Gas Fired Boilers - Combi or Conventional?
The two most popular choices of gas boiler are standard or combination boilers and these are both now available as condensing boilers.
Central Heating and Hot Water using Standard Gas Fired Boilers
Standard (or conventional) boilers heat your radiators and hot water when activated by a programmer or controller. The hot water is then stored in a cylinder (usually in the airing cupboard) until it is needed. There is usually a large cold water cistern (tank) plus small header cistern (tank) in the loft.
This type of system is most suitable for families or large houses where hot water is needed on demand and in significant quantities for heating, baths, washing machines, dish washers and so on.
Combination (Combi) Gas Boilers and Central Heating Systems
Combination boilers (Combis) provide hot water on demand, heated as required with no water storage.
They heat your radiators when activated by a programmer or controller similar to standard (or conventional) boiler systems.
Combi boilers dispense with the need for the hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard, the large cold water cistern (tank) plus small header cistern (tank) in the loft which are otherwise needed in conventional vented heating systems.
A combi boiler normally also contains the pump and, frequently the hot water and heating timer (controller or programmer).
All the major components are housed in one compact unit which usually sits in the kitchen or utility room, or perhaps the airing cupboard which makes them very convenient to the installer and saving space for the householder.
The further benefits of a Combi boiler is that hot water is delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering without the need for a pump.
Combi boiler systems are generally suitable for smaller households, flats and bungalows where there are a smaller number of users with modest heating and hot water demands although some of the latest combination boilers can suit larger households.
Combi or Conventional Boiler and Central Heating System?
It does depend on your individual circumstances and requirements however here are some pointers to which might be the best arrangement for you:
- Space is at a premium - then COMBI
- You want to use your loft space for a room conversion or other purpose - then COMBI
- You live in a flat or bungalow (i.e. have very little or no roof space) - then COMBI
- Your home has more than 2 bathrooms - then CONVENTIONAL
- Your main water pressure is low - then CONVENTIONAL
- You want hot water available on tap immediately - then COMBI
Condensing Gas Boilers
Both of these types of boilers are available as condensing boilers. Condensing boilers are designed to recycle heat with an extra heat exchanger so that the hot exhaust gases are used to pre-heat the water in the boiler system, therefore reducing energy consumption and bills. Condensing boilers cost a little more but the energy savings will repay that extra initial investment in 2 to 4 years of normal use.
See our condensing boilers page or our condensing boilers FAQ for more information or visit the SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) website for some useful facts and figures.
You can find more information on types of gas boiler available from boiler manufacturers websites:
- Ideal Boilers - Baxi - Ferroli - Glow-worm - Potterton - Trianco - Valliant - Vokera - Worcester Bosch
Heating at its best from Home Heating
Central Heating Engineers
Call us now for a free no obligation quotation for
Gas Fired Boilers - Combi or Conventional in
Hertfordshire (Herts), Bedfordshire (Beds) and Buckinghamshire (Bucks)
Freephone 0800 652 7542
