The large variety of boiler types available on the market today makes it difficult to decide which to choose. The appliance is a vital piece of equipment and a long-term investment so it is important to make the right decision from the start as a result.

As of 2005, condensing technology must feature on all new boilers installed in the UK. This uses heat recovery from fuel burning to generate 90% of its heat. Consequently, there are way more efficient.

There are three different boiler types from which you can choose:

• Combi
• System
• Conventional

The Combi Boiler

The combi (combination) is the most popular type in the UK. They are available as gas, oil or electric and each one is an energy-efficient water heater and central heating boiler. There is no need for a hot water cylinder or a water tank as heat is directly from the mains.

They are compact, making them a perfect option for smaller homes with limited loft space. Installation requires less pipework, usually resulting in cheaper costs.

The System Boiler

A system boiler is available as gas or oil. When compared to combi, they are more economical and are also suited to solar water heating systems.

A hot water cylinder is necessary for the running of a system boiler. Fortunately, the boiler contains most of the important heating and hot water technology. A water tank is not needed though. This means they are a good choice for homes with limited loft space but which have a space for a hot water cylinder.

System boilers are good because they allow multiple taps to be used simultaneously.

The Conventional Boiler

Traditional heating and hot water systems will have an impact on what type of boiler to choose. Combi and system boilers are not compatible because they have higher water pressures. Conventional is, therefore, the best type.

A conventional boiler needs a cold water tank, a hot water cylinder and a central heating water tank. Properties need to have enough space for the four different components.

However, these boilers are highly economical, especially when combined with a solar water heating system. Consequently, this can make them extremely environmentally-friendly and cheap to run.

If you need help choosing a boiler type for your home or business, contact us for free and helpful advice on 0800 311 8990.

The Gas Safe Register (previously CORGI) is an official list of gas engineers who are legally qualified to work on gas appliances in the UK, Isle of Man and Guernsey. The non-profit organisation is managed by Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Limited on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive. Therefore you can trust their professionalism.

It is a legal requirement for gas engineers to be on the Gas Safe Register if they are working on gas appliances such as boilers, fires and cookers. The UK currently has over 120,000 registered gas engineers.

Capita Gas investigates reports of illegal gas employment. Also, the HSE can prosecute any offender.

What the Gas Safe Register does:

• Protects the public from unqualified gas workers.
• Ensures all registered gas engineers have the necessary qualifications.
• Ensures registered gas engineers remain up-to-date with the latest regulations and technology.
• Employs a team of investigators to find gas workers who are operating illegally.
• Investigates reports of dangerous gas work activity.
• Carries out regular inspections on registered gas engineers.
• Educates the public about gas safety.

Why you should use a Gas Safe Register engineer for your gas boiler/appliances:

A poorly fitted or repaired gas appliance can lead to very serious and even life-threatening issues. This includes gas explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Because of the severity, the law states gas appliances must be maintained, repaired and installed by Gas Safe engineers.

• Registered engineers should always carry their identification card with them. This ID card will have a unique number. It will also specify exactly what type of gas work the engineer is qualified to undertake.
• Capita Gas perform regular inspections to ensure registered engineers are performing their gas work safely and in line with current regulations.
• Registered engineers must re-train and update their qualifications regularly because of changes to technology and the law. They have free access to the latest training material as part of their Gas Safe registration
• The Gas Safe Register handles complaints, consequently maintaining quality standards.

If you need a Gas Safe Register engineer, use our free quote service and we will find a local and reliable expert for you. Work with us rather than running the risk of hiring a rogue.

Boilers & gas appliances should be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered expert

Carbon monoxide poisoning poses a serious risk in every household and workplace. In England and Wales, around 50 people die and 200 people are hospitalised every year because of exposure to it. Therefore, it has earned the name Silent Killer.

Not only is carbon monoxide odourless, but it is also colourless and tasteless; it is silent in every sense of the word. As a result, the only way to detect the presence of this toxic gas is by installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your property or by recognising the warning signs.

Alarming figures show only 38% of homes in the UK have a carbon monoxide alarm. A further 25% admit their appliances have never been checked by a Gas Safe registered professionals.

What are the symptoms?

if poisoned it prevents oxygen from circulating your body. The symptoms of early carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dull headaches
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Dizziness as well as blurred vision
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect you are suffering from a number of these symptoms, you should turn off all your gas appliances and also leave your property to seek medical attention. The next step is to book a gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What else can you do?

There are several precautions you can take to ensure any potential carbon monoxide leaks to do not develop.

To avoid becoming a victim of the Silent Killer, we recommend the following steps:

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Check that it is working correctly regularly.
• Regularly check your boiler as well as other gas appliances for black/sooty marks. This indicates that something is wrong.
• Ensure the flame on gas appliances is NOT weak and yellow/orange.
• Look for condensation in your home. If you notice more than usual it could be a sign of a gas leak.
• Book a boiler and gas appliance safety check with a Gas Safe accredited engineer.

Use our free online service to receive an immediate quote from a local, accredited engineer.