Combi (combination) boilers are the most popular boilers used by homeowners in the UK due to their value for money, versatility and compact size. However, there are some disadvantages that you should consider before investing in one. Boiler Boys London weigh-up the pros and cons of combi boilers in this latest blog post.
If you’re looking to have a new boiler installed in your home, it’s worth finding out more about combi boilers to see if one could be right for you. Combi boilers function differently from a regular or system boiler, in that it pipes hot water directly from the mains as you need it, instead of storing it in a cylinder or water tank. This means that combi boilers have the potential to work extremely efficiently while having a compact size that can cope with a home with little storage space.
Pros of combi boilers
Combi boilers are self-contained, so they do not require a tank or immersion heater to function. This makes them cheaper and easier to install.
Your water is heated as soon as you need it, so you don't have to wait for it to heat up and there is less waste.
Combi boilers are much more energy-efficient than other types of boilers. They use less energy as they only heat the water that you need rather than storing a tank full of hot water, which can save you money on your annual gas bill.
If you are environmentally conscious, then a combi boiler is a good option for you. Installing a combi boiler in your home will improve your home’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating due to its high efficiency.
As combi boilers simply heat water as it is needed rather than storing it, there is also less chance of sludge and rust building up in your system.
Cons of combi boilers
The main issue with combi boilers arises when you intend to multi-task. Combi boilers don’t let you use hot water from more than one source at a time, which can be problematic if a member of your household wants to wash dishes in the kitchen (for example) while someone else wants to have a shower. For this reason, we suggest that combi boilers aren’t suitable for homes with more than one bathroom, or homes where there’s a high demand for water with multiple occupants.
Combi boilers only perform well if the mains pressure in your local area is good. If it isn’t, you are likely to get much better performance from different types of boilers like a system or regular boiler.
When having a combi boiler installed in your home, you run the risk of being without hot water entirely if they do ever break down. This is because they function on their own and not in conjunction with an immersion heater, so there’s no alternative for heating your water. This could be inconvenient for many homeowners, so is something to remain wary of.
Installing a combi boiler in your home denies the option of having a power shower. This is due to the low pressure of a combi boiler, which is set by the mains and can’t be changed.
