The Boiler Guide

Take a look at our handy advice guide to help answer all of your boiler questions.

Types of Boilers

People tend to have different heating requirements, based on their requirements and preferences, so if you require a new boiler in your home, take a look at Heat-Tec’s guide on the different types available to you.
Boiler types…

• • Combi Boiler
  • Regular (Conventional) Boilers
  • System Boiler

Combi boiler

Combination boilers, known as combi boilers, combine the dual functionality of heating your property and producing hot water from one boiler system.

Combi boilers are popular in homes across the UK, this is for a number of reasons, over half of domestic boilers which are installed in Britain are combi boilers. Combi boilers work as part of a closed hot water system, they heat water up as it flows past a heating component in the boiler. The water will then be distributed to your showers and taps through the mains water supply and pressure.

These boilers will provide hot water on demand and the performance levels are very efficient unless a situation where multiple outputs are used at the same time. One of the main things to look out for when buying a new combi boiler includes the central heating output, this dictates the amount of energy that the boiler generates to keep hot. Hot water flow rates depend on the level of power that the water can distribute in the home. Heating Engineers can provide advice and advise you on the necessary boiler specification you should invest in.

Unlike regular and system boilers, with combi boilers, no additional equipment is required, so there’s no need to worry about extra space being taken up. There’s also no need for a hot water cylinder or cold water cistern, the process of installing the boiler will also be a lot quicker, which will also reduce your costs. If you choose to have a combi boiler installed, then you’ll need a flue, this is to take the waste gases outside of your home. You may want to consider a set of heating controls to get your heating working how you wish.

Regular boiler

Regular boilers are known as conventional or heat only boilers, they’re known as being traditional, especially when it comes to older peoples’ properties, you’ll often find these types of boilers in their homes. They’re known for taking up space, this is due to the use of the hot water cylinder or cold water cistern.

Regular boilers generate heat from the central heating system directly, the hot water that’s produced from this will be stored in a hot water cylinder until it’s required. Stored supply of hot water is drawn through when it’s needed in the water outlets, such as your kitchen or bathrooms.

Regular boilers include a boiler, heating controls, a hot water cylinder and an expansion cistern. Heating Engineers are able to recommend the exact items you’ll need if you are replacing and upgrading your boiler system.

System boiler

System boilers can be considered as similar to regular boilers, they provide the heat for your central heating system as well as producing hot water that’s stored in a hot water cylinder until it’s required. System boilers were designed to make boiler installations a quicker and more streamlined process. This is down to the fact that the components require efficient heating and hot water which is built into the boiler itself.

A feed and expansion cistern isn’t required with system boilers as hot water will be pumped directly from the system boiler to the radiators and hot water cylinder. It supports the process to make it more efficient and financially beneficial.

System boilers can work as part of open-vented and un-vented hot water setups, a Heating Engineer will be able to explain this and address any questions you may have.

Contact the experts

Should you require any further advice regarding heating in your home, feel free to contact our professional heating engineers. All of our heating specialists are fully qualified and gas safe registered so you know you’re in safe hands no matter what your underfloor heating needs are.

Give the heating experts at Heat-tec of Beckenham a call on 020 8212 7824 or e-mail sales@heat-tec.com

FAQ’s

• What are the signs that my boiler needs servicing?

  • There are several signs that may indicate your boiler requires servicing or attention. These include unusual noises such as banging or whistling, inconsistent heating throughout your property, low water pressure, or visible leaks around the boiler. A sudden rise in your energy bills without any obvious reason can also be a sign of inefficiency. In some cases, the boiler’s pilot light may flicker or go out frequently. It’s crucial to address these issues early to prevent costly repairs or even a complete boiler breakdown. Regular servicing can keep your boiler running smoothly and safely.

• How often should I service my boiler?

  • To ensure your boiler continues to run efficiently and safely, it should be serviced at least once a year. Annual servicing helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensures your boiler operates at peak performance, and keeps your warranty valid (if applicable). During a service, a qualified engineer will check vital components such as the heat exchanger, flue, and burner, and carry out a thorough safety check to ensure there are no carbon monoxide leaks. Regular servicing is also important for extending the lifespan of your boiler, as it prevents small problems from turning into bigger, costlier issues.

• What’s the difference between a combi boiler and a conventional boiler?

  • Combi boilers (combination boilers) are compact, efficient systems that provide both heating and hot water on demand, meaning there’s no need for a separate hot water tank. This makes them ideal for smaller homes with limited space and fewer bathrooms. On the other hand, conventional boilers (also known as regular or heat-only boilers) use both a boiler and a hot water storage cylinder. They’re better suited for larger homes with multiple bathrooms, as they provide a more consistent supply of hot water for simultaneous use in several areas. Conventional boilers may also be more compatible with older heating systems.

• Can I switch to a more energy-efficient boiler?

  • Yes, upgrading to a more energy-efficient boiler is a great way to lower your heating costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Newer models, especially condensing boilers, are designed to extract more heat from the fuel they burn, offering higher efficiency ratings. Depending on the size of your home and your heating needs, a professional from Heat-Tec can guide you to the most suitable model. Switching to an energy-efficient boiler can save you money on energy bills in the long run, and many modern boilers come with smart technology that allows you to control your heating remotely.

• What should I do if my boiler breaks down?

  • If your boiler breaks down, it’s essential to stay calm and contact a qualified heating engineer as soon as possible. For safety reasons, do not attempt to repair the boiler yourself. In the meantime, you can check a few things: ensure the gas supply is on and that there’s power to the unit. If there’s an error code displayed, make a note of it to provide your engineer with more information. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, immediately evacuate the property and call the emergency services. At Heat-Tec, our team is available for emergency repairs, and we’ll work swiftly to get your boiler back in working order.