Is it time for a new boiler? With regular servicing and few tweaks, boilers can have an exceptionally long shelf life. However, if your boiler frequently breaks down, becomes suspiciously noisy and smelly or your energy bills spike without explanation, then it could be time for a new one.

Its vital that you pick the right type of boiler for your home. With our plumber’s handy guide, you’ll understand all about the different types of boiler available, along with their benefits and limitations.

To begin with, there are three main types of boiler – combi boilers, heat only (regular) boilers and system boilers. Read on to learn about these boilers and which one is the right choice for your home.

Combination (Combi) boilers

More commonly known as combi boilers, combination boilers are by far the most popular type in the UK. They provide heat and, perhaps most importantly of all, instant hot water from a single unit. They supply hot water directly to your home’s radiators and taps.

Pros of combi boilers

Highly economical and energy efficient

By heating the home as well as providing water, they will save you a considerable amount of money versus other boiler types.

Instant and unlimited hot water

Combi boilers use a metallic heat exchanger to instantly heat water when required, meaning no more waiting around for the water to get hot enough for a shower.

Utilise less home space

Due to their compact and discreet design, you won’t have to worry about installing any bulky water tanks or cylinders that take up valuable home space.

Cons of combi boilers

Water pressure reduces if more than one tap is running

The rate of the water flow running in the house reduces if more than one outlet (e.g. taps) are being used simultaneously.

Not suitable for larger homes

As a result of the reducing water rate, if you live in a larger property with several bathrooms that could be used at the same time, then a combi boiler may not be the best option.

Not suitable for low mains pressure

Combi boilers supply water directly from your mains supply and are reliant on the mains’ water pressure for the rate of water flow. This may pose a problem if your mains pressure is relatively low.

Heat only (regular) boilers

Also known as open vent or regular boilers, conventional boilers operate your heating and hot water through both a tank and a cylinder. They consist of two tanks – a hot water cylinder and the boiler itself. They work by feeding hot water directly to the central heating system or radiators and storing hot water within a hot water storage cylinder for availability on-demand.

Pros of heat only boilers

Great water pressure

In contrast to combi boilers, by having a separate water cylinder, they can provide relatively greater water pressure to your home. This helps if you live in an area that has low water pressure mains supplies.

Ideal for large homes supplying hot water to multiple outlets at a time

As a result of the greater water pressure, conventional boilers are a great choice for homes with multiple bathrooms and a high demand for water.

Simplistic and practical design features

Regular boilers are easy to maintain due to their simple design features, and are compatible with older central heating systems. What’s more, they are straightforward to deal with as should your boiler break down, you can just install an immersion heater to the hot water cylinder.

Cons of heat only boilers

Compatibility issues with newer heating systems

A drawback of heat only boilers are that they may not be work with some newer heating systems, so its definitely worth checking in case you have any compatibility issues.

Need to wait for hot water

Additionally, there’s a lead time to allow the water to warm up, meaning you have to wait longer for hot water versus a combi boiler.

Utilise home space

As the boiler’s water tank and cylinder are relatively large, they will take up a considerable amount of space in your home.

System boilers

Similar to heat only boilers, system boilers deliver hot water straight to your central heating and store hot water within a hot water cylinder. The difference is that the water is supplied directly from the mains water supply.

They’re a popular choice for busy homes that need to use hot water in more than one place at a time as they're powerful. However, unlike combi boilers, you have to wait for the hot water to heat up.

Pros of system boilers

No need for a bulky tank

While system boilers need to have a water cylinder, there is no need for a large water tank taking up room in the loft.

Good water pressure

Compared to a regular boiler, system boilers benefit from improved water pressure as they use the mains water supply.

Can run multiple taps simultaneously

System boilers are perfect for homes with multiple outlets being used at the same time. For example, you’ll be able to wash the dishes while someone else takes a shower without loss of water pressure.

Cons of system boilers

No instant hot water

System boilers take a relatively long time to heat hot water from the cylinder. If you’re boiler has been switched off for a while, then be prepared to patiently wait for your hot water.

Programming required

If you forget to programme the hot water, you’ll have to wait for a shower or bath due to the fact that the water isn’t instantly heated.

Needs a cylinder which takes up room

Be mindful that system boilers need a hot water storage cylinder. If you are swapping it for a combi boiler, you will need to find the necessary storage space.

We are a boiler installer in Dorset

If you’re looking for a reliable, professional and Gas Safe registered plumber to supply and install your chosen boiler, contact Greenstar on 01202 355344 today. We’re a leading plumbing company based in Dorset with years of experience safely and efficiently installing, servicing and repairing all types of boilers. We also offer boiler finance options to help you spread the cost.