Is it Worth Switching to a Combi Boiler?

In the UK more than half of the homes have a combi boiler installed. There is a reason for this but are you wondering why? Are you wondering what a combi boiler is and how it works? Is it really worth the hassle of switching to a combi boiler and is it as good as people say it is? Using our guide and our expertise, we have covered everything that you need to know in order to make an informed decision, so, let’s take a look at combi boilers in detail.

What is a Combi Boiler?

A combination (combi) boiler is a single boiler unit that provides your home with both hot water and heating. In fact, you will have an unlimited supply of hot water too. It is compact, which means that it is space-saving and it means that you will never have to wait for heating or hot water as it delivers both almost instantly. As it is compact, installation is easy, so a combi boiler brings with it convenience, comfort and peace of mind.

So, How Does a Combi Boiler Work?

So, we have now covered the basics of a combi boiler, or you know what one is at least, but how does it work? It seems pretty impressive that it does what it does but how does it offer instant heating and hot water?

If we look back only a few decades ago and even more recently in some cases, most homeowners in the UK would have had an immersion heater. This would have been a unit that would have been installed upstairs in an airing cupboard which would have been connected to a heater tank that would be located in the loft and this would have been used to heat water. However, with combi boilers, you won’t need a separate water heater because you have hot water on demand which means it’s there when you need it!

Hot water is supplied to the appliance directly and that means that hot water is supplied quickly as a result of a gas burner and a heat exchanger. There are some modern combi boilers that come with small reservoirs of water, known as preheat systems. These work by keeping a certain amount of water at a certain temperature that is there when you need it. So, when you open the tap, the hot water comes flowing out without a delay!

What Size Combi Boiler is Right For Your Home

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to finding the right size combi boiler for your home. This will depend on the number of radiators that you use in your home and how much hot water you need on demand. If you live in a 3 or 4 bedroom house, then a 20-35 kW combi boiler will be more than sufficient enough to meet your needs. If you have a bigger home or have a high demand for hot water then you could opt to install a 35-42 kW combi boiler.

Fortunately, we have a handy quick-quote tool that makes it easier to identify which boiler will work best for your home. There’s no effort in finding out and it takes no time at all, so it could be worth checking that out!

How Much Does A New Combi Boiler Cost?

The cost of a brand new combi-boiler might not be as high as you might think. You can find boilers for as little as £700 but they can then increase up to several thousands of pounds. This will depend on the size of your home, removing your existing system and the amount of work involved. However, the cost is still more affordable than you might think because we offer boilers at a monthly cost which makes them easier to pay for, enabling you to have the latest boiler without the fear of spending more than you need too!

The Pros and Cons of Combi Boilers

Pros

Space Saving – They are compact when compared with conventional boilers and older systems. This means that they can be installed in smaller areas, enabling you to free up space in your home.

Instant Heating and Water – Due to their design, you won’t need to wait around for water to heat up because once you turn on the tap, you’ll have instant hot water. This is great for busy households and households that need water on demand.

Quick Installation – They are designed to be installed quickly and efficiently. Once a location has been decided, providing all of the necessary pipework is in place, installation can take place in a matter of hours.

Affordable – The cost of a new boiler frightens many people but there are now more manufacturers than ever before. What’s more, the cost can also be spread out which makes it easier to manage and budget for!

Low Installation Cost – As combi boilers are generally easier to install, it means that less time is taken and with less time comes a lower cost as engineers are able to complete the job quickly and efficiently.

Easier Servicing – It’s really important that you service your boiler and having a combi boiler means that it is easier to service. As it is more compact, it means that engineers can check your boiler without the need of moving from one area of the home to another.

Less Sludge and Buildup – As combi boilers are less intricate and easier to install, they are less sophisticated and that means that they also run more efficiently and cleaner and that means less sludge and fewer problems.

Cons

Not Suitable for Large Homes – As combi boilers are more compact, they are generally only suitable for small to medium-sized homes.

If the idea of having hot water on demand appeals to you then a combi boiler makes perfect sense. They are easy to install and they can help you free up space in your home which means you can get rid of tanks and containers. However, you should remember that in general, they are not suitable for larger homes. The average combi boiler is suitable for homes that have around four bedrooms and 15 radiators but not any more than that.

Summary

Now you should be able to see why combi boilers are popular with homeowners in the UK. If you are looking to save space, have access to instant hot water and benefit from a reliable system that is more affordable than you might realise, a combi boiler might be the right choice for you!