Which boiler should your choose? Well, It depends, mainly, of the size of your house. Here are the Pros and Cons of each type of heating system.
COMBINATION BOILER
PROS
EFFICIENCY - Combi's are highly efficient comapred to older types and could save you up to £300 each year.
PRICE - Combi's are cheaper to buy
EASY TO USE - Less complicated to install and control and parts earier to obtain should they be necessary.
SPEED - No water tank to heat means no waiting and unlimited hot water.
SIZE - Combination boilers are smaller.
SAFETY - Newer boilers use newer technology and so are safer.
RELIABILITY - Combination boilers do not tend to have pressure issues or get air locks, they have generally less sluge build up and malfunction less. Combi's are also cleaner.
CONS
YOU NEED THE PRESSURE - Good mains pressure is essential to ensure that the boiler works efficiently. Check the pressure in the local area by checking with your local water company.
NOT SUITABLE FOR LARGER PROPERTIES - Combination boilers do not have the capacity to feed more than one shower/bath at a time with decent pressure.
NO BACK UP - Without a water tank to use as a back up, if your combination boiler breaks down you will be left without heating or hot water until it is fixed.
SYSTEM BOILERS
PROS
SIZE MATTERS - System boilers allow larger properties to provide hot water in multiple rooms simultaniously.
NO TANK - There is no need for a cold water tank in the loft.
CONS
TIME - You must wait for the water to heat before you use it and can run out if demand is high.
SPACE - You need space for a hot water cylinder.
COST - System boilers cost more to install and repair.
EFFIECIENCY - Heat is lost via the cylinder so system boilers are not as efficient.
CONVENTIONAL BOILER (OR OPEN VENT)
PROS
SIZE - Suitable for higher demand properties.
CONS
SPEED - You have to wait for the water to heat in the cylinder before use.
CONVENIENCE - You can run out of water if there is a high demand.
SPACE - You will need room for both hot water cylinder and water tak in the roof.
COST - Installation is more expensive due to the need of hot water cylinder and tank.
REMEMBER! It is vital that you seek professional advice from a Gas Safe engineer before choosing a boiler for your home. If you are replacing an old boiler system, don't just assume that you need the same as you had before. A good heating company will visit your home, assess your needs and make recommendations based on what is right for you. A boiler is an important investment so it is important to get it right! Get at least 2 quotes before you make any decisions and enure that your engineer is Gas Safe registered and vetted by an independant verifyer such as Checkatrade.
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