What are the different types of boilers?
The three main types of boiler are combi, heat only and system. You need to make sure you get the right boiler for your needs.
What is a combi boiler?
A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, can either be electric or gas. This is the most common type of boiler as it has a simple design, requiring minimal space in your home as it does not need a water tank.
It is easy to install and is very energy efficient, which could potentially save money in the long run. Its main benefit is that it provides instant hot water straight to your taps and radiators, making it more energy efficient and sustainable.
What is a heat only boiler?
A heat only boiler, also known as a regular or open vent boiler, heats up your home using a cold water tank, and a hot water cylinder as well as outside components such as feed and expansion tank in your loft.
Water can sometimes be lost in the system through evaporation which is why a feed and expansion tank will help maintain water pressure. They are a more conventional way of heating your home with cheaper installation costs. They are typically better in larger homes because they can supply hot water to multiple radiators or taps etc.
What is a system boiler?
A system boiler works with a hot water cylinder, and it is not open vented meaning there is no water tank, and certain components that are usually on the outside of the boiler, are on the inside.
The benefits of a system boiler is that it can reach high hot water demand, for example, multiple showers or larger homes. However they do take up more space than a combi boiler. The hot water cylinder is normally sized to accommodate your typical usage, meaning if you are unexpectedly using a lot more hot water than usual, you may have to wait until the boiler can reheat the cylinder again as the cylinder volume can be depleted.
What type of boiler is best for your home?
When it comes to finding the right boiler for you, people have different needs and requirements based on multiple factors, such as the type of home you live in e.g. flat or bungalow etc. and the number of showers and bathtubs.
Available space
How much space there is in your home can determine what type of boiler is suited to you. If you have limited storage space then a boiler with a water tank may not be appropriate and a combi boiler may be more suitable.
System
You should think about whether you would like to keep your current system or get a new one. It is more common to keep the current system in your home to lower costs and it is more practical. People in older homes may be more likely to change their system to something more efficient compared to people in a new home, as newer homes typically have the optimum system already in place. Different systems also take up more space than others, so it is whatever is most suited to your home.
Hot water
Your hot water usage will also affect your choice of boiler. If your home will demand a lot of hot water at different outlets, then a conventional or system boiler may be more suitable, However this would depend on the space in your home.
What size should my boiler be?
Once you have an idea of what type of boiler you would like, you should start to think about the right size of boiler.
Hot water demand
Before deciding your boiler think about how much hot water you will use and if it may increase in the future e.g. if you have children. As children get older they will typically use more hot water.
For a lot of households with a single bath and shower, we would generally recommend a 24-30KW boiler. If you have an additional ensuite or bathroom you may then want a larger 30-35 KW boiler.
However, if you have multiple bathrooms that may be in use at the same time, we would recommend a system boiler that stores the hot water in a storage cylinder may be more appropriate for your home. A system boiler also pre-heats and stores the hot water with the addition that it can be sized based on your home’s heating demand.
Size of property
When deciding the size of your boiler, you will need to make sure it is large enough to provide sufficient heat output throughout your entire property. Boiler sizes are measured in terms of heat output e.g. 25 – 30 KW.
For conventional and system boilers, you should try to avoid choosing a boiler that is going to be too big for your home, as this will only result in a more costly energy bill and is a waste of energy.
For combi boilers the size is typically determined by your home’s hot water demand. A professional heating installer would have to assess this for you prior to your fitting.
Heat loss
The amount of heat you lose in your home can be calculated. This is useful because there is no point having an efficient boiler if most of the heat is leaving your home. The calculation can include area of the room, number of radiators, quantity of doors and windows and quality of insulation. This can help you find your optimum boiler size.
It is not recommended to oversize your boiler to compensate for heat loss as this may only result in wasted energy and cost you more.
What fuel type should my boiler be?
Mains gas
Most homes in the UK are connected to the electricity and gas mains supply, meaning they have more options when it comes to choosing a boiler. However, for the people that live in a more rural area or without access to the gas mains, you are then left with minimal options.
A gas boiler would have a constant supply and is supposedly one of the cleanest types of fuel as far as non-renewable energy goes.
Oil
Typically if you do not have access to mains gas, this is the most common alternative and is currently used by around 4.3 million people in the UK. Oil boilers tend to be floor standing and non-condensing, meaning they can take up more space.Oil boilers usually offer lower hot water flow rate compared to a gas combi-boiler.
Biomass and alternative energy
If you have available storage space in your home and are able to burn fuels that require a flue, then a biomass system may be suited to you. It is a more eco-friendly alternative and sustainable as the fuel source itself is sustainable. They are typically fueled by wood pellets, chips or logs and help protect the environment as well as helping you save money on your energy bills.
Which boiler is suitable for my home?
A semi-detached house will typically keep heat in better than a detached house. This is because there are fewer external walls where heat could be lost. The heat from your neighbors home will help insulate your home, reducing heat loss.
What is the best boiler for a three-bed semi?
For a three bedroom semi home that has one main bathroom, we would recommend that you install a storage combi boiler. This boiler system will heat water on demand and they provide energy efficiently. You also don’t need a storage tank as it already has one integrated into it.
What is the best boiler for a four-bedroom house?
For a four-bedroom home with a few bathrooms and family members who may however at the same time, we would recommend a conventional boiler. It is suited to easily meet the demand of large households that have a lot of radiators.
What is the best boiler for a three-bed terraced house?
For a three-bedroom terraced house, we would recommend a compact combi boiler that could fit into a cupboard in your home. It is recommended for a home if you don’t have a large amount of storage spaces at home.
Our platform allows users to find the perfect boiler for their needs, by simply answering a few questions online we’ll suggest the best options based on your needs. Take your pick from our suggestions and select an installation date. Specialist gas-safe hug engineers – local to you – take care of the rest, from start to finish. You’re in safe hands.
