At Kingsbury Heating, our gas boiler engineers offer expert advice and installation services for all types of domestic gas boilers. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current system or are unsure which type is right for your home, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and let us guide you through the process of finding the perfect gas boiler for your home.
There are various types of domestic gas boilers available, each suited to different household needs, energy efficiency goals and budgets. We understand that selecting the right boiler is critical to your home’s comfort and efficiency. In this guide, we will break down the main types of boilers, outlining their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are one of the most popular choices. These boilers serve as both a central heating unit and a water heater in one compact system. They do not require a separate water tank, as they heat water directly from the mains when needed.
Advantages
- Space-saving, as there is no need for a hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank.
- Energy efficient, because they only heat water when needed, reducing energy wastage.
- Endless hot water, since they heat water on demand, you never run out of hot water.
- Lower installation costs, as the absence of additional tanks or cylinders reduces installation complexity.
Disadvantages
- Limited water flow, sometimes, if multiple taps or showers are used simultaneously, the water pressure can drop.
- Not suitable for larger homes, because the increased hot water useage may struggle with a combi boiler, especially when several bathrooms are in use at once.
System Boilers
System boilers are ideal for homes with higher hot water demand. They operate by heating water and storing it in a hot water cylinder. Unlike conventional boilers, system boilers do not require a cold water storage tank, making them more space-efficient while still offering a good supply of hot water.
Advantages
- Good for larger homes, as system boilers can provide hot water to multiple outlets at the same time without affecting pressure.
- Highly efficient modern system boilers, especially when paired with a well-insulated hot water cylinder.
- No cold water tank saves space and avoids the potential of the water tank freezing in loft areas during cold months.
Disadvantages
- Requires a hot water cylinder, although it saves space compared to a conventional boiler.
- Hot water is not instant, because once the stored hot water is used up, you need to wait for the cylinder to refill and reheat, which can take time.
Conventional Boilers
Conventional boilers, also known as regular or heat-only boilers, are the traditional option. They consist of both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank (usually located in the loft). These boilers are typically found in older homes and are designed to handle large amounts of water usage.
Advantages
- Perfect for homes with old radiator systems, as conventional boilers work well with older radiators that may not cope with the high pressure of a combi or system boiler.
- Ideal for large homes because they can supply hot water to multiple bathrooms and taps simultaneously.
- Work with solar water heating, a conventional system can be combined with solar heating system to reduce energy costs.
Disadvantages
- Take up more space because you need room for both a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank.
- Longer installation process, as conventional systems are more complex to install than combi or system boilers, potentially leading to higher installation costs.
- Energy wastage, since water is heated and stored in the cylinder, there is the potential for heat loss if the water is not used immediately.
Condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers are not a type of boiler on their own but rather a technology that can be applied to combi, system, or conventional boilers. The key feature of condensing boilers is their ability to capture and recycle heat that would otherwise be lost through the flue, making them highly energy-efficient.
Advantages
- Energy efficient, as they can be up to 90% efficient, which helps reduce your energy bills.
- Environmentally friendly as they have lower carbon emissions compared to non-condensing boilers.
- Compatible with all boiler types, whether you have a combi, system, or conventional boiler, a condensing model can be fitted.
Disadvantages
- Condensate pipe is required to drain away the condensate produced during operation, which can freeze in very cold weather if not properly insulated.
Need help choosing a gas boiler?
Contact Kingsbury Heating today to discuss your options with one of our experienced gas boiler engineers. Our professional team is ready to help you make the best choice for your home and ensure efficient, long-lasting comfort. Answer a few simple questions for an instant, no-obligation quote.
Please get in touch to find out how we can help with your gas boiler installation, replacement, repair or service.
