British Gas Boilers - More For Your Money?
David Holmes - Home Heating Guide - 15th March 2008
Replacing your boiler can be an expensive and time consuming task and one that should not be taken lightly, being without hot water or heating can be inconvenient to say the least. It's important to ensure you're getting value for money alongside a boiler that is correctly specified and installed safely. David Holmes of Home Heating Guide takes a closer look at British Gas's boiler offering to see what's in store.
Condensing boilers are the way forward with more and more homes installing them, they are over 90% efficient which not only reduce energy bills but helps the environment.
Most types of boiler are available with a condensing mode. This includes combi, regular (also known as heat only) and system. Many are also compatible with solar collector panels increasing efficiency even further.
British Gas are leaders in boiler installations and have invested heavily in alternative technology to ensure our homes continue to be efficient.
What Can British Gas Offer, That Others Can't?
British Gas are the UK's largest boiler and central heating installer employing over 5,500 Corgi registered engineers, these engineers receive additional tuition in the British Gas training academy so you can be pretty safe in the knowledge your system will be installed correctly and safely. All new boiler installation are also covered by HomeCare 200, British Gas's boiler and central heating care service.
What's This I Hear About Condensing Boilers?
In 2005 building regulations were introduced that stipulated all new boilers installed (with a few exceptions where it's not viable) must be of the energy efficient condensing type, these come in various types such as regular or combi with British Gas installing branded versions of Worcester Bosch, Baxi, Glowworm, Ideal, Potterton and Vaillant amongst others. All of these are good, reliable makes of boiler with wide availability of parts and service options, it's clear there is no branding of cheaper, less efficient, models.
New Intelligent Controls? How Do They Benefit Me?
Boilers controls used by British Gas, where appropriate, are the latest 'Chronotherm' or 'intelligent controllers'. These work by constantly monitoring the homes current temperature and calculate how long it will take to reach the desired temperature and adjust start times accordingly. This ensures optimum use of gas and lowest possible heating bills.
Will A New Boiler Save Me Money?
Efficiency is the buzz word nowadays and for good reason, it can save you money, in fact you can reduce your heating bills by up to 40%. Simply put older boilers burn money, literally. For instance, an older type boiler with an efficiency of just 78% is equivalent to 22p going up the flue for every £1 you spend on gas. Newer type boilers can be up to 91% efficient, that's 13p saved for every £1 spent, a big difference.
Are British Gas Worth It?
British Gas have a comprehensive offering when it comes to boilers and central heating systems. They offer a free appointment for a no obligation quote, send out a surveyor prior to the installation to ensure all materials and supplies are ordered correctly, install a new, high quality, energy efficient boiler and throw in HomeCare 200 for a years free boiler insurance cover.
In summary, you can reduce your heating bills by up to 40%*, reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 30%* and rest assured your system is covered by HomeCare 200 (a product we recently reviewed). British Gas may not be the cheapest on the market, but they certainly have a very impressive package on offer. You can arrange a free quote by visiting the British Gas website here.
