How do Central Heating Systems work?
- Boilers use fuel or electricity to warm water.
- A pump circulates hot water to radiators.
- The circulated hot water inside the radiators releases heat.
- The heat from the radiators keeps your home warm.
- Hot water is also used for taps, baths, and showers.
- Combi boilers provide on-demand hot water while regular boilers use a tank system.
- A thermostat monitors the temperature and switches the boiler on and off.
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Find the right boiler to get the job done. Contact our knowledgeable team for advice on heating system upgrades and repairs.
What should a heating system include?
Boilerhut collaborates with reliable manufacturers, including Viessmann, Worcester Bosch, and Alpha. We ensure the temperature inside your home is consistently warm and comfortable. Heating systems require:
- An efficient, condensing boiler.
- Copper pipework and radiators
- Installation by a Gas Safe-registered engineer
- A mains-powered chemical flush.
- A 10 or 12-year warranty
- A room thermostat which controls your boiler
What types of central heating are there?
Boilerhut provides three main types of central heating services: regular, system, and combi boilers.
Conventional boilers are:
- Connected to a vented water storage tank
- Fresh water is heated through a heat exchanger
- Water is pumped to a hot water cylinder
- The vented tank allows expansion
System boilers don’t require a cold-water storage tank as they work directly off the incoming mains water. The system is:
- Sealed
- Pressurised and unvented
- An expansion vessel is inside the boiler
Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains on demand, removing the need for a cylinder or tank in the loft. Heating and hot-water expansion are managed inside the boiler.
How do you power central heating?
Cost-Effective Solutions
Natural gas is the most common way to heat homes in the UK because most homes are connected to gas networks and it is the cheapest fuel.
Oil boilers require an outside tank. Oil tends to be cheaper than LPG because it is not pressurised.
Sustainable Solutions
Air source heat pumps are great for new or highly insulated homes. They work like a reverse fridge, heating your home and water by extracting heat from the outside, and they operate at lower temperatures. Air Sources require thicker pipes and larger radiators than other setups.
Biomass consists of wooden pellets from sustainable sources. Which are burnt to create heat. They are more expensive and specialised than gas, LPG or oil boilers. They also produce more emissions locally than other types of boilers.
Versatile Solutions
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is a versatile alternative to natural gas. While it may be more expensive, most gas boilers can be easily modified to accept LPG. Being available in portable bottles means LPG is common in caravans or static houses.
Electric boilers are clean and efficient. However, electricity is approximately 3-4 times the price of natural gas. Higher-power electric boilers will also require a three-phase supply at your home.
What’s the process of installing central heating?
This image is about boiler installation in Kent!
Here is a brief breakdown of our central heating installation process:
- Our team maps out the location of the boiler, radiators and all pipework.
- Engineers commission the boiler.
- Our professional engineers install the radiators.
- They lay and install the pipework and plumbing.
- The boiler and fuel source are installed
- Products are tested for problems and leaks.
- The boiler controls and the room thermostat are fitted.
How much do our boiler services cost?
A like-for-like combi boiler swap will be cheaper than a combi-to-system conversion. The cost of central heating depends on several factors. These include:
- Number of radiators.
- Size and type of the boiler.
- Whether you want to move it.
Upgrades on older boilers can have unforeseen costs. You can save money with a new boiler or central heating system. On average, you can save up to £590 a year on your heating bills with a new highly-efficient boiler.
- Gas and LPG boilers cost between £550 and £3,900
- Oil boilers cost from £2,600 to £3,900
- Installation can cost between £1,000 and £2,000
- Radiators can cost between £150 and £800
Boiler services and maintenance costs should also be considered. We offer a range of helpful finance options to assist our customers, giving you peace of mind and complete control before you pay.
Protect your home with heating services you can rely on. Start your boiler installation quote today.
