Installations

How do I decide which type of condensing boiler best suits my needs?

There are 3 different types of high-efficiency condensing boiler:

Combi
Regular (a regular boiler is often also referred to as a “traditional” or “conventional” boiler.)
System

Each type delivers all the benefits of high-efficiency technology, but which one you choose will depend on several factors, including your property, your lifestyle,

What is a combi boiler?

An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a combi boiler

The high efficiency condensing combi or combination boiler is an ingenious space-saving idea, and an increasingly popular choice in UK homes. In fact, combis now account for well over half of all the new domestic boilers installed in Britain every year.

The major difference between a combi and any other type of boiler is that a combi eliminates the need to store hot water - so no hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard. It is both a high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler, combined (hence the name) within one compact unit which usually sits in the kitchen or utility room, or sometimes in the airing cupboard. The space savings result from the fact there is no hot water storage cylinder, cold water storage cistern or other familiar components of a regular (conventional) heating system.

The further benefits of this are a significant saving on hot water costs, and the fact that hot water is delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering* without the need for a pump. Another combi benefit is that it can generally save you money on installation time and costs, since no tank in the roof space means less pipe work and a shorter installation time.

*a thermostatically-controlled shower safeguards against sudden changes in water temperature.

What is a regular boiler?

An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a regular boiler

If you are replacing an older model of boiler, the chances are that you will have a regular (conventional) boiler. A typical conventional system incorporates a boiler and extended controls, a feed and expansion cistern, and a hot water cylinder (usually in the airing cupboard) which is often fed by a cold water storage cistern located in the loft.

What is a system boiler?

An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a system boiler with an unvented hot water cylinder.

An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a system boiler with a pressurised hot water cylinder

Unlike a combi, both a system boiler and a regular (conventional) boiler work on the principle of stored hot water - but a system boiler differs from a regular boiler in some important respects.

Firstly, many of the major individual components of the heating and hot water system are built in, which means that installation is quicker, neater, easier and more efficient.

Secondly, the hot water is pumped from the boiler through the system to the radiators and hot water cylinder, resulting in a fast response and more economical running costs. The system boiler removes the need for a feed and expansion cistern

Here are a few examples and guidelines to think about and help you identify the type of condensing boiler most likely suited to your needs.

Consideration	Most suitable boiler
You want to use your loft space for a room conversion or other purpose	COMBI
You live in a flat or bungalow (i.e. have very little or no roof space)	COMBI
Your home has more than 2 bathrooms	REGULAR OR SYSTEM
Your main water pressure is low	REGULAR OR SYSTEM
You want to replace an old boiler to improve an existing conventional central heating system	REGULAR, SYSTEM or COMBI
There is a need to have hot water available on tap without waiting for it to heat up.	COMBI

What do I do next...?

We hope you find this website informative and useful. If you have any questions or would like a free no obligation written quotations please contact Steven Riley.
Mobile: 07801 909971. Email: info@sbrileyplumbing.co.uk