What is a combi boiler?

Combi boilers have steadily taken over the UK market in the recent years. In fact, gas condensing boilers are the most popular choice of boiler in the UK.

Combi boilers are popular for a variety of reasons, including that they meet the boiler efficiency regulations from recent years.

Perhaps, at this stage you're already wondering what a combi boiler is - we are here to explain.

Combination, or as we know them - combi boilers, heat hot water on demand, eliminating the need of hot water storage tank.

This is why combi boilers are the most popular choice for small flats and 1-2 bedroom properties. They are also easy and simple to install and maintain, which saves money during the installation and just makes life easier.

It is called a combination boiler because one unit does two jobs - heating the hot water and the central heating system.

As mentioned before, the combi boiler does not require a separate heater. Back in the day, an immersion heater would be located in an airing cupboard, which would be supplied by a tank in the attic. This system was inconvenient because to get hot water you had to heat the immersion heater in advance.

The reason combi boilers have become so popular is their efficiency.

The boiler is taking water directly from the mains and heating it on demand. The gas combi boiler is always on standby, and every time you demand hot water, the gas burner is ignited and the heat exchanger transfers this energy to the water. The water is not stored and reheated, which reduces your carbon footprint.

Under the new building regulations in the UK all new combi boilers have to incorporate condensing technology, preventing heat energy being lost when the combustion gasses escaped into the flue. With condensing boilers this heat is captured within the system and used to preheat cold water.

For more information on how to use your combi boiler efficiently, including the eco-mode setting, check out our blog, "What is the Eco-Mode setting on your boiler and why does it matter?"

Of course every boiler is different, and a combi boiler might not be ideal for every household.

A combi boiler will save space, which is ideal for small properties, as it can easily fit in the kitchen cupboard. There is also a lowered risk of frozen pipes, since there are fewer pieces to the boiler. Best of all, a combi boiler is not only efficient but normally cheaper and easier to install than a standard boiler because of the less pipework required.

However combi boilers are not the best choice for homes with weak mains pressure, although it's possible to install a pump but this will add to the cost of installation. If your pipework is old as well, a combi boiler might not be compatible.

Now that you know the most important details about combi boiler would you consider switching to one? We have some great offers on boiler installation, just call today.