You need a new boiler. While researching the topic you may have found some discussions about combi boilers. What are they? How are they different from standard boilers? Do you need one? Here’s a quick breakdown of this newer option.

Used in Europe for Years — Just Arriving in America

A combi boiler replaces your traditional boiler and hot water heater, allow you to heat your home and enjoy hot water with a single unit. This technology has been popular in homes throughout Europe and the United Kingdom for decades, thanks to its space-saving and efficient performance. Since boilers and water heater tanks only require replacement every twenty or years or so, many U.S. homeowners opt to stick with their traditional setup instead of trying something new. This has slowed the introduction of combi boilers to the U.S. market. However, newer models with improved heating efficiency are making combi boilers a very popular option now.

Heat Your Hot Water and Central Heating System with One Unit

With combi boilers, your hot water system and your heating system do not share the same water but are heated at the same location. Separate pipes enter the boiler and pass by the burner to be heated, after which they leave the boiler chamber and travels to your taps or baseboard heaters. A heat exchanger is positioned between the central heat and the hot water pipes inside the boiler and stores unused energy. When the thermostat calls for the pumps to start circulating hot water to your baseboards, leftover heat from the hot water side can be used to heat the rest of the home. You can use a combi boiler with gas, oil, or propane as the fuel source. 

3 Top Energy Star Models

There are a number of quality combi boiler manufacturers on the market. Here are a few with Energy Star certifications:

• Bosch Greenstar Series
• ECR International Utica MAC Series
• Westinghouse WBRC Series

If you want to learn about more options to heat your Seattle area home, contact the experts at Best Plumbing. We will work with you to find the best system for your space, your water needs, and your budget. We have been the trusted plumbers for the greater Puget Sound area since 1968!

Is your water heater leaky, unreliable, or just not functional? If so, it could be time for a change. The Best Plumbing team is available to help Seattle area homeowners with water heater repair and replacement. We can inspect your water heater, evaluate the problem, and propose a solution that meets your needs.

Repair or Replace?

Not sure whether your water heater needs a quick fix, or a complete replacement? Many water heater issues can be repaired, especially if your heater is less than 10-12 years old. If your water heater has been well maintained over its life, it probably doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a serious issue. A professional plumber should be able examine your situation and tell you if your home needs a new water heater.

Another reason to replace your water heater is for greater energy efficiency. If you currently have an older water heater, a newer and more efficient model could help you save on energy costs.

Choosing a New Water Heater

There are several things to consider when choosing a new water heater. Here are a few important factors that may affect your choice:

• Volume (gallon capacity) – how much water can the water heater hold?
• Recovery rate – how many gallons of water can it heat in an hour?
• Size (dimensions) – how much space do you need for the water heater?
• Energy efficiency rating

If you’re not sure where to start, you can always check your existing water heater stats and look for a similar model. Best Plumbing can also provide suggestions about what type of water heater may best suit your home and needs.

If you think your water heater might be on its last legs, give us a call! Best Plumbing is proud to serve homeowners in the Seattle and Bellevue areas. We’ll be able to identify the problem and recommend either repair or replacement, depending on the situation.

Did this winter season take a toll on your plumbing? Were you dealing with uncomfortable problems or irritating noises? Many homeowners might try to ignore issues until the weather warms up, but many also end up having to pay for expensive emergency repair. No matter what issue you dealt with, the team here at Best Plumbing can help you fix it for good and better prepare for future winters.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes don’t just turn your water to ice and keep you from running your faucet; they can crack your pipes or break rubber gaskets leading to leaks. Some of these leaks may be too small or too hidden to notice, but over time they can add up to big water bills or big damage to your home.

Water Heater Problems

It might take longer to feel hot water since the water sitting in your pipes is colder, but your water heater should maintain the same temperature even during winter. If your hot water isn’t coming out at the set temperature, it could be a sign that your water heater is poorly insulated or that you have a leak allowing cold water to come in even when only the hot water valve is open. Remember: the more your water heater has to work, the more money you have to spend, so don’t settle for turning up the heat a little or deciding your water is “warm enough.”

Clogs

If you flush more things down your pipes than you should, you can end up with a bad clog. Cold weather can make us hope for the best and put off finding a fix until it warms up. At best, you’ll be faced with an irritatingly slow drain until the problem is fixed. However, ignoring a clog could lead to a backup in your pipes or end up with a leak.

Get Help Now

Avoid running up your utility bills or having to pay for an emergency repair next winter. Talk to Seattle’s Best Plumbing and trust us to make repairs that will last many winters to come! We can take a look at any problem areas or do a full inspection of your home. Contact us now for an appointment.