‘Combi boiler’ is short for ‘combination boiler’. This means that, unlike other types of boilers, the water heater and main central heating boiler sit together in one unit, eliminating the need for a separate water tank.
One of the reasons combi boilers are so common and popular is because you’re able to access instant hot water any time you turn on a hot tap, without having to wait for a cold water feed tank to heat up. With a combi boiler, you also don’t need to dedicate space for a water storage tank in your home.
When it comes to how a combi boiler works, it’s simpler than you might think. The boiler will receive signals from a thermostat that can be set to suit your preferences. When the temperature in the house falls below the set temperature, the boiler will automatically turn on and heat the house to the set temperature.
For example, if you don’t want the temperature in your home to fall below 19°C, the boiler will automatically kick in as soon as it does, heating your home to 19°C and maintaining the temperature, switching itself off once it reaches or exceeds the set point.
In terms of water, when you turn on a hot tap, a diversion is created within the combi boiler via a valve that directs the heat from the boiler to the water supply. When the tap is turned off, the diversion is reverted and the internal valve goes back to the standard central heating setting.
There are many advantages to having a combi boiler, with the main one being that you will use less energy overall. Updated regulations mean that all new combi boilers have to have condensing technology. This ensures heat that would otherwise be lost in the flue of the boiler is retained, ensuring you’re keeping the energy you generate and not having to foot the bill for lost heat. This also benefits the environment, so it’s a win-win!
Some boilers can be confusing to work to say the least, but combi boilers tend to be easy to get to grips with thanks to their moden design and simple thermostats. Another benefit of a combi boiler is that they combine the boiler and water tank, so if you live in a smaller property where space is at a premium, you don’t need to give up valuable square footage to a secondary tank. Instead, it’s all neatly compacted into one box, allowing you to retain more of your precious floor space.
One of the most advantageous things about a combi boiler is that it solves the age-old argument about who used all the hot water. The water is heated up instantly as soon as you turn on a hot tap, as opposed to being sought from a hot water storage tank where there is only a finite amount of hot water ready to be used. This means no one has to have a cold shower again, making a combi boiler ideal for families or those who use a fair amount of hot water in a day.
To help make combi boilers as energy efficient as possible, all installations need to comply with the Boiler Plus regulations that were introduced in 2018. This means that when you have a combi boiler installed, it should include weather or load compensation, flue gas heat recovery, or a smart control system that automates and optimises output.
All in all, a combi boiler is one of the easiest boilers to use and so there isn’t a lengthy list of accessories or controls. When your boiler is installed, you can control it directly from the thermostat. You can choose a set temperature that you’d like your house to be kept at, and the thermostat will send signals directly to the boiler, communicating what the temperature of the house is. If it’s below the set temperature, the boiler will automatically come on and heat the house, and if it’s above, the boiler will switch off.
For added convenience, you can buy high-tech thermostats that connect to an app on your phone, giving you the freedom to adjust the heating if you want it higher or lower in time for when you get home.
Combi boilers are a fantastic choice for most properties, but there are a handful of factors that might affect how suitable they are for your home. For instance, a combi boiler requires a high water pressure rate, which means if you live in an area where the water pressure is low, you won’t get the best output of hot water.
Similarly, if you live in a larger house with multiple bathrooms, where showers and baths are likely to be used at the same time, a system boiler could be the better option as they have greater capacity.
On the whole, combi boilers are a great solution for most households, but if you’re unsure whether one is the best option for you, we can help. Our expert installers are on hand to provide any advice you need, and they can explain in more detail how a combi boiler works and what it can do for your home. Simply call us on 01279 888 429, or email us at ask@bbright.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can get a quote for a combi boiler online today.
