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Updated: September 25, 2024

Budget boilers offer a cost-effective solution for homeowners seeking reliable heating without the high price tag of premium models. While they may come with fewer features and shorter warranties, budget boilers still provide efficient performance, making them a practical choice for smaller homes or those on a tight budget. These boilers are designed to deliver essential heating and hot water functions at an affordable price, offering a balance between initial cost savings and long-term efficiency.

Factors that Affect the Cost of a Boiler

There are several factors that can affect boiler brands. These may include:

Boiler brand

  • Premium brands like Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, and Vaillant typically cost more due to their reputation for reliability, efficiency, and long warranties.
  • Mid-range brands like Ideal and Baxi offer a balance between cost and performance.
  • Budget brands like Ferroli, Glow-worm, and Main are more affordable but may have shorter warranties or fewer advanced features.

Boiler type

There are three main types of boilers mostly used in the UK. They are:

  1. Combi boilers

Combi boilers are compact in size, provide hot water on demand, and tend to be cheaper due to their smaller size and simpler installation.

  1. System boilers

System boilers are more expensive due to needing a hot water cylinder but are ideal for larger homes with higher hot water demand.

  1. Conventional (regular) boilers:

Regular boilers are the most costly due to requiring a separate hot water cylinder and cold-water storage tanks.

Fuel type

Gas:

Gas is the most common and usually the cheapest in the long run in the UK, as gas is widely available and more affordable.

Oil:

Oil boilers are more expensive to install and maintain, often used in rural areas where gas isn’t available.

Electric:

Installation costs are low, but running costs can be higher due to the price of electricity.

LPG or biomass:

Niche options that can be more expensive to install and operate depending on location.

Installation

The installation cost can be vary according to different factors such as:

Complexity of installation

Installing a new boiler in the same location is cheaper than moving it to a new area of the house.

Type of property

Older properties might require more work (e.g., adjusting pipework), increasing costs.

Labour costs

These can vary depending on region, with higher costs in places like London compared to smaller towns.

Additional system upgrades

If your central heating system is old, it might need new radiators, thermostats, or flushing to work efficiently with a new boiler.

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The Best 7 Budget Boilers for 2024

Choosing a budget-friendly boiler doesn’t mean compromising on quality or efficiency. Several boilers offer excellent performance and reliability without breaking the bank. Here are The Best 7 Budget Boilers for 2024:

1- Vokera Vision 25S System Boiler

This boiler is ideal for homeowners seeking a dependable system boiler with modern features and efficient performance.

Type: System Boiler

Key Features:

  • Efficiency: 92% condensing efficiency helps reduce energy bills.
  • Compact Design: Suitable for homes with limited space.
  • Integrated Expansion Vessel: Simplifies installation and maintenance.
  • Quiet Operation: Enhanced sound insulation minimises noise levels.

Pros:

  • Reliable performance from a reputable brand.
  • System boiler ideal for medium to large homes.
  • Easy installation with integrated components.

Cons:

  • Slightly higher initial cost compared to basic models.
  • Requires a separate hot water cylinder.

2- Alpha INTEC2 26CE Combination Boiler

Alpha boiler is ideal for small to medium-sized homes where space is a premium and instant hot water is desired.

Type: Combination (Combi) Boiler

Key Features:

  • Compact Size: Perfect for small to medium-sized homes.
  • High Efficiency: 93% condensing efficiency ensures low energy consumption.
  • Quick Hot Water Supply: Instant hot water on demand without the need for a tank.
  • User-Friendly Controls: Easy to operate with intuitive settings.

Pros:

  • Saves space by eliminating the need for a hot water cylinder.
  • Energy-efficient, reducing heating costs.
  • Fast installation process.

Cons:

  • May struggle to supply multiple hot water outlets simultaneously in larger households.
  • Limited storage capacity for hot water.

3- Baxi 428 28kW Combination Boiler

Baxi boiler is ideal for larger homes with multiple bathrooms and higher demands for hot water and heating.

Type: Combination (Combi) Boiler

Key Features:

  • Powerful Output: 28kW suitable for larger homes with higher hot water demands.
  • Efficiency: 94% condensing efficiency for optimal energy use.
  • Compact Design: Easy to fit into various spaces within the home.
  • Advanced Controls: Digital display for precise temperature management.

Pros:

  • High output ensures reliable heating and hot water supply.
  • Excellent energy efficiency helps lower utility bills.
  • Trusted Baxi quality and support.

Cons:

  • Higher power output may not be necessary for smaller properties.
  • Installation requires adequate gas supply and space.

4- Glow-worm Easicom 3 25kW Heat Only Gas Boiler

Glow-wormboiler is ideal for homes that already have a heat-only system or require multiple heating zones with separate hot water storage.

Type: Heat Only (Conventional) Boiler

Key Features:

  • Efficiency: 90% efficiency rating.
  • Durable Construction: Robust build quality ensures long-term reliability.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Simple design allows for straightforward servicing.
  • Compatibility: Works well with existing heating systems.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective option for homes with a separate hot water cylinder.
  • Reliable performance from a trusted brand.
  • Suitable for homes with multiple radiators and heating zones.

Cons:

  • Requires separate components like a hot water cylinder and cold-water storage tank.
  • Installation can be more complex and time-consuming.

5- Warmflow Agentis 15-21kW Boilerhouse Oil Boiler

This boiler is ideal for homes in rural or off-grid areas where gas heating is unavailable, and oil is the preferred fuel source.

Type: Oil-Fired Boiler

Key Features:

  • Fuel Efficiency: Optimised for oil usage, reducing fuel consumption.
  • Versatile Output: Available in multiple output ranges (15-21kW) to suit various home sizes.
  • Robust Design: Built to withstand demanding conditions.
  • Low Maintenance: Designed for minimal upkeep and longevity.

Pros:

  • Ideal for areas without access to gas supplies.
  • Flexible output options cater to different heating needs.
  • Competitive pricing for oil-fired boilers.

Cons:

  • Oil prices can be higher and more volatile than gas.
  • Requires regular oil deliveries and storage tank maintenance.

6- Ideal Logic+ Combi 24

This boiler is ideal for small to medium-sized homes looking for an efficient, space-saving combi boiler with reliable performance.

Type: Combination (Combi) Boiler

Key Features:

  • Efficiency: 92% condensing efficiency ensures energy savings.
  • Compact Size: Suitable for tight spaces and easy installation.
  • Smart Controls: Includes advanced thermostat for precise temperature control.
  • Reliability: Backed by Ideal’s strong reputation for dependable heating solutions.

Pros:

  • Space-saving design without sacrificing performance.
  • Energy-efficient, lowering heating costs.
  • Quick and straightforward installation process.

Cons:

  • May not meet the hot water demands of larger households.
  • Limited compatibility with older heating systems.

7- Navien NCB 300 28kW Combi Boiler

Navien boiler is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners in larger properties seeking a high-efficiency combi boiler with advanced connectivity features.

Type: Combination (Combi) Boiler

Key Features:

  • High Efficiency: Up to 95% condensing efficiency for maximum energy savings.
  • Compact Design: Sleek and space-efficient, ideal for modern homes.
  • Advanced Technology: Features like Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control and monitoring.
  • Quiet Operation: Designed to operate with minimal noise, enhancing home comfort.

Pros:

  • Top-tier energy efficiency reduces utility bills.
  • High output suitable for larger homes with greater hot water needs.
  • Smart features offer enhanced control and convenience.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost compared to basic combi boilers.
  • Requires stable internet connection for smart features to function optimally.
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Installation and Maintenance Costs from our Experts at Letsheat

Here at Let’s Heat we provide competitive pricing based on the complexity of the job, whether it’s a straightforward boiler replacement or a more involved system upgrade. Costs will vary depending on factors like the type of boiler, the location within the property, and any necessary adjustments to the heating system.

Let’s Heat offers affordable annual maintenance packages that cover essential services, including system checks, cleaning, and safety inspections. This ensures your boiler operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.

FAQs

Are budget boilers less reliable than more expensive models?

Budget boilers can be reliable, but they may not last as long or offer the same level of performance as premium models.

What are the drawbacks of choosing a budget boiler?

Budget boilers may have shorter warranties, fewer advanced features, and might be less energy-efficient

Can I still get a warranty with a budget boiler?

Yes, budget boilers typically come with warranties, though they may be shorter (2-5 years) compared to premium models.

Are budget boilers suitable for larger homes?

Budget boilers can work for larger homes but may struggle with higher hot water demands compared to higher-output models.

Do budget boilers have smart features?

Some budget boilers include basic smart features, but they may not be as advanced or integrated as those in premium models.