Do you know the difference between a combi boiler and a system boiler?

Have you ever wondered if one is better for your home than the other?

Trying to decide between a combi boiler and a system boiler?

Here are some things to consider so you can make the right choice for your home

Timing is Everything

You may think the size of your home is the key to determining whether or not to install a combi boiler. And if you thought this, you’d be mostly right. But there are some other things to consider.

The truth is, the size of your home is a factor, but maybe not for the reasons you think. What it really comes down to is how much hot water your family uses and when they’re using it. And while the size of your home can be indicative of this, the two don’t always correspond.

Allow Us to Explain

Let’s say for argument sake that you have a combi boiler in a house with two showers. It IS possible to work with a combi boiler. But (and this is a big “but”) if you wanted to run both showers at the same time, you WOULD notice a slight decrease in flow pressure during your shower.

Combis Always Give Priority to Hot Water

Also … if your daughter came home and ran a bath for 10 minutes and then you came home and jumped in the shower for 15 minutes, your combi boiler will have been allocating heat energy to your water (NOT your home) during those combined 25 minutes. And you’ll probably notice a drop in temperature as a result.

When Size IS a Factor

If you are living in a smaller property, and your temperature was to come down as a result of running dual showers, bringing your temperature back up wouldn’t require a lot of energy and would happen quickly.

Not so in a larger property. A larger property would require more energy to bring the temperature back up, and therefore more time. As a result, you would notice the drop in temperature, and your comfort could be affected.

System Boiler with an Unvented Cylinder

So, if you live in a larger property with two or three showers, larger rooms, tall ceilings and a big family, a system boiler with an unvented cylinder would be a better bet for you. This way you can run as much hot water as you need without affecting the temperature in your home.

Time to Decide

When it comes time to decide between a combi boiler or a system boiler with an unvented cylinder keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Combi boilers are the right choice for smaller families who won’t be running water as often as larger families.
• They tend to work best in smaller homes, though this is mostly driven by how much hot water is being consumed over an extend time.
• Combi boilers can EITHER heat your water OR your home, but not both at the same time; while a system boiler can handle heating your home AND your water simultaneously

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