Figuring our what is the best kind of boiler for your home can be a daunting task. The range of available options can make it challenging to know where to start your search.
In this month’s blog, we aim to shed light on the pros and cons of different types of boilers, enabling you to make an informed decision. In the world of domestic boilers, there are three main types: combination or combi boilers, conventional boilers, and system boilers. Here is a quick breakdown of each type
Combination Boilers
Among the three choices, the combination boiler shines as the most compact and convenient.
It’s a multitasking genius, handling both your heating and hot water needs in one nifty unit. This means waving goodbye to the hassle of a separate water tank and the patience-testing wait for it to warm up. Plus, there’s a safety bonus – the water comes straight from the mains, no tank storage involved.
A tidy, compact unit that’s a master of disguise, effortlessly tucked away. In fact, it’s so space-savvy that you can usually mount it on the wall and pop a cupboard round it.
Pros
- Space saving
- Looks cleaner and tidier
- Easily serviced
- Instant heat and hot water
- Cheaper maintenance
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
Cons
Of course, while there’s a lot to love about it, let’s be real and acknowledge a few downsides too. Like, for instance, the flow rate might dip a little if you need hot water in multiple spots at the same time. So, if your household is all about juggling showers in more than one bathroom, especially during those busy times of day, it might not be the absolute perfect fit.
- No power showers
- Pressure problems
- Solo use
- Solar incompatibility – most combination boilers are not compatible with solar water heating systems
- Better for households with only one bathroom
- More convenient for small households
Conventional Boilers
Alright, let’s dive into the conventional boilers, also called regular boilers or heat only boilers. These guys are part of the boiler family that does come with a water tank. Here’s how they do their thing: They work their heating powers straight into your radiators, and to get your hot water going, they team up with a separate tank.
When the fuel ignites, a cool gadget called a heat exchanger steps in, warming up the water. Then a pump takes that to a storage tank. From there the hot water can head over to your radiators, wrapping them in warmth, or make its way to your taps, ready for action whenever you turn them on.
Pros
- Hot water can run from several taps at once
- Solar compatible
- If your boiler breaks down, you can still have hot water
- Cheapest to replace
- Low pressure
- Great for homes with more than one bathroom
Cons
- Hot water isn’t always available, you may need to wait for it to heat up
- Less efficient
- More expensive installations
- Takes up more space as the tanks and boiler are rather large
- Limited water
- Better for larger households
System Boilers
And finally, you might have heard of system boilers, also known as closed vent boilers or system sealed boilers. They’re the ones that need a hot water cylinder, but here’s the cool part: no cold-water tank necessary! These system boilers do their thing in a way that’s pretty like regular boilers, but they’ve got some fancier and improved components going on.
Pros
- Space saving
- There are no extra parts in the loft so no need to worry about leaks
- Quicker installation
Cons
- Pressure problems
- Won’t work well if you have poor flow rates
It’s essential to consider the pros and cons of different types of new boilers, this way you can ensure that the boiler you choose is a perfect fit for your home and family.
But don’t worry if this all sounds a bit complicated – we’ve got you covered! If you’re interested in having an expert guide you towards the ideal new boiler for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can easily get in touch with us at 01202 805435 or just fill out our easy contact form. We’ll be more than happy to assess your situation and provide the assistance you’re looking for.
