For most people, boilers remain an unsung hero in the modern world. We don’t tend to think about them all too often, but they play a central role in keeping homes warm, dry and comfortable spaces to spend time in. Every now and then, whether they break down or simply need upgrading, you’ll need to make a decision about which boiler to go with. To make the right choice, many homeowners turn to experienced plumbers Coventry trusts for advice on boiler types and installation. If this is the first time you’ve had to think about boiler types, don’t stress – below we go through the main different options, with some brief notes on their relative pros and cons.
Main Kinds Of Boilers
There are a few main varieties of boilers that you should be aware of.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers, or combination boilers, are the most common option in the UK. As the name alludes to, they combine a water heater and a central heating system combined in a single unit, meaning that you don’t need to have different hot water cylinders and water tanks.
They’re generally the perfect option for homes on the smaller side of things, as they produce hot water on demand – this means that they’re also highly efficient, as they’re only on when they need to be. With larger homes though, they might not have quite enough oomph.
System Boilers
Unlike combi boilers, system boilers do require a hot water cylinder, but they don’t need a tank for cold water. As a result, they’re better at producing larger quantities of water for multiple sources, without needing the extra space for a storage tank anywhere. They also tend to be pretty efficient in these kinds of larger homes; they can be overkill in smaller spaces though, where combi boilers might suffice.
Conventional Boilers
Lastly, conventional boilers are an option that tends to be found in older homes. They require both a water tank and a cylinder, meaning that they’re the least efficient in terms of how much space they take up. While they are great at providing lots of hot water for use in multiple sources, they’re often not as efficient as system and combi boilers, and as a result, aren’t used as frequently anymore.
Understanding The Benefits & Drawbacks
Which boiler is right for you will depend on multiple specific factors. This includes the size of your home, the existing plumbing infrastructure, and your priorities in terms of variables like efficiency. In most cases, you won’t want to make that decision on your own.
It’s best to speak with a knowledgeable plumber from somewhere like Able Plumbers who has worked on your home before, to get their advice on the matter. They’ll be able to make an informed suggestion as to what might be best, taking you through their reasoning so that you can make an informed decision yourself.
The boiler you decide to go with will likely last for at least a couple of decades if looked after properly. As a result, it’s important that you take your time when making your decision – they’re a relatively big investment, and your decision can have a big impact on your heating costs over the coming years.