Gas boiler room
“What size boiler do I need?” That’s a great question. Read on to find out how to choose the right size.
Finding the right boiler size for your home is your most significant decision.
If your home needs a new boiler, ask yourself, “What size boiler do I need?” Boiler size is one factor that determines your monthly energy costs.
The residential boiler market is growing. It’s predicted 10 million units will be installed annually by 2024.
Why Boiler Size Matters
There’s a common belief the bigger your boiler is, the better. Other people just go for the most affordable.
But if you choose a boiler that’s too small, it’ll struggle to meet your water heating needs. On the other hand, one that’s too big wastes energy and causes higher costs and unnecessary environmental damage.
- How many open taps are in your house?
- How big is your house in square feet?
- How many radiators will the boiler run?
Another consideration is the number of people in your home. How busy does the house get, and are the showers and bathrooms used regularly?
Reasons to Buy a New Boiler
The reasons you need a new boiler help to determine the size you need.
- If the previous boiler broke down, was it overworked?
- Is the boiler replacement part of a home renovation?
- Will the purchase be part of a new construction project when everything is new?
These questions will lead you to look for something very efficient.
Three Types of Boiler Systems
Your house has many taps and rooms that need hot water. There are three basic types of boiler systems:
- A combination boiler, also known as a combi-boiler, heats water on demand from a central point and supplies it to the rest of the system at great pressure. The boiler doesn’t store up heated water. Cost-efficient, it’s locally available at wallet-friendly prices and its installation is affordable.
- Conventional boilers heat water and stores it for later use. They’re also known as a heat-only or gas boiler. It’s ideal for a large home with more than two people living in it.
- System boilers come with more built-in components. These features make them easier to install and help save space.
Determine the Best Size
When it comes to its actual size and configuration, an expert can determine what boiler you need. But online calculators can roughly indicate the size you need and its installation cost.
Combination boilers come in a variety of sizes. They range from small from 24 to 27 kW, medium from 28 to 34 kW, and large from 35 to 42kW.
In terms of kW, the higher your demand for hot water, the higher the kW should be.
- Small-sized boilers of 24 to 27 kW are best for small homes with one bathroom and no more than 10 radiators
- Medium-sized are best for houses with about 15 vents and three baths
- Large-sized are ideal for large houses with 20 radiators and three bathrooms or en-suites
But where two showers are usually operated simultaneously, a system boiler could be the better option.
Your Engineer Can Help You Decide
If you’re stuck and can’t find the best answer to “what size boiler do I need” let your boiler engineer help you decide. He’s an invaluable resource in explaining to you everything you need to know about boiler sizes.
He might not be incentivized to install certain types. However, he’ll help you through the most challenging decision-making stage.
Don’t choose a boiler based on the price. You might find that the cheapest is not necessarily the best. Go for a boiler that guarantees you long service, energy efficiency, low maintenance costs, and reliability.
What Size Boiler Do I Need – Final Thoughts
Among the expenses you must consider are heating costs. One factor is the size of your boiler. Before you install one, make sure you know what size boiler you need.
Talk to a boiler expert. Compare quotes from different suppliers. Check the brand’s reliability via the reviews of independent users.
Many factors determine the size of the boiler you buy. One of them is the size of your home. Also, the type of boiler system is important. The conventional boiler, for example, consumes more energy because it heats and keeps water hot for later use.
If you need help, our professional team at Eyman Plumbing Heating & Air is available. Call us at (402) 731-2727 today to get started.