Domestic boiler installation

A combination or ‘combi’ boiler is both a high efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single compact unit. Combi boilers heat water directly from the mains when you turn on a tap, so you won’t need a hot water storage cylinder or a cold water storage tank in the roof space.

Advantages of a combi boiler

• Very efficient Around 55 per cent of your annual energy spend goes towards heating your home. This means that having an energy efficient boiler is extremely important. All new combi boilers that are installed in the UK need to be condensing and will have an efficiency rating of 90-94 per cent, so you’ll have a warmer home for less energy usage.
• Compact Combi boilers can be more compact. A conventional system may need a hot water cylinder, with a combi you don’t need a hot water cylinder alongside the boiler. This makes combis ideal for installation in a loft, utility or even in a kitchen cupboard. Some designs can incorporate a tank which allows for greater hot water flow rates in homes with a higher hot water demand or multiple water outlets.
• Instant hot water when you need it If you currently have a conventional boiler system, there may have been many instances where you run out of hot water. This is because when the boiler is programmed to turn on, it will heat your home as well as a large volume of water. This hot water is then stored in a large insulated tank that keeps the water warm for a few hours, making it available when you need to run a bath or wash the dishes. However, these tanks can only store so much hot water and once it has been used up, you would need to turn your boiler back on and wait a while for the tank to refill. With a combi boiler system, this isn’t an issue. Instead of having a tank, the boiler can heat water as and when you need it, meaning you’ll never run out of hot water again.
• Easy to install A combi boiler might be much easier to install than a conventional boiler because these models have fewer external parts. Whereas a conventional system will need to have a water tank installed as well, a combi boiler doesn’t need one of these. Not only does this mean your boiler can be installed much faster, but it may cost less too.
• Save money on your bills A combi boiler might be much easier to install than a conventional boiler because these models have fewer external parts. Whereas a conventional system will need to have a water tank installed as well, a combi boiler doesn’t need one of these. Not only does this mean your boiler can be installed much faster, but it may cost less too.
• No cold water tank Not only do conventional boilers have a hot water cylinder to store the heated water, they may also have a cold feed tank. This is generally located in the loft. The cold tank is filled with water from the mains which supplies the cylinder. As a combi boiler takes in water directly from the mains when it’s needed, there’s no requirement for a cold water tank, saving even more space in your home.

Disadvantages of a combi boiler

While combi boilers have a lot of benefits, there are still some things that they aren’t able to do as well as a conventional system. For example, a combi boiler:

• Relies on good mains pressure
• Doesn’t have an immersion heater
• Doesn’t work with power showers
• Doesn’t allow you to use multiple hot water appliances at once, although other combi possibilities are available as mentioned earlier in the article

A conventional boiler, also known as a regular boiler, traditional boiler or a heat-only boiler, provides your home’s heating and hot water with the support of an additional cold water tank and hot water cylinder.

Advantages of a conventional boiler

• They still work well even if your mains pressure is low
• You’ll still get hot water even if someone is running the shower and the kitchen taps at the same time
• They’re easy to maintain as they have a simple design
• You can install an immersion heater to the hot water cylinder to use if the boiler breaks down
• Conventional boilers are compatible with older central heating systems

Disadvantages of a conventional boiler

• Pressure flow for showers and hot water can be low
• You’ll need space for the hot and cold feed tanks
• Conventional boilers aren’t as efficient as combi boilers – there will be heat loss as hot water is stored
• Your hot water can run out and take time to reheat

Hot water isn’t supplied on demand – you need to heat it in advance

A system boiler is the variety of boiler that is often found in larger homes with greater requirements for heating and hot water. They have a separate cylinder for storing water, meaning system boilers can provide a constant supply of hot water throughout the home, unlike combi boilers which can only heat water on demand.

Advantages Of System Boilers

• No Cold Water Tank – A system boiler does not need a cold water tank. This is as they can be used with pressurised cylinders. This saves room in your home and means that you can install a system boiler if you don’t have a loft.
• Easy To Install – System boilers are usually much easier and quicker to install than other types of boilers. This is as a lot of the components of the central heating and hot water systems are built into the system boiler.
• Fast Response – Built into a system boiler is a pump which makes the boiler respond quickly.
• Multiple Taps – A system boiler stores hot water in a cylinder meaning that multiple taps or showers can be used at once, without a reduction in water pressure.

Disadvantages Of System Boilers

• Take Up Space – Although system boilers don’t need a cold water tank they still take up more room than a combi boiler. This is because they require a hot water cylinder, which can take up a lot of space.
• Limited Hot Water – The amount of hot water you have is limited to how much water your hot water cylinder is. When this runs out you will have to wait for the tank to heat back up.
• Heat Loss – A hot water tank can loose heat, making it inefficient, if it is not insulated correctly.

If you choose a Worcester Bosch boiler, we can now offer 10 months interest free on all purchases. Get in touch to find out more.

There are a number of advantages to replacing your current boiler with a Worcester Bosch boiler. These advantages include:

• The longevity of the boiler- a Worcester Bosch boiler will maintain it’s efficiency, effectively heating your home, for 10-15 years, without additional attention! And with annual boiler servicing, you can be sure to keep your boiler in top condition. In fact, all Worcester Bosch boilers come with a 10 year, no quibble guarantee. This means if something does go wrong, within the 10 years, you can have your boiler replaced for free, without hassle.
• Higher efficiency– many of the Worcester Bosh boiler models have an exceptionally high efficiency rating. This means that they can heat your home more effectively, using less fuel than other types of boilers. This can help you save money on heating bills all year round, and it can also help reduce your carbon footprint too.
• Range of boiler types– if you want to replace your old boiler with one of the same type, Worcester Bosch have you covered. From system to conventional, to compact combi boilers, Worcester Bosch offer the full range of boiler types.
• Worcester Bosch carry an enviable reputation for manufacturing boilers that are not only reliable and energy efficient but are also easy to install and service. They are not the cheapest boilers on the market but are widely available and reliable.

The answer is always, it depends. Why not call one of our friendly team to discuss your needs on 01724 843703, for honest, no obligation advice.

In simplistic terms, some of the key things you might consider include:

• If you want to save space in your home then a combi boiler could be the best option for you – combining the heating with hot water.
• A system boiler is a more efficient alternative to a conventional boiler, which is useful for larger households who require a stored water cylinder.
• Which boiler you choose will depend on the size of your house, how much hot water you use, how much room you have for a boiler and how energy efficient you want to be.

You’ll also want to choose the right size of boiler for your home – something we’re more than happy to advise you on. This will also depend on the size of your home, your hot water needs and where the boiler itself will be positioned in your home.

• On the day, we’ll gather our facts – how many radiators you have, how many bathrooms you have and your water pressure.
• We’ll cover up your carpets and surfaces and make the installation as quick as possible – if it’s a straightforward boiler only swap it can be done in under a day.
• We suggest you stick around to get a run-through of the new boiler controls when installation is complete.

By having your boiler serviced each year, any small issues and problems can be identified and fixed. This can not only save money in the long run on large issues to fix, but will also ensure you and your family remain safe in your home with no boiler issues to worry about.