FAQ

Boilers


What boiler do I need?

If you're not sure what is the best boiler for your home, our engineers can help. We will ask you about your flue exit, the number of radiators you have, the boiler fuel type you currently use, and more so we can narrow down the most optimal boiler for your home. Get in touch with us today to find out what boiler is best for your home.


How do boilers work?

Oil Boilers and Gas Boilers work similarly. The heat from the fuel source is used to warm up cold water inside the boiler. The heated water is then sent throughout your home via radiators or radiant floor systems to supply heating and hot water.


What are the best boilers?

Heating Economy only provides the best boilers there are on the UK market, Worcester Bosch Gas Boiler and Baxi Boilers. Get in touch with our engineers to learn more about our gas and oil boilers today.


Where are Worcester Bosch boilers made?

Worcester Bosch boilers are made in the UK. Gas Boilers are manufactured in Worcester and oil boilers are produced in Clay Cross Derbyshire.


How long does a boiler last?

Depending on the brand and maintenance, boilers generally last between 10-15 years. If your boiler is at the end of its lifespan, and repairs are becoming more frequent and costly, then installing a new boiler could be a good option. Not only will it help you save money by not having to pay for frequent repairs but you will also save around 25% on your heating bills.


How often should boilers be serviced?

To ensure that your boiler remains operational, and the risk of breakdown is greatly reduced it is recommended that you have a boiler service at least once a year. An annual boiler service ensures the boiler is working efficiently and safely. This will help prolong the life of your boiler and will also enable us to identify any potential small problems that may escalate into bigger problems if left unnoticed.


Who fixes and services boilers?

If your boiler needs fixing or servicing, you will need to contact a heating engineer. If you have a gas boiler, you will need to make sure the engineer is on the Gas Safe Register. If they’re not, they’re not qualified to work on any gas appliance in your home.


How much is a new boiler?

The cost of a new boiler largely depends on the brand, type and quality of the boiler which you decide to install. It will also vary based on the project scope. For more information, get in touch with us and we will provide you with a free quote.


What types of boilers are there?

There are 3 main types of Boilers: Combination or Combi Boilers, System Boilers and Regular Boilers (also known as Conventional or Heat Only Boilers). Each has their pro and cons and the boiler type best suited to your home will essentially vary based on the size of your property, the level of demand for heating and hot water and the current system in place.


What is a Combi boiler?

A combi boiler, also known as a Combination boiler, is a type of boiler that can provide hot water and central heating on demand and in the same system. Being the most common type of boiler in the UK, they are the most energy-efficient and cost-effective to install. With a combi boiler, you won't need to install a water tank making it compact compared to other types of boilers.


What is a System boiler?

A system boiler is a type of boiler that is commonly used for larger properties with higher demands in terms of heating and hot water. Great for homes with two or more bathrooms, system boilers feature a separate water cylinder, enabling them to provide a constant supply of hot water throughout the home, whatever its size.


When are gas boilers being phased out?

The new legislation on boilers indicates that new build properties will not be equipped with gas boilers from 2025. This does not mean that gas boilers will be banned from 2025 so previously installed gas boilers will still be legal.


What will replace gas boilers in 2025?

Phasing out gas boilers is part of the government's plan to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Instead of gas boilers, low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps will be installed in new build properties.


Oil Tanks


What is a bunded oil tank?

A bunded oil tank is a tank that stores oil and stops fuel from escaping thanks to its double-skin containment system. With oil tanks, they must be bunded in some way to prevent oil from leaking. This is why bunded tanks have basically a tank within a tank to hold the oil if the inner skin was to break or split.


How far away from the house does an oil tank have to be?

To protect tanks from an ignition source, you should place your oil tanks at least 1.8m away from your house. Our certified engineer will be able to give you specific guidance according to your circumstances but the following external siting requirements are given as a guide:

  • 760mm from a non-fire-rated boundary, such as a wooden boundary fence
  • 600mm away from screening, for example, trellis and foliage (unless the screening forms part of the boundary, which then must be 760mm away)
  • 1.8m away from a non-fire-rated building or structure, such as a garden shed
  • 1.8m away from openings such as doors or windows in a fire-rated structure, e.g. house or brick outbuilding
  • 1.8m away from the oil boiler’s flue terminal
  • 50 meters away from a spring, well or borehole
  • 10 meters away from a watercourse, such as rivers, streams, ponds or drains
Please note an oil tank cannot be installed in any locations that are at risk of flooding or where spilt oil could enter drains or pollute groundwater.


Why should I hide an oil tank and how to hide them?

We advise you to screen your tank to help prevent fuel theft. The easiest, quickest and cheapest way to disguise an oil tank is by putting a fence or a screen around it such as wooden panels, bamboo or reed to block it from view. Another more natural way to hide an oil tank is by using plants such as brambles, holly, roses or pampas grass. Please note that a screen can be erected no closer than 600mm from the tank unless it forms part of the boundary in which case it must be 760mm away.


How long do oil tanks last?

Fuel storage tanks usually last between 10-15 years. The older your tank is and the more it is exposed to the cold weather and sun, the higher the risks of damage and faults. If you require a new oil tank, we provide a full supply and replacement service ensuring all waste materials are safely removed.


How to protect an oil tank from the sun?

To avoid premature wear and tear of your oil tank from sun exposure which can cause defects such as bowing and cracks, eventually causing oil spills, it’s recommended that you locate your oil tank out of direct sunlight. This can be done by using a fence surround or by placing your tank in a shaded area.


Do I need to service my oil tank?

Regardless of the age of your tank, we recommend you carry out a check at least every month to look for any signs of damage. On top of that, it is recommended that you have your oil tank serviced once a year by a registered OFTEC engineer. This will not only ensure the tank is working efficiently and safely but it will also help prolong the life of your tank, enabling us to identify any potential small problems that may escalate into bigger problems if left unnoticed.


What sizes of oil tanks are available in the UK?

Domestic oil tanks come in a range of sizes from 650 litres to 10,000 litres. The right size for your property will depend on usage, available space and budget. Get in touch with us for a free quote and know what size is best for your home.


How to dispose of an oil tank?

If you need to dispose of an old oil tank, you will require the services of an OFTEC-registered engineer. Heating Economy can carry out a full oil tank replacement service including all necessary work to remove your old oil tanks and site your new ones in compliance with current legislation. We are registered with the Environment Agency (Reg No: CB/JM3056RA) to remove waste and can therefore dispose of your old tank and any waste fuel.


About Us


Are you licensed engineers?

Not only are we OFTEC Registered Engineers, but Heating Economy is also a certified Gas Safe Registered company that can work on any domestic gas boiler services you may require from installation to replacement and repair.


Do you provide free quotes?

Yes. We provide free quotes and advice to help you with your heating needs. Get your free quote today.


Do you provide a warranty for your boilers?

All of our boilers come with a 7 Years Parts & Labour Guarantee.


What areas do you cover?

Heating Economy’s boiler engineers provide heating services across the West Midlands, Mid & North Wales.