Back Boilers v. Heat Only Boilers

In music there’s the eternal debate of who was the King, Elvis or Michael Jackson, in football it’s Manchester United or Arsenal, but in Gas terms, its Back Boilers or Heat Only Boilers.  This entry will look at both and see which one’s up to scratch.

Back Boiler

The back boiler had gone out of fashion but it’s recently received a rejuvenation.  The back boiler is often found in a dated property and sits in the chimney.  It’s more than capable of fulfilling your heating needs for central heating and hot water.  Because older properties aren’t allowed to change from a back boiler and instead must get a modern one, they’ve come back into style.  The boiler can cope with the many demands of a household with a number of hot taps being used at the same time and there’s no need to take up space in your kitchen with a massive boiler.

Heat Only Boiler

This particular boiler is pretty old fashioned.  It takes up a fair bit of space in your house.  It can provide heat for your radiators directly and produce hot water through its cylinder.  It’s great for larger houses, it has a bigger tank so you get more hot water taps being able to be used.  The downside to this boiler is there’s a limit on the amount of water you can use and it wastes some of its energy.

Example of A Heat Only Boiler

If you are able to choose, the Back Boiler has far more benefits,  so it’s a no brainer, the Back Boiler is the winner.