Updated: 23rd May, 2024
Try a new boiler quote, finance available including 0% APR.
In this guide, we’re going to be explaining what each of these terms mean so you know exactly what it is you need to be looking for when choosing your new boiler.
When shopping for the right boiler for your home, you may be confused by the different types, names and terms, such as condensing, combi, system and conventional boilers.
Get a quote in 60 seconds, fitted as fast as next day!
0% APR finance available.
Condensing boilers are gas or oil-fired boilers designed for more efficient heating.
When a boiler burns fuel, it produces water vapour (steam) which contains heat.
This water vapour has the potential to contribute to the heating of the home; however, until condensing boilers were developed, the vapour went straight out of the flue pipe.
This meant that up to 30% of the heat produced by the boiler was being wasted, and the boiler would need to use more fuel to make up for the loss, resulting in high energy bills.
Condensing boilers were developed to stop this waste.
Condensing boilers use a ‘Flue Gas Recovery System’ to recycle the heat from the steam and prevent it from being lost.
The system includes two heat exchangers.
The water enters the condensing chamber first, picking up latent heat from the hot flue gases as they cool.
The moisture in these gases then condenses into droplets at the heat exchanger's bottom.
The condensation droplets are then expelled to the drain while the heated water enters the primary heat exchanger to collect more heat before finally flowing to the radiators and hot water taps.
This results in a more efficient heating system and much lower energy bills.
A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, combines a water heating system and central heating unit into a single body, handling heating and hot water without needing separate hot and cold water tanks.
Regular boilers are fed cold water from a cold water tank, which is often stored in the attic. This is then warmed by the heat exchanged in the boiler and stored in a hot water cylinder where it is stored until you need it.
A combi boiler, however, is fed cold water directly from the mains and can provide hot water instantly without the need to store hot water in a cylinder..
This means you can get hot water on demand and won't run out like it does with other boilers, as well as additional space in your home without the need for additional cylinders.
Yes and no. A combi boiler is a type of condensing boiler.
All modern domestic boilers, including combi boilers, system and regular boilers use condensing technology to make them more energy efficient.
So when it comes to choosing the right boiler for your home, you don’t need to choose between a combi boiler and conventional boiler as all combis are condensing.
Choosing the right condensing boiler from your home can be a tricky decision, however, certain boiler types suit certain types of homes more than others.
Combi boilers are typically best suited to small to medium sized homes with a low demand for heating and hot water at any one time.
They’re also ideal for homes with less space as they don’t require any additional cold water tanks or hot water cylinders.
System boilers are best suited to small, medium and large homes with a high demand for heating and hot water.
This is because they can store significant amounts of hot water in the cylinder so two showers or taps can be running at the same time without impacting the water pressure.
However, your home must have enough space to store a hot water cylinder, such as in an airing cupboard or utility room.
Regular boilers are best suited to medium and large sized homes with a high demand for heating and hot water as they can store significant amounts of hot water in the cylinder so two showers or taps can be running at the same time without impacting the water pressure.
However, your home must have plenty of space to store a hot water cylinder, such as in an airing cupboard or utility room and a cold water tank in the loft.
Yes! We sell and install a wide range of condensing boilers to suit your home. Check out our guide to the best condensing boilers on the market.
Selecting the right boiler brand is pivotal for ensuring efficiency, reliability, and longevity in home heating. Among the myriad of options, brands like Vaillant, Viessmann, Alpha, Ideal, and Worcester Bosch distinguish themselves with innovative technology and customer satisfaction. Below is an in-depth comparison of these brands, focusing on their standout models and unique industry positions.
Brand | Standout Model | Energy Efficiency | Unique Features | Environmental Impact |
Vaillant | ecoTEC Plus | A-rated | Eco-friendly, quiet operation | Reduced carbon emissions |
Viessmann | Vitodens 100-W | A-rated | Compact design, smart compatibility | Low emissions technology |
Alpha | E-Tec Plus | High efficiency | Compact, cost-effective | Energy-saving operation |
Ideal | Logic Plus | A-rated | User-friendly, easy installation | Efficient energy use |
Worcester Bosch | Greenstar i | A-rated | Robust build, smart controls | Eco-conscious design |
Vaillant's eco-friendly ethos shines in their ecoTEC range, particularly the ecoTEC Plus and ecoTEC Exclusive models. These boast top-tier energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprints. They're known for quiet operation and user-friendly controls, making them a harmonious blend of performance and environmental responsibility.
Viessmann's Vitodens series, especially the 100-W and 200-W, are hallmarks of high-efficiency and technology. These models feature compact designs and stainless steel Inox-Radial heat exchangers for durability. Advanced features like smart thermostat compatibility offer enhanced control and user convenience.
Alpha Heating Innovation's E-Tec range, particularly the E-Tec Plus, offers a fine balance between affordability and quality. Notable for their impressive energy efficiency and compact size, these boilers are suitable for various home types, making them an ideal choice for straightforward, efficient heating solutions.
Ideal Boilers, especially the Logic Plus range, are lauded for their reliability and value. These boilers stand out with their efficiency, user-friendly interface, and compactness, favoured for their ease of installation and maintenance. They come with comprehensive warranties, offering peace of mind and reliability.
A leader in the market, Worcester Bosch is synonymous with quality and reliability. The Greenstar range, including models like Greenstar i, Si, and CDi, is known for its efficiency and robust build quality. These boilers blend innovative features such as smart thermostat compatibility with user-friendly controls, making them a top choice in many homes.
Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.
Boiler costs can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer.
Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.
Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).
Installation Type | Price (inc VAT) | |
Combi to combi swap | £1,845 | |
System to combi conversion | £2,499 | |
New boiler install | £2,899 | |
Back boiler to a combi | £3,299 | |
System to system | £1,945 |
Condensing boilers, while highly efficient, come with a few disadvantages: higher initial cost, complex installation, risk of frozen condensate pipes in cold weather, and potentially more frequent maintenance requirements.
Both combi boilers and condensing boilers have their advantages, and the choice depends on your household's hot water needs. Combi boilers are suitable for smaller households with limited space, while condensing boilers, which can include combi boilers, are better for larger households with higher hot water demand.
Not necessarily. Condensing technology can be applied to both combi boilers, which do not require hot water tanks, and system or regular boilers that do. Whether you need a hot water tank depends on the type of condensing boiler and your household’s water usage.
The "best" condensing boiler varies based on specific needs, but brands like Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, and Vaillant are often lauded for their reliability, efficiency, and wide range of models suitable for different home sizes and demands.
Plumbers typically recommend high-efficiency condensing boilers from reputable manufacturers such as Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, and Vaillant. These brands are known for their durability, extensive warranty periods, and after-sales support.
The life expectancy of a condensing boiler is typically around 15 to 20 years, although this can vary based on the boiler's brand, model, and maintenance. Regular servicing is crucial to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of the boiler.
Replacing a condensing boiler can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000, including installation. The price can vary based on the complexity of the installation, the type of boiler, and regional differences in labor costs. Upgrading from a non-condensing to a condensing boiler may also incur additional costs due to the more complex installation requirements.
06th December, 2024
Understanding the various reasons why a boiler may not switch on can save homeowners time...
05th December, 2024
An electric combi boiler is a compact unit that provides both central heating and hot wate...
05th December, 2024
What happens when your boiler pressure goes too high, some possible causes and how to fix...