What Size Boiler Do I Need?

If you are on the hunt for a new boiler you need to know what you’re looking for. Different houses have different needs and it can be tricky to know what size boiler is the right one for your home. Investing in a new boiler can be costly, and choosing the wrong one for your home can lead to excess costs or a chilly house, so it pays to get it right.

In this guide, we discuss the things you should check and consider when planning your boiler purchase, from the number of rooms in the house to the way your family operates in the home, so you can be sure to choose the right size boiler for your needs. 

What different size boilers are there?

The first thing to understand is that ‘size’ does not mean the actual dimensions of the boiler, but instead refers to the energy output for the heating and hot water. 

Typically there are three most common groups of boiler size, and these are measured in kilowatts rather than volume: 

• 24kw-27kw.
• 28kw-34kw.
• 35kw-42kw.

How big is your home?

A great place to start when considering what size boiler you need is looking at the size of your home. As a general rule, the bigger your house is the bigger the boiler it will require to heat it. 

Creating a profile of your house is a great way to get a better feel for the requirements your boiler needs to meet. For instance, a 1-bed bungalow won’t need the same power from a boiler that a 4-bed house will and a house with 6 occupants will need more than a house with 2. 

Take note of the number of bedrooms, radiators, bathrooms and floors in your house. The higher these numbers the ‘larger’ the boiler you will need. 

For example: 

For a two-bed house with only one occupant and one bathroom a small 14-17kw boiler should be sufficient to provide consistent heating and hot water. 

For a four-bed house with five occupants, the demand on the heating system and bathrooms is higher and therefore a 35-42kw boiler will be a more suitable choice than a smaller size, which might not be able to handle the requirements. 

It’s also worth being realistic about your household’s habits and lifestyle; for instance, a preference for long and regular showers can mean a house is better suited to a boiler one size up. 

Whilst a boiler that is too small for your house won’t be able to handle the usage, it’s important to remember that a boiler that is too big will result in wasted energy and increased costs to go with it. 

Getting a professional opinion

It’s wise to get a good grasp on your requirements before you start looking for a new boiler but ultimately the best way to be certain about which boiler size you need for your home is to ask a professional. 

A registered engineer will be able to give you a more precise calculation of your home’s needs when it comes to boiler size. They will consider not just the points discussed here but will also assess your house’s water pressure and insulation alongside other factors to ensure that you can make a thoroughly informed decision about your new boiler. 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme 

Boilers are the most common form of home heating system in the UK but if you are interested in making a sustainable change there are great alternatives. Ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers are a worthwhile upgrade for those looking to reduce their house’s carbon footprint and the government is offering grants of up to £7,500 to help cover the cost of their installation through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. 

If you are interested in an alternative to traditional boilers that can reduce your energy usage and reliance on fossil fuels, get in touch with our team for details.

Upgrade your boiler with Warmaway 

With over 45 years in the heating industry, Warmaway is a safe pair of hands when you’re thinking of upgrading your boiler. We can supply and install your new boiler, as well as provide servicing and maintenance services too, so you can keep your new equipment in the best shape. 
If you are interested in learning more about the services and equipment we offer, including renewables such as air source heat pumps and solar power, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.