Types of Boiler

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A combi boiler is both a high-efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler, combined (hence the name) within one compact unit. Therefore, no separate hot water cylinder is required, offering space saving within the property.

Pros and cons

A combi boiler includes hot water being delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering* without the need for a pump.

Another combi boiler 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. 

One of the down sides to a combination boiler is, should the boiler break down you will be without water until it is repaired.

It requires a good level of mains pressure

It’s important to make sure that your mains supply can deliver an adequate flow rate and pressure before choosing a combi boiler. If not, it may not be the best type of boiler for your household.

You cannot use a power shower with a combi boiler, as the pressure is dictated by that of the mains supply.

With a combi boiler you cannot run more than one shower or bath at a time (or run a hot tap at the same time). This makes it a less ideal option for larger households with multiple bathrooms.

 A system boiler directly heats your central heating system as well as hot water for a storage cylinder. They are heat only and work like a regular (conventional) boiler on the principle of stored hot water, however system boilers do have some distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and cons

Installation of a system boiler can be easier, quicker and neater than the installation of other boiler types. This is due to many of the individual components of the heating and hot water system being built into a system boiler. By building in components, the unit is more compact and in many homeowners eyes more attractive.

Great for high hot water demand

A system boiler uses a large tank of stored water meaning you can use multiple taps at one time without a reduction in pressure. This makes it ideal for busy or large households. If the boiler breaks down you will still have hot water as all hot water cylinders have an electrical immersion heater as a back up. 

Downside, not having enough room for a hot water tanks may lead you to choosing a combination boiler. The installation costs are higher doe to the added cost of hot water tanks.

System boilers can work with a solar thermal system, which uses the sun’s energy to heat water for your home. This can reduce your household’s carbon emissions and energy bills.

Also known as a regular boiler, a conventional boiler system is made up of a number of parts including a boiler, heating controls, a hot water cylinder, a cold water storage cistern plus a feed and expansion cistern. A conventional boiler can often be found in older, larger homes and less are being installed as time goes by.

Pros and cons

Works well when replacing an older system

When it comes to replacing the heating system in an older property, a conventional boiler can be a good option as it requires minimal changes to the pipework if any.

It can work with a backup immersion heater

Compatible with solar thermal

A conventional boiler system is compatible with solar thermal panels, which harness the suns energy to create warm water which is then fed into your central heating system.

Takes up a large amount of space

This means it is often not ideal for smaller homes.

Hot water tank heat loss

A conventional boiler system uses a hot water storage cylinder. Whilst hot water is stored in there it will lose heat over time, in order to prevent this you should insulate your tank well.

Complicated to install

Due to all of its separate parts and pipework, a conventional boiler system is one of the more time consuming and costly heating systems to install.

An electric boiler uses electricity rather than gas to heat hot water. Just like a gas boiler, it will heat up the water that warms your radiators, and the water you use in the kitchen and bathroom. Can be used along side solar panels.

They can come in various shapes and sizes, but in all electric boilers, you’ll see water running through the system to be heated by a heating element – similar to the way a kettle works.

Pros and cons.

Electric boilers Can run quietly as they are small compact systems that can squeeze into tight spots, easy and cheap to install. Don’t need to be placed on an outside wall, as there’s no flue or gas They can be energy efficient – little heat is lost in the process of heating the water pipe. Can be used along side solar panels.

Downsides

Typically small systems, so may struggle to heat larger properties. Potential higher costs when using energy in the daytime, if you’re on a split tariff. It may be expensive to change to a gas system later down the line. Energy isn’t always accessible when using a system with storage heaters

Renewable boilers derived  energy from natural processes (e.g. sunlight and wind) that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed. Solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and some forms of biomass are common sources of renewable energy. Typical types of boiler are air and ground source heat pumps, biomes and solar.

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from the outside air.

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) use pipes that are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. 

Wood-fuelled heating systems, also called biomass systems, burn wood pellets, chips or logs to provide warmth in a single room or to power central heating and hot water boilers.

Solar water heating systems, or 'solar thermal' systems, use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater can be used to make the water hotter, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable.

Thermal stores are becoming increasingly common in domestic renewables heating technologies as a means of storing excess heat generated. They can be used with an individual renewable heating technology or to combine different renewable heating technologies. Thermal stores can also be used as a renewables technology with a conventional boiler or immersion heater

If you have any questions get in touch.

These standard radiators come with convectors for greater efficiency and economy, with flexible connection options for the highest of commercial and domestic application specifications

Decorative radiators for living areas and bathrooms not only make a home warmer but also more attractive. Created by renowned designers, they impress with excellent functionality.

Safety radiators or  LST radiators, are the number one choice for safety critical environments

Solid screed is the most cost competitive and efficient way of installing underfloor heating systems. Although this does lean towards new builds more, it can be worked into renovation builds as well.

The main advantage of Uponor Minitec is its low installation height. You can easily fit different floor coverings on to it – depending on the customer’s individual requirements. Therefore, Uponor Minitec brings excellent living comfort even to renovated houses

Uponor has developed various heat emission plates (HEP's) to suit many timber floor applications. There are 3 plate sizes suitable for Uponor Pipes, as follows:  

HEP411: For use with sprung timber floors with battens spaced at 411mm centres, such as Junckers Unobat and Blubat Sports Floor System, suspended or battened floors with joists/supports at 411mm centres. 20mm PEX pipe only.

HEP400 : For use with timber suspended or battened floors with joists/supports at 400mm centres.

HEP300: For use with timber suspended or battened floors with joists/supports at 300mm centres. 20mm PEX pipe only.