Thinking about boilers probably isn’t one of your top priorities but if you want to heat your home and do it without costing the earth then finding an efficient and practical fit for your home is important. Here we take a look at the main types of system, how they work and their advantages for different kinds of homes.
System boilers have a cylinder for storing hot water with the major heating and hot water system built into the boiler itself. Therefore it is quick and easy to install. As no tank is required, it can be a useful option for homes with little or no loft space. These boilers can also be used alongside solar panels which provide lower energy bills as well as environmental benefits. They are perfect for homes with more than one bathroom as there is a constant supply of hot water to many taps all at the same time. Having no tank in the loft space also means that there is no concerns over leaks or frost damage and it frees up essential space that you might be considering for a loft conversion, for example. These boilers are economical to run and faster and neater to install.
Combi boilers is a combination of a highly efficient water heating and central heating boiler in one single unit. They heat water straight from the mains when a tap is turned on which means there is no need for a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the loft. As water is heated directly and not heated and then stored, they are cost-effective and efficient as water is heated instantly. A further benefit is that as the water is delivered at mains pressure, you can have a lovely power shower without the need for a separate pump. For Woking Boiler installations, visit http://www.rjplumbingandheating.co.uk/.
Combi boilers are small and more compact which makes them ideal for smaller homes and useful if there is limited or no roof space. As there is also no need for a hot water cylinder, this increases living space availability. There is no concern about loft pipework freezing and due to there being less pipework, it generally makes installation much easier and cheaper.
Regular boilers are also known as traditional, heat only or conventional boilers are the ideal solution for homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system linked to a separate hot water cylinder. Unlike the system and combi boilers, these boilers do need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder and a tank which maintains the water level of the central heating system.
Replacing with a regular boiler is useful for homes that have an existing older radiator system. An older system might not be able to cope with a higher water pressure which is delivered by system or combi boilers. They are ideal for homes where a lot of water is used at the same time, where there are two or more bathrooms and where water pressure is low. The advantages include being able to use alongside solar water heating systems for lower energy costs.