Don't know whether to buy a combi boiler? Don't worry our experts are here to run through all the pros and cons of combi boilers.
UK consumers have come to love and trust the humble combi boiler for its efficiency, space-saving design, and convenient benefits.
Combi Boiler - The Pros and Cons
Combi boilers allow you to access hot water on demand, even if the heating isn’t running. The ‘combi’ bit means that the boiler heats water for the taps and the heating system at the same time.
This does mean that the boiler can only heat as much water as the main pipes can supply, so it may result in issues for large families who are showering a lot in multiple bathrooms, for example.
In modern homes, combi boilers have earned their place due to their compact shape. Unlike old-fashioned boilers, there’s no need for a water tank upstairs or on the roof. That makes them cheaper to install and frees up valuable storage areas.
But even more importantly, it means that water is only heated as it’s required -- it’s an ‘on-demand' system. Boilers with tanks have to work harder to keep water hot, so they end up costing more to run (in most cases). This also means that there is no immersion heater with a combi boiler, which is a pro or a con depending on whether you pay the bill.
The simpler design of a combi boiler versus other options means that it’s generally easy and cheap(ish) to maintain them. There are fewer things to go wrong generally, but if something breaks, obtaining parts for a modern combi boiler is rarely a difficult task.
Finally, you’ll be pleased to know that combi boilers are available for oil, gas, and electric-powered homes.
What Are the Alternatives to a Combi Boiler?
In the UK, mains gas and oil are so common, it’s very unusual to deliberately choose a different type of heating system. But it’s worth knowing your options just in case something else would work better for you.
A wood-fired boiler is probably the main option for those who want to avoid gas and oil. You may see wood boilers referred to as ‘biomass boilers’. Water is heated by burning wood chips or pellets, which are generally cheaper than gas and oil, and while these boilers do emit carbon dioxide, it’s estimated that they emit less than mainstream alternatives.
As with oil, the real issue with biomass or wood boilers is getting the materials delivered. If you’re not up for shovelling pellets, this may not be the right choice for you.
Can Your Existing Boiler be Fixed?
If your old boiler is playing up, it’s worth seeing whether you can have it fixed before shopping around for expensive alternatives. The summer months provide the ideal opportunity to have your boiler thoroughly checked and repaired.
At Go Assist, we offer fixed fee repairs and boiler servicing. If your boiler has a fault, and it’s a big brand name, we won’t charge a fee if we can’t get it going again.
For information, visit our boiler repairs page and get a quote for your boiler problem. Our friendly team is standing by to help.