Central Heating boiler information and the types we fit
How do I decide which type of system best suits my needs?
We at Water Tight plumbing and heating will be more than glad to advise you on what system and what type of boiler best suits your needs, however if you are interested in doing a bit of research yourself here are some considerations to think about.
There are 3 different types of high-efficiency condensing boiler: Combi, Regular and System. (a regular boiler is often also referred to as a "traditional" or "conventional" boiler)
Each type delivers all the benefits of high-efficiency technology, but which one you choose will depend on several factors, including your property, your lifestyle we will happy offer you advice on what system is best for your home.
| Consideration | Most suitable boiler |
|---|---|
| You want to use your loft space for a room conversion or other purpose | Combi |
| You live in a flat or bungalow (i.e. have very little or no roof space) | Combi |
| Your home has more than 2 bathrooms | Regular or System |
| Your main water pressure is low | Regular or System |
| You want to replace an old boiler to improve an existing conventional central heating system | Regular, System or Combi |
| There is a need to have hot water available on tap without waiting for it to heat up | Combi |
High efficiency condensing combi or combination boiler is an great space-saving idea, and an increasingly popular choice in UK homes. In fact, combis now account for well over half of all the new domestic boilers installed in Britain every year.
The major benefit between a combi and any other type of boiler is that a combi eliminates the need to store hot water - so no need for a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard. It is both a high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler, combined (hence the name) within one compact boiler unit which usually sits in a kitchen or utility room, or sometimes in the airing cupboard (There are number of considerations when choosing where to sight your boiler again we will be more than happy to advise you on where is best) . Having a combi boiler will result in saving space from the fact there is no hot water storage cylinder, cold water storage cistern or other familiar components of a regular (conventional) heating system.
Another major benefits of having a combi boiler installed are the significant saving on hot water costs, and the fact that hot water is delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering* without the need for a pump. Another combi benefit is that it can generally save you money on installation time and costs, since no tank in the roof space means less pipe work and a shorter installation time.
*a thermostatically-controlled shower safeguards against sudden changes in water temperature.
An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a combi boiler
If you are replacing an older model of boiler, the chances are that you will have a regular (conventional) boiler. A typical conventional system incorporates a boiler and extended controls, a feed and expansion cistern, and a hot water cylinder (usually in the airing cupboard) which is often fed by a cold water storage cistern located in the loft.
*a thermostatically-controlled shower safeguards against sudden changes in water temperature.
An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a regular boiler
Unlike a combi, both a system boiler and a regular (conventional) boiler work on the principle of stored hot water - but a system boiler differs from a regular boiler in some important respects. Firstly, many of the major individual components of the heating and hot water system are built in, which means that installation is quicker, neater, easier and more efficient.
Secondly, the hot water is pumped from the boiler through the system to the radiators and hot water cylinder, resulting in a fast response and more economical running costs. The system boiler removes the need for a feed and expansion cistern which again is neater and saves on installation costs.
An example of a central heating and hot water system layout using a system boiler with a pressure hot water cylinder.
Typically we would recommend the Valliant Ecotek Range, Worcester Bosch Greenstar, or a boiler form the Viessmann Range. However if you have a specific boiler in mind we are able to install any boiler of you choice.
The reason we have chosen to fit the Valliant, Viessmann and Worcester Bosch boilers is that they are of the highest quality and through many years of experience we have found that theses boilers have a long life span with the fewest breakdowns. Additionaly, these boiler ranges offer a generous manufactures guarantee.
Range: 27kW-30kW-37kW-40kW
SEDBUK* A rate efficiency
A boiler for all property types hot water and central heating temperature controls consumer comfort and flexibility
Holiday function - frost protection and economic to run while you away from home
Keep hot facility - instantly available hot water
Wall mounting frame housing pipes behind it - no exposed pipe work
Fully condensing in both central heating (CH) and domestic hot water (DHW) modes Low NOx and CO² emissions - environmentally friendly
Rated outputs: 26 kW, 30 kW and 35 kW
SEDBUK rated
10 year warranty on the Inox-Radial stainless steel heat exchanger
Modulating MatriX pre-mix cylinder burner
Integral AquaBloc hydraulic unit for easy service & maintenance
Pre-heat function on Combination models
Extremely quiet operation
Range: 27kW-30kW-37kW-40kW
SEDBUK* A rate efficiency
A boiler for all property types hot water and central heating temperature controls consumer comfort and flexibility
Holiday function - frost protection and economic to run while you away from home
Keep hot facility - instantly available hot water
Wall mounting frame housing pipes behind it - no exposed pipe work
Fully condensing in both central heating (CH) and domestic hot water (DHW) modes Low NOx and CO² emissions - environmentally friendly
Our third property we have lived in since moving from Nottingham & Watertight renovated our first property and from then on we refuse to use anyone else. Andy & his team are so experienced and my wife Susan could`nt believe how clean & tidy they were from start to finish. If your unsure what you want then call Andy, his head is full of idea`s.
Rob & Susan Trigg - Paignton
I have been using Andy & his contacts for 4 years now. i am really pleased with how profesional & punctual they are. Any faults with my rentals seems to get corrected first time rather than other companys i have called that seem to need several visits & then its still not fixed. What Andy doesnt know about Boilers is not worth knowing.
Dr Ian Deakin - Torquay
We have passed Andy`s details on to our clients since 2003 . We also use his services personally. Very profesional.
John Lake Estate agents - St Marychurch