Combination Boilers Explained

There are a variety of different domestic boiler available, however the most widespread gas boilers are Combination (also known as Combi), Regular and System boilers. Each of them vary in configuration, so it is critical to understand what kind of boiler you require before calling a heating or plumbing engineer.

This article will concentrate on Combi boilers and will summarize who they are most suitable for, how they work and whether it’s the appropriate boiler for your home. Combi Boilers are the most energy economical gas boilers to be had.

As they are also the least expensive to install, they are the most widespread boiler found in domestic applications. Their cost and quality can vary dramatically, with low quality combination boilers starting at prices around £400, to the high end systems costing thousands of pounds. Spending between £700 and £1200 on a combination boiler ensures you get an appliance that is high quality, energy efficient and dependable.

How a Combination Boiler work

A combi boiler uses an internal heat exchanger to warm the water flowing through the boiler direct from the mains supply. As well as supplying hot water to taps, a combination boiler can also heat a central heating system. This allows for a great deal of space to be saved as both central heating and domestic hot water are supplied from a device, offering the huge advantage of no longer needing a new hot water storage tank.

Combination boilers can regulate the temperature of the hot water and the central heating separately and as the water arrives directly from the mains supply, rather than a storage tank, a much higher water pressure level can be reached.

How can I tell if I need one?

The main incentive for people to get a combi boiler is to save money on installation expenses, as well as save space. In the majority of cases a combi boiler can simply be hung from the wall meaning that you won’t require a hot water cylinder in your loft or airing cupboard. The smallest combi boilers are so compact that they can even be fitted within a standard sized kitchen cupboard.

As the water is only warmed as you require it saves you money on your fuel bills. They are the most popular selection for most new homes. There are, however, downsides. There is usually a slight wait for hot water at the tap as the water is heated when required, rather than stored and continually kept warm in a tank. On higher end combination boilers this delay only lasts a few seconds.

What types of properties is it most suitable for?
A combination boiler can be fitted in most domestic properties. Larger households with more than one bathroom where demand for hot water is quite huge a Regular or System boiler might be preferable, although certain high end combination boilers can handle the requirement, but are very costly.

On the whole the combination boiler is a safe, reliable, and economical way of heating water. If you have a small to medium sized home then this is the best option as installation is straightforward and quick when compared to other boiler systems and it saves a vast amount of energy from only heating the water when needed.

Content Created by the Vedhas Team (Sunny Sahdev, Vivek Mistry, Dhara Patel)

We hope this information has been helpful, if you have any questions regarding your installation please feel free to email us on info@vedhas.co.uk .

If you would like any work carried out please feel free to call us now on 0800 046 1241.