20 Common Boiler Myths - AWP Boiler Installations

8 August 2024

AWP Boiler Installations will debunk some common boiler myths to ease any concerns before having a new boiler installation. In Birmingham and the West Midlands, many home owners and businesses can be unaware of the advancements with boiler efficiency and technology, which can have a massive effect on the efficiency of heating your homes and premises.

Myth 1: Boilers Are Dangerous

A common boiler myth can be the perception that boilers are dangerous. Although improperly installed boilers or non-maintained can pose a risk, a correctly installed, fully maintained boiler will minimise any of these risks combined with the modern safety features of boilers, controls and fail safe devices which reduce hazards.

Myth 2: Turning Off the Boiler When You’re Not Home Saves Energy

Although turning off the boiler may sound logical to save energy, boiler installations are most efficient when they maintain a consistent temperature. By having a smart thermostat and programmable thermostat controls this allows you to maintain the temperature to keep the boiler working efficiently and most cost effectively.

Myth 3: Bleeding Radiators Is a One-Time Job

An essential part of keeping your central heating system working correctly and efficiently is keeping the radiators fully bled. Air can enter the system which will reduce the radiator efficiency. During cold months it is extremely important to remove any trapped air from the heating system.

Myth 4: Bigger Boilers Are Better

A misconception is that the bigger the boiler installation, the better. Oversized boilers can lead to increased costs and inefficiencies. The size of the property and amount of hot water appliances will have a huge impact on the size of the boiler that is required.

Myth 5: Boilers Are Maintenance-Free

To function optimally and safely boilers do require an annual boiler service, regular boiler maintenance, safety and landlord checks; cleaning appliances too are all key factors needed to maintain an efficient central heating system. Having a regular boiler service by a fully trained Gas Safe registered engineer will ensure the efficiency and longevity of the boiler.

Myth 6: All Boilers Are the Same

There are various boilers and different boiler types, combination, conventional and system boilers. Combi boilers are typically best for smaller properties whereas system boilers and conventional boilers can be better suited for larger properties with more hot water on demand.

Myth 7: Boilers Don’t Need Insulation

Insulating pipes and boilers can reduce heat loss, whilst increasing the efficiency. To prevent the boiler from having to overwork, insulation is important to maintain your central heating systems efficiency.

Myth 8: Boilers Are Obsolete Technology

High efficiency, condensing boilers, are far from outdated. Maintaining a combi boiler can be an excellent way to keep your home warm, whilst saving money on energy bills. An energy efficient boiler will meet your hot water demands without necessary storage of the hot water.

Myth 9: All Boilers Are Noisy

Older boilers can be noisier than the new high efficiency boilers. If a relatively young or new boiler is noisy, this can be a strong indication there is a fault with your boiler, or the central heating pipes themselves requiring a power flush. Contacting a fully Gas Safe registered engineer to investigate the boiler being noisy will identify as to what issue is most likely creating this.

Myth 10: Boilers Are the Main Cause of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

It is true boilers can emit carbon monoxide; However, they are not the primary source of CO poisoning in homes, fires, water heaters, stoves are usually the main gas appliances known to cause CO. Having a functioning CO detector by all gas appliances is very important to reduce any risk of carbon monoxide escape.

Myth 11: Boilers Can’t Use Renewable Energy Sources

There are renewable options like biomass boilers, hybrid systems – which combine traditional boilers with renewables, like solar panels. Even stand alone, some boilers may use hydrogen blends which are set to reduce environmental impact.

Myth 12: Electric Boilers Are Always More Efficient

Depending on the sources and electricity costs, this will have the biggest effect on the efficiency of electric boilers. There are certain areas where primarily generated from fossil fuels they may not be more cost effective than gas boilers.

Myth 13: Boilers Are Only for Heating Homes

Boilers are not only used for heating homes. Swimming pools, commercial properties, industrial processes are just some other instances boilers can be practical and in use today.

Myth 14: It’s Cheaper to Install a New Boiler Than to Repair an Old One

This decision will depend massively on the boilers age, prices of parts and availability. New boilers come with warranty sometimes as long as twelve years – making them an attractive proposition to spending money on old boilers with a shorter lifespan.

Myth 15: A Boiler’s Efficiency Never Changes

Due to wear and tear, inadequate maintenance and several other factors, a boilers efficiency can decrease over time. When components start to age, sediment and sludge enters the heat exchangers and components. That is why it is important to have your boiler regularly maintained and serviced by a fully qualified Gas Safe engineer or arrange a power flushing.

Myth 16: All Boilers Come with the Same Warranty

Depending on the manufacturer and boiler model, all boilers will come with some warranty ranging from five to twelve years depending on the make and model of the boiler.

Myth 17: It’s Okay to Install a Boiler Yourself

Only fully Gas Safe registered engineers can provide new boilers, ensuring the boiler is fully commissioned and safe to use. Incorrect boiler installations can be very dangerous, whilst leading to inefficiencies and also voiding any warranty on offer.

Myth 18: Boilers Can Heat Water Instantly

This can be the case for some boilers heating the water on demand, for example combi boilers, whereas some conventional boilers and system boilers will use a cylinder of some sort to store hot water.

Myth 19: Boilers Don’t Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector

This is not the case as boilers can emit carbon monoxide, so any gas boiler installation in a property should have a carbon monoxide detector appropriately installed. Regular boiler service and maintenance checks are important for safety reasons for the property.

Myth 20: Boilers Are Always More Expensive to Install Than Renewables

The cost comparison between boilers and renewable systems can differ depending on what is required for each boiler installation. Using a fully qualified Gas Safe engineer to guide you through the process of what is required is necessary to get the most energy efficient system.

Consult An Expert

At AWP Boiler Installations we have 20+ years of knowledge installing new boilers and heating systems across Solihull and the West Midlands. Our expert advice from our fully Gas Safe registered engineers can help you decide whether you require a new boiler installation, service or boiler repairs without any of the myths. Our trusted, reliable heating engineers are happy to help. Contact us today for our expert advice across Birmingham and beyond!

What You’ll Learn Here