When choosing the best type of boiler for your home, there are a lot of different factors to consider. The information below will help you conclude which boiler you have, and which one you may wish to consider long term.
Boiler Types Explained
There are three main types of condensing gas boilers: combination (or combi boilers as they are commonly called), system boilers and conventional boilers (or commonly called heat only, regular boilers, open vented or regular boilers).
Before deciding which of these boiler systems to proceed with you should always consider:
-The current size of the property and any potential extensions in the future
-The current boiler type and pipework layout in your property
-How many showers and bathrooms are in your home
-The area’s water pressure
-The type of property you live in
-If the boiler needs to be solar compatible
Each type of condensing boiler is designed to meet 1 or more of these needs, depending on your house and lifestyle requirements.
To help provide you with more information into which boiler replacement option is the most practical choice, look at the information below. We will show you how each boiler type operates, their advantages and what kind of homes they work best in.
Combi Boilers
A Combi boiler, also known as a combination boiler, is a type of condensing boiler.
They are the UK’s most common type of boiler in the account, accounting for 95% of all boiler sales, and can be a very cost-effective economical option, as combi boilers only heat the water you use. They are a perfect solution for smaller properties, where spacing is minimal.
Please click here to see Worcester Bosch’s YouTube video explaining combi boilers further.
Energy & Cost Efficient
You only heat the water you use when you turn the tap on, making combi boilers are very economical and cost-efficient to run.
Quick & Easy to Install
A combi boiler does not require a tank, it is a straightforward boiler to install.
Hot Water on Demand
With no hot water cylinder to heat up, combi boilers provide an unlimited supply of hot water on demand.
Compact
Due to not requiring water tanks, combi boiler systems take up much less space than conventional heating systems.
System Boilers
A System boiler heats your central heating system and hot water in a storage cylinder.
They are remarkably alike to a conventional (regular) boiler in that they need to store hot water. Unlike conventional boilers, they take their water supply directly from the mains supply. They are a great solution for large households with more than one bathroom, and larger hot water requirements.
Please click here for a video about systems boilers explained.
Great for properties with Multiple Bathrooms
System Boilers can supply a constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time when the pipework is sized correctly making them ideal for larger homes.
No Cold-Water Feed Tank
With a system boiler, there is no need for a cold water feed tank for the central heating, creating space and removing any worries about leaks or frost damage when it is located in the attic.
Compatible with Solar Water Heating Systems
System boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver economic and environmental benefits, lowering energy bills.
Built-in Components
A lot of the components needed for a central heating system are already included in a system boiler. This can make installation quicker and neater.
Conventional Boilers
Conventional boilers run your central heating system through a separate water cylinder and boiler.
The benefits of conventional boilers are similar to the benefits of a system boiler; however, they are a good option if you have an old heating system that may not be to cope with a pressurised system boiler or combi boiler. They are also a good solution where the water pressure is low, as then you can use a pump to create a better flow – although these are noisy.
Please click here to Worcester YouTube video for conventional boilers.
You Can Use Multiple Taps at Once
Hot water comes from a water cylinder; you can use multiple outlets such as taps and showers, without experiencing any real effect on water pressure/flow or temperature.
Compatible with Solar Thermal
Conventional boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
So, they better for the environment with lower running costs and saving energy.
Low Water Pressure Areas
If you live in an area with low water pressure, a conventional boiler may be the best solution as you can be utilise other equipment to increase the domestic water performance within the property. For example, using a pump to increase the flow of water.
We hope this gives some idea of the types of boiler you can have fitted in your home. For more advice on what type of boiler you require in your home give us a call today for a full in-depth survey to identify what boiler is best for your home and lifestyle needs.
