All About Combi Boilers: How They Work, Types, Advantages & More

Living in the UK, you may know that combi boilers are popular among homeowners. This is due to their ability to provide hot water on demand and their economic nature, as you only pay for what you use. Their compact design makes them easy to install, and their systems are highly efficient, meeting all your heating and hot water needs. This article will provide an overview of a combi boiler, how it works, the types available, its components, and much more.

What is a Combination Boiler?

A combination boiler, commonly known as a “combi boiler,” is a type of boiler that provides both heating and hot water without requiring an additional storage tank. This offers the advantage of freeing up more space, as it does not need to be stored in a separate room; it can even be kept in a kitchen cupboard. Furthermore, combi boilers take water directly from the mains, providing instant hot water and heating whenever needed.

How Does a Combi Boiler Work?

Combi boilers stand out from conventional and system boilers due to their use of advanced condensing technology, which extracts additional heat from waste gases and condenses the water vapour into liquid water, thus recovering its latent heat of vaporization. This process gives combi boilers an impressive efficiency rating of 90 percent or higher, which makes them a popular choice for providing hot water on demand.

Combi boilers consist of a gas burner that ignites when hot water or heating is required, transferring the heat through a heat exchanger to the primary circuit and then to radiators or taps. These boilers can instantly meet the hot water demands of homes with 3–4 bedrooms and 2–3 bathrooms. Furthermore, they have a preheat function that allows them to store a small amount of heated water, instantly providing you with hot water.

Components of a Combi Boiler

Let’s look at the components of combi boilers that make them efficient.

Advantages of a Combi Boiler:

• Get supplied with hot water on demand:

Enjoy instantaneous hot water on demand with the efficiency of a combi boiler. By taking water directly from the mains, the combi boiler quickly heats the water and instantly transfers it to your taps, showers, and the central heating system.

• Easy to install:

Due to its compact design and size, it does not need to be stored in a separate storage room. This allows you to fit it in a kitchen cupboard easily. And if you’re wondering where to instal the additional storage tanks, that’s the beauty—there aren’t any!

• Saves money on energy bills:

A combi boiler not only provides you with hot water on-demand, but it also helps you save up to 30–35% on your energy bills. This efficient system is an excellent way to reduce energy costs while enjoying the convenience of hot water whenever you need it.

• Environment Friendly:

Combi boiler condensing technology reduces energy waste, making it an environmentally friendly option. By utilising this technology, you are not only saving money on energy costs, but you are also helping to protect the environment.

• Variety of options:

Combi boilers come in many types, each with varying fuel consumption, allowing you to select the fuel type that best meets your requirements. With a wide range of options available, you can find the perfect combi boiler to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you’re looking for a more efficient model to reduce your energy bills or a more powerful one to provide hot water on demand, you can find the perfect solution for your home.

• Long-lasting:

The lifespan of a combi boiler can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and care. With regular servicing and inspections, you can ensure that your combi boiler will remain in optimal condition for many years to come. This means you can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient heating system for a long time, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Disadvantages of a Combi Boiler:

• Not suitable for larger homes:

Suppose you have a large household with three to five bathrooms and multiple people needing hot water simultaneously. In that case, combi boilers may not be the best option, as they cannot simultaneously provide hot water and heating. This is where a system boiler comes in handy although it is not space-saving, it can fulfill high hot water demand. To know more about the difference between a system and a combi boiler, read our blog, Combi-boiler vs System boiler.

• Overly dependent on the mains pressure:

It is highly dependent on the water pressure from the mains, so you must ensure that the water pressure in your area is sufficient; inadequate stress will negatively impact the performance and efficiency of the combi boiler.

• Not compatible with power showers:

If you have a power shower, we regret to inform you that it is incompatible with combi boilers. Unfortunately, this means that you may need to consider an alternative solution for your showering needs. However, there are a variety of options available that can provide you with a safe and efficient showering experience. With the proper research and guidance, you can find the perfect solution for your home.

Types of Combi Boilers

As for the types of combination boiler systems, as mentioned above, they are compatible with different fuel types, including gas, oil, LPG, and electricity. Let’s discuss the following:

1- Gas Combi Boilers

Combi boilers running on gas are popular among people living in the UK. Gas is a very convenient fuel type for combi boilers, as many homes are connected to the grid of local gas providers. Besides being cheap and convenient, burning gas releases CO2 into the environment. However, the condensing technology of combi boilers limits the heat lost out of the flue pipes and recycles it, minimising waste and lowering energy bills.

Gas is considered a clean and more cost-effective fossil fuel than oil and coal. The only option considered better than gas combi boilers is electric combi boilers, which will be discussed further in this blog.

To know more about the difference and advantages of electric and gas boilers, read our blog, Electric vs Gas Boilers.

2- Oil-Combi Boilers

Many homes in the UK that are not connected to the gas grid use oil as a fuel for combi boilers. Oil is a cost-effective alternative if you find a scarcity of gas in your area. However, it is not as space-saving as gas, as you will need a separate tank or container to store the oil, and you will need to refill it regularly when the oil runs out. Although condensing technology is still present, oil has a higher intensity for releasing CO2 than gas.

3- LPG Combi boilers

After discussing gas and oil fuel types for combi boilers, let’s discuss LPG combi boilers. Liquified petroleum gas is composed of both natural gas and oil extraction, making it a more affordable option for those whose homes are not connected to a gas network and who are looking for a cleaner alternative to oil.

4- Electric Combi Boilers

Electric combi boilers are the ideal choice if you are looking for energy-efficient performance. They boast an impressive efficiency rating of 99% and a zero-emission performance without wasting energy or releasing CO2. If electricity costs are a concern, solar panels can be used as a source of electricity, as electric combi boilers are compatible with solar energy.

Cost of Combi Boilers by Top Brands

Note: The prices listed above are merely estimates; the actual cost may vary. Additionally, please note that the prices do not include the cost of installing a combi boiler.

How to Choose the Right Combi Boiler?

So far, we have discussed what a combi boiler is, how it operates, its advantages and disadvantages, and the cost of top brands. To make it easier for you to decide which one is best for you, consider the following factors:

• Wattage output

• Fuel Type

• Budget

• Space

• Usage

• Home size

• Mains pressure

• Warranty period

• Maintenance

• Pipework

Conclusion:

By weighing all the necessary factors, features, costs, and benefits of a combi boiler, you can decide whether to buy it or not. If you’re looking to buy a new boiler or replace an old one but don’t know who to contact, look no further! 24|7 Home Rescue can help you get the right boiler for your home.

All you need to do is call us at 0345 3192 247, and one of our representatives will be more than happy to assist you with your queries and help you get the right boiler. Also, if you find it difficult to buy a combi boiler because of the high cost, then 24|7 Home Rescue can help you get a boiler with monthly payment options.