a GROUND SOURCE heat pump is the best way to get free energy

And I agree with the others - gas combi is going to be the best option for you - make sure that you get a high output one though - because otherwise you end up having a cold shower when the kitchen hot tap is run

Electric boilers (ie Immersion tanks) are too expensive to consider for running central heating

I recommend Worcester/Bosch boilers - quality costs though !!!

If you want to stay conventional then gas has got to be better than electricity.

However, if you want a green solution then you could think about solar panels to supplement your new gas boiler, a heat exchange boiler or a pellet / woodchip boiler. All will be much more expensive initially but will be better for the envirinment and cheaper to run in the longer term.

jobug:

So are electric powered boilers that much more expensive than gas?

1 kWh of gas is about 3p. 1 kWh of electricity is about 9p (check your tariffs because I'm just pulling figures out of the air). Electricity is more efficient with lights, fridges and most things but, for heating water, I would guess that you can do about the same with 1 kWh of each.

The big advantage with electricity is that it is cheap and easy to install so you will often find no gas in new houses that have been built to a budget but if you've already got mains gas, you should use it.

Thank you both, that is just the ticket. I shall have a look at screwfix. There are 4 of us, but our previous boiler was awful, so we are used to the no washing machine on when showering, and there only being enough hot water for one and a half showers in the morning! [So long as the washing machine hadn't been on.....]

So are electric powered boilers that much more expensive than gas?

Thanks again!

Briefly - don't install a combi boiler if you have more than 2 people in the house - nothing worse than having a shower when someone turns a hot tap on in the kitchen!! If you are a couple or on your own - combi every time, otherwise, the most efficient condensing boiler you can find with a double insulated hotwater tank.

Make sure you get multiple quotes for boiler/installation. We had quotes from £1500 up to £4200 !!!!

Electricity is not an option if you look at the running costs, particularly if you are already connected to the gas mains.

A gas boiler will cost around £600 and how complicated the installation will be depends on how much in the way of new pipes, flue and so on will be needed.

You can view boilers at screwfix.com or DIY.com and you can find someone to fit it at trustcorgi.com. You will need to decide if your old boiler was powerful enough or not so that you can choose a new one with either the same or more power.

In my view, you should not consider anything other than a combi boiler. These heat the water when you need it and do not need a water cylinder. A condensing boiler just has a more efficient heat exchange than a non-condensing boiler.

Hi, I am planning to install a new boiler and really need some help. I know nothing about the subject, except how complicated it is!

I have a 3-bed semi, in a warm area of the country. I had a gas boiler with tank and cylinder, but it finally broke down.

I have recently switched my electricity supplier to Good Energy, as they are the UKs only completely green provider, and their prices are not that different from nPower who I was with. So, being a bit of a "greenie", I would prefer an electric boiler, but I am reading that they are expensive.

Is there anyone who is not too technical who can advise on the different types of boilers? Gas v electric, combi pro's + con's? I would much appreciate any help! Thank you.