Boiler & Heating Terms
Our expert heating engineers can explain all heating terminology and phrases.
Our expert heating engineers can explain all heating terminology and phrases.
Boiler and Heating Terms Explained
Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire
Understanding Boiler and Heating Terms
Why it matters
Learning a few key boiler and heating terms can make a big difference when it comes to looking after your system. It helps you recognise early signs of a problem, communicate clearly with your engineer, and make informed choices about repairs or upgrades.
Whether you’re comparing boiler types, checking pressure levels, or reviewing your heating controls, understanding the basics can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Boiler and Heating Terms
| Boiler: | The main unit that heats water for your central heating and hot water taps. |
| Condensing Boiler: | A high-efficiency boiler that recovers heat from exhaust gases to save energy. |
| Combi Boiler: | Short for ‘combination boiler’, it provides heating and hot water directly from one compact unit without the need for storage tanks. |
| System Boiler: | Uses a separate hot water cylinder but no cold-water tank, ideal for homes with higher hot water demand. |
| Regular Boiler: | Also known as a conventional or heat-only boiler, typically used in older systems with both hot and cold water tanks. |
| Flow Temperature: | The temperature of the water leaving the boiler to heat your radiators or taps. |
| Pressure Gauge: | Displays the water pressure in your boiler system, usually between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold. |
| Bleeding a Radiator: | Releasing trapped air from a radiator to improve heating efficiency and reduce cold spots. |
| Flue: | The pipe that safely expels exhaust gases from your boiler to the outside. |
| Heat Exchanger: | A key boiler component that transfers heat from the burner to the water circulating through your system. |
| Thermostat: | A control device that regulates your home’s temperature by communicating with the boiler. |
| Condensate Pipe: | Carries condensed water vapour from the boiler to an external drain — can freeze in cold weather if not insulated. |
| TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve): | Allows you to control the temperature of individual radiators for better energy efficiency. |
If there’s a term you’re unsure about or you’d like expert advice on your boiler, our friendly team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heating Terms Explained
Take a look at our reliable heating terms FAQ's. Don't see an answer you need? Get in touch with our team today!
A combi boiler provides heating and hot water directly from one unit, perfect for smaller homes. A system boiler works with a separate hot water cylinder for higher demand. A regular (or conventional) boiler uses both a hot and cold water tank, often found in older heating systems.
Low boiler pressure is often caused by a small leak, air in the system, or recent radiator bleeding. Check your pressure gauge — it should be around 1.0 to 1.5 bar when cold. If it keeps dropping, it’s best to have an engineer inspect it.
Your boiler should be serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Regular servicing helps keep it safe, efficient, and within warranty.
This usually means there’s trapped air in the system. Bleeding your radiators should fix the problem. If the issue persists, it could be a circulation or pressure problem.
Bleed your radiators regularly, keep your boiler serviced, and consider upgrading to a modern condensing boiler or installing smart controls. These steps help reduce energy waste and keep your home comfortable.
Understanding key boiler and heating terms helps you recognise potential issues early and communicate clearly with your engineer. It can also make choosing a new boiler or cover plan much easier.