The trouble with boilers and combi boilers is that there are so many great makes, models and specifications to select from. It’s a bewildering range of names and numbers that can easily leave you spoilt for choice. When it comes to brands you’ve got numerous options, from Worcester Bosch, Pottertons, Vaillant, Baxi, Glow Worm and Vokera. In considering models you have to look at dimensions, flow rate, warranties, frost protection, diagnostics, timers and flue fitting.
Essentially a combi boiler is a highly efficient water heater and central heating boiler combined in a relatively compact single unit. For all the numerous options in specifying the exact boiler to suit your requirements, combi boilers are by far and away the most popular type of boiler on the market today, representing around 70% of the new boilers purchased in the UK.
There are several good reasons why they are so popular and are increasingly taking over from older style conventional boilers, which are generally used with bulk hot water cylinders and roof tanks
The first and foremost reason is probably convenience. Combi boilers deliver instant unlimited hot water, (up to 18 litres of water a minute at 35°C), heating water directly from the mains. Remember the days of having to wait around in the cold, desperate for a bath or to do the washing up while the immersion heats up? Remember too the frustration of realising that you hadn’t actually turned it on?
The energy savings of a combi boiler are also an increasing attraction, especially now with gas prices so high. You might even want to consider a condensing combi, which gives you the extra efficiency of a condensing boiler as well as the convenience of a combination boiler adding to the impressive efficiency offered a standard combi boiler.
Space is also an advantage offered by a combi. Not only can they be hidden away in a cupboard, you also don’t need a storage tank or cold water feed tank.
There really are so many advantages and options to choose from that unless you have a lot of experience with boilers you’d be wise to seek professional advice from a local supplier. They can guide not only guide you on which model and make might best suit your needs but also how and where it should be located and how best to maintain it.
