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Description
Gas fired boiler and radiator system, also providing hot water instantaneously or stored in hot water tank. Controls-programmer, room thermostat, TRVs (and tank thermostat if hot water is stored). In England and Wales building regulations normally requires a minimum boiler seasonal efficiency (SEDBUK value) of 86% in both new build and refurbishment situations. An `A rated¿ boiler has a minimum SEDBUK of 90%. Scottish and Northern Irish standards do not have a requirement in refurbishment situations, and assume a value of 72% for compliance via the Target U-Value route.
Unit cost of installation
A full installation including radiators would cost between £3,500 and £4,500. The cost of boiler only will be up to £1,800 depending on type. The cost of connection to the gas main varies from £330 upwards depending on factors such as how close the dwelling is to the main supply pipe and the number of dwellings being connected.
Bulk cost of installation
Data not available.
Indicative energy cost and carbon emissions
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£ /yr running cost
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kgC/yr
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from
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to
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from
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to
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| All fuel
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440
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680
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1070
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1840
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| Space and water only
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240
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480
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670
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1440
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The data in the table above has been calculated for conventional heating systems with a hot water tank (i.e. not combi systems). For combi systems the running costs and carbon emissions would be slightly lower than the figures quoted, and differences between highest and lowest about the same.
Maintenance
Costs of maintenance vary from £50 per year (for a contract relating to a large number of dwellings) to around £150 for a single dwelling.
Lifetime
Approximately 15 years for a well maintained boiler.
Technical suitability
Use in high rise or blocks of flats can be an issue, for example because of the possibility of gas explosions. Communal boilers are a solution to this issue.
Combi systems are not always suited to households with a high demand for hot water (e.g. families with young children), but can be very suitable for small households. Combi systems do not require a header tank and so can be a useful option in small dwellings such as flats.
Where occupants include young children or elderly people consideration should be given to low surface temperature radiators.
Non-technical constraints
Gaining access to dwellings in order to undertake regular maintenance of boiler often difficult.
Potential concerns with fuel poor
If the recipients of central heating are not familiar with it they may assume that it will be expensive to use and therefore not use it for fear of getting into debt. It is therefore essential that the system is properly commissioned and that the users are given good advice on how to operate it efficiently.
Ancillary benefits
Highly controllable, providing rapid response times, particularly for radiator-based systems. Safer than some other forms of heating such as open fires and some electric appliances due to absence of very hot surfaces.
Improved heating (coupled with insulation and ventilation measures) will reduce incidence of condensation and mould growth, thus decreasing maintenance costs for the building fabric and reducing damage (resulting from mould growth) to occupants' possessions. There may also be benefits to occupants' health.
Trigger points for work
Ideally installed following insulation upgrades. Major refurbishment.
Performance Limitations
None.
Technical Guidance Available
» CE30 Domestic heating by gas: boiler systems (2008 edition)
» The Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) Tel 01526 372300; www.corgi-gas.com
» HSE Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300 363
» The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations 1998. HSE Books Code L56
» The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations 1998 - advise on HSE website; www.hse.gov.uk
» A guide to landlord's duties: Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. INDG285 (INDIC versions also available).
» Gas appliances- Get them checked keep them safe. INDG238 (rev1).
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