PlumbSet UK Ltd

 

Gas Boilers

A new generation of gas boilers!

Since 1st April 2005, all replacements/new installations of gas boilers need to be of the high efficiency type. We only install SEDBUK A-rated boilers.

These high-efficiency boilers come in 3 basic types:

  1. Standard hot water and heating boiler.
  2. System boiler.
  3. Combination boiler.

If you don't already have a gas boiler in your property, should you consider an oil boiler? High efficiency oil boilers are slighly more efficient than gas but you will need to store oil in an approved oil tank.

Standard

Takes the place of most boiler installations currently in the UK. Connects directly to the central heating. Your hot water is heated in a hot water cylinder usually found in an airing cupboard. This type of system is usually fed by a small cistern in the loft. The majority of installed boilers of this type achieve only 70% efficiency. Oue new boilers achieve efficiency levels in excess of 90%.

System

Only a small percentage of heating systems in the UK use system boilers. A system boiler is similar to a standard boiler with the difference that the pump is built into the boiler. These boilers are normally installed on sealed systems which are not automatically replenished from a cistern. Instead these systems need to be manually refilled periodically.

Combination

These boilers are similar in design to system boilers. They operate on a sealed system. The main difference between this type of boiler and the other two is that domestic hot water is heated directly in the boiler, removing the need for a hot water cylinder. One big advantage of this type of boiler is that hot water can be delivered uninterrupted and at mains pressure for as long as the customer requires it.

Boiler typeAdvantagesDisadvantages

Combi

  • Hot water on demand
  • No cisterns or pipework in the loft space
  • Continuous hot water supply
  • No need to heat 'stored' hot water
  • Space saving
  • Mains pressure hot water
  • All cold water outlets supply mains drinking water
  • Hot water flow limited to about 10 litres/minute
  • Hot water flow is reduced when additional outlets are opened
  • Central heating system has to be pressurised which may lead to leaks in older pipework
  • No failure backup for hot water (i.e. no immersion heater)
  • Hot water temperature can be reduced if the incoming water temperature is very low
  • No 'airing' cupboard, though a small radiator can be installed in a cupboard to provide heat when the heating is on

Gas boilers we recommend

Glow-worm

Ultracom hxi boiler Based on fourth generation technology, these have been tried and tested over many years.