What Boiler is Best for me?
A boiler provides heat and/or hot water to a property using one of a few different types of energy. Many boilers are gas boilers, while some might use oil or even solar power. There are also different types of boiler that work in different ways. When you’re trying to decide on a new boiler in Luton, you need to understand the difference between the types of boiler that you have available. The main choices are a conventional or regular boiler, a combi boiler, and a system boiler. These boilers can all be good choices for your home, but first you should understand the differences between them and the pros and cons that they each offer.
Conventional Boiler
A conventional (or sometimes regular) boiler has a water tank for storing hot water. The water is heated and kept warm in the tank until it’s used. It is also called a heat-only boiler.
The pros of a conventional boiler
One benefit of a conventional boiler is that it can be useful for high demands for hot water. Although it provides hot water from a tank and not on demand, this means that it can provide for high demands without affecting the water pressure. For example, multiple people could take a shower at the same time without it causing any problems. A regular boiler can be useful for older heating systems too. It usually keeps radiators topped up at low pressure, using a feed and expansion tank. This protects older heating systems that might not be able to handle the high pressure of other boiler types. Conventional boilers are also usually the best choice for renewable energy products, such as heat pumps and solar energy.
The cons of a conventional boiler
A conventional boiler takes up more space than other types of boiler. It requires an extra tank to hold water, which usually goes in the loft. This can be a significant disadvantage if you don’t want to give up that space. Older models of conventional boilers tend to be less energy efficient, but if you’re choosing a new boiler, they are now more efficient than they used to be. However, there is usually some heat loss from the stored water. Hot water is also not supplied on demand. It needs to be heated in advance, and it’s possible to run out if you use too much hot water at once.
A conventional boiler offers both pros and cons. Even though more modern options exist, it can still sometimes be the best choice.
Combi Boiler
A combination or combi boiler doesn’t need hot water cylinders, which usually means it is more compact. It provides hot water on demand when you turn your heating on or turn on a hot tap (or your shower).
Pros of a combi boiler
Combi boilers are usually quicker to install due to having fewer parts, which is a bonus for a lot of people looking for a boiler replacement in Luton. A combi boiler doesn’t require a separate tank in the loft because all necessary components are combined into one unit. This saves a lot of space, leaving you with more storage space, and gives you hot water on demand. Combi boilers run on mains pressure, so you can have a powerful shower without needing to boost it with another pump.
Cons of a combi boiler
One of the advantages of a combi boiler can also be a disadvantage. Being limited by the maximum pressure that your mains can offer means that it could be stretched thin. Anyone who has more than one bathroom or who is likely to be running lots of taps or showers at the same time could notice that the pressure drops off. That might not be true for everyone, but it is a possibility. Not having a hot water tank can also be a disadvantage. It means that if your boiler fails, you won’t have any reserve hot water, and you will need to wait until the boiler is fixed before you can have access to hot water again.
A combi boiler is often best for smaller properties with only one bathroom, including flats. There can be some disadvantages, but for many homes, it’s the most efficient option and the easiest to install. They’re a modern option, allowing you to save space and save money too.
System Boiler
A system boiler is similar to a conventional boiler. However, it has more components built into it, which means it takes up less space. A system boiler doesn’t require space for a separate hot water tank in the loft.
Pros of a system boiler
A system boiler is capable of providing hot water to several sources at once without causing the water pressure to drop. This makes them suitable for larger homes and properties that have more than one bathroom. System boilers heat water in advance, which means they’re less demanding when it comes to water pressure. The hot water is ready to go when you need it. It also takes up less space than a conventional boiler, while offering some of the same benefits at the same time. Cold water tanks are not required with system boilers, helping you to save space. Another benefit is that a system boiler can be a good choice to use with renewable energy sources, such as a solar water heater.
Cons of a system boiler
Like a conventional boiler, a system boiler only heats water in advance. This means that if you run out, you have to wait for more hot water to be heated. You might also have your boiler on a timer to heat water when you need it most. However, if you can’t predict when you will need hot water, this might not be suitable. Although a system boiler can save space compared to a conventional boiler, it still requires more space than a combi boiler.
When choosing a boiler, think about your needs. The size of your property and your habits will make a difference to which is the best choice.
