What Are the Several types of Boilers Available?
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 united kingdom at the moment. Combination boilers are units that get rid of the need for a warm water tank, therefore save space in the home as no airing cupboard is necessary and no space is taken up in the loft. As the name suggests, combination boilers combine two functions - not merely do they provide warm water to a property, in addition they act as 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 hot water tank which should be constantly heated to help keep the water hot.
- Water received through taps and other outlets reaches mains pressure
- Less pipe work is required when installing so installation is normally quicker.
Cons of combination boilers:
- As the water given 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.
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 more often than not installed in an airing cupboard.
Pros of system boilers:
- Good for homes with more than one bathroom as the type 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 correct and install.
- Airing cupboard is required.
Open Vent Boilers
Open vent boilers are usually linked to two tanks housed in the loft space of a property. One of these tanks is a small 'feed and expansion' tank which is used to provide water to the boiler and radiators, the other is a larger cool water storage tank which gives the water required for an open vented hot water cylinder.
https://www.scsplumbingandheating.co.uk/ of open vent boilers:
- Mainly utilized in properties where there are several outlets (taps etc.) which may be used simultaneously.
- Relatively inexpensive to replace.
Cons of open vent boilers:
- Low water pressure.
- If the hot water cylinder empties you might have to wait a while for this to re-fill and then warm up.
- Takes up many space in comparison to other boilers.
As you can see there are pros and cons for each type of boiler, when you are still unsure as to which boiler will best work for you, most good boiler installers will advise as per the list below:
If you have a set or bungalow without 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 looking to upgrade a preexisting 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 warm water cylinder.
If your property is a loft conversion - Combi.
When purchasing boilers for installation in the home, or in the workplace, it will always be advisable to get hold of an installer who has each of the relevant qualifications to complete the work accurately and safely. A reputable installer of boilers will also offer you the very best advice as to which system will suit your requirements. Do not try to use a boiler system yourself unless you are fully qualified.