The Correct Boiler for You

There are three main types of high-efficiency condensing boiler- the combination or ‘Combi’, the Conventional (Open Vent Heat Only) and the System (Sealed). Each type delivers the benefits of high-efficiency technology, but is suitable for different types of homes.

Types of Boiler

Combination ‘Combi’ Boilers

Combi boilers are becoming increasingly popular within the UK as they remove the need for independent tanks, pumps and valves, as these are built in within the boiler. They heat your home and also provide instant hot water. The benefits are that everything is self-contained, thus reducing space, and parts repair. However, they do not provide stored water should the boiler ever breakdown, and if installed in an unsuitable type of property (ie one with 2 or more bathrooms), can lead to pressure problems should numerous services be run simultaneously.

Conventional Boilers

Conventional systems tend to be in older properties. These normally comprise of a heat only boiler, a copper cylinder which stores the hot water, a cold water storage tank and a Feed and Expansion tank. The mains water will supply both of these tanks and the kitchen sink cold tap, and usually no more. The advantage of these is that they do not suffer the pressure drops that combination set ups sometimes experience because the water is stored. However, the space required for all the aspects of this system can be quite extensive and also the running costs can be relatively large for only a one person household.

System Boilers

The System boiler set up is quite similar to that of a conventional one, but usually the cylinder is an Unvented Cylinder (for example, a Megaflow) which means there are no cold water storage tanks or Feed and Expansion tanks. The cylinder is mains fed so the pressure at the hot tap will be similar to the mains cold feed entering the property. The advantages of this are the space savings that can be achieved by not having the tanks and greater flow rate at the hot tap. These cylinders can also be stored in garages and in attics. The disadvantage can be the cost of them and also a requirement of 22 litres per minute of mains water flow rate.

Here are a few considerations you might need to think about when deciding upon the most suitable condensing boiler for your needs.

	Property Consideration	Recommended boiler type
	You want instantaneous hot water without heating it up	Combi
	Your Bungalow or flat has limited space	Combi
	Your wish to install Solar with a twin coil cylinder	System
	You want to carry out a loft conversion	Combi, Conventional or System
	To improve the energy efficiency of your system	Combi, Conventional or System
	Your home has more than 2 bathrooms	Conventional or System
	Your property has low water pressure	Conventional

Size of Boiler

Calculating the size of the boiler is absolutely essential, and ideally should be carried out by a qualified engineer experienced in working out the property requirements. The calculation is based on upon such variables as room size and orientation (btu requirements), materials, insulation and flow rate* (for Combi’s)

The reason the size of the boiler is critical is because of the following:

Oversized – Can lead to the boiler not Condensing effectively, therefore not running at its optimum efficiency. It is possible for a knowledgeable engineer to range rate the boiler during the commissioning stage of installation, However, it is better to purchase the correct boiler at the outset.

Undersized- Here the size of the boiler (in Kilowatts) simply isn’t big enough for the property. The outcome will be that radiators will not become hot enough.

For all your Plumbing Woes, call Plumbing Wise, for a free quote on 020 8362 1389

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