Oil & Gas Boiler Myths Exposed

Different Boiler Types 

Before we get into the ins and outs of a boiler, it’s vital to understand the different types of boilers. 

In Ireland, gas and oil boilers fall into one of the below three categories. 

Combi Boilers

As the name suggests, combi boilers perform two duties. These boilers will warm up your radiators and control your hot water supply. As the system doesn’t require a hot water tank, they are constantly on standby, ready to produce hot water at a moment’s notice. When you turn on your hot water tap, the boiler will start and produce hot water. 

Conventional Boilers 

Conventional boilers are probably some of the most common in an Irish household. These use a hot water tank to warm up water and supply warm water to the property. The boiler sends hot water to taps, shower directors, or radiators through the heating system when the boiler is on. Conventional boilers are usually fitted with an immersion heater – the switch you’ll spend most of your life worrying you left on – that provides warm water when the boiler is off. 

System Boilers 

System boilers use additional hot water cylinders to provide heat. They work like a conventional boiler but require fewer additional components overall.

System boilers source cold water directly from the main supply. This water is then warmed and sent to the radiators to heat your home.

How Boilers Work

Now that we understand the various boiler types available let’s look at how these central heating systems work.

Oil boilers and gas boilers function in a remarkably similar fashion. The main difference is, of course, their source of fuel. 

An oil boiler uses kerosene. Within the boiler, the kerosene is ignited. Hot oil gases pass through a heat exchanger, which is usually made from a copper coil. This coil transfers energy to the water circulating through it, heating the water. The heated water is distributed throughout the property via the radiators. 

The concept of gas boilers is very similar. Natural gas is ignited by a pilot light that heats a boiler’s reservoir tank. The heat from the gas flames passes through the heat exchanger, which is usually made from metal with a high conductivity rate, such as copper. The heat exchanger surrounds a pipe filled with water. This water is warmed and sent through the central heating system to the radiators and rooms.

As we can see from the above, the mechanism that controls both oil and gas boilers is relatively simple and easy to explain. This makes it even stranger that there are so many myths surrounding boilers.

Let’s look at some of the most common myths and see if we can’t dispel a few falsehoods.

Myth #1: A combi boiler takes a long time to heat a bath.

It may be a slight exaggeration to call this a myth, as it comes from a place of truth. Yes, older combi boilers could be accused of taking a long time to fill a bath. However, this was because older models depended on the number of radiators within a property and the water capacity of the hot water tank. 

However, technological innovations, especially regarding the flow rate of boilers, mean they are comparable to just about any other central heating system regarding heating water. Still, it’s crucial to have a frank conversation with your gas installer to ensure you select the right combi boiler for the unique needs of your property.

Myth #2: The bigger the radiator, the better the heat output.

When it comes to central heating, it can always be tempting to think larger radiators will mean more heat; however, this isn’t always true. So many factors can undermine the performance of a home’s central heating system. For example, your boiler may need to be serviced. Or a vital part within the boiler may be worn and need replacing. An excessive buildup of sludge and limescale within your radiators can also limit heat output. Replacing smaller radiators with larger equivalences is expensive. It can also undermine a room’s interior design; of course, a bigger radiator won’t necessarily make your room warmer. In cases where you feel your home is cold, don’t look at the size of the radiators; instead, check your boiler.

Myth #3: I need a bigger boiler to produce more hot water and heat.

To continue fixating on size, the request for a larger boiler is common. However, this bigger is better approach is often untrue. 

The heat output you get from a boiler is not dependent on the boiler size; rather, it’s dependent on the type of boiler you own. 

Modern boilers are generally more energy efficient, cheaper to run and produce much better heating. Select a boiler appropriate to your house’s size to keep your energy bills low while still getting the optimum central heating performance. A qualified gas or oil boiler installer can advise on this.

Myth #4: Combi boilers aren’t suitable for large homes.

Again this is one of those myths that may have been true decades ago but, unfortunately, persists. The incredible power outputs of modern combi boilers are suitable for just about any sized home, including homes with multiple bathrooms. The storage capacity within combi boilers means they produce a high heat level and a large amount of hot water when you need it.

Myth #5: The most expensive boiler is the best.

We spoke a lot about modern boilers in this article which may give some readers the false impression that the most expensive and newest boiler is the best. This isn’t the case. Many boiler types, manufacturers and brands are available on the Irish market. Therefore, shopping for a boiler that suits your home heating needs and budget is recommended. 

Instead of fixating on the price of the boiler, focus on heat output and the warranty. Most boiler warranties last anywhere from 10 to 12 years and cover part replacement and labour.

Myth #6: My boiler is brand new. Therefore, I don’t need any protection.

This is probably one of the most insidious myths that persist about boilers. No matter how new your system is, boilers are hard-working appliances that will wear down if not maintained. Parts break, breakdowns happen, and central heating systems must be serviced. Therefore, selecting a boiler with a warranty is essential. Also, not all warranties are created equal. So always know what the warranty covers before finalising a purchase. 

The above article has hopefully helped dispel some damaging myths surrounding boilers. 

Suppose you’re in the market for a new oil or gas boiler. In that case, it’s always important to shop around and consider the various boilers available. GetLocal makes it easy to compare different boilers between different Irish retailers. What’s more, you can check the prices of boilers between suppliers. This allows you to support local businesses without having a compromise on choice or price; when you’re looking to discover a new boiler, shop local with GetLocal.

Boiler FAQ

Q: How often should a boiler be serviced?

To ensure a boiler runs efficiently, it must be serviced at least once a year. Gas-safe registered plumbers should only ever service gas boilers. 

Q: What questions should I ask a boiler installer?

Some of the most pressing questions to ask before purchasing or installing a boiler are:

Q: Is the Boiler Under Warranty?

Most manufacturers and installers will offer anywhere from a 5 to 10-year warranty. Make sure you ask about the warranty and understand what’s covered before purchasing. 

Q: How do I Use the Boiler?

All boilers have different temperature control and warm water control interfaces. To get the most from your boiler, an installer must demonstrate how to use all aspects of the application. 

Q: Is the water pressure right from my internal heating system?

Overly intense pressure can damage pipework. It’s essential to install a boiler that adheres to the potential sensitivity of internal pipes.