There are three types of boilers you can install in your home: system boilers, heat only (regular), and combination boilers.
Your hot water requirements will determine the best combi boiler for you and your house. It is important to consider other factors, such as the age of your heating system and the pressure coming from your main water source.
Combination (Combi Boilers): What are they?
A combi boiler is a unit that provides both heating and hot water. It is usually wall-hung.
How does a combi boiler work?
Gas or oil-fired combi boilers use a heat exchanger to heat water on demand.
This is the main difference between the traditional and combi boilers. They do not require separate hot water storage tanks like system boilers and traditional boilers.
Instead, hot water can be heated in one unit.
Combi boilers: The pros and cons
If you are looking for high-efficiency boilers, a combi boiler is the best choice. They are very efficient, with most models having a Sedbuk A-rating. This means that for every unit of energy used, you get a high unit of energy back in return.
The heaters heat up immediately so you don’t need to wait for a hot bath.
Cons of combi boilers
There are also some disadvantages.
Water flow rates can be lowered when two or more outlets are being used simultaneously.
If your property has more bathrooms than one, a combi might not be able to work.
A combi boiler will only heat water if it is connected to the mains. If the mains water pressure drops, your combi boiler won’t work.
Heat Only (Regular Boilers): What are they?
A heat-only boiler, or regular boiler, has three extra added components: The boiler itself and cold water and hot water storage cylinder individually.
The boiler heats water for central heating or storage. It can also provide hot water.
What are the pros and cons of heat-only boilers?
Heat-only boilers can provide a greater flow rate which is why they are more suitable for larger properties with higher hot water needs. For those with multiple bathrooms.
These are a great choice for older heating systems that may not be capable of withstanding the pressure of a closed system. They don’t need water supply at high pressure from the mains supply
These boilers are also an option in low-pressure mains supply areas that often fail to provide the required water pressure for combi boilers or system boilers.
Cons of heat-only boilers
Older heating systems might not be compatible with a traditional boiler. It is possible that you will need to wait for the water to warm up before you can start using it again.
You must keep the boiler‘s cold water storage tank safe. The boiler‘s cold water cylinder must be placed at a height that is safe for your residence. This may limit where the boiler can be placed.
What is a system boiler?
A system boiler can best be described as an upgraded version of a conventional boiler. They can heat water and hot water for your radiators.
These boilers are similar to a heat-only boiler, but they have separate tanks for hot water. It is however a sealed system.
All internal parts, including the expansion vessel and pump, are available. It doesn’t need a cold water tank or cistern. The main supplies water to the boiler.
System boilers: The pros & cons
These boilers are similar to the heat-only radiators in that they have large hot-water storage tanks. They are ideal for properties that have high hot water demand.
Because they don’t need a cold water tank, they are smaller than heat-only boilers. This gives the boiler greater flexibility when it comes to where it is located.
You do not need to install any components in your attic for the system boilers. You won’t need to worry about freezing or potential leaks during the winter months.
Cons of system boilers
The pressure from the mains water supply determines the hot water flow rate inside a home. The flow rate inside your home will decrease if it is too low.They are not recommended in areas with low water pressure.
This system is very high-pressure and may not be suitable for properties with older central heating systems.
Hot water storage tanks are required for system boilers. You will need sufficient storage if you wish to swap it out for a combi boiler.
What is a condensing boiler, you ask?
No matter what type of boiler you choose, it is required that it be condensing.
Condensing boilers heat homes up to 90% more efficiently than other heating systems.
Condensing does not refer to a boiler type, but is a technical characteristic.
What size boiler do you need?
This refers to the boiler’s size, not how big it is or its dimensions. The boiler‘s power is measured in watts per hour in kWh. This means that the boiler’s ability to heat up your home or provide you with hot water will exceed the kW.
Boiler manufacturers often offer a wide range of sizes. The size of the boiler will depend on how many radiators you have in your house.
If you live in an apartment, a small combi boiler is ideal. A larger boiler will be required if you have multiple rooms that have radiators.
By using less water and energy, you can reduce heating costs. It is worth looking into smart thermostats that are the most efficient.
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