Last Updated: 12th January 2022
There are many different types of central heating systems within the UK so it’s paramount to get professional advice, arrange a quote, three or more is advisable from a mix of local and nationwide companies.
The surveyor will offer the most suitable system based on his/her survey, the type of boiler/radiators and whether a solar thermal system could benefit you, this could produce up to 70% of your hot water depending upon conditions. Find out if they could be right for your home in our guide to solar thermal systems.
Solar & Condensing Boiler System
The ultimate in home heating…
- A high efficiency condensing boiler rated for your properties heat requirements.
- High technology controls paired to your boiler for maximum efficiency.
- Unvented hot water cylinder compatible with solar supply.
- Modern radiators sized accordingly & fitted with thermostatic valves.
- Solar panels.
Condensing Boiler System
High efficiency for larger homes…
- A high efficiency condensing boiler rated for your properties heat requirements.
- High technology controls paired to your boiler for maximum efficiency.
- Unvented hot water cylinder compatible with solar supply.
- Modern radiators sized accordingly & fitted with thermostatic valves.
Combi Condensing Boiler System
Ideal for smaller homes…
- An ‘A’ rated combi condensing boiler rated for your properties heat requirements.
- High technology controls paired to your boiler for maximum efficiency.
- A combi boiler supplies hot water direct from the boiler on demand. You can learn more about combi boilers here.
- Modern radiators sized accordingly & fitted with thermostatic valves.
Facts About New Style Energy Efficient Boilers & Central Heating Systems
- Replacing a G-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler and a full set of heating controls could save you around £365 a year*.
- A new boiler could also reduce your household emissions – saving around 1,500kg a year.
- Boilers are equipped with new ‘intelligent’ controls which maximize efficiency by adjusting the start time to enable the house to reach the right temperature at the right time.
- Highest efficiency can be achieved by replacing a boiler that is over 15 years old.
- New regulations in building state that new boiler installations, where possible, must be higher efficiency condensing type.
- These boilers convert more than 90% of the fuel into heat.
Central Heating Installers
Central heating fuel types
Gas central heating
When it comes to central heating appliances gas is the most popular fuel used in the UK. Gas is supplied to homes and businesses throughout the country, and it has become the most dependable form of energy we have. The National Grid owns and operates the National Transmission System throughout the country and owns and operates a significant gas distribution network throughout the heart of England. Gas supplied to homes and businesses is not sold by the National Grid but a gas supplier, such as British Gas. Only suppliers licensed by Ofgem can sell you gas. Your house must be connected to the gas mains in order to receive a supply.
By law a Gas Safe Registered engineer must carry out all gas related works in the UK. If you are planning to replace or install a gas boiler, then you should choose a condensing boiler. This is a requirement of Part L1 of the Building Regulations that relate to the conservation of fuel and power. A condensing boiler is more expensive to install but it will in turn save you money on your central heating bills and also helps to tackle climate change as it will run more efficiently.
Benefits of gas heating
- Most households in the UK have access mains gas.
- Easily controlled with a thermostat.
- Cheaper to run than electric boilers.
Downfalls of gas heating
- Produces carbon dioxide when burned.
- You must be connected to the gas grid.
LPG for home heating
Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG and is a fuel used commonly in the UK to provide home heating. This type of fuel is made up of a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases. The most common mixes include propane and butane. About 60 per cent of the world supply of LPG comes from the separation of natural gas products, and 40 per cent is a by-product from the distillation of the crude oil. LPG is recognised as a secure fuel supply and is produced in vast quantities in the UK. It is also a low carbon and low polluting fossil fuel.
LPG has the advantage of becoming liquid when under pressure, and reverting to gases at atmospheric pressure. As a result it can be stored conveniently as a liquid. This provides an advantage over natural gas. Another is that LPG is 250 times denser as a liquid than as a gas mix, meaning large amounts of fuel can be stored in a relatively small space. LPG is normally used as an alternative to gas for homes not connected to a mains supply. It is typically used in a ‘wet’ heating system with an LPG fired boiler. This heats water which in turn provides central heating.
Benefits of LPG
- LPG is a highly efficient fuel.
- It produces very low sulphur emissions.
- Combustion is virtually odourless compared to oil.
- By law anyone carrying out work on your boiler is required to be on the Gas Safe Register.
Downfalls of LPG
- New installations can be costly.
- Prices for this type of fuel are on the rise.
- LPG is not considered to be a clean source of energy as it produces carbon dioxide when burnt.
- LPG boilers need to be serviced annually to maintain efficiency.
Heating oil
Many homes which are not connected to a gas mains rely on heating oil for their central heating needs. This type of fuel is a flammable liquid petroleum product and it is used in conjunction with boilers or furnaces. Heating oil is just one of the products to come from the distillation of the crude oil. Boiling is carried out and along with separation and chemical processes produces products including petrol, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, bottled gas and fuel oil. Heating oil is very similar to diesel fuel, and both are classified as distillates. In the UK red dyes are usually added, hence its “red diesel” name.
The UK has many suppliers of heating oil ranging from large companies such as BP and Bayford to local oil suppliers who will cover a smaller area. The fuel is delivered to residential and commercial buildings and stored in above-ground storage tanks in the basement, garage or outside a building. There are around 1.5 million people in Great Britain using oil for home heating. Oil boilers available come in three categories, namely; the combi-boiler; the system boiler; and the regular boiler which are no different to that of a gas boiler in their functionality.
You can learn more in our guide to oil boiler costs, types and warranties.
Benefits of heating oil
- People using heating oil have the freedom to change supplier at any time. They can also choose who their fuel is delivered by.
- Oil can be used alongside renewable technologies.
- An alternative fuel if your home is not connected to the gas mains.
Downfalls of heating oil
- Rising costs in the UK.
- Leaks from tanks and piping are an environmental concern.
- You will usually have to invest in another fuel for cooking.
- Oil installers do not have to be OFTEC registered, so there is no governing body protecting property owners.
Reference
Data Source: Energy Saving Trust, Heating Your Home: Boilers (2022) *Based on replacing an old gas boiler with a condensing A-rated boiler with thermostatic radiator valves, programmer and room thermostat in a detached home. Figures are based on fuel prices as of November 2021.
