Central heating that suits your home
We install and repair gas and oil boilers, radiators and underfloor heating. Below you can read what the differences are, so you can choose well prepared.
- Condensing gas and oil boilers
- Radiators and underfloor heating
- Chimney adaptations where needed
- Burner: burns natural gas (or heating oil in an oil boiler).
- Heat exchanger: cools the flue gases until the water vapour condenses. That extra heat goes into the heating water.
- Condensate: the water released drains away to the sewer.
- Flue and air supply: must suit a condensing boiler. Sometimes the chimney needs adapting.
- Flow (hot) and return (cooler): the colder the return water, the better the boiler condenses.
The condensing gas boiler
A modern gas boiler is almost always a condensing boiler. It extracts extra heat from the flue gases: they are cooled until the water vapour condenses, and the heat released goes into your heating water. That gives a high efficiency and lower consumption than an old boiler.
A condensing boiler comes as a combi boiler (heating water on demand) or with a storage cylinder for larger hot water needs. We work with Viessmann boilers and take care of the whole installation, including adapting the chimney where needed.
- Most efficient with a low return temperature, so with generous radiators or underfloor heating.
- Needs a drain for the condensate.
- The flue must be suitable for condensation.
The oil boiler
Where there is no natural gas in the street, or in a renovation that keeps the existing installation, an oil boiler is sometimes still the most logical choice. Oil boilers also come as condensing boilers, with high efficiency.
Keep the oil tank and the mandatory yearly service in mind. Not sure whether to replace it with a new oil boiler or switch to a heat pump or hybrid system? We are happy to work out both options for you.
Hybrid: heat pump and boiler together
A hybrid system combines a heat pump with a gas or oil boiler. The heat pump does most of the work; on the coldest days or when you need a lot of hot water, the boiler steps in. A good intermediate step for a home that is not yet fully insulated, or where the radiators stay.
- Heat pump: supplies most of the heat for as long as that is efficient.
- Gas or oil boiler: steps in on the coldest days or when a lot of hot water is needed.
- Controller: automatically picks whichever appliance is cheapest to run at that moment.
- Existing radiators can often stay.
Pellet boiler
A pellet boiler burns compressed wood pellets. It needs storage space, a yearly service and a bit more attention (emptying the ash). It is mainly an option where there is no gas and a heat pump is a poorer fit. We will look together at whether it makes sense for your home.
The systems side by side
| System | Energy source | Best suited to | Legal service in Flanders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condensing gas boiler | Natural gas | Homes with a gas connection, renovation | Every 2 years (from 20 kW) |
| Condensing oil boiler | Heating oil | Homes without natural gas | Every year (from 20 kW) |
| Heat pump | Electricity and ambient heat | New builds and well-insulated homes | No combustion service; check-up advised |
| Hybrid | Electricity plus gas or oil | Renovation with existing radiators | As for the boiler |
| Pellet boiler | Wood pellets | Homes without gas, with storage space | Every year |
Source for maintenance: Flemish government (page in Dutch). Always check the current rules.
Mandatory central heating maintenance (vlaanderen.be, in Dutch)
Radiators or underfloor heating?
Radiators
Heat up quickly and are easy to fit or replace, also in a renovation. Larger or extra radiators allow a lower water temperature, which is more efficient.
Underfloor heating
A large heated surface using lukewarm water: even warmth, no visible appliances and ideal with a heat pump. Reacts more slowly and is usually laid in new builds or major renovations.
What does the choice depend on?
- How well your home is insulated, and whether insulation work is planned.
- What is already there: radiators or underfloor heating, a gas connection, an oil tank, a suitable chimney.
- How much hot water you use, and where the appliances can go.
- Your budget now, the long-term running costs and the grants you are entitled to.
Frequently asked questions
When should I replace my old boiler?
It depends on the condition and efficiency of the boiler, not just its age. More frequent breakdowns, parts that are hard to get or a combustion certificate showing poor efficiency are signs. Better not to wait until it fails in winter: a planned replacement can be compared calmly.
Can a condensing boiler use my existing chimney?
Not always as it is. The flue gases of a condensing boiler are cool and moist, so the flue has to be suitable. Often a liner is fitted inside the existing chimney. We check this during the visit and include it in the quote.
Gas or heat pump: which is cheaper?
A gas boiler costs less to buy; a heat pump uses far less energy in a well-insulated home. Which is cheaper for you depends on your home, energy prices and grants. We are happy to make a tailored comparison.
Request a free quote
Dirk and Pieter-Jan will gladly send you a detailed quote. Free and without obligation.
