Key Summary

Best for Affordability | Glow Worm 30C

Best for Larger Properties | Vaillant EcoTec Plus System 624

Best for a Long Warranty | Ideal – Logic MAX 35

How to Choose the Best Boiler for a Home

Choosing the best boiler for home heating can be a challenge, and an expensive mistake if you pick the wrong one!

Often, landlords will think to install a cheap boiler in the hope of reducing their investment outlay; however, when it comes to boilers, investing a bit more money initially can actually save you maintenance and replacement costs in the long run. Here’s what to consider when choosing a boiler:

Brand Reputation

Highly-regarded brands have usually earned their status due to the quality, durability, and efficiency of their boilers. These brands also tend to have superior customer service, with swift and effective solutions to any issues that may arise.

Warranty

Boilers with lengthy warranties provide landlords with peace of mind. A comprehensive warranty is a testament to the manufacturer’s confidence in their product, indicating that the boiler is designed to last and perform optimally.

Customer Service

A boiler brand with responsive customer service is crucial. They can provide assistance with installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, helping to prolong the boiler’s life and reduce maintenance costs.

What are the Best Boilers to Buy?

Each rental property has unique heating requirements. A boiler that’s a perfect fit for a small flat might not be the best option for a large house. When it comes to looking at what the best boilers are, it’s crucial to consider the size and heating needs of your property when choosing a boiler. 

Best Combi Boilers for Rental Property

Vaillant EcoTec Plus 825
The Vaillant EcoTec Plus 825 is a combi boiler that offers high energy efficiency, which translates into lower heating bills, and operates quietly, ensuring minimal disruption to your tenants but it is slightly more expensive initially. A higher initial outlay isn’t a negative though as often, it can be offset over time with its efficient operation.

Suited for: Small to medium-sized properties

Budget: ££

Pros: 

• High energy efficiency
• Quiet operation

Cons: 

• Higher upfront cost

Glow Worm 30C

The Glow Worm 30C is a compact combi boiler known for its robust build and excellent warranty, providing peace of mind for landlords. Its size makes it easy to fit in smaller spaces, but it would struggle to meet the heating demands of larger properties.

 

Suited for: Small to medium-sized properties

Budget: £

Pros: 

• Excellent warranty
• Compact size

Cons: 

• Not ideal for larger properties

Ideal Vogue MAX C40

The Ideal Vogue MAX C40 is a high-output combi boiler with a strong build quality, it offers a long warranty as an assurance of its durability. The major drawback is its price; it’s among the higher-end boilers, making it an investment. For smaller properties, it may prove to be oversized but it is one of the best boilers for large houses. 

Suited for: Large properties

Budget: £££

Pros: 

• Large output
• Long warranty

Cons:

• Expensive
• May be oversized for smaller properties

 

Ideal – Logic MAX 35

Ideal Logic MAX 35  comes with a generous warranty and is known for its reliable performance over the years. If your property is on the larger side however, this boiler may not be the best fit.

Suited for: Small to medium-sized properties

Budget: ££

Pros: 

• Good warranty
• Reliable performance

Cons: 

• Not suitable for larger properties

Best System Boilers

Glow Worm 18s

The Glow Worm 18s is a system boiler that can handle the heating demands of medium to large-sized properties efficiently. It comes with a generous warranty and offers high energy efficiency, which helps keep the heating costs down. The larger size may pose installation challenges in properties with limited space.

Suited for: Medium to large-sized properties

Budget: ££

Pros: 

• High energy efficiency
• Generous warranty

Cons: 

• Larger size may be unsuitable for smaller properties

Vaillant EcoTec Plus System 624

A powerhouse in the boiler market, the Vaillant EcoTec Plus System 624 is suited for large properties where a robust heating solution is required. It’s a powerful boiler that comes with a long warranty, underlining its durability and quality. 

Suited for: Large properties

Budget: £££

Pros: 

• Powerful
• Long warranty

Cons: 

• High upfront cost

Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 30kW

The Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 30kW is a system boiler that boasts high output and has a reputation for reliability. While it may come with a higher price tag than other models, its performance and durability make it a worthy investment.

Suited for: Medium to large-sized properties

Budget: £££

Pros: 

• High output
• Renowned reliability

Cons: 

• More expensive than other options

Viessmann Vitodens 100-W 19kW System

The Viessmann Vitodens 100-W 19kW System boiler is ideal for medium-sized properties. It offers a good warranty and operates efficiently, keeping the energy bills lower however, it may not provide sufficient heating for larger properties.

 

Suited for: Medium-sized properties

Budget: ££

Pros: 

• Good warranty
• Efficient operation

Cons: 

• May not be suitable for very large properties

 

What to Avoid in Boilers for Rental Properties

As a landlord, choosing the ideal boiler for your rental property can be a challenging task. While it’s essential to know what to look for, it’s equally critical to understand what to avoid in order to make an informed decision.

Choosing the Right Size

The size of the boiler should be appropriate for the property size and its heating requirements. Oversized boilers can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, while under-sized boilers may struggle to adequately heat your property, compromising the comfort of your tenants. 

Inefficient Energy Ratings

Energy efficiency is a key factor in the operational cost of boilers. An inefficient boiler can negatively impact your tenant’s heating bills as well as contribute to environmental harm so it is important to choose a boiler with a high rating. One of the most efficient boiler systems in our list is the Glow Worm 18S. The Vaillant EcoTec 825 is also one of the best energy efficient boilers on the market but is at a more premium price point. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which boiler has the longest guarantee?

Most boiler brands offer a warranty rather than a guarantee, but Glow Worm offers the longest guarantee of up to 15 years. For brands that only offer warranties, Ideal offers 10 years but the highest available is by ATAG which is 14 years long. 

What is the expected lifespan of a boiler?

The average lifespan of a boiler is between 15-20 years, provided it’s regularly serviced and maintained, however, the lifespan can vary based on the quality of the boiler, its usage, and maintenance.

Conclusion

Choosing the best boiler for your rental property demands careful consideration of various factors. Opt for reputable brands like Vaillant, Glow-worm, or Ideal that offer excellent warranties and have demonstrated reliability. 

 

Remember, investing more upfront in a boiler can yield significant savings over the long term, thanks to increased efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Always pay attention to the boiler size and heating requirements of your property to keep tenant costs low.