Heating boilers: how to choose between gas, solid fuel and electric
The boiler type depends on the fuel
First decide what you will heat with. A gas boiler is the most convenient if the house has a gas supply: condensing ones are more economical but cost more and need a properly designed heating system. Solid fuel boilers (wood, coal) work without gas, including long-burning models. Pellet boilers are automated and clean, but need space for fuel. Electric ones are easy to install, but depend on your connected load and tariffs. Combined boilers let you switch between fuels.
Power without self-deception
Power in kW depends not only on the area, but also on the insulation of the house, the windows and the ceiling height. An exact calculation depends on heat losses, so it is better left to a specialist. An over-powered boiler switches on and off too often, which harms it, and one that is too weak will not give enough heat in the cold. So in your request write both the area and the type of house.
Circuits, fitting and controls
A single-circuit boiler heats only the radiators, and a double-circuit one also heats water for the shower. If you already have a water heater, a single-circuit boiler may be enough. A wall-hung boiler suits small houses, a floor-standing one suits higher power. Think separately about the flue (forced or with a chimney), a room thermostat and the first start-up: commissioning is often done by a certified fitter, and the warranty can depend on it.
What to put in your request
- Boiler type — gas (condensing or standard), solid fuel, electric, pellet.
- Power or area — 24 kW or a 1,300 sq ft house.
- Circuits — single- or double-circuit.
- Features — wall-hung or floor-standing, forced flue or chimney, controls, burn time.
- Make and model — if you have a preference.
- Fitting — with commissioning and flue connection, or without.
- New or used — and the acceptable condition.
- Address and budget.
Example: “I need a new double-circuit wall-hung 24 kW condensing gas boiler for a 1,300 sq ft house, or an equivalent. With fitting and commissioning. Sydney, budget up to $1,400.”
How to search through BlaBlaPrice
The price of a boiler depends on stock, the terms of fitting and the warranty, not only on the model. So in the request you describe the house, the fuel and the budget, and heating equipment sellers answer in the chat: which model they offer, what it costs and whether fitting is included. Each seller sees where their offer ranks and can improve the terms. You see the best offer first, and the seller's reviews help you choose between similar ones. Your phone number is opened only to the one you pick. More in how it works.
What to look at when comparing
Compare models of similar power and type. Ask about the warranty (and whether it applies only if a certified fitter installs it), about service in your city and about the cost of spare parts. Look at what is in the set: safety group, expansion tank, pump. If you are changing radiators or the system together with the boiler, also see the heating section, and for powering the controls think about electrical supplies.
