Combi vs. Conventional Boilers: Choosing the Right One for Your Home

When it comes to boilers, deciding between a combi or a conventional can be a head-scratcher.

Upgrading your boiler is a significant investment in keeping your UK home warm and comfortable. But with two main options – combi and conventional boilers – deciding which one to choose can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between combi and conventional boilers, helping you pick the perfect system to keep your home warm and comfortable.

The Combi

One Unit Does It All: A combi boiler heats your home and provides hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a separate hot water cylinder. This makes them ideal for smaller homes with limited space, like flats or apartments.
Instant Hot Water: No more waiting for a tank to refill! Combi boilers deliver hot water as soon as you turn on the tap.
Potentially Lower Installation Costs: Since they don’t require a separate cylinder, combi boilers can sometimes be cheaper to install initially.
Energy Efficiency: Modern combi boilers boast high efficiency ratings, potentially reducing your energy bills.

However, combis aren’t perfect

Water Pressure: They rely on good mains water pressure to function effectively. If your home has low pressure, you might experience lukewarm showers or inconsistent heating.
Limited Hot Water: If you have a large household with multiple bathrooms being used simultaneously, a combi might struggle to keep up with hot water demand.
Lower Shower Flow: Combi boilers may not provide the same powerful shower flow as a conventional system with a larger hot water cylinder.

The Conventional

Can handle high demands: A conventional boiler works with a separate hot water cylinder, ensuring a consistent supply of hot water, ideal for larger homes with multiple bathrooms.
Stronger water pressure: The stored hot water in the cylinder allows for a more forceful water pressure.
Works well with low water pressure: Conventional boilers are less reliant on high mains pressure, making them suitable for homes in areas with lower water flow.

But, there are some downsides…

Space requirements: The hot water cylinder needs additional space, which might be a challenge in smaller properties.
Higher installation costs: The additional cylinder adds to the initial installation cost compared to a combi boiler.
Slower hot water delivery: You might have a short wait for hot water to reach the tap after using the cylinder’s stored supply.

So, What’s the Best Choice?

If your home is small and you want instant hot water, go for a combi. If you’ve got a big household with high water demand, or you prioritise a powerful shower and don’t mind the extra space, opt for a conventional boiler.

Still Unsure? Combi Vs. Conventional…

Our Gas Safe registered engineers at Wright Gas are here to help. We’ll assess your needs and recommend the right boiler for your home – no strings attached. Get in touch today!