Knowing your system
Types of heating/hot water systems
Understanding what type of heating/hot water system you currently have and the advantages/disavantages of it is vital to understanding what you want from it. For example, if you live on your own and have a regular boiler you have to heat up 120L+ of water just to do the washing up. In this instance a combi boiler would suit your more, as you would save hundreds of pounds each year on energy bills.
Combi boilers
A combination or ‘combi’ boiler is both a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit. Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap, so you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the roof space.
They are also very cost-effective and energy-efficient as water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a cylinder. An added benefit is that hot water is delivered at mains pressure, which means that you could get a powerful shower without the need for a separate pump.
- Compact sizes make combi boilers perfect for smaller properties
- Ideal where there is little or no loft space
- No need for a hot water cylinder allows increased living space
- No cold water storage tank frees up a loft for conversion
- No risk of loft pipework freezing
System Boilers
System boilers require a cylinder for storing hot water. However the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making it quicker and easier to install. In addition, there is no need for a tank in the loft, so it can be an option in a home with little or no loft space or where the space is earmarked for a conversion.
These boilers are also compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills.
- Ideal for homes with more than one bathroom
- Constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time
- No need for a loft tank, freeing up space and eliminating worries about leaks or frost damage
- Economical to run
- Built-in components makes installation quicker and neater
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers (sometimes known as traditional, conventional or heat only boilers) are ideally suited to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder. These boilers also need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.
A regular boiler may be the best option for replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it might not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combi boilers.
- Perfect for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time
- Ideal where there are two or more bathrooms
- A good option in areas where water pressure is low
- Compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs
Maximising your systems effciency
Heating and hot water can account for roughly 85% of the average household's total energy usage, so having an energy efficient heating system is vital. According to ‘Which?’ “Replacing an old G-rated gas boiler which has no controls with a new condensing model, including a programmer, could trim up to £652 a year from the gas bill of a typical home.”
A large factor, which dictates whether a boiler and central heating system is working at its full potential, is its heating controls. If your system doesn’t have the correct controls, or they are not set appropriately, you could be burning more fuel then you need to! The right controls include a time switch/programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves. We recommend that you replace any controls that are over 12 years old.
Thermostatic rad valves
Thermostatic radiator valves allow you control the temperature in individual rooms/spaces. Most of us enjoy a cooler bedroom whilst having our living areas slightly warmer. By setting the desired temperature of each room your boiler will not overwork itself using unnecessary gas to warm spaces.
Controls upgrade
Includes circulating pump, magnetic filter, mid-position valve, auto air vent, auto bypass, H frame if required and lagged part L new controls
Having a clean system
Over time heating systems can become sludged up, which reduces their efficiency. Sludge in your central heating system can reduce the flow of water and damage your boiler/radiators and increase your energy bills.
There are two main types of sludge:
There are two main types of sludge:
Brown - Brown central heating sludge is bacterial and is mainly found in open vented systems with header tanks and can sometimes end up in central heating sealed systems. Brown central heating sludge starts with an in-balance in the central heating system water. One cause is foreign bodies in the header tank.
Black – Black central heating sludge, which is also known as Magnetite. Magnetite is the basic and most common type of central heating sludge found in most central heating systems to some extent filtered or not. Magnetite is the metal rust from steel equipment (radiators, circulating pump housings, cast iron heat exchanger) and is removed with a good central heating sludge remover and powerflush. Magnetic filters are great at stopping the loose particles from entering the central heating boiler.
How do i tell if your system is sludged up?
There are a few signs to help you know if your central heating system has sludge in it and how bad it is.
Do your radiators get hot at the top and not at the bottom?
If you have an open vent system (small tank in loft) is the water clear?
When you bleed air out of your radiators is the water discoloured?
If the answer is yes to any of the above a powerflush might be needed. As part of a boiler installation we include for FREE a chemical hot flush and add the correct dosage of inhibitor to protect your system.
Protecting your system
A magnetic filter is fitted to every boiler we install to safe guard from black sludge, this should be cleaned annually on the service.
Power flushing and chemical flush