Know Your Boilers: 3 Types of Boilers

Posted by Janet on January 18th, 2021

What you need to know about the three Boiler types

What if you need to be aware of the different boiler types that are in the UK so you can make a well-informed decision about what type of gas boiler installation is required in your new or renovated property? Or maybe you are simply curious about the different gas boilers and the advantages and disadvantages of each? If you answered ‘yes’ to either (or both) of these questions then please read on to understand further.

Three Boiler types explained

The three most common type of gas boilers are Conventional, Combi, and System, and the type of boiler you will need will depend on the size of your building, the number of people living in it, and the combined lifestyle.

1. Conventional Boiler

A conventional boiler is, in essence, a heated hot water tank that has a readily available supply of hot water at your control. Depending on the size of your hot water tank, it can provide hot water to multiple taps and showers in your home at once. 

Advantages:

• Great for multiple and concurrent usage in your home,

• Ideal boiler type if you live in a property that has a low mains water pressure,

• Ideal for large properties where the cold-water feeder tank can be placed in a loft, or attic.

Disadvantages:

• There is no hot water on-demand,

• Not as efficient as a Combi boiler, and more complex than a system type.

2. Combi Boiler

A combination boiler, or Combi, is the most common boiler type you will find in the UK. It will provide hot water on-demand (which the conventional boiler cannot do) and it achieves this by turning up the thermostat heater and providing boiling hot water when you turn on a hot water tap or shower. It will supply you with just the amount of hot water you will need. Typically, a Combi boiler is suitable for a one to two occupant dwelling.

Advantages:

• Hot water on-demand to satisfy your needs,

• There is no need for a separate cold water feeder tank in your attic, or a large hot water tank as with the conventional boiler,

• Small and compact, a Combi can be quickly fitted and installed in your home,

• Quite energy efficient, saving you money on your energy bills.

Disadvantages:

• A Combi is not suitable for a house that has many people living in it, as you can only use hot water from a Combi for one task at a time (you cannot have multiple, concurrent hot water activities occurring with a Combi),

• If the Combi boiler malfunctions, then there is no hot water at all as there is no backup supply.

3. System Boiler

A system boiler is a modernised version of a conventional boiler, in that it has a large hot water cylinder that is always filled with hot water ready and available for use. Where it differs from a conventional, is that it does not have the separate cold water feeder tank (which is located in the loft/ attic).

Advantages:

• Suitable for premises that require instant hot water for multiple bathrooms,

• No need for to buy and install an extra cold water feeder tank,

• Great for areas where the main water pressure is low, as the stored hot water will be delivered with strong pressure on-demand.

Disadvantages:

• Can be costly to fit and install a system compared to a Combi, but cheaper than a conventional,

• While no cold-water feeder tank is required, space is still necessary for the hot water cylinder,

• As per a conventional boiler, heat can be lost (and in turn efficiency) when the stored hot water is not used and idle.

Summing Up

When deciding upon one of the three gas boilers for your home or property, it's essential to understand your current occupant situation requirements - both for the present and future. You will also need to understand the expected hot water usage your occupants will demand, and whether the water mains is currently providing you with decent water pressure to your property. Do you have a loft or attic with spare space, or will the living or working arrangements be relatively compact, with little extra or available room? Once you understand and document your home or property environment, as well as the expected hot water usage, you will be well-armed with the right information to choose the right boiler system. ST Heating Services are specialists in all types of boiler systems operating throughout the North West, UK. Contact them with any enquiries on 0161 279 0137.