Which boiler is right for my home?
Choosing the right boiler for your home can be a daunting task, but it is important to get it right to ensure you have an efficient and reliable heating system. There are several factors to consider when choosing a boiler, such as the size of your home, your living habits, and your budget.
There are three main types of boilers: combi boilers, system boilers, and regular boilers. Combi boilers are typically the most popular boiler as they are compact and do not require a separate hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank. System boilers require a separate hot water cylinder, but they are great for larger homes with multiple bathrooms. Regular boilers require both a hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank, but they are ideal for homes with older radiator systems.
The size of your home is also an important factor to consider when choosing a boiler. A larger home will require a boiler with a higher output, while a smaller home will require a boiler with a lower output. It is important to ensure that the boiler you choose is powerful enough to meet your heating and hot water needs, but not so powerful that it wastes energy and money.
Your household's living habits are also an important consideration when choosing a boiler. If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, you may need a boiler that can provide a high flow rate of hot water. If you are environmentally conscious, you may want to consider a boiler that is energy efficient and has a high efficiency rating.
Finally, your budget is a key consideration when choosing a boiler. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper boiler, it is important to remember that a more expensive boiler may be more efficient and reliable in the long run, potentially saving you money on energy bills and maintenance costs.
Combi boiler
A combi boiler, or combination boiler, is a type of high-efficiency water heater and central heating system that provides hot water and heating for your home in a single unit. It heats the water directly from the mains, so there is no need for a separate hot water storage tank or cylinder. This makes combi boilers a more efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving option for small to medium-sized homes and households with low hot water requirements.
Combi boilers are a popular choice for smaller homes and apartments, and are known for their energy efficiency, as they only heat the water that is needed, rather than heating and storing water that may not be used.
System boiler
A system boiler, also known as a sealed system boiler, is a type of central heating boiler that provides hot water for both heating and domestic use. System boilers provide heat and hot water through a hot water storage cylinder, which allows this type of boiler to deliver hot water to multiple taps at once. They pump hot water to radiators, underfloor heating systems and hot water cylinders, which then provide heat to different parts of the house.
Unlike traditional boilers, system boilers do not require an additional water tank in the loft because they have an internal expansion vessel that maintains the pressure of the system. This makes system boilers more compact and easier to install than traditional boilers. They are often suitable for larger homes with multiple bathrooms and a high demand for hot water.
Regular boiler
A heat-only boiler, also known as a regular or conventional boiler, is a type of boiler that only provides heat for the central heating system of a building.
It is different from a combination boiler or a system boiler, which can also provide hot water, as it does not provide hot water for taps and showers directly, so a separate hot water cylinder or storage tank is needed to meet those demands. Heat-only boilers are commonly used in older properties where the plumbing system has been designed for this type of boiler.