There are three main types of boilers: Combination, System and Open Vent.

Combination Boilers

Combination boilers (combi boilers) are the most popular boiler that is fitted in the UK at the moment. Combination boilers are units that take away the need for a hot water tank, and so save space in the home as no airing cupboard is required and no space is taken up in the loft. As the name suggests, combination boilers combine two functions - not only do they provide hot water to a property, they also act as a central heating boilers. Combination boilers run 'on demand' which means they provide instant hot water when required.

Pros of combination boilers:

- Space saving.
- Saves money because there is no hot water tank which needs to be constantly heated to keep the water hot.
- Water received through taps and other outlets is at mains pressure
- Less pipe work is required when installing so installation is generally quicker.

Cons of combination boilers:

- As the water supplied by combination boilers is 'on demand' at mains pressure, if several outlets are opened at the same time (taps/showers/washing machines) the pressure can be reduced depending on how powerful the boiler is.

System Boilers

System boilers (sealed system boilers) comprise of a sealed unit that usually runs at about 1 bar of pressure. System boilers require a water storage cylinder to store the hot water for the property, which is more often than not installed in an airing cupboard.

Pros of system boilers:

- Good for homes with more than one bathroom as the type of boiler system can deliver hot water, at the same pressure, to several outlets simultaneously.
- No need for an expansion tank in the loft thus giving you more storage space in the attic.
- High water pressure.

Cons of system boilers:

- Can be expensive to repair and install.
- Airing cupboard is required.

Open Vent Boilers

Open vent boilers are usually connected to two tanks housed in the loft space of a property. One of these tanks is a small 'feed and expansion' tank which is used to supply water to the boiler and radiators, the other is a larger cold water storage tank which provides the water required for an open vented hot water cylinder.

Pros of open vent boilers:

- Mainly used in properties where there are several outlets (taps etc.) that may be used at the same time.
- Relatively inexpensive to replace.

Cons of open vent boilers:

- Low water pressure.
- If the hot water cylinder empties you may have to wait a while for it to re-fill and then warm up.
- Takes up a lot of space in comparison to other boilers.

As you can see there are pros and cons for each type of boiler, if you are still unsure as to which boiler will best suit your needs, most good boiler installers will advise as per the list below:

If you have a flat or bungalow with no roof space - Combi Boiler.
If your property has 2 or more bathrooms - System or Open Vented.
If you are in an area with low mains water pressure - System or Open Vented.
If you are looking to upgrade an existing conventional boiler to high efficiency - System, Open vented or Combi.
If there are many people in your property requiring hot water on demand - Combi or System boiler with a hot water cylinder.
If your property is a loft conversion - Combi.

When purchasing boilers for installation at home, or in the workplace, it is always advisable to contact an installer who has all of the relevant qualifications to complete the job accurately and safely. A reputable installer of boilers will also offer you the best advice as to which system will suit your requirements. Do not attempt to install a boiler system yourself unless you are fully qualified.

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