The Best Type of Boiler for You

If you’re thinking about getting a new boiler, you might be unsure which type is right for you. Different types of boilers suit different types of homes and needs. 

You may also wonder if now is a good time to get a new boiler, the good news is that gas boilers won’t be banned anytime soon, so upgrading will be safe and could help cut down bills.

As a boiler is something you need to rely on every day, you’ll want to make sure you get the right one for your circumstances. 

Making the right choice can make all the difference for efficiency and comfort, so if you want to enjoy hot morning showers and cosy evenings, continue reading on for our guide to boiler types.

A combination boiler, also known as a combi boiler, is the most common type of boiler found in the UK. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone, the key is understanding how each different type of boiler works.

Combi boilers work by connecting straight to the mains cold water supply, it can then provide instant hot water to one outlet. This type of boiler is the most common for a reason, as it is a great option for many homes. This is especially true for smaller houses and flats, homes that only have one bathroom, or homes that don’t need a large amount of water or heating.

A combi boiler is a great choice for smaller homes as they take up less space than other types of boilers that require a water tank.

• Hot water on demand – a combi boiler is ideal for people who want hot water instantly as you won’t need to wait for a tank to heat up, it won’t run out of water like a tank can either.
• You don’t need as much space – other boiler types need a water tank, but combi boilers don’t, so they’ll be great if space is an issue. Due to its compact design, it can be the most aesthetically pleasing boiler to have as well.

• Affected by pressure – combi boilers are dependant on your water pressure. If it’s poor, they won’t work as well.
• Can only supply hot water to one place at a time – this means you can’t have a shower whilst someone else runs the hot water for washing up at the same time.

You live in a smaller home or have limited space, and you don’t have a big demand for water and heating.

A combi boiler is great for people who expect hot water whenever they want it, but it may not be the best choice for a larger household with multiple bathrooms, especially if more than one person needs to run hot water for a shower at the same time.

Conventional boilers are also known as “regular” boilers and “heat-only” boilers. They connect to a water tank and there is usually an on/off switch that you use to heat up the water when needed. They will heat up your radiators directly.

• Multiple uses at the same time - the biggest advantage of a conventional boiler is that you can run hot water from multiple locations at once. 
• Doesn’t rely on water pressure – this means there won’t be a problem if you have an older house with lower water pressure.

• Hot water is not instant – you’ll have to plan ahead and wait for water to heat up if you want to use it.
• Water is limited – it’s possible to run out of water, you’ll then have to wait for the tank to fill up again.
• Takes up space – You’ll need a larger house with a loft as this is usually where the cold water feed and expansion tank will need to go.

You have a large, perhaps older house, with space for the boiler and you have multiple bathrooms or multiple people needing to use hot water at the same time.

You also won’t mind having to plan ahead when you use hot water, as it’s not instant or on demand like a combi boiler.

System boilers are similar to conventional boilers, essentially a more up to date version, and don’t require as much space since they don’t need a cold water tank.

• For bigger homes and higher demand - system boilers are another good choice for large homes that have a bigger need for hot water.
• You don’t need as much space – system boilers take up less space than a conventional boiler as they don’t require a cold water tank to be installed in the loft.

• Needs space for a hot water cylinder – while a system boiler takes up less space than a conventional boiler, it still takes up more space than a combi.
• Hot water not instant or unlimited – like with a conventional boiler, you won’t get instant hot water, instead you’ll have to wait for it to heat up. It’s also possible to run out of water, leaving you waiting for the tank to refill.

You have a larger home with multiple people needing hot water at the same time, but you don’t have the space for a large cold water tank in the loft. You’ll also need good mains water pressure and won’t mind having to wait or plan ahead for water to heat up.

A system boiler is essentially a middle ground between conventional and combi, but it is closer to conventional as it has the same pros and cons.

These are the main three types of boilers to choose from, hopefully from the above information you’ll have an idea of which type is the best for your circumstances.

As part of our ability to offer services for seven different trades, we can perform installations for plumbing, electric and gas appliances. If you need registered, experienced professionals to safely install, repair or service your boiler, we are available to help 24/7, 365 days a year. We have experts in plumbing, drains, gas, electric, glazing, locksmithing and pest control.

Just give us a call on 0330 108 4111