If replacing your inefficient boiler is long overdue then it is worth looking into whether you could benefit from a free system boiler under a generous Government backed scheme. UK households can receive assistance under the ECO Scheme to replace their old boiler and replace them with an energy efficient boiler as part of a commitment to reach carbon footprint reduction targets.

The Scheme applies to different types of boiler, including system boilers, so if you are eligible you may be in line for a grant to replace your system boiler with a much more energy efficient one. Receiving a free system boiler will bring benefits for you in terms of savings on future heating bills as well as being much better for the environment.

If you are looking to see if you are eligible for a grant system boiler, read on to discover some of the features and benefits of having one in your home…

What is a system boiler? 

A system boiler consists of a boiler and a water cylinder. The boiler heats water direct from the mains water supply when you switch the heating on and delivers this to the radiators. To provide hot water to taps, the system boiler heats the water inside the water cylinder, and has to be switched on in advance in order for hot water to be generated.

Main features of system boilers:

• Requires a boiler and hot water cylinder
• Allow multiple hot water taps to be run concurrently
• Economic to run as heated only when required

Who should use a system boiler?

System boilers could be used in any home, but are best suited to households with large hot water demand, for example multiple bathrooms likely to be in use at the same time. This makes them most suitable for large families and for households with a large number of radiators.

What are the pros and cons of using a system boiler?

System boilers are the best option for some homes, whereas a combi boiler may be more than adequate for others. It can often depend on what your current set up is. Here are some of the pros and cons of using system boilers in the home:

Pros

• Can handle high hot water demands
• No need for a large cold water tank in the loft
• Uses mains water supply so pressure is improved 
• Economical way to provide hot water

Cons

• Requires space for a hot water cylinder (likely in an airing cupboard)
• More expensive to install than basic combi boilers 
• Not as efficient as combi boilers as heat is lost from the heated water in the storage cylinder if it is not used up
• Lack of instant hot water means having to wait for water to heat up 

Are system boilers efficient?

System boilers may not be as efficient when heating the hot water tank as the water is heated and stored (at which some heat may be lost) rather than being created and used at the same point. However, if you are replacing an old system boiler with a new one, it is inevitable that this will be much more efficient.

Old boilers can see their efficiency reduced down to as little as 60% whereas a new A-rated system boiler is generally 90%+ efficient, meaning that a larger portion of the fuel used is converted to heat.

How much could a new system boiler save me?

A new system boiler will bring efficiency savings meaning that you could reduce your heating bills by as much as £300 annually. Plus if you qualify for a grant for a new system boiler, your new heating and hot water system will come with a lengthy warranty and will also protect you against maintenance and repair costs in the coming years.

What brands of boiler could I have installed if I’m eligible for a free system boiler grant?

We focus on providing two main boiler brands – Baxi and Worcester Bosch – which we believe are best suited to the needs of our customers. Both come with excellent warranties providing you with peace of mind with your new system boiler. If you qualify for a grant for a system boiler, we will assist you with identifying which boiler is best suited to the needs of your household and current set up.

What size system boiler do I need?

Domestic boilers usually range from 24kW to 42kW in size and you need one that is just the right size for your requirements. Having one too small will not be able to heat your home adequately and will not produce enough hot water for your needs. A boiler that is too big will unnecessarily use too much fuel. 

Arugh rule of thumbs suggests the following:

 1.5kW per every radiator = 3kW for your water cylinder

It is possible to ditch your system boiler and convert to a combi boiler but this could prove expensive due to extra materials and work required.

Find out if you’re eligible today

If the idea of a new boiler appeals to you, find out if you are eligible for a grant for a system boiler Grant today. Even if you find you are not eligible, we can still assist in finding you a new boiler at a highly competitive price.

Grants for heat only boilers could be available to you if you: 

• Receive income related benefits
• Are a UK homeowner 
• Your boiler is 7+ years old?

Make the first steps towards saving 100s on your heating bills, and being more environmentally friendly. Check today to see if a grant for a system boiler is available to you.