Updated: 28th March, 2024
In this article we will discuss the topic of different boiler types, specifically system boilers vs combi boilers, explaining how each new heating system type works as well as their pros and cons.
A system boiler links with a hot water storage cylinder to provide a home with central heating and hot water.
It does this by taking cold water directly from the mains (instead of a separate feed tank) and heating it via an internal heat exchanger, this transfers gas energy to water.
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The hot water is then moved to the hot water cylinder for storage.
Unlike some regular boilers, such as oil or heat only boilers, that use bulky external components, with a system boiler the majority of components are integrated within the appliance.
The only external part is the aforementioned hot water storage cylinder; This is a much smaller unit than some of the other hot water storage tank systems used by regular boilers, these tend to eat up loft space.
Combi (combination) boilers also link a home’s central heating system and water heating, however they are a single unit, with all components integrated within the boiler.
The combi signals a sensor upon hot water demand, then takes water directly from the mains and the heat exchanger heats it for distribution to water outlets. This means there's no accompanying cylinder or hot water tank.
System Boiler Pros | Combi Boiler Pros |
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System Boilers Cons | Combi Boilers Cons |
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As with any appliance, new boiler and installation prices can vary due to a number of contributing factors including brand, model, merchant and engineer rates.
In general, the average price for new system boilers (including installation rates) in 2022 is around £2000 with the equivalent combi boiler system prices in the £1975 region.
So not too much to separate the two in terms of initial cost, financial impact shouldn't hold sway over practicality in the case of these differing options.
The decision of whether to buy a new system boiler or new combi boiler should be dependent on the particular requirements you or your home need. Both as previously discussed aren't a million miles away in terms of finance with the combi being the slightly cheaper option.
If saving space is your number one priority, again both options are economical in terms of proxemics, with the combi being the most compact as a single unit.
The system boiler however has a marginally quicker speed of flow, and both boiler types are at their most optimum with modern plumbing infrastructure.
The choice may simply come down to a system boiler being more effective for larger homes while the combi is suited to smaller properties; both are fantastic modern heating system options whose pros outway their cons especially in relation to older conventional boilers.
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Switching from a regular boiler to a system boiler can be beneficial if you're looking for a more efficient heating system with a faster response time and reduced space requirements (since system boilers don't need an expansion or feed tank in the loft). System boilers are also easier to install than regular boilers and can provide a more consistent water pressure. Consider this upgrade if you have a medium to large-sized property with more than one bathroom, as system boilers can cope better with higher hot water demands.
Upgrading to a system boiler might be a good decision if:
Disadvantages of a combi boiler include:
System boilers are connected to a hot water cylinder that stores a significant amount of hot water ready for use. While it's unlikely to "run out" of hot water under normal usage, the cylinder can be depleted if there's excessive demand. However, it will refill and reheat water continuously, so any shortage is temporary.
Yes, a system boiler requires a hot water cylinder to store hot water for domestic use. This setup allows the boiler to provide hot water more efficiently to multiple taps or showers at once, making it suitable for homes with higher hot water demand.
For a 4 bedroom house, especially with multiple bathrooms, a system boiler connected to a suitable hot water cylinder or a larger combi boiler is often recommended. The exact size and type depend on the number of bathrooms, the household's water usage, and whether the property has space for a hot water cylinder. Typically, a boiler with an output of 24-35 kW is suitable for such homes.
A 30kW boiler can comfortably support around 15-20 average-sized radiators. The exact number can vary based on factors such as the size and type of radiators, insulation quality of the home, and specific heating requirements. It's crucial to consult with a heating engineer to ensure your boiler's capacity matches your home's heating needs accurately.
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