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Types of boilers

Deciding which boiler will make an efficient and practical fit into your home and lifestyle can be confusing, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right new boiler for you. There are three main types of boilers, this includes combi boilers, system boilers and regular boilers, they each have a range of their own advantages and what homes they work best in.

Should your new boiler be fitted into your existing system, then it’s important to consider the cleanliness of your existing pipework and radiators as this could cause damage to your new boiler.

Combi boilers

A combination of ‘combi’ boiler is both a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit, combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn a tap on, so you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the roof space.

These type of boilers are very cost effective and energy efficient as the water is heated instantly rather than being heated and then stored in a cylinder. An extra benefit is that hot water is delivered by mains pressure, meaning you can have a power shower with no need for a separate pump.

The benefits of combi boiler installations include…

  • Compact in size, making combi boilers great for smaller properties
  • Ideal where there is little loft space
  • No need to have a hot water cylinder, meaning an increase in living space
  • No cold water tank storage meaning more loft space
  • No risk of pipework freezing
  • Less pipework in the home, meaning the installation cost is cheaper

System boilers

These type of boilers need a cylinder for storing hot water, however, the major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler themselves, making it quicker and easier to install. There’s also no need for a tank in the loft, so it’s an option in a home with little or no loft space or where the space is earmarked for a conversion.

System boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems which deliver environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills.

The benefits of system boilers…

  • Great for homes with more than one bathroom
  • Constant supplies of hot water to a number of taps at the same time
  • No need for a loft tank, creating more space and less time worrying about leaks or frost damage
  • Economical to run
  • Built-in components make installation quicker and neater

Regular boilers

Regular boilers, these can also be known as traditional or conventional or heat only boilers, they’re ideally suited to homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.

Regular boilers may be the best option when it comes to replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, it may not be able to cope with the higher water pressure that is delivered by system or combi boilers.

The benefits of regular boilers…

  • Perfect for homes where a lot of hot water is used at the same time
  • Ideal for properties with more than one bathroom
  • A good choice when it comes to water pressure being low
  • Compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs

Oil boilers

 

Oil central heating systems work in similar ways to gas powered systems, but instead of using a gas boiler, they use oil-fired boilers to heat the water. This provide the central heating through radiators and hot water through the taps in your home. The main difference between the system is that you’ll need to have your oil supply delivered and stored in a tank.

You may also find that both heat-only and combination condensing oil boilers are on the market. Most oil-fired combination boilers have an internal hot water store which supplies domestic hot water rather than instantaneous heating which is more common is gas boilers.

The benefits of oil boilers…

  • Much more efficient fuel than gas, meaning you’ll get a good return on every unit of energy
  • The price of oil fluctuates so it may be more cost effective
  • some modern oil boiler systems can save up to 90%
  • Replacement parts and system is very simp

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.

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