What kind of boiler is the Glow Worm Energy 18kW - standard, combi or system?

The Glow Worm Energy 18kW boiler is a system boiler you may wish to consider when looking for a new boiler for your house or flat.

System boilers need a hot water cylinder to work but, unlike heat only boilers, they don't require a cold water tank. This can be advantageous if you live in an apartment, lack attic space, or are planning a loft conversion.

System boilers allow you to set the times when you want hot water to be available. Heated water is stored in the cylinder and can be used throughout the day. With a system boiler, if you forget to set the timer, you will have to wait a while for hot water.

The constant supply of hot water from the cylinder ensures that you can have multiple taps and showers in use without a loss of pressure to each point (something combi boilers struggle with). This makes a system boiler suitable for large families and homes with more than one bathroom.

Should I install a Glow Worm Energy 18kW system boiler in my house or flat?

It's best to choose a boiler whose size or "output" is right for your home.

The more hot water and heat you want, the higher the output level of your boiler should be. Output is measured in kilowatts and it describes the maximum level of power your boiler has to heat water.

If your output level is too low, your boiler will not have the power it needs to get your water as hot as you want it, particularly when there's a lot of demand for it. Choose a boiler whose output level is too high and you'll have all the hot water you need but will be paying too much for it through higher gas bills.

Which types of property would this Glow worm Energy 18kW System boiler be appropriate for given its output of 18 kW?

An experienced PlumbProud heating engineer would recommend that the level of output from this Glow worm Energy 18kW System boiler would make it a suitable installation option for smaller homes and apartments with up to 10 radiators and one bathroom.

How large is the Glow Worm Energy 18kW?

The dimensions of the Glow Worm Energy 18kW are 700 mm [H] x 390 mm [W] x 280 mm [D].

Energy 18kW – non-condensing or condensing?

Condensing gas boilers like the Glow Worm Energy 18kW are more energy-efficient and choosing one for your home will cut the amount you pay every year for your gas.

They do this by capturing the heat in water vapour condensation and in exhaust gases which would normally be expelled via the flue. They then recycle that heat, returning it to the system to, among other tasks, reheat colder water that is returning to your boiler from your radiators.

Is the Glow Worm Energy 18kW system rated as environmentally friendly?

Many homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned about how they heat their homes and the impact it has on climate change and other important environmental issues.

We generate 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions through centrally heating our domestic properties. Gas boilers are mainly responsible for harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions in larger British cities.

Would installing the Glow Worm Energy 18kW system in your home be an environmentally friendly decision? Let's look closely at the figures.

The energy efficiency rating for a boiler describes the amount of energy it uses and wastes during operation and there are two different ways to measure it.

All boilers manufactured and supplied in the UK must have a SEDBUK rating of “A” subject to a minimum energy efficiency score of 92% or above. Before April 2018, the minimum energy efficiency score was 88% (88/89% = "B" SEDBUK rating, 90%+ = "A" SEDBUK rating).

The Glow Worm Energy 18kW scored an efficiency rating of 89.3% and a SEDBUK band rating of B.

The ERP, short for the Energy Related Products Directive, is a European directive aimed at encouraging manufacturers to create products that are environmentally friendlier at all stages, including during manufacturing, when the product is in active use, and right through to the point of final disposal.

The Glow Worm Energy 18kW has a rating of "A" .

If the Glow Worm Energy 18kW breaks down, will I be covered by the warranty?

Glow Worm offers a parts and labour warranty of 2 years on the Glow Worm Energy 18kW.