Boiler shopping is not an easy task. The boiler you choose for your Wirral home could stay with you for up to fifteen years, so you need to make sure that it will meet your heating needs and budget.
In recent years, most UK homes use combi boilers, but some homeowners prefer (or even require) system boilers. Although they achieve the same thing, combi and system boilers are very different.
So which boiler is right for your Wirral home? Below we compare combi and systems boilers to help you make an informed decision regarding your boiler investment.
What is the Difference Between a System and Combi Boiler?
System and combi boilers differ in physical size, heating capacity, and how they heat the water that goes to your taps and radiators.
System boilers are heated within their system. The system boiler takes water from your home’s main supply, heats the water, and then stores it in a hot water cylinder. The water is heated by the system’s heat exchanger, which transfers the gas to the water. All of your hot water is then pulled from the cylinder tank on-demand, which means that hot water is limited to your tank’s capacity.
Combi boilers, on the other hand, are single units that heat water directly from your mains supply. The combi boiler heats water on-demand without storing it in any additional cylinders or tanks. Combi boilers can simultaneously provide heating and hot water, which is why it’s called a combination boiler.
Is a System or Combi Boiler Better for Your Home?
To determine which system is best suited for your home, you will have to consider factors such as the size of your property and what your hot water and heating needs are.
It is also helpful to consider the pros and cons of each of these boiler systems, so let’s give you a quick run-down.
Pros of System Boilers
Good water pressure – System boilers receive their water supply from your home’s mains, which allows for stronger water pressure.
Supplies hot water quickly – Since it uses hot water stored in a tank, a system boiler can deliver heated water to your taps quickly. So if you want hot water whenever you open the tap, the system can make that possible.
Better for large homes/families – A system boiler can cope with water demands from several outlets, making it ideal for larger families.
Cons of System Boilers
Can’t always meet demand – System boilers can only provide pre-heated water. Once you have used up all the water stored in your cylinder, you’ll have to wait until it heats more water. You’ll also need to schedule your heating with the system timer, which can be bothersome.
Takes up more space – The boilers have an additional cylinder tank that stores water. Homes that use system boilers have a dedicated water tank closet, which takes away storage space.
Low efficiency – The hot water cylinder is insulated to keep the water warm. A poorly insulated cylinder will lead to a lot of heat loss, which reduces the boiler’s efficiency.
Pros of Combi Boilers
Efficiency – Combi boilers are a modern heating solution that allows for efficient water heating. A good combi boiler is at least 92% efficient, allowing for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy bills.
Hot water on-demand – Unlike system boilers, combi boilers heat water when you turn on the hot water tap. The water is not stored in a cylinder, which reduces heat loss while providing hot water on-demand.
Space-saving – Combi boilers are an all-in-one heating system that does not need any additional storage tanks. If you have limited storage, a combi boiler would be ideal for your home.
Cons of Combi Boilers
Mains dependent – The combi boiler’s performance is greatly dependent on the mains it’s connected to. If your home has poor water pressure, the heated water from your taps will also be low.
Limited capacity – Combi boilers are not ideal for large families as it struggles to cope with high hot water demand from several sources. For example, the water could lose pressure and heat if you run the shower and washing machine at the same time.
Before committing to a system boiler or combi boiler installation, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a professional outfit, such as Wirral Plumbers.
While knowing the pros and cons of each option is important, you could still make a choice that isn’t suitable for your home without the help of an expert.
Why Choose Wirral Plumbers for Your Boiler Installation Needs?
The boiler installation company you choose is as vital as the boiler you choose. You won’t be able to take advantage of any type of the boiler’s benefits unless it’s installed correctly. To prevent disappointment and costly repairs, you should call an experienced and accredited installation company.
Wirral Plumbers have been providing high-quality boiler installation services to residential and commercial property owners across the UK for over a decade. Our Gas Safe registered team can provide expert advice, boiler installation, boiler repair, and boiler servicing to keep it working as it should for longer.
Whether you’ve decided on your preferred boiler system or not, we can help. Contact us today, and we’ll be more than happy to discuss the heating and hot water needs for your Wirral home.
