There are three main types of boilers: Combination, System and Open Vent.

Combination Boilers

Combination boilers (combi boilers) will be the most popular boiler that’s fitted in the UK at the moment. Combination boilers are units that take away the need for a hot water tank, therefore save space in the house as no airing cupboard is necessary and no space is taken up in the loft. Because the name suggests, combination boilers combine two functions – not merely do they provide warm water to a property, they also become a central heating boilers. Combination boilers run ‘on demand’ which means they provide instant warm water when required.

Pros of combination boilers:

– Space saving.

– Saves money because there is no warm water tank which has to be constantly heated to help keep the water hot.

– Water received through taps along with other outlets reaches 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 could be reduced depending on how powerful the boiler is.

System Boilers

System boilers (sealed system boilers) comprise of a sealed unit that usually runs at about 1 bar of pressure. System boilers need a water storage cylinder to store the warm water for the property, that is generally installed in an airing cupboard.

Best boiler repair company in South London of system boilers:

– Good for homes with an increase of than one bathroom as the kind of boiler system can deliver hot water, at the same pressure, to many outlets simultaneously.

– No need for an expansion tank in the loft this provides you with you more space for storage 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 connected to two tanks housed in the loft space of a property. One of these brilliant tanks is a small ‘feed and expansion’ tank which is used to provide water to the boiler and radiators, another is a larger cold water storage tank which gives the water necessary for an open vented warm water cylinder.

Pros of open vent boilers:

– Mainly utilized in properties where there are several outlets (taps etc.) that may be used concurrently.

– Relatively inexpensive to replace.

Cons of open vent boilers:

– Low water pressure.

– If the warm water cylinder empties you might have to wait a while for this to re-fill and warm up.

– Takes up a great deal of space compared to other boilers.

As you can plainly see there are pros and cons for each kind of boiler, when you are still unsure as to which boiler will best work for you, most good boiler installers will advise according to the list below:

If you have a set or bungalow with no roof space – Combi Boiler.

If your property has 2 or even more bathrooms – System or Open Vented.

If you are in 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 property requiring hot water on demand – Combi or System boiler with a warm water cylinder.

If your property is really a loft conversion – Combi.

When purchasing boilers for installation in the home, or at work, it is always advisable to contact an installer who has all the relevant qualifications to perform the work accurately and safely. A reputable installer of boilers may also offer you the best advice as to which system will suit the needs you have. Do not try to use a boiler system yourself unless you are fully qualified.