The Different Types of Boilers

Confused about which type of boiler suits your home? Most UK homes rely on one of three types of boilers: combination (or combi), system or regular (conventional). As each boiler type works slightly differently, it’s important to consider factors such as the size of your property, the number of bathrooms and your existing heating system before deciding on a boiler.

Combi Boilers

Combi boilers generate heating and hot water on demand from a single unit using sensors, which can detect when you turn on a hot water tap or the central heating. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller homes, particularly those with one bathroom.

System Boilers

A system boiler is connected to a cylinder, however it doesn’t require a water header tank, usually in the loft. Also, components such as valves and pumps are built into the unit, unlike regular boilers where they are installed externally in a cupboard or by the hot water cylinder and are connected to the unit. This type of boiler is better suited for homes with more than one bathroom.

Regular systems

Regular boilers, often called conventional boilers, use both a hot water storage cylinder and a cold water tank usually stored in the loft. Unlike combi boilers, hot water isn’t always on demand. The boiler heats the water inside the cylinder, where it’s stored there ready for use at the taps. A separate circuit pumps heated water to the radiators for heating. Regular boilers are common in older properties and those with high hot water demands.