Here at Beesmart Heating & Cooling, we understand the complications that can come with sizing a new boiler for your home. You need to consider things such as how much heat and hot water you and your family require before attempting to work out boiler type and size. Understanding what you need from your system will help you to determine the correct boiler size and minimise the stress of boiler installation. It is important to choose your boiler size correctly so that you can have hot water at your disposal and heat your home efficiently. This will also avoid creating high energy costs. At Beesmart Heating & Cooling, all of our heating engineers are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of boiler installation and repairs. We are qualified to install a range of boiler models including Main, Ideal and Vaillant.
What is central heating?
Central heating is the process by which heat travels around your home, usually via a system of pipes coming from your boiler. These pipes can even be under floors or passing through radiators. This heat can be adjusted using a central heating thermostat, time controller or radiator valves to help you find the perfect temperature at the right time. Your boiler is the heart of your central heating system, responsible for creating and sharing heat.
Sizing Your Gas Boiler
A gas boiler heats up the water. It does this by pumping the circulated water in pipework over a series of gas flames. As the water passes the flames, it is heated up, just like water in a pan or kettle. This water serves two purposes in the modern home: central heating and providing hot water. Installing a gas boiler can be more complicated. Gas boilers heat the water in the boiler to the boiling point, using natural or propane gasses. Once the steam is created, it is then transferred using the pipes in your system to the radiators throughout your home. A gas boiler that is too small for your home will not fulfil your needs or heat your home substantially. It will struggle to keep up with demand and therefore, will not provide hot water and heat efficiently. Installing a gas boiler that is too big, will leave you with more than you require and expensive energy bills. When it comes to sizing this kind of system, the process is a little more technical and will involve calculating the square feet in your home.
Gas Boiler Size Calculator
To calculate a gas boiler, you’ll need the size of your house to hand. You were likely informed of this when you brought your home, however, if you do not have this information, you’ll need to measure your home. To begin, measure each of your rooms by beginning in the corner. Measure outwards from the corner, the two walls that meet in this spot and then record the dimensions. Complete this step for each room, once you’ve finished you’ll need to convert all of your measurements into square feet. The next step is to calculate the BTU’s (British Thermal Units).
Your boiler system will need to produce 50BTU per square feet of your home to heat it efficiently. To get a rough size estimate to multiply the measurement of your home by 50.
Combi Boiler System
Combi boilers, short for combination boilers, are one of the most common boilers installed throughout UK homes. This type of system will fulfil both your heating and hot water demands. The size of your combi boiler will be determined by your family size, demand for hot water and the number of bathrooms in your home. The correct sizing is crucial with this type of system to avoid breakdowns and repairs. However, when sized and installed correctly they are practical, versatile systems. Other benefits of the combi boiler include being efficient, easy to maintain and low-cost to run.
