Boiler types explained – regular, combi, sealed system and condensing

Looking to get a new boiler installed at home? There are a few different types to choose from. To make things a bit easier for you, we’ve summarised what you need to know in one handy article. We hope it helps!

What is a combination boiler?

A combination or combi boiler gets its name from the fact that it supplies both central heating and hot water in one unit.

It works by instantly heating water from the mains on demand, which means you only heat water as and when you need it. With a combi boiler there’s no waiting around for the tank to reheat and no chance of running out of hot water.

A combi boiler instantly heats water on demand, so there’s no waiting for hot water – and no running out either

The single-unit combi boiler is compact and can fit into small spaces such as a kitchen cupboard. This makes a combi boiler well-suited to small or medium-sized homes where space is limited. Because you only heat water when you need it, combi boilers are both cost and energy efficient.

There are a couple of drawbacks to consider though. You might find there’s reduced water pressure if you’re using multiple taps at the same time. And installing a combination boiler can be a little trickier than other types.

What is a regular boiler?

Regular boilers (sometimes also known as conventional or open-vent boilers) are ideal for homes that already have a traditional central heating system with a boiler, radiators and a hot water cylinder.

Regular boilers normally heat water in a hot water cylinder, taking cold water from a tank located in the loft. Water is then circulated from the hot water cylinder to supply hot water throughout the home – and also to the radiators for heating.

Regular boilers are a good choice for larger homes, especially those with two or more bathrooms – but hot water can run out

A regular boiler is a good choice for larger households with two or more bathrooms. This is because hot water is supplied from a storage cylinder rather than the mains, which means regular boilers can serve multiple taps and showers at once without a decrease in water pressure or temperature.

However, as with a system boiler, your household will only be supplied with as much hot water as your storage cylinder can hold. Once the hot water is used up, you’ll have to wait for it to re-heat.

What is a sealed system boiler?

A sealed system boiler is often just called a system boiler. It’s a boiler with a water cylinder that’s normally stored alongside the boiler or in an airing cupboard.

Like regular boilers, sealed system boilers are ideal for homes that have a traditional heating system with a boiler, radiators and a hot water cylinder.

Sealed system boilers provide a steady supply of high-pressure hot water and are a great option for saving space

One of the main advantages is that sealed system boilers don’t need a separate tank in the loft to feed the central heating system as they take water directly from the mains.

This means they are a great option to save space in your property and provide a steady, high pressure supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time.

What is a condensing boiler?

Finally, you might see boilers described as condensing boilers. Strictly speaking this isn’t a type of boiler, it’s actually a feature of a boiler. And in the UK all new boilers have been condensing since 2005.

Boilers with a condensing feature reuse heat and can save money on energy bills

These boilers are energy efficient, and work by capturing some of the heat that traditional boiler models would lose through their flue. They then reuse that heat, which can help you save money on your energy bills.

Get your new boiler with Local Heroes

Whichever boiler you decide is right for your household and whatever its size, Local Heroes offers a 12-month warranty on all boiler installations. That’s alongside your warranty from the manufacturer, which is often up to 10 years. So, if your boiler does break down, our experts will be over at the earliest opportunity to get your home back in running order.

Get a quote for your boiler installation and then let us do the hard work.