If you’ve been looking at boilers for your central heating system, you’ve likely been suggested that you consider a combination boiler, better known as a ‘Combi boiler’.
Combi boilers are actually one of the most common types of boilers found in the UK.
So, what is a combi boiler? And how do they work?
In this article, we’ll take you through all you need to know about what a combi boiler is, how they work,
What is a combi boiler?
The combination boiler, more commonly known as the Combi boiler, is a multi-functional boiler that performs a ‘combination’ of heating tasks.
Combi boilers provide hot water and central heating from one single unit. They are compact because they don’t have separate cold and hot water storage tanks, which makes them a perfect solution for smaller houses or areas with limited space.
Quite often, most combi boilers are hidden in plain sight, such as in a kitchen cupboard, which wouldn’t have been possible with a more traditional boiler with additional cold and hot water tanks.
What is the difference between combi boilers and regular boilers?
The primary distinction between a combi boiler and a conventional boiler is that a combi boiler supplies both heat and hot water from a single unit. In contrast, a conventional boiler requires a separate hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank. Because of this, combination boilers are far smaller than your regular boiler.
A conventional boiler is now typically only found in older properties requiring modernisation, as a combination boiler can also do much more. Conventional boilers can only provide heat to your central heating system, and an additional hot water storage tank should you wish to stay as you are.
Additionally, the regular boiler also requires a large storage tank to hold the water for the system, typically installed in your loft. Combi boilers, however, extract the water they require straight from the mains water supply.
Advantages of a Combi Boiler
Combination boilers are the most popular heating system in the UK for a reason. They offer numerous benefits over a regular boiler system.
Combi Boilers Can Be More Efficient Than Other Heating Systems
Combi boilers are highly energy efficient, meaning they can help reduce your energy bills. This is because combination boilers provide hot water on demand rather than heating a full tank and storing it.
This efficient way of providing the same outcome requires less energy usage, therefore, meaning less costs on energy bills.
Unlimited Hot Water on Demand With a Combi Boiler
As combi boilers provide hot water on demand, you don’t have to wait for a hot water tank to heat up. This means an unlimited flow of hot water can be delivered instantly.
Whereas a conventional boiler requires timers to heat the water before you need it (such as before you wake up), combi boilers can produce water immediately when you need it.
It provides the convenience of not waiting for water to heat up and allows families to use the water at any time without sticking to strict schedules.
Combi Boilers Take Up Less Space
Combi boilers are compact in size, meaning they can be conveniently stored away in areas not typically used in the past, such as kitchen cupboards.
This is a great benefit for most households. The large conventional boiler, with its additional cold and hot water storage tank, takes up space, which could be used for more productive items such as extra clothes or utensil space.
Combi Boilers Can Be Cost Effective
Combi boilers not only save money by being energy efficient, but they also reduce installation costs.
Combi boilers typically require less equipment and materials to install due to their simplicity compared to conventional boiler systems.
Due to the ease of installation compared to other boiler options, fewer hours are involved, resulting in lower labour costs.
Additionally, replacing parts for combi boilers is much more cost-effective than replacing parts for traditional boiler systems. Due to their popularity, parts are more commonplace, so more cost-effective prices can be found for items.
Combi Boilers Produce Cleaner Water
Combi boilers get their water directly from the mains supply, so there are no concerns about the buildup of sludge that can occur in conventional boiler storage tanks, which are typically located in the loft.
The outcome of this is a much cleaner water supply and taps, with much cleaner and safer water to drink.
This is often one of the overlooked advantages of a combi, but it shouldn’t be forgotten as a significant benefit.
Combi Boiler Considerations
As with any boiler system, a combi boiler has pros and cons to its functionality.
We’ll discuss things for you to consider before choosing the combination boiler as your chosen system.
Mains water pressure
As mentioned, a combi boiler withdraws its water directly from the main supply. This means your combi boiler is reliant on good water pressure in the home to achieve is optimum performance.
If the property has low water pressure, it means the combi boiler installed will operate far less efficiently than its original expectation.
The outcome of this would be slow water flow and poor pressure.
Not always suitable for larger homes
Larger homes with multiple bathrooms and large square footage may find the combi boiler is not the best system for them out of the boiler types.
This is because homes with high water demand must be consistently delivered simultaneously over multiple areas.
If this is the case, other boiler types that include items such as unvented cylinders could be more appropriate.
No backup for hot water demand
If, for whatever reason, your combi boiler is down, you will be without hot water until you have your boiler repaired. This is because your combi boiler does not store hot water like conventional boilers do.
Although this might only be a temporary issue that you can cope with, some people may prefer that their hot water demands can be taken care of whilst waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive.
Combi Boilers – FAQ
Which brand of combi boiler is best?
The most common combi boiler brands are;
Worcester Bosch
Vaillant
Viessman
Ideal
Alpha
At ABS Plumbing, we install these brands on a daily basis and would be happy to assist you with your new boiler.
What size combi boiler do I need?
The size of a combi boiler varies depending on the size of your home, including factors such as the number of radiators and the number of bathrooms.
The combi boiler size must be powerful enough to generate the output needed.
How long do combi boilers last?
A typical combi boiler will last somewhere between 10-15 years. The time variants will depend on how well it is maintained and if regular boiler services are undertaken.
ABS Plumbing & Heating – Combi Boiler Installation Experts
We’re boiler and central heating installation specialists, providing boiler installations daily across Stockport and Cheshire.
With expertise in all major boiler brands, we can handle any combi boiler tasks you need, whether it’s replacing older boilers with a new combi system or installing a brand new full central heating system.
Contact us today with boiler requirements, and we’ll get your heating system up and running smoothly and efficiently.
