The Different Types of Boilers Available

Choosing a new boiler for your property might not be the most exciting purchase you’ll ever make, but it is one of the most significant decisions any homeowner ever faces. 

Your family deserves instant access to hot water as well as a reliable and consistent service while you also need to keep an eye on the financial implications. While there are various brands and models to consider, the first challenge is to identify the right type of boiler. Here’s all you need to know about finding the best new boiler Luton service available.

What Are Condensing Boilers?

When looking at prospective boilers, you may encounter the term ‘condensing boiler’. This isn’t actually a type of boiler but relates to a boiler’s ability to utilise latent heat as fuel. Condensing boilers are up to 90% more efficient, reducing your carbon footprint as well as your monthly bills. 

It is now a legal requirement for all new boilers in the UK to be condensing boilers. There are three main types of condensing gas boilers. Let’s take a closer look at each of them below.

Combi Boilers

Also known as combination boilers, combi boilers take their name from the fact that it operates the central heating system as well as providing hot water. Homeowners choosing this type of new boiler can, therefore, bypass the need for a water storage tank, which is particularly useful when space is limited.

This method of supplying hot water (direct from the new boiler rather than a water tank) additionally offers users an unlimited and instant supply of hot water whenever the taps are turned on. Most newer models are A-rated for efficiency, which makes them a popular choice for eco-friendly homeowners that want to reduce their carbon footprint. For a new boiler Luton homeowners can rely on for many years, the combi boilers are an ideal solution. 

In fact, they are now the most commonly installed type of boiler in the UK as over half of all new boiler installations fall into this category. There are several popular manufacturers and models, which our Luton boiler experts can guide you through, providing great versatility and the opportunity to find a solution that’s tailored to your requirements.

Combi boilers do face some obstacles. Most notably, it’ll only be possible to run one bath or shower at a time. So, homeowners with multiple bust bathrooms may wish to consider an alternative solution. Still, as long as families avoid using too many appliances at once, the combi boiler can supply the entire home.

The Pros

  • Space-saving and convenient.
  • Very responsive to tap pressure.
  • No need for a pump to gain good water pressure.
  • Easy maintenance.
  • Pipe freezing is very unlikely.

The Cons

  • Limited to running one bath or shower at a time.
  • Not compatible with all showers.
  • Leaks will impact performance.
  • Won’t suit larger homes.
  • Low water pressure or mains pressure causes issues.

System Boilers

System boilers are another very popular choice thanks to their eco-friendly properties and high-efficiency performances. They can even be integrated with solar thermal systems for even lower carbon footprints. While they are found as new boiler types in homes of varying sizes, they are especially suited to larger properties.

The installation of a system boiler will require the hot water storage cylinder but can avoid the need for a water tank. As such, they will take up more room than a combi boiler. Nonetheless, they will cause less disruption than some alternative new boiler unit solutions. Crucially, the stored water can supply water to the whole property while it’s also possible to run multiple showers or baths simultaneously.

Installations with a hot water cylinder rather than a storage tank also provide quick and easy installations. System boilers are heat-only boiler units, like a regular boiler, but they do incorporate the expansion vessel and a pressure release valve. This is the main reason for avoiding the need for a tank, but also encourages easy maintenance and optimal performance.

They might not boast the popularity of system boilers, but they are still found in millions of homes across the UK. Whether you own a large property in need of boiler replacement Luton services, or you want to upgrade to a system that’s capable of running two properties at once, this is the ideal solution.

The Pros

  • Suitable for larger homes and efficient.
  • Supplies hot water and central heating.
  • Space-saving properties through the water cylinder.
  • Compatible with solar thermal systems.
  • Hot water is almost instant.

The Cons

  • If hot water runs out, you have to wait for reheating.
  • Small storage cylinder will limit the water supply.
  • Water cylinder requires insulation.
  • Not as small as a combi boiler.
  • Not as cheap as some alternatives.

Conventional Boilers

Also known as regular boilers, traditional, open vent, and heat only boilers, conventional boilers are a fairly common option that you will have probably encountered at some stage as they were once the most frequently seen option by far. They are no longer #1 in terms of popularity, but they are still a great option for many homes.

The main drawback of conventional boilers is that they require a water storage cylinder and a hot water storage tank. Consequently, then, the conventional boiler systems will require a lot of storage space. This is an issue for smaller properties, but might not be an issue if you already have this type of boiler system in place. Moreover, when upgrading to a condensing conventional boiler, it’s unlikely that major pipework changes will be required.

Conventional boilers can store and supply large volumes of hot water to multiple bathrooms throughout the property, which makes them ideal for the busy modern home. When used with solar tech, they become a particularly ecological solution thanks to their high efficiency. Although you will need to insulate the tank.

The conventional boiler has been adapted and improved over the years, with the latest models offering exceptional reliability and longevity. A cold water storage tank will need to be stored in the loft, though, which can cause issues when your loft has been converted. Similarly, they are rarely seen in flats and apartments. Still, in the right situation, they are among the best new boiler options on the market.

The Pros

  • Efficient.
  • Compatible with solar thermal.
  • Includes the immersion heater backup.
  • Minimal structural work needed for upgrading old systems.
  • Can be used with multiple taps at once.

The Cons

  • Take up a lot of space.
  • Expensive installations.
  • Water needs to heat up before usage.
  • Water tank requires insulation
  • Repairs can be expensive too.

What Other Options Are Available?

In addition to the condensing gas boilers, homeowners may also wish to consider electric boilers. They are cheaper to install, operate at 99% efficiency, and are particularly useful for small properties and homes that do not have access to a gas line. However, it should be noted that electricity is expensive.

Solid fuel and oil-fired boilers are far rarer in the modern environment but are still possible. Nevertheless, the three types of condensing gas boilers remain the most common by far.

To find out more about the different types of boiler and arrange a boiler replacement Luton, give our friendly experts a call today.

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