suitable for larger homes, with more than one bathroom.
- Offer a constant, on demand supply of hot water to any number of rooms.
- Does not need a loft tank saving on space. The water is heated directly from the mains.
Combi boilers
- The most common boiler type in the UK.
- Provides a constant flow of hot water.
- These are compact in size - great for smaller homes.
- Require no loft space, as they heat water as and when required.
- Limited pipework required- a lot more aesthetically pleasing.
- Not always suitable for larger houses. They can only supply the heating or the hot water, not both at the same time.
Heating Engineers in Kent
It is very important to involve highly qualified heating engineers when discussing boiler installations in your home. The experienced Gas Safe registered engineers at BCU Plumbing can help you with any questions or queries if you are based in Kent, including Gravesend, Medway, Dartford and West Malling.
When choosing a new boiler, getting the proper information from a local boiler service is paramount. If the wrong boiler size is fitted your bills will increase because the boiler will either over work or it will not be efficient enough for the size of your property.
Please call us on 07712 172171 if you would like to know more about our boiler installation services.
