There are three main types of boilers: Combination, System and Open Vent.
Combination Boilers
Combination boilers (combi boilers) are the most popular boiler that is fitted in the UK right now. Combination boilers are units that get rid of the need for a hot water tank, therefore save space in the house as no airing cupboard is necessary no space is taken up in the loft. Because the name suggests, combination boilers combine two functions - not only do they provide hot water to a property, in addition they act as a central heating boilers. Combination boilers run 'on demand' which means they provide instant hot water when required.
Pros of combination boilers:
- Space saving.
- Saves money since there is no warm water tank which should be constantly heated to keep the water hot.
- Water received through taps and other outlets is at mains pressure
- Less pipe work is required when installing so installation is normally quicker.
Cons of combination boilers:
- As the water supplied by combination boilers is 'on demand' at mains pressure, if several outlets are opened simultaneously (taps/showers/washing machines) the pressure can be reduced based on how powerful the boiler is.
Middlesbrough Boiler repairs (sealed system boilers) comprise of a sealed unit that usually runs at about 1 bar of pressure. System boilers require a water storage cylinder to store the hot water for the property, that is generally installed within an airing cupboard.
Pros of system boilers:
- Good for homes with more than one bathroom because the kind of boiler system can deliver warm water, at exactly the same pressure, to many outlets simultaneously.
- No dependence on an expansion tank in the loft thus giving you more storage space in the attic.
- High water pressure.
Cons of system boilers:
- Can be expensive to repair and install.
- Airing cupboard is necessary.
Open Vent Boilers
Open vent boilers are often linked to two tanks housed in the loft space of a house. One of these tanks is a small 'feed and expansion' tank which is used to supply water to the boiler and radiators, another is a larger cold water storage tank which provides the water required for an open vented hot water cylinder.
Pros of open vent boilers:
- Mainly used in properties where there are several outlets (taps etc.) that may be used at the same time.
- Relatively inexpensive to replace.
Cons of open vent boilers:
- Low water pressure.
- If the warm water cylinder empties you could have to wait a while for it to re-fill and then warm up.
- Takes up many space compared to other boilers.
As you can plainly see there are advantages and disadvantages for each kind of boiler, when you are still unsure concerning which boiler will best suit your needs, most good boiler installers will advise as per the list below:
If you have a flat or bungalow with no roof space - Combi Boiler.
If your property has 2 or more bathrooms - System or Open Vented.
If you are within an area with low mains water pressure - System or Open Vented.
If you are seeking to upgrade an existing conventional boiler to high efficiency - System, Open vented or Combi.
If there are many people in your premises requiring warm water on demand - Combi or System boiler with a hot water cylinder.
If your property is really a loft conversion - Combi.
When purchasing boilers for installation at home, or at work, it will always be advisable to contact an installer who has all of the relevant qualifications to complete the work accurately and safely. An established installer of boilers will also offer you the very best advice as to which system will suit your requirements. Do not attempt to use a boiler system yourself if you don't are fully qualified.