One of the most important factors in the efficiency, comfort, and cost of heating your home in the UK involves choosing the right kind of boiler. Many different kinds of boilers are available for purchase, as well as through government grants, and in order to be well prepared and able to make an informed choice, you need to know about their differences and relative advantages. This detailed guide about different types of boilers looks at the benefits of each and guides you through making the right choice.
The 3 Main Different Types of Boilers in the UK
- Combi Boilers
- System Boilers
- Conventional (Regular) Boilers
Let’s delve deeper into each type to understand their functionality and suitability for different household needs.
Combi Boilers: Homeowners’ favourites
Combi boilers are now the most common type of boiler in the UK, accounting for over half of domestic boiler installations every year. Their popularity is based on their compact design and efficiency in providing both heating and hot water on demand.
How Combi Boilers Work?
Combi boilers are connected directly to the mains water supply and heat water instantaneously when needed. This on-demand heating eliminates the need for a separate hot water storage tank, making combi boilers an excellent space-saving solution. They can be easily installed inside a cupboard in your kitchen, helping maintain the aesthetics of your home.
Advantages of Combi Boilers
- No need for separate hot water cylinders or cold water tanks.
- One of the most efficient. Water is heated on demand, hence no waste of energy in heating.
- Hot water is available on demand; no need to wait.
- Cost-effective: Generally cheaper to install because there are fewer components in the system.
Disadvantages of Combi Boilers
- Might need more than one for larger homes.
- Must check the main water supply to confirm suitability if the house is big.
System Boilers: Higher Capacity
System boilers can sometimes be preferred if there is a lot of demand for hot water supply.
How System Boilers Work
System boilers heat the water directly from the mains and store it in a hot water cylinder. There has to be space for the storage of the hot water tank.
Advantages of System Boilers
- Can supply a number of taps with hot water simultaneously.
- Can be installed with solar thermal systems.
- Ideal for homes having good mains pressure.
Disadvantages of System Boilers
- Can supply a number of taps with hot water simultaneously.
- Can be installed with solar thermal systems.
- Ideal for homes having good mains pressure.
CONVENTIONAL BOILERS: TRADITIONAL HEATING SOLUTIONS
Conventional boilers are also known as regular boilers, representing the more traditional heating system of many older UK homes. While less common in new installations, they do remain a realistic option for specific property types.
How Traditional Boilers Work
The conventional boilers work with the cold water storage tank in the loft and the hot water cylinder, usually kept within an airing cupboard. In this system, the boilers warm up the water and transfer it to the hot water cylinder to store until required.
Advantages of Conventional Boilers
- Suitable for big homes with more than one bathroom.
- Good option for big families having a high demand.
- Good for properties with old radiators.
- It makes the running of hot water in taps and showers together possible.
The Disadvantages of Conventional Boilers
- Requires a considerable amount of space for storing water tanks and cylinders.
- Not as efficient as using combi.
- Hot water supply may become depleted and then take considerable time to heat up
- Complex and expensive in terms of installation
Choosing Your Boiler - Things to Look At
Selecting the right types of boiler in the UK involves considering several factors:
- Property size and layout
- Number of bathrooms and occupants
- Hot water demand
- Available space for boiler and associated components
- Existing heating system
- Mains water pressure in your area
- Energy efficiency requirements
Budget for installation and running costs
It’s essential to consult with a qualified heating engineer who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable boiler type for your home. If you qualify for a free grant, the assessment is done for free by an expert surveyor, allowing you to get the best for your home for less.
Boiler Efficiency and Environmental Issues
In the UK heating industry, energy efficiency and environmental issues have gained paramount importance over the past ten years. That is why condensing technology found in combi boilers and other types of boilers in the UK is important, as the government continues its push towards a future with neutral carbon emissions.
Condensing Technology: The New Boiler Flue Types
Condensing boilers are designed to recover more heat from the combustion process by condensing water vapour in the exhaust gases. This enables them to draw out extra heat that would otherwise be wasted, hence giving a higher efficiency at lower fuel consumption.
Alternative Fuel Options
Gas is the most popular option; we will now have a look away from the different gas boiler types at other alternatives that use other kinds of fuels. While less efficient in many cases, the following contains the different fuel types.
Oil Boilers: These are common where mains gas is not available.
LPG Boilers: These are another alternative for off-grid properties. They have lower CO2 emissions compared to oil.
Electric Boilers: These are increasingly popular as the UK electricity grid gets greener.
Smart Thermostats
The development of smart home technology has also impacted the boiler market. Most modern boilers boast advanced controls and connectivity that can further improve efficiency and increase user convenience.
- Smart Thermostats: Allow remote control of heating via smartphone apps. You can now warm your home on your way back from work. You can now adjust boiler output based on outdoor temperature.
- Load Compensation: Modulates boiler output to match the exact heating demand.
- OpenTherm Technology: Enables better communication between boiler and controls.
These smart features can help optimize your heating system’s performance, leading to energy savings and a more comfortable home.
Boiler Brands and Quality
When considering types of boilers in the UK, one should also consider brand reputation and quality. One of the most highly regarded boiler manufacturers in the UK is Worcester Bosch: Known for reliability and efficiency, with a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
Installation and Maintenance
No matter what type your boiler is, proper installation and maintenance will keep it for longer service in good operating condition. ECO Boiler Grants is one of the most reliable energy installers in the market. Get your quote today, and if eligible, have your new boiler installed professionally for free.
How the Types of Boilers in the UK is Important for the Future
The choice of the right type of boiler for your UK home is one of the most important decisions you will make, as it will impact comfort, energy bills, and carbon footprint for many years to come. Knowing your options for different types of boilers, combi, system, and conventional, along with property size, demand for hot water, and energy efficiency goals, allows you to make an informed choice that best suits your needs.
While combi boilers remain the most popular boiler choices in the UK, it is better to consult a professional for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.
As the heating industry is developing with smarter technologies and focusing on sustainability, knowing what’s new will help you make the best decision for your home. Whether it is replacing an old boiler or installing a heating system in a new property, consultation with a qualified heating engineer will make sure that your long-term needs are considered, hence the most appropriate type of boiler for your UK home is chosen.
Types of Boiler in the UK: The Best Brands
Where keeping your home warm and cosy is concerned, choosing the correct boiler comes at the heart.
Worcester Bosch: The Market Leader
For many years, Worcester Bosch has been among the top-rated boiler brands in the UK. This 50 plus year-old British company is synonymous with quality and reliability in the home heating market.
What makes them the best?
- Winner of Which? Best Buy award for 14 consecutive years
- Gas, LPG, and oil-fuelled boilers available
- Combi, system, and regular models available
- Warranty options up to 12 years
- High energy efficiency ratings
- Vaillant: A Strong Contender
Coming second and originating from Germany, the company has managed to keep up with the tradition of manufacturing highly qualitative boilers for decades.
Some key selling points for Vaillant boilers:
- Which? Best Buy award winner
- Sells many types and sizes of boiler
- 10 year warranty on many models
Worcester Bosch has been one of the front-runners in the UK boiler market for a variety of reasons: Excellent reliability: it is expected that Worcester Bosch boilers are robust and achieve their expected performance, hence giving a great deal of confidence for house owners and heating engineers alike.
High energy efficiency: Many Worcester Bosch models are A-rated for efficiency, with popular ranges including Greenstar, Lifestyle, and Ris boasting 91-94% efficiency. This high efficiency will, over time, result in a decrease in energy bills for the consumer.
Award-winning: Having received the Which? Best Buy endorsement for an astonishing 14 years running, its gas combi boiler range was rated as the best in the industry.
Customer Satisfaction: It is always one of the best-rated brands by consumers in consumer surveys; its customers have often reported to be satisfied with the quality and reliability of their products.
Innovative Technology: Worcester Bosch boasts various technological features, such as quiet operation and the ability to work with smart controls.
Comprehensive Product Range: It provides a wide range of different types and models of boiler types that suit every home size and heating requirement.
Strong after-sales support: Worcester Bosch is considered to have very good after-sales support and aftercare, with its comprehensive warranties—including what it calls the “Worcester Guarantee,” offering peace of mind to customers.
Professional preference: The brand is highly regarded by heating engineers, with a recent survey showing an 81% approval rating from 200 independent professionals.
All these factors combined make Worcester Bosch one of the star performers in the UK boiler market, which can offer that elusive mix of quality, efficiency, and reliability, backed by customer support.
Another German Innovation: Viessman
This German manufacturer is particularly popular for its highly efficient models and being adaptable to renewable energy sources.
Key Advantages:
- Up to 98% efficient
- Capacities to suit a range of fuels, including renewables
- Stylish, modern appearance
- Reliable and durable
Making a Choice When It Comes to Types Of Boilers in the UK:
While Worcester Bosch is often on top of most lists for the best boiler brands in the UK, there are other excellent options from other manufacturers like Alpha, Ideal, and Baxi. The best brand for you, however, depends on your specific needs, budget, and home requirements.
It’s always advisable to ask for the opinion of an experienced heating engineer before one takes a final decision. This expert will be able to estimate the exact needs of one’s home and recommend the most suitable brand model for the situation. If you are eligible, ECO Boiler Grants will create an EPR report, helping determine the best option for you.
Why ECO Boiler Grants?
Thousands of homeowners across the UK are now in a better financial position while having warmer homes because they used ECO Boiler Grants for their home energy needs. The ECO4 is a government-backed scheme aimed at helping homeowners suffering from energy poverty get the latest heating systems available on the market for FREE!
The ECO scheme is highly regulated with strict standards, and ECO Boiler Grants always aims for customer satisfaction by installing the best options available and by providing support through a friendly desk team.
The process of getting your new boiler has never been easier! Fill out our form in less than 45 seconds, and one of our team members will contact you back to help you choose from the best types of boiler systems and have them installed for free. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any enquiries.
