Back boilers are a rather old-fashioned method of heating. They are costly to operate and maintain as well as be more inefficient than modern boilers. If you’re currently using an old back boiler incorporated within your house, you must look into changing it to a more modern and efficient model, like the combi boiler.
Is a boiler a “back?
Back boilers are heating device that is installed behind the fireplace. An old-fashioned method of heating back boilers, these systems were utilized to supply hot and heating water.
If you’re currently using back boilers in your home, it’s most likely to be one of the Baxi Bermuda back boiler, an extremely popular model in the past times. While these models were popular during earlier times but they started to fade out around the 1980s, when various boilers being created.
Here’s a list of advantages and disadvantages for back boilers.
Pros:
Popular in the 1960s
Made with fewer components
The possibility of hiding it from view behind an open fireplace.
Cons:
A form of heating that is old-fashioned.
Not as efficient in energy efficiency when compared to other types of boilers (estimated to be less than 80 percent)
No longer installed
Parts that are needed for repairs are difficult to locate.
When you look at the list below, it could be believed that the cons are more than the benefits in the case of back boilers. Combi boilers, heat-only and system are the primary kinds of boilers employed in the UK and combi boilers are the most sought-after.
What is a combi-boiler?
Also known as combination boilers combi boilers offer hot and heating in one unit. They do not require additional tanks, or even cylinders, are needed and they take up little space. Combi boilers also condensate this means they can recycle and reuse the heat that is stored in condensation of water vapour – which makes them extremely energy efficient.
Here’s a list that outlines the pros and cons of the combi boilers:
Pros:
Space saving They can fit into standard kitchen cabinets
It is estimated that the majority of combi boilers have an efficiency score of more than 90 percent.
On-demand hot-water
A water tank or cylinder is required , which makes water more safe and clean to use.
Installation may be less costly and simpler because of the fewer components
New combi boilers have condensing.
The building rules in Part L requires that all new combi boilers be equipped with an additional energy-efficient measure, such as smart thermostats
Replacing your old boiler with a energy-efficient, A-rated combi boiler could let you save as much as £200 on your electricity bill*.
Cons:
No backup immersion heater
The pressure of water can decrease when more than one appliance needs hot water simultaneously
The system cannot deliver hot water to radiators or taps at the same time.
Cost of replacing the back boiler
It’s probable that the back boiler removal process will require a lot of removing since it’s located behind the fireplace. The typical procedure includes:
The fireplace must be removed
Removal of the back boiler system
The mantle is reconstructed.
Installing the combi boiler at another area
New pipework has been installed to work the new combi boiler
The work to be completed regarding the flue systems so that it will fit to the boiler combi (the second boiler could have had to use this chimney).
A back boiler replacement to a new combi boiler will likely be costly which is estimated at around £3000 upwards. While this might appear to be an expensive cost, keep in mind the possible savings by purchasing a brand new, energy efficient combi boiler. In addition, you can benefit from the high quality of the heating and hot water combi boilers offer.