Types of Boilers Explained: Combi, System & Regular (2024)

Boilers are like the brainy wizards of the heating world. They solve the problem of freezing homes by generating hot water or heat, leaving us warm and cosy while controlling energy bills! However, deciding between the many types of boilers can be taxing, so we’re here to help.

In this article, we'll dig into the different types of boilers and their features so you can find the perfect match for your home. While we provide prices for different types of boilers, these estimates can vary based on your situation. That’s why it’s best to consult a professional.

Looking for a trusted expert can cost you valuable time you could spend on the things that matter. Moreover, even after days of browsing and reaching out to installers, you could still have no actionable information at your fingertips.

Thankfully, we can make things easier. Simply fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll provide up to 3 quotes from our network of trusted boiler installers. Our service is free, without obligation, and takes less than a minute. Click the link below to get started.

There are 3 main types of boilers in the UK: combi boilers, system boilers, and "conventional" or regular boilers.

Combi boilers, or combination boilers, are the most popular with UK homeowners. They are energy-efficient and provide both heating and hot water on demand without needing a separate storage tank.

System boilers are another favourite, known for their simplicity and ease of installation. They work with a separate hot water cylinder and suit larger households with higher hot water demands.

Conventional boilers come with a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank. They are an excellent choice for homes with low water pressure as they can supply substantial amounts of hot water to multiple bathrooms.

There are hundreds of types of boilers in the UK, and whichever one you choose will be a costly investment. Thankfully, the UK government offers boiler grants that can help reduce the initial spending while getting a new boiler for your home. This way, getting a boiler becomes pretty affordable for any homeowner.

These three domestic boiler types have pros and cons, and choosing the best boiler for your needs and property requirements is vital. Let’s take a closer look at these boiler types.

A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, is a compact unit that integrates home heating and an on-demand hot water supply. It operates by drawing water directly from the mains and heating it as needed.

When you activate the heating, the combi boiler's electric ignition uses the fuel – gas, oil, or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) – in a sealed combustion chamber inside the boiler.

The primary heat exchanger within the boiler is then heated, raising the incoming water's temperature to around 60℃. This heated water circulates through the radiators, providing warmth to your home.

When you require hot water, such as when you turn on a hot tap or shower, the combi boiler immediately heats the water on demand. It utilises primary and secondary heat exchangers for this purpose.

Combi boilers are highly energy-efficient, with electric combi boilers reaching a whopping 100% efficiency. Their small size, absence of a hot water storage tank, and ability to provide instant hot water make them a top choice among UK homeowners.

They are suitable for small to medium-sized homes with lower hot water and heating demands. However, for optimal performance, ensure sufficient mains water pressure.

A conventional boiler, also known as a regular or heat-only boiler, follows a traditional heating system with hot and cold water storage tanks.

The boiler's electric ignition utilises the fuel (mains gas, oil, or LPG) to heat the primary heat exchanger. This heats the incoming water, providing warmth through the radiators. This makes it one of the most space-consuming types of gas boilers.

For hot water needs, the conventional boiler heats the water in a hot water cylinder located in an airing cupboard. It can supply hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously, making it suitable for larger households.

Conventional boilers require space for the cylinder and cold water tank, and the stored water may lose heat over time, impacting efficiency. Installation can also be more complex and costly due to additional components and pipework.

This is why conventional boilers suit larger households with high hot water demands and areas with low water pressure. They offer simultaneous hot water supply but need space for tanks. Whether you need a regular, heat-only or system boiler will primarily depend on how much space you can spare for additional components.

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Consulting with a heating professional can help determine the best boiler brand, type and size for your specific needs. We can save you hours of research time and offer you more information so you can make the best decision for your home.

If you're interested in more details about conventional boilers, just fill out the contact form below. We will provide you with up to 3 quotes from our trusted installers. GreenMatch services are free and there is no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive. Click below to get started!

A system boiler operates similarly to a conventional boiler but directly draws cold water from the mains, eliminating the need for water tanks. It produces hot water for a storage cylinder to heat the central heating system.

When the heating is activated, the system boiler's electric ignition uses the fuel (mains gas, oil, or LPG) inside the boiler. The primary heat exchanger heats the incoming water, which then flows through the radiators and provides heat to your home.

When hot water is needed, the system boiler heats the water in a hot water cylinder, which is usually concealed in an airing cupboard. This type of boiler has fewer components than a conventional model but still more than a combi.

System boilers draw water directly from the mains and heat it in the cylinder, providing a mains pressure supply to several taps simultaneously, making them suitable for larger families and homes with several bathrooms.

However, they require time to heat the water in the cylinder, delaying hot water. Additionally, their installation can be more complex and costly due to extra components and pipework. A system boiler is an excellent choice for larger homes with high hot water demands. Moreover, it offers mains pressure hot water and compact size.

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Do you think a system boiler is a perfect fit for your home? We can help find the best deal for you! With our help you can avoid the hassle of spending hours looking for installers. Fill in our quick 30-second form and we’ll connect you with up to 3 professional installers. Our service is totally free and non-binding. Just click below to begin.

The best type of boiler for your UK home depends on various factors such as your household size, water pressure, hot water demand, available space, and budget.

It's important to note that every home is different, and the right boiler type for your household may differ from your neighbour's. If you are interested in installing a boiler, you’ll need boiler quotes from a professional installer to have the boiler types explained and tailored to your situation.

But how long and stressful can finding a professional be? It can take hours, days and precious weekends of independent searches to weigh up your boiler options! And still, you might not find a trusted engineer or anyone available within your location.

Fortunately, we can help you avoid hours of time and stress. Simply fill out our 30-second form, and we'll provide you with 3 quotes from certified boiler engineers near you. Our services are free and non-binding. Compare the prices with no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive. Click below to begin.