What is a Combi Boiler?

The combi boiler, otherwise known as a combination boiler, is a combination of central heating boiler and water boiler in a single compact unit. Generally boilers are grouped into: combi, system and regular. What makes a combi boiler unique is that it is supplied with water from the mains, thus delivering higher pressure. It produces hot water only when you turn the tap on.

Combi boilers are used mainly in the United Kingdom because of their compact size, convenience and high energy efficiency. However, you need to understand that most new combi boilers are condensing boilers. A condensing boiler uses less heat to heat water. It also has a pipe that drains away the condensed vapour when the boiler is in operation.

There is a variety of combi boilers on the market with most of the manufacturers competing on quality. Worcester Bosch is one of the top and most popular boilers around. It is environmentally aware and of premium quality. Vokera boilers are also of good quality and extremely versatile. You can also check out Baxi and Vaillant.

Advantages of a Combi Boiler

Combi boilers offer high energy efficiency. The United Kingdom requires that all installed boilers have at least an efficiency of 92%. This means there is a loss of only 8% of the fuel. A higher efficiency means lower energy bills in the long run. This means that you could save up to £315 per year. However, disadvantages include:

• Not suitable for large homes
• Not compatible with old pipes

A combi boiler has a compact size meaning it will cover a smaller area compared to other types of boilers. They are combined in one unit unlike traditional or system boilers meaning that you don’t need a separate hot water cylinder and water cylinder. This boiler is also easy to install. This equals to a cheaper and quicker installation.

Combi boilers only produce hot water on demand. You don’t need to keep a storage cylinder for hot water. You also don’t have to wait for the water to refill the tank. Unlike traditional systems, a combi boiler is supplied with water directly from the mains. This means that you will get more pressure from the water.

Types of Combi Boiler

Although we have already highlighted the best installed combi boilers, they are also available in in LPG, electric and gas versions in different sizes. If you want to buy an efficient boiler, you can check out boxt.co.uk/boilers/worcester-bosch-boilers. The most commonly installed combi boilers in the United Kingdom are natural gas boilers. They also offer a cheaper solution.

For homes that are not connected to gas, oil combi boilers offer the best alternative. You will need a tank of oil outside your home that will be topped by your supplier as soon as it runs out. You can still have LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) combi boilers. This is composed of 66% gaseous hydrocarbons and 34% oil.

Lastly, there is an electric combi boiler that is very different from all the rest. The difference is that it doesn’t need to burn fuel to heat water. The water is rather heated by passing over an electric element. They are the best especially for homes that aren’t connected to oil or gas. These boilers are recommended for larger homes.