Boiler breakdown can be incredibly inconvenient. Even more so if your boiler needs entirely replacing. Shopping for a new boiler can be confusing. Between the bewildering grading systems to the technical terms, it’s hard to know what to go for. At K&M Maintenance, we understand the confusion around a new boiler. As a result, we have produced this guide to help you understand the three types of boiler options available.
Combination Boilers
A combination boiler (combi boiler) takes water from the mains and heats it when the hot top is turned. As a result, combination boilers do not require a hot water cylinder or any storage tanks at all.
The technology used inside combi boilers means that they are incredibly energy efficient. This is because they do not heat up water that isn’t needed. It works on demand.
Hot water can be delivered at mains pressure by a combi boiler. This is perfect for powerful showers and filling the bath quickly. However, some pressure will be lost if you run multiple hot water taps at the same time.
Combination boilers are suitable for flats and smaller houses.
Conventional Boilers
A Conventional boiler is connected to a hot water cylinder stored separately. In addition, it will require two storage tanks, for the hot water system and the central heating system. Consequently, you will need space for the boiler, the hot water cylinder, and the two storage tanks. This contrasts with the combi boiler that can be fitted in small cupboards.
In properties with two or more bathrooms, the conventional boiler is perfect. This is because a lot of hot water can be used at the same time.
They key issue with conventional boilers, as well as space, is the tank itself. When the tank has run out of stored hot water, the tank can take time to refill.
System Boilers
System boilers make the best out of both the combi boiler and the conventional boiler. It does require a hot water storage cylinder, but like the combi boiler, the main heating components are built in. As a result, it is a much more straightforward installation than a conventional boiler.
System boilers need an unvented cylinder, but they don’t require storage or header tanks. This means that they take up less space and storage is less of an issue. In addition, they are economical to run.
System boilers can supply constant hot water, at the same time, to all of your taps. As a result, a system boiler is perfect for home with multiple bathrooms.
All three types are also condensing boilers:
In summary
Boiler shopping can be confusing. We hope our guide to the three boiler types will help you choose the perfect boiler for your home and household. For all your boiler or gas needs, contact us at K&M Maintenance today.