Which Combi Boiler is Right for My Home?

What is a Combi Boiler?

There are several types of boilers available, with combination boilers (combi boilers) becoming increasingly popular in recent years. But, what exactly is a combi boiler? In short, a combi boiler provides central heating as well as instant access to hot water. While a regular boiler requires a tank and a hot water storage cylinder, a combi boiler is a far more space-efficient option, as it needs neither. Most efficient combi boilers are also cheaper to run than regular boilers, helping you to reduce your energy bills in the long term.

However, one of the issues that can crop up if you have a combination boiler is that if you have more than one hot water source on at a time (e.g. two showers on at the same time) the water pressure can drop. In this instance, system boilers may be a good option. System boilers work in a similar way to combi boilers, but they’re more suited to larger properties with increased water demand.

Some people assume that combis aren’t the most reliable boilers, because if they break, both your hot water and heating system are knocked out. However, at Bbright we make sure to stock some combi boilers that come complete with 10+ year warranties, for added peace of mind should anything go wrong.

Advantages of Combi Boilers

There are a number of advantages of combi boiler models which may sway you towards getting one. Some of the key benefits, no matter which combi boiler you choose, include: 

• Small size 

As mentioned, combi boilers are small in size and don’t require a water tank, making them a great option for flats or smaller houses where space is limited. This means you don’t have to worry about a water tank taking up space in a bedroom or creating an awkward layout that limits the use of a room. If you’re low on storage, combi boiler installation could help you maximise your available space.

• Energy efficient 

Combi boilers are by far and away one of the most efficient types of boiler, boasting 90%+ efficiency compared to standard boilers. This is because hot water is readily available and heated directly from the main supply rather than having to heat up on demand. The benefit of this is that the boiler only needs to heat the exact amount of hot water you use instead of a whole tank, therefore using less energy and saving you money on your bills. 

• Instant hot water access

With a normal boiler, you have to wait for the hot water tank to heat up before you can get access to hot water, and even then, supply is limited to what’s in the tank. If you have a large family, this may not be ideal because there’s the chance that the hot water may run out if everyone wants to shower or bathe in quick succession. This isn’t a concern with a combi boiler.

How to Choose the Right Combi Boiler 

There are plenty of benefits to choosing a combi boiler, but knowing which one to go for can be difficult. The first thing you need to consider is suitability. Although combi boilers have many desirable advantages, they’re not ideal for every home. If your home has more than one bathroom where more than one person might shower or bathe at a time, then a combi boiler won’t be the best choice. This is because the water pressure from a combi boiler can drop if multiple sources of hot water are turned on at the same time. 

This aside, if you have one bathroom or live in a smaller property, a combi boiler could be perfect, but it’s important you choose the right model. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a new combi boiler:

• Choose the right dimensions 

Every home will have a different amount of available space. Whilst combi boilers are compact by design, some are encased in larger units than others. With this in mind, make sure you carefully measure the space you have, especially if your boiler is going to be in a cupboard. 

• Find the right kW

Boilers come in different sizes, and those sizes are measured in kW (this is different to the actual dimensions of the boiler, so don’t get these mixed up). As a general rule of thumb, the larger your house is, the higher the kW you need. 

For example, if you live in a one bedroom apartment or house, the Main Eco Compact 25 kW Combi boiler could be a good option for you. In contrast, if you live in a larger home, the Worcester Greenstar 8000 45kW Combi boiler may be a more suitable option. 

• Consider your household 

Another thing to think about is how many people are in your home. The more people there are, the higher the demand for hot water will be, and this means you’ll need a bigger sized boiler to accommodate. A system boiler could work better here.

On the other hand, if there are only two people in your house and you choose a bigger boiler, you might find that it produces more energy than you actually need, resulting in higher bills and more emissions. 

• Consider the number of bathrooms

As mentioned before, the number of bathrooms you have will largely dictate which boiler you get. As a guide, combi boilers work well for homes with one bathroom or multiple bathrooms where only one is in use at a time. This is to avoid a water pressure reduction. 

• Don’t forget to budget 

There’s no denying that your available budget will have a bearing on the boiler you choose. It’s important to choose a boiler that can best service your heating and hot water needs, but make sure you know what your budget is beforehand so you can narrow down your search even more.

Our combi boiler range has something to suit every budget, including premium combi boiler models, mid-range combi boiler models, and entry-level combi boilers. No matter what your budget is, every modern combi boiler will feature enhanced energy efficiency and reliability.You can get a quote online at Bbright to give you a better idea as to what the combi boiler cost might be before you place an order. We also offer finance plans across some of our central heating systems and our combi boiler range, giving you more flexibility and ways to pay for your new combi boiler.

Shop the Best Combi Boiler Brands at Bbright 

At Bbright, we stock a number of the best combi boiler brands in a range of sizes, kW and prices, so you’re sure to find the right combi boiler for your home. In addition, our specialist team of combi boiler installers are on hand to professionally install your new gas combi boiler for you.