Collaborative Content | Contains affiliate links Combi boilers or combination boilers get their name from the fact that they combine hot w...
Collaborative Content | Contains affiliate links
Combi boilers or combination boilers get their name from the fact that they combine hot water generation and central heat in one unit, creating hot water in demand while keeping your house warm in the winter. They are the most popular type of boiler in the UK, and it's easy to see why when we consider all the benefits that they offer. But is a combi boiler a good choice for your particular household? Let's look at a few factors that go into making that decision.
Energy Efficiency
If one of your goals is to save energy, combi boilers are a good option. Combi boilers are very energy efficient since they deliver hot water on demand. This means you aren’t wasting energy heating a hot water tank, which can make up for a large portion of your energy spend. Not to mention that you could save even more energy if it is combined with a smart thermostat.
This is why combi boilers are often the best choice if you’re trying to increase the comfort of your home while lowering your energy bills. New combi boilers are about 90% efficient. If you have an old boiler, the energy savings are generally enough to justify installing a new one.
However, unless you’re familiar with these units, you might have difficulty knowing which unit would be the most efficient. If you want to find the best combi boiler, you can check out the reviews by Boiler Central. They run down a list of the top 5 new gas combi boilers based on factors like performance, efficiency, price, and quality. They also recommend a few good system boilers if a combi boiler isn’t right for your home.
Space Savings
You then need to see how much space you’re working with. If space is a major issue for you, then a combi boiler might be a good option since they’re much more compact.
Combination boilers are generally smaller than a boiler and hot water tank would be if your home had both. Their compact design makes them the ideal choice for small properties with 1 or 2 inhabitants. You even may be able to install the boiler in an existing cupboard, or you could install the combi boiler in the existing airing cupboard while gaining additional storage space.
Installation Costs
Many people save money on the installation costs too, because their home needs less piping to deliver hot water throughout their home. A combi boiler can pump out hot water when you turn on the shower. Because the hot water is delivered at mains pressure, there’s no need for an additional pump.
We would also suggest that you consider combining the installation of a new combi boiler with general refurbishment. You will then be able to minimise the disruption and the costs involved in running new pipes under the floor or adding new radiators. This is also a great time to add more insulation.
The installation costs will be affected by the location of the current boiler. If the boiler is being replaced, then you may need to relocate the flue. Depending on where the flue is or will be, you may need to install a plume diverter.
The Limitations of Combi Boilers
It’s very important, however, that you understand the limitations of a combi boiler. The main issue is with how they heat water. Since they have to heat water at the source, they can provide hot water on demand, but in limited quantity.
While combi boilers can deliver hot water to any room in your home, they typically cannot provide hot water to more than one tap at a time. So, it will be important that you consider the number of people in your household and their habits before you can decide whether they’re the right option for you.
If your family spends hours in the shower every day, you may need to install an accumulator tank or mains booster. Unfortunately, that adds to the complexity and cost of the combi boiler system. There’s also a risk that you’ll have no hot water when the boiler breaks down. Immersion heaters connected to conventional boilers will provide hot water when the main boiler breaks down. Combi boilers cannot be fitted with these backup water heaters.
Combi boilers are the best option if you want to drive down costs and have limited needs. This could be a small household of 1 to 4 people with limited demand on the hot water system. However, if you have a bigger household, they might not be the best option.
More than 70% of homes now have a combi boiler, and they could be a good choice. However, you need to determine if this is the right one given your home and your family’s needs.
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