Boilers are an essential part of many homes in the UK, providing heating and hot water to households. In recent years, there have been several developments in boiler technology that have improved their efficiency and environmental impact.
UK Boiler Regulations
One of the most significant changes in the UK boiler market has been the introduction of condensing boilers. These boilers capture and reuse the heat that would otherwise be lost in the flue gases, making them much more efficient than older non-condensing models. In fact, all new boilers installed in the UK since 2005 have been required to be condensing boilers.
Another development in the UK boiler market has been the introduction of smart boilers. These boilers can connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network and be controlled remotely using a smartphone app. This allows homeowners to adjust the temperature of their home or hot water supply from anywhere, at any time. Smart boilers can also provide diagnostic information to homeowners and heating engineers, helping to identify and fix problems more quickly.
What are the UK Government saying about gas boilers?
The UK government has also introduced regulations to encourage the use of renewable heating technologies, such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems. While these technologies are not technically boilers, they can replace traditional gas or oil-fired boilers and provide a more sustainable source of heating and hot water.
In addition to these technological advances, there has been a push to improve the installation and maintenance of boilers in the UK. In 2020, the government launched the “Boiler Plus” regulations, which require all new gas boilers to be installed with additional energy-saving measures, such as smart thermostats or weather compensation controls.
Overall, these developments in the UK boiler market are helping to improve the efficiency and sustainability of home heating and hot water systems. By upgrading to a new, more efficient boiler, homeowners can save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Most Common New Boiler Type in the UK
According to Boiler Central, one of the UK’s leading new boiler installation companies, the most common type of new boiler installed in the UK is a combi boiler. Combi boilers are popular because they are compact and efficient, providing both heating and hot water on demand without the need for a separate hot water tank. They are also relatively affordable and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. However, it’s worth noting that the most suitable type of boiler for a particular home will depend on factors such as the size of the property, the number of occupants, and the heating and hot water demands of the household.