Different types of boilers, and what one is best for you

With many boilers on the market, it can be hard to know if you’re making the right choice.

Each has their own benefits. Some will ultimately fit your needs better than others, but it’s key to research and understand the difference between them to help guide you towards the best choice.

We’ve listed the main types of boilers available to you, and their key qualities below.

Different types of boilers

Combi boiler 

A combi boiler is a ‘combination’ boiler. It has the capability to produce both heating and hot water from one compact system.

These are often popular due to their space-saving design, efficient system and quick installation times.

For more detailed information, you can read our article on combi boilers, and how they’re installed.

System boiler

A system boiler is a more compact variation of a conventional boiler. They have multiple built-in components to increase it’s productivity.

They don't require a hefty water tank, meaning they have a more convenient, space saving design. But they do need a cylinder. Additional to this, a system boiler is often easier to install, which also means minimal installation times.

Regular (heat only) boiler

A more complex boiler as opposed to the system boiler, a regular boiler comes with a hot water tank and cylinder to store gallons of water in advance of use.

With additional components required, places such as airing cupboards or loft spaces, are often needed to store each part. This makes the regular boiler great for homes with high hot water needs.

Condensing boilers

Condensing boilers are powered by gas and oil, which use a heat exchanger to convert and recycle hot gasses back into its system for a more sustainable functionality. This helps to heat your home in a more environmentally conscious way.

Whereas a non-condensing boiler releases its gases into the atmosphere, a condensing boiler reuses these gases, making it a more sustainable option They have a fantastic efficiency rate, helping to reduce the cost of your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

What type of boiler is best for you?

If you’re looking to replace, upgrade or install a gas boiler, there are a variety of aspects to take into account to ensure you’re choosing the best one for your home.

First, how big is your home? The bigger the home, the likelihood you’ll have more radiators, more occupants and a larger volume of hot water consumption.

You want to choose a system that can best support your home, ensuring heat and hot water can effectively meet demand.

Larger families, house shares or homes with multiple bathrooms are likely to use a large amount of hot water. A regular or system boiler may be a good choice to facilitate these types of homes to ensure everyone has access to a running flow of hot water.

Additionally, larger homes with loft space, airing cupboards or basements are also a great choice to facilitate a regular boiler.

If you have a smaller property, typically 1-3 bedrooms with 1-4 occupants, a combi boiler is a great option. With its on-demand system and compact design, you won’t be waiting in-line for the shower or doubling layers in the winter.

It's always best to get the opinion of a professional before committing to a system if you’re not sure. Our team of experts are always on hand to offer support and guidance when finding the best solution for you. Get in touch today to discuss boiler installation for free.

Call us today on: 0800 731 3344

We currently have a lot more information on our website about this – click here to get an online quote for a boiler that suits you.

Why choose Swale Heating?

We were founded in 1972 to focus on top quality installation with follow-up maintenance to the same standard.

Swale Heating is now one of Kent's largest installers of boilers and heating systems, completing thousands of installations each year, and keeping homes safe and warm, via our maintenance and repair services.

We understand that the failure of your heating system can leave you feeling anxious, which is why we're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can find out more about our boiler cover plans and use our online portal to book your repair or annual service. If you would like a quote for a new boiler, click here.