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Generally speaking, there are three different types of condensing gas boilers available – combi boilers, system boilers and heat-only boilers (also known as conventional, traditional or open vent boilers). Each of these has its own advantages and drawbacks, making it appropriate for installation in specific circumstances.
With that in mind, it’s important that you consider the size and type of property you live in, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and any extensions you might be planning. The type of boiler and the layout of the pipework already present in your home can also influence which boiler will best serve your needs. So too can the local water pressure and whether you need the boiler to be compatible with solar energy.
Also known as combination boilers, combi boilers are single units which eliminate the need for a cold water storage tank or a hot water cylinder. Instead, the water is pumped directly from the mains into the boiler and heated on demand, serving both your central heating system and your hot water taps and showerheads.
Because everything is contained within one unit, a combi boiler is far more space-efficient than some other alternatives. It’s also more energy-efficient, since you only ever heat the water that you use. This has made it the most popular option in the UK, especially in smaller homes and apartments. On the other hand, it’s not ideal for properties with many bathrooms and occupants, since it does not excel at accommodating multiple users at the same time.
Like combi boilers, system boilers draw their water straight from the mains supply. However, unlike combi boilers, they require a hot water cylinder to store the water they heat. This means that they are an ideal choice for properties with greater hot water needs, since there will always be enough stored hot water available for all.
While the presence of a hot water cylinder does make them slightly less space- and energy-efficient than a combi boiler, they do not require a cold water storage tank. What’s more, the fact that most of the components of the heating system are housed within the boiler unit makes them straightforward to install, while their compatibility with solar power panels is another draw for environmentally conscious consumers.
Heat-only boilers must be installed in conjunction with a separate cold water storage tank and hot water cylinder, which is why they’re generally found in properties that already have traditional heating systems in place. The older pipework found in these systems cannot always handle the higher pressures delivered by combi or system boilers, so heat-only boilers are the right choice in this instance.
While they do take up more space due to their additional requirements, they offer the advantage of being able to supply multiple taps with hot water at once. What’s more, they also rely on gravity rather than the mains supply for their flow rates, which makes them perfect for parts of the country which experience poor pressure. Heat-only boilers are also compatible with solar panels, meaning they can improve your sustainability credentials and lower your energy bills.
Once you’ve figured out which type of boiler is most suitable for your property, the next step involves narrowing down the field of candidates to settle on the best make and model for your needs.
While the range of choices can make this part of the process difficult, ATG Boiler Installations are happy to provide you with our expert opinion on which unit makes the most sense for you. Simply give us a call on 01482 376275 or send us an email to [email protected] and we’ll get the ball rolling on your new boiler.
