Compare energy pricesAsk our expert pages
Ask our expert
- Can I remove the prepay meter in a rented property?
- How do I know if my house is already insulated?
- Is it cheaper to use gas or electricity for cooking?
- Are smart meters and energy monitors the same thing?
- How much would paying by monthly direct debit save me?
- What fuel should I chose for my range cooker/heater?
- Is now a good time to install solar panels?
- What is an IGT and why does it add money to my gas bill?
- Will energy saving bulbs really save me money?
- How can I ensure my student son only pays for the energy he uses?
- Which company offers the cheapest electricity for disabled people?
- Who offers the best Economy 10 rates?
- Should I switch energy suppliers to one of the smaller companies?
- Should I replace my failed Economy 7 system?
- Why has my bill gone up when I’ve used less energy than last year?
- How do I switch back to direct debit from a prepaid meter?
- How much energy does my freezer use?
- What’s the best way to heat a small terraced house?
- I’m an OAP - am I eligible for heating grants?
- How much will ‘going green’ cost me?
- Why do my energy bills keep rising?
- How do I register for British Gas Nectar points?
- Can I get a Warm Front grant to help insulate my home?
- Where can I get boiler insurance for my oil powered boiler?
- How do I find out who my energy supplier is?
- Does an Economy 7 tariff suit my needs?
- Should I keep my radiators on low all day?
- What do I do if I lose my prepayment card?
- Can I get solar panels for my office
- What should I do about the 7% British Gas price hike?
- Can I get a double glazing grant
- Do I have to pay a fee to have my boiler registered?
- How do I switch my central heating from oil to gas?
Ask our Expert
Is a combination boiler right for a large house?
Dear Chris, I live in a three storey house but I read that one combination boiler would not be enough to heat the whole place. I was also told that the combination boiler would have to be on the same level as the highest radiator in the house.
Is any of this true? Can you help me?
Thanks,
David Braine, via email, Friday 11 February, 2011
Our expert says...
The choice between a standard and a combination boiler is mainly one of personal preference, but there are some issues which can help in making the choice.
Hot water
In terms of efficiency and suitability, combination boilers are generally best for households with a relatively low demand for hot water. Standard boilers with a hot water tank are better for places that use a lot of hot water.
For example, if a household has several bathrooms, then there is a greater chance that several people will run a hot tap at once - a combination boiler would not be able to meet this demand.
Conversely, in a house with low occupancy and limited hot water use there is a greater chance that a standard boiler would waste energy heating up water which then wouldn’t get used.
Heating
Regarding heating the rooms of your three storey house, there is nothing to choose between a combination and a standard boiler, whatever the size of the property.
If the boiler is operating on pressure from the mains - a sealed system - then it can go anywhere in the house, provided the mains pressure is sufficient.
If the boiler is fed by a header tank - a vented system - then the boiler needs to be significantly below the header tank, as do all the radiators.
Combination boilers should be located as close as possible to the main hot water taps, whereas with a standard boiler it is more important to ensure that the hot water cylinder is close to the taps.
Ask us a question
If you have an energy query please email ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk
|
|