Deciding between the different types of boiler can be confusing, as you need to choose an efficient option that fits your home and lifestyle. The information below shows the main types, how they work, their advantages, and what kind of homes they suit best!
There are three basic types of boiler available – Combi Boilers, System Boilers & Regular Boilers.
Combi Boilers
A combination or ‘combi’ boiler is both a high-efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller properties or people just looking to save as much space as possible. Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap, and can provide both hot and cold water whenever required, so you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold-water storage tank in the roof space either.
They are also very cost-effective and energy-efficient, as water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a cylinder, which means less pipework and potentially cheaper boiler installation. An added benefit is that hot water is delivered at mains pressure, which means that you could get a powerful shower without the need for a separate pump.
Combi boilers from the Worcester Bosch range are so small that they can potentially fit inside a standard kitchen cupboard, allowing for a smarter and less industrial looking cooking area.
With all these positives you might be thinking “What’s the downside?”. With combination boilers, you need to be aware that the water pressure may be affected should more than one tap be used at one time and hot water is always prioritised above any other heating attributes in the home.
If simultaneous demand is not in place for hot water, a combination should be a consideration.
To get the most out of your combination boiler, it is vital to have a good mains water supply pressure.
System Boilers
System boilers require a cylinder for storing hot water. However, the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making boiler installation quicker and easier. In addition, there is no need for a tank in the loft, so it can be an option in a home with little or no loft space, or where the space is earmarked for a conversion.
These boilers are also compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills. Many system boilers are predominantly recyclable – making your carbon footprint and impact on the environment minimal.
Unlike combination boilers, if your house has more than one bathroom, you’ll receive a constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time. There’s also no need for a loft tank, which frees up space and eliminates worries about leaks or frost damage. Due to this, they’re also economical to run, and built-in components make installation quicker and neater.
Due to having a storage tank in place, the need for a good mains water supply is not as essential as with a combi boiler.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers – sometimes known as a traditional, conventional, or heat-only boilers – are ideally suited to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system. These are linked to a separate hot water cylinder. These boilers also need a cold-water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder, as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.
A regular boiler may be the best option for replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it might not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combi boilers.
These boilers are perfect for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time. They are also ideal where there are two or more bathrooms. If water pressure is low, these are a cost-effective option, and they are compatible with solar water heating systems too. This results in a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
Choosing the right boiler comes down to many factors such as supply and demand, upfront cost and size. If you’d like to know more about costing or general facts about these boilers, including commercial boilers, give us a ring at ???? 01752 69505 and we will be in touch asap. We are providing emergency boiler repair in Plymouth currently.
You can also check out Worcester’s “Find my boiler” tool that helps you narrow down what type of boiler you require based on your answers to a few questions. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/2T1O17t
