Types of Boilers

Choosing the right boiler for your home is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your property's heating system. With energy bills rising and environmental concerns growing, understanding the different types of boilers available can help you make an informed choice that ensures both comfort and efficiency.

Our heating engineers in Edinburgh, Fife, East Lothian and West Lothian are here to help with your boiler installation needs. Contact us at 0131 441 7999 or via email at admin@owengibbandsons.co.uk to book your boiler installation today.

Types of Boilers

Combi Boilers

Combination or 'combi' boilers have revolutionised home heating with their compact, efficient design. These all-in-one units provide both central heating and hot water without requiring additional tanks or cylinders.

Key Features of Combi Boilers

Combi boilers excel in their simplicity, offering direct hot water supply from the mains without the need for storage tanks. They provide instant hot water on demand while maintaining highly efficient operation with minimal heat loss. Their compact size makes installation straightforward, and with fewer parts than traditional systems, they typically cost less to install. There's also no risk of tanks freezing in lofts, making them a reliable choice year-round.

Perfect For

Combi boilers are ideally suited to flats and smaller houses where space is at a premium. They work exceptionally well in properties with limited storage space and homes with one or two bathrooms. These units perform best in areas with good water pressure, making them ideal for many urban properties.

Considerations

While efficient, combi boilers can struggle when multiple hot water outlets are used simultaneously. Their performance is closely tied to incoming water pressure, which may affect their suitability in some areas. Larger households with high hot water demand might find the system limiting during peak usage times.

System Boilers

System boilers offer a middle ground between combi and regular boilers, providing excellent performance while maintaining a relatively simple setup.

Key Features of System Boilers

System boilers come with built-in pumps and expansion vessels, working seamlessly with a hot water cylinder. Unlike traditional systems, they don't require a cold water tank in the loft, saving valuable space while still capable of supplying multiple bathrooms simultaneously. Their compatibility with solar thermal systems makes them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Perfect For

These systems are particularly well-suited to medium and large homes, especially those with multiple bathrooms. They excel in households with higher hot water demand and are ideal for properties looking to integrate renewable energy solutions into their heating system.

Considerations

Installing a system boiler requires space for a hot water cylinder, and once the stored hot water is used, it needs time to reheat. While they offer excellent performance, the initial installation costs are typically higher than combi boilers.

Regular Boilers

Also known as conventional or heat-only boilers, regular boilers are the traditional choice for UK homes. While they require more space, they offer reliable performance for larger properties.

Key Features of Regular Boilers

Regular boilers work with both a hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank, delivering excellent flow rates for multiple outlets. They're particularly effective in areas with low water pressure and work well with older radiator systems. Their compatibility with solar thermal systems makes them a sustainable choice for traditional properties.

Perfect For

These systems are ideal for larger properties, particularly those with multiple bathrooms. They're especially suitable for homes with older heating systems and areas where mains water pressure is low. Their traditional design makes them perfect for period properties looking to maintain their character while improving efficiency.

Considerations

Regular boilers need loft space for a water tank and involve a more complex installation process. They take up more space than other options and typically come with higher installation costs. However, their reliability and performance often justify these considerations for larger properties.

Book your Boiler Installation in Edinburgh

If you're in Edinburgh , Fife, West Lothian, East Lothian or the surrounding areas and need of a professional boiler installation get in touch at 0131 441 7999 or via email at admin@owengibbandsons.co.uk and we'll be happy to help.