Combination or Combi Boilers
These boilers have come to be one of the most widely used in the country, accounting for more than half of all installations.
A drawback can be that the combi might not be able to provide all the hot water and heating required for a home - although that is not the case for the majority of dwellings.
The houses that a combi wouldn’t suit are larger homes with two or more bathrooms, or a building in a low mains water area.
On the Plus Side
Some types of combi boiler have the asset of not requiring any hot water storage at all. They work by heating water direct from the cold mains supply as it is used (the same way an instantaneous shower does).
This means that not only does the hot water cylinder disappear from the airing cupboard- it is also goodbye to the expansion and cold water tanks in the loft.
This type of combi heater is the ideal solution for flat dwellers or anyone whose home doesn’t have a loft, or the space in it for the tanks.
Using a combi heating system could also be the answer if you are considering converting the loft to a living area and need the space the tanks occupy.
The disadvantage of not having hot water stored is that it limits the amount available at any one time. For example, if the bath is being filled it does mean you can’t turn a hot tap on elsewhere in the house. But that is something most people adjust to very quickly.
It also means that if a tap is running the heating is temporarily off.
Water temperature will depend on the water flow rate - the faster the water comes out of the tap, the cooler the temperature will be.
There are different types of combi boilers, some do offer hot water storage - although the amount can be limited. Once the supply is used, the combi heater works like an instantaneous one.
Tip
Give some thought to your hot water consumption and ask your installer what type of combi boiler will suit you most.
Ask how long a life the boiler can expect to have - some may only last for five years before needing to be replaced. Also enquire as to the cost of replacement parts, as these can sometimes be quite expensive.