Which type of boiler is best for you?
Gas Mark 1 aim to provide the best advice on what type of system is most appropriate for your property. Deciding what type of boiler will be the most practical and efficient for your home can be confusing. This can all be explained by one of our office team on 01923 231780 or by our surveyors. However please see below for more information:
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Combination ‘Combi’ Boilers
Combination boilers, commonly known as 'combi' boilers, are the most popular boilers in the UK. They are both a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit. They provide both heat and hot water directly from the mains so there is no need for water tanks or cylinder.
What are the benefits?
Unlimited instant heating and hot water
No need for tanks, so don’t take up much space.
Very energy efficient and cost-effective as the water that is required is heated instantly rather than being stored, so none is wasted
Hot water is delivered as mains pressure so there is not necessarily any need for a pump
What are the cons?
The water pressure might be reduced if hot water is required from more than one tap at a time.
Who are they best suited to?
Combi boilers are best suited to smaller properties where there is limited space and multiple people won’t need to use hot water at the same time.
System Boilers
What are they?
System boilers, also known as sealed system boilers, require a cylinder for storing hot water (this normally sits in an airing cupboard) but no tank in a loft. Meaning this type of boiler can be installed in a property with little or no loft space.
What are the benefits?
No need for a water tank in the loft, preventing the possibility of leaks or frozen pipes
It’s possible to have hot water from several taps at a time
Compatible with solar water heating systems, which have great environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills
What are the cons?
Hot water isn’t available instantly as you have to wait for the cylinder to heat it up
Hot water can run out once the cylinder is empty
Need to find room for the cylinder
Who are they best suited to?
System boilers are best suited to properties with more than one bathroom
Conventional (Open-Vented) Boilers
What are they?
Conventional boilers, also known as Open-Vented, Traditional and Regular boilers are a traditional form of heating and hot water system that require tanks to store both hot and cold water as well as a separate hot water cylinder.
What are the benefits?
It’s possible to have hot water from several taps at a time
Suitable for an older radiator system or an area with low pressure
What are the cons?
Hot water isn’t available instantly as you have to wait for the cylinder to heat it up
Hot water can run out and then you’ll have to wait for the tank to refill
Need loft space for the tanks and space for a cylinder
Who are they best suited to?
Conventional boilers are best suited to properties with more than multiple bathrooms and in areas with low pressure.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers are an alternative to gas fired boilers that are becoming a popular option in many new build properties and buildings without mains gas available.
What are the benefits?
Increased energy efficiency as electric boilers typically run at 99%
No flue is required, which means less building work is needed on installation
Much simpler to install than a gas system so the overall cost of the installation will be less
What are the cons?
Electric boilers can be unreliable as electric power cuts happen far more than cuts in gas supply. If your property is in an area prone to power cuts, an alternative fuel source should be considered.
Much more expensive to run than Gas fired boilers as Gas is considerably cheaper than electricity, at about 30% of the price.
Despite being touted as reducing pollution compared to gas boilers, some reports have said that the electricity used to power electric boilers is generated by a process that creates as much pollution as gas boilers.
Who are they best suited to?
An electric boiler is best suited for properties with no gas supply or where it is difficult to install a flue that is required for a gas boiler.